Hillam news april may 2014

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The voice of Hillam village. founded 1989 by mary little. Delivered free to all homes in hillam. Volume 27 Issue 2. APRIL-MAY 2014

Is everyone parking safely at school?

A note from Monk Fryston

You could try walking to school, go on your bike or even go on the bus instead.

Just remember, if 9 and 10 year olds know not to do these things, then you should!

We have now got our temporary railway footbridge on Lumby Lane. Albeit several weeks late. Some of us living nearly in South Milford might be forgiven for mentioning we would settle for that. We have enjoyed the road closure and like our new green bridge. It answers our one little niggle those motor cyclists. They can't get across now. We promise not to complain about the absence of super fast broadband and will happily walk to the Crown of an evening. Not a word will we say about lost access to the former Indian restaurant at Milford Hall.

We were expecting a temporary, experimental pedestrian crossing on the A63 - to be sited near the Stove Shop. This seems to have been shelved because of access problems and a patrolled crossing notice has appeared outside Swallow Cottage not far from the Crown. This sounds a really good idea as it might just reduce the twice daily congestion at school without having to import camera cars from York.

We understand nothing stands in the way of the new lollipop crossing except 'operator training' and the odd criminal records bureau check and expect it to be open long before the Easter holidays.

Dictated by

Isla M

Monk Fryston Resident

In Monk Fryston everyone has concerns about where people are parking. We are hoping that with this information people will think more carefully about where they choose to park.

Here are a few of the worries in our school: Some people are parking on the yellow zig-zag lines, which is actually illegal.

People are parking on the pavement. Even though this doesn’t sound too bad, cars have to pass on the wrong side of the road which is a big hazard. We may not see the car and cross the road!

That’s not the full list, but just some examples. There are loads more!

How can you change it? Well, for the zig-zags, they are quite obvious so there is no excuse! For the pavement problem, see if you can park your car in a parking space. That’s what they’re for!

So now you know what to do to make sure you are being safe. It would be a real help! Thank you.

Kate H Keep School Safe!

Monk Fryston Primary School is becoming UNSAFE! Irresponsible parents and adults are parking very dangerously and precociously; such as parking on the zig-zags, making narrow gaps on the road for cars to squeeze through, and when a car was using a junction to turn around it almost knocked a child over! All of these things are illegal and dangerous so please help us to improve the safety of our school.

Why don’t you try: Walking to school, cycling to school, or riding on a scooter to school? All these things will make the roads less full so less people will park badly. There would be no point in parking badly because there would probably be a space in the parking area. Thank you for considering this.

Edward L Are you parking sensibly?

I think that if an adult has passed their driving test they should know not to park at junctions or on pavements! Even if you are late to school you should find a safe parking space. People have been parking irresponsibly and are nearly knocking children over.

Here are some of the things we are concerned about: People parking on junctions People parking on the pavements Some people are parking on the yellow zig-zag lines.

Monk Fryston CE Primary School has made a deliberate attempt to raise awareness of parking issues during March. Working with partners from all councils (Parishes, District and NYCC) and the police, we have developed several activities that will encourage our parents to consider where they park around our school and to think about alternative ways of coming to school instead of using the car. We are trying to educate our children to make good choices for themselves.

So far, we have taught lessons about the dangers associated with parking. Children have written about these hazards for inclusion in local publications (Hillam News). They have created posters that are being placed around the school railings to encourage better parking choices. Some of these are quite dramatic! The County Road Safety Officer has run workshops with all our children about general road

safety issues, and is returning to do some follow-up activities with our older pupils and the local community police officer.

Pupils are now more aware of the problems that are being created in the roads around school and are encouraging their parents to think carefully about where to park. We have had fewer reported incidents, and people generally seem more considerate. Whilst we appreciate the difficulties involved with parking at the same time as everybody else, we want to address the problem in order to keep everyone safe and to be a good neighbour to those living around us.

Rick Weights headteacher

If you applied for the vacant post of clerk to Hillam Parish Council, see p5. If you applied to be a Tour de France Tour Maker goto p9.

Hillam News is financed by advertising and the generosity of contributors, copiers and distributors.

Issue editor - David Atkinson If you have an article for publication, please phone David Atkinson on 684577 or email dsa99uk@yahoo.co.uk Advertising enquiries to David Edwards on 682346 or exSite@talktalk.net

www.issuu.com/hillamnews

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THE BIRDING COLUMN I am writing this first bit in the last week of February, after a prolonged period of wild and wet weather, so it is lovely to be able to get out at the moment to see evidence of spring being just around the corner. The fields around Newthorpe are full of singing, courting pairs of Skylarks, yet still the Yellowhammers have not dispersed from their wintering flocks, which include the occasional Corn Bunting - jangling its bunch of keys onomatopoeically. The winter thrushes are now heading east towards the coast ready to depart for their northerly breeding grounds; Rob Preston emailed me about a flock of about twenty Redwings feeding in fields on Betteras Hill Road on 23rd of this month. These were my first local Redwing this winter, having only occasionally seen Fieldfares in small, noisy flocks.

On the 18th February, to my astonishment, I saw a Small Tortoiseshell butterfly flitting about our garden, by far my earliest butterfly record. The wintering Whooper Swans are still hanging about, but should be off soon, with Howard reporting twenty two birds, seen from his eyrie at Maspin House earlier this month.

Early one afternoon, on a comparatively quiet but dull day in early February, Stuart Wroe and I visited a winter Red Kite roost on the western edge of The Wolds, and whilst it was still pretty murky, with a persistent wind blowing from the west, the conditions were better than expected as we observed many kites returning en masse to their winter woodland roost. We counted about forty kites and also about twenty five Common Buzzards, all drifting in from the east, after completing a day’s foraging and hunting. The kite population on The Wolds is self sustaining, having established itself naturally from birds originating from Harewood, rather than as a result of a local reintroduction programme, and thus far is doing well.

by Graham Todd

I arrived home last night after two weeks on Tiree, which has experienced horrendous storms all winter, the evidence of which lies on the beaches. On my first day I picked up two dead Razorbills amongst the tide wrack on the beach below the house, and later in the first week spotted a Great Northern Diver at the top of the beach, still very much alive but in some distress, and looking aggressive. Knowing that these birds have difficulty walking on land, having legs set well back on the body, so unable to get back into the sea, I picked it up to see how damaged it was, with the intention of releasing it again in the sea. Now these birds are huge, and with a large dagger bill, but even I was not prepared for the onslaught! I tucked it under my arm with the intention of walking to the next bay which was sheltered, but talk about gratitude, it just turned its snake-like head and grabbed my finger, not releasing it until I had walked the three hundred metres and climbed down the slippery rocks to lower it gently into the surf, thoroughly wetting my feet in the process. Anyway, it took one last look back at me, mouthed some avian obscenity, and shot off with the next wave and dived.

To complete a memorable trip, on my final morning, whilst eating breakfast, I looked up to see a large, all white bird on the machair, only yards away, pecking away at the tidal refuse, and was astonished to see it was a very scarce Glaucous Gull, but unfortunately it didn’t hang about until I had finished my breakfast.

Graham Todd

In early February, as a result of a tip off from Stuart, I went with Clive of Kippax, to see the flocks of Mandarin Duck that regularly winter just upstream of The Pavilion Tea Rooms on the River Wharfe, where we counted no less than seventy seven of these exotic duck. Prior to that I had never seen one outside of captivity, (not mine, the ducks,’) as traditionally proper birders don’t bother looking at captive birds, but these looked very smart indeed in their multi-coloured breeding dress, totally out of keeping with their surroundings. I understand that these birds originate from birds that escaped from a farm near Kettlewell that were bred to provide feathers for a business of manufacturing fishing flies. I have just read on the internet that the number of naturalized Mandarin on Harewood Lake, downstream of Bolton Abbey is now in three figures. As it seemed a pointless task trying to get CofK into the tearoom, we walked off upstream, to an area of mature beeches where Stuart said he had seen some Brambling, a colourful finch from Scandinavia that overwinters in the UK, sometimes in large flocks. There, we found a flock of about 100, noisily feeding on the woodland floor, scattering leaves in pursuit of their favoured food, beech mast.

It is now mid-March, and Rob has sent me another email to let me know about a Great Spotted Woodpecker, “drumming” on a telegraph pole along Betteras Hill Road, advertising its territorial claims and a Cormorant on the brick ponds.

Open Sunday

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TRIPADVICE Theatre lunch at Monk Fryston Hall 01977 682369 I have been to Monk Fryston Hall for business dinners recently and lunch today was just as lovely. The staff were very friendly and the food was delicious.

Jane Halstead on TripAdvisor

Church Walk Saturday Venue Walk Leaders

26th April 2014.

Elsecar (5 miles south of Barnsley) Paddy and Stuart Twidale.

We welcome you to a 7 mile picturesque ramble through the famous Wentworth Woodhouse Estate, home of the late Earl Fitzwilliam. The walk includes visits to the villages of Elsecar, Hoober and Wentworth, with lovely views of the South Pennines.

Meet at the Elsecar Heritage Centre 10.15am for 10.30am start.

From Monk Fryston take the A1 south to junction 37 on the A1(M). Turn towards Barnsley, after 5miles turn left at the roundabout onto the Dearne Valley road A6195. At the 4th roundabout turn left to the Elsecar Heritage Centre. After two more miles, turn left into the free car park after "The Market Pub". Brown signs for the centre are numerous. Allow about 50 mins.

An alternative route is via the M62,and M1.Exit at junction 36 and follow the "Brown Signs".

Use OS map 278 co-ordinates 385998, and for SatNavs, enter S74 8HJ.

Performed by the Library Theatre Touring Company Sunday 8th June 2014 WEEKEND BREAK by John Godber Martin is staying in the Lake District to write his Hollywood blockbuster with all the peace and quiet he could hope for – except that he has invited his parents along for a nice, cosy weekend. When Len and Joan turn up, it’s raining, cold and they’re falling apart – with a pill for every complaint!

The stresses and strains of family life are played out with bittersweet humour, and some unexpected revelations make it a weekend never to forget.

A superb example of Godber’s unique, incisive humour!

2-course luncheon, concluding with coffee and the theatre presentation, £24.00 per person. 1.45 – 5.45 pm approx.

Travelzoo 3-Course Dinner for 2 at 16th-Century Manor £30.00 Monk Fryston Hall Running until June 17th

Twitter: Last time I looked 336 sold

Please bring food and a drink, and wear suitable clothing for the day.

Any queries please contact Paddy or Stuart on 684180.

More info: www.elsecar-heritage-centre.co.uk www.wentworthwoodhouse.co.uk

Hillam News collating sponsored by Priory Roses of Hillam Gardens See final page ‘insert’

David (Dai) Jones

Architect

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

Phone 01977 685534 Consultation Welcome – Initial Discussion Free

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UP AND COMING 1st Hillam and Monk Fryston Brownies We have been really busy this term as we celebrate 100 years of Brownies in 2014. Three of our Brownies are working towards their Writer’s Badge and have written the following articles about some of our activities this term.

At Brownies, we made Chinese Dragons. We made brilliant dragons using junk modelling, mod rock, paint and glitter. It took about 3 weeks to make them. After we had finished making the dragons, they were a bit scary with horns and sharp teeth, we painted them bright colours. We The Big Brownie Birthday made dragons to celebrate Chinese New Year. This year was the year of This year Brownies are 100 so we are celebrating it by doing a Challenge Badge.

Brownies used to be called Rosebuds but they didn’t like the name so they asked it to be the horse. changed. Brownies used to wear a blue skirt, a knitted jersey and a hat. The first Brownie We performed a dance in front of an Annual was made in 1958 – 56 years ago. audience of parents. One person was Because we are 100, we have a special badge to do, with lots of fun activities to do. One in the head of the dragon and five section about World, one about Community and one about Ourselves. There is lots to do people in the body. We used voile over our heads to create the body. We for each one so it is hard work. danced to musical instruments, twist- Star Quest is a big party to celebrate the Big Brownie Birthday. Someone has stolen all ing and turning to the beat. Our pho- the stars in the Southern Hemisphere and it is up to the Brownies to get them back. We will tograph was in the Selby Times. We be doing it at Wetherby racecourse with 9,000 other Girlguiding members. Musical acts did this as part of our 100 years of will be including Beth McCarthy from The Voice. Plus there will be meerkats, llamas, Brownies. sheep dogs and birds of prey. Other exotic beasties will be there too. Also we can do a Halle Moore aged 10

Starquester Challenge!

If you’re a girl aged 7-11 then come and join Brownies. Fun and games every session – what’s better?

Georgia Parkin aged 10 At Brownies for Chinese New Year we made dragons and made our own dance up! We made our dragons using recycled junk. In my group we made the dragon’s head out of a massive box. Also we used two big egg boxes and glued them to the front (or the face) of the box for jaws. We used some more egg boxes and cut a strip out of them for a sharp spine and we used yoghurt pots for the horns with the tops of bottles with spikes in them for ears! For the eyes we thought more yoghurt pots would look nice! We used purple and gold paint because we thought it was different and also we used red paint inside the mouth and blue paint for the eyes! We chose red, yellow and orange tissue paper and stuck it inside the mouth for fire and we put loads of gold and multi-coloured glitter on the sides and top! We painted the body purple and everything else gold apart from the eyes and the mouth so we decided to put gold paper doilies on the sides on top of the glitter.

We got inspired to make our dance and music by listening and watching a video. Squirrel (she helped in our group) banged on the tambourine while we danced along to the music with me at the front holding the head and behind me the rest of the group under the gold / yellow fabric. When the adults came in we showed them our dances and all of us with our different dragons were allowed to dance together while the adults were playing the instruments. It was really fun.

Afterwards we had our pictures taken! It was the best night ever!

Isla McKinnon-Stones aged 9

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Précis minutes Hillam Parish Council March 2014

Final application date for post of Clerk to Hillam Parish Council has now passed.

Précis of March 5th 2014 PC Minutes Minutes of previous meeting were approved Matters arising Mr Smales has cleared back the verge soil on Chapel Street. PC thanks given.

Traffic monitoring system devised and in place to identify speeding vehicles on Chapel Street.

Cllr Sadler has attended her first meeting of the Monk Fryston Educational Foundation.

Finance C/A £5,486.36 H/I A/C £5,204.76 MH Walton £180.00 Feb salary MH Walton £180.00 March salary HN Rev and Customs £90.00 MH Walton £75.21 Grants and donations Various applications received and decisions made.

Little Monkeys club £217.00 funding for purchase of 1 table and set of 6 chairs Community Association £950.00 playground equipment related Hillam and MF Cricket Club £800.00 towards tree felling costs Monk Fryston and Hillam Luncheon Club £75.00 Christmas meal event MF and Hillam Youth Club £500 for equipment Recruitment of new Parish Clerk Interview panel agreed; 6.30pm onwards 19th March either at CA Burton Salmon Parish Council minutes are at http://www.burtonsalmonparishcouncil.co.uk

or Cricket Club depending on availability Cllr Robertson will forward by e-mail copies of applications prior to interviews Correspondence received Quote for proposed notice board repairs received. £195.00. This needs to be re-submitted to include soft board backing to allow pins to be easily pushed in, and external security to be a sliding bolt.

Request for support to keeping Eggborough Power Station SDC confirmation of approval of the Council Tax Support precept NYCC Minerals and Waste Joint Plan Request for notices to be displayed SDC Improvement to the Planning Service Traffic monitoring plans submitted Correspondence sent S Booth re modifications to notice board renovation.

SDC re precept application Planning Applications KNOTTINGLEY Power Limited - advance notice of a meeting on 13/03/2014 at Knottingley Town Hall at 9:30 for 10:00 am.

Application - proposed removal of dangerous beech tree covered

by TPO No. 14/1980.

Location Millstone Lodge, Chapel Street, Hillam.

Outline planning application for 2 x detached houses on land at the Old Coach House, Chapel Street, Hillam Please turn over

6

GARDEN MAKEOVER from p5 Environmental Issues Cllr Sadler informed members about enquiries made for identification number signs to be fixed to street lights.

Cllr Pattison to make further enquiries for cost comparison. S. Booth to be asked for quote for fixing to our 35 lamps.

Quote for LED light replacement to be confirmed prior to repair/replacement of light 32.

Human excrement issues reported. Only if such acts can be witnessed can action be taken Cllr Lorriman expressed concerns over the proposed waste incinerator at the former Weldon Colliery site. The parish council has not received any formal notification of such a proposed planning application.

Concerned resident informed the parish council of concerns about overhanging conifer branches on Hillam Hall Lane outside the Paddock and the house opposite Home Garth has ivy and brambles. Cllr Robertson will action concerns related to the Paddock.

Reports Community Association Proposed funding project has an estimated shortfall of ÂŁ37.5K. Funding is being sought from a third party who will permit the loan to be repaid over three years. The Parish council who are trustees informed the CA that they are not permitted to be engaged in the general management and administration of the association. Involvement could severely prejudice the council's trustee position.

CEF Meeting Cllr Lorriman reported that NYCC are removing funding from the NY Youth service Next parish council meeting 2nd April

A big THANK YOU to Mick and his team at Heron Landscape.

I am a trustee for a charity called Payback we help disadvantaged children in the local area. We received a request to help a 14 year old boy called Rob who suffers from cerebral palsy. Rob loves being outside but unfortunately the garden was overrun with many unwanted bushes, shrubs & trees etc, it was a right mess! Rob’s father was working really hard juggling caring for Rob, supporting his other children along with his full time job so his time was limited, although he had made a start.

I called Mick to see if this was something he would be able to help with, Mick was keen to help and support and as such transformed the whole garden making it a place for all to enjoy. They worked late into the evenings to ensure the garden was accessible as quickly as possible. I went round a number of times to see the transformation and the last time I visited Rob was sat outside enjoying the fresh air, sat on the grass just watching the world go by, with a massive smile on his face. He loves it.

Thanks to Mick and his team this young boy is no longer indoors, he plays outside safely in the garden with his siblings, little things really do matter and I am so pleased Heron Landscapes seen the benefit this would have on Rob and they worked very hard to deliver this for Rob. Thanks again Mick and all at Heron Landscapes

Lisa Iliffe

ÂŁ7.95

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SUCCULENT STEAK PIE New sign, New Start – The Cross Keys My sister’s unexpected visit motivated us to go out to eat one recent Saturday night. Encouraged by a few casual local recommendations, a flurry of recent very positive comments on Trip Advisor and the fact that it had not been reviewed recently by the Hillam News, we decided to stay local and go for a meal at the Cross Keys.

Instantly noticeable was the fact that the pub was clean, warm and cosy. The tables spotless. The relatively limited range of choice on the brand new menu boded well.

Now to the hard part - what to eat? Potted Whitby crabmeat as a starter was tempting, and slow roasted lamb shank with rosemary, garlic and redcurrant also beckoned. But then there was crisp pork belly braised in cider with honey roasted vegetables and the ever faithful jumbo battered haddock, hand cut chips and mushy peas also vying for consideration.

I consulted a couple of acquaintances who were waiting for their food to be served and asked if they had any recommendations. It transpired that they had of late become Saturday night dining regulars, had tried a wide range of options and found them all to be delicious. Their recommendations helped confirm our already half made choices. One steak and ale pie, one belly pork and 1 fish and chips.

The meals arrived beautifully and imaginatively presented; a feast for the eyes as well as for the palate.

The steak pie was a well filled succulent slice from a large pie, served with a range of vegetable and potatoes. Also welcome with the pie, was the additional individual sauce boat full of gravy, and subsequently thoroughly enjoyed.

The belly pork also served with an interesting range of well cooked vegetables was attractively but unexpectedly garnished with flavour enhancing silver skin onions.

The Fish Chips and mushy peas would have stood their corner with the best in Whitby.

We didn’t indulge in a sweet so I can’t pass comment about choices on the alluring sweet menu. On reflection, the fact that we enjoyed what we had so much but couldn’t test out the wide range of mains or the puddings gives us a very good reason to go to the Cross Keys again.

With this review in mind I asked our guest for her opinion. My sister’s initial comment with a laconic shrug was ‘There’s pub grub and pub grub’ and then with a smile ‘and this is very good pub grub.’

Try it; I’m sure you’ll agree.

Hillam News eating and drinking correspondent Come and try it for yourself and let us know your thoughts.

Claire, @crosskeyshillam Can heartily recommend the food at the new Cross Keys in Hillam. A different class!

Yummy. #dietbroken @victoriafinan Really happy to have agreed to supply the Cross Keys #Hillam with #rare breed pork from my #saddleback pigs.

@FarmRamblehouse

Steak and Merlot We knew our Cross Keys was part of a mini chain with headquarters at a pub in Barkston Ash. One lunchtime we decided to give that pub a try but landed by mistake at the Ash Tree on the main route leading to Tadcaster. It was heaving and we had ordered drinks before realising we were in the wrong pub.

We decided to stay. When we are not sure about a pub's fare we order steak pie.

It was fabulous and we tucked in. The meat was tender, the gravy tasty and the pastry light. We learnt it was made on the premises with British beef, definitely not imported.

Sign of a good pub - The staff were warm and welcoming. The Black Sheep beer was delicious. It's not far and when we went back a couple of weeks later the pie had changed to Steak and Merlot (just as good) and the beer was now Timothy Taylor's.

We will definitely go again and will stick to steak pie.

Mr and Mrs Armchair Farmer (retd.)

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Новини з України Our man in the Ukraine

Україна

Susanne's Progress

Nick Stoker, third generation farmer from Monk Fryston is a little bit worried about getting his potatoes to market. What's the problem, you may ask. The thing is they are in store at Mykolaiv, a small town 35 kilometres south west of lviv, Ukraine. It's just off the international road that eventually goes to Budapest. Nick was at his Monk Fryston farm, when public disorder broke out in the Ukraine. He runs a livery stable and also supplies hay to local horsemen.

But his mind has been on the Ukraine.

Susanne Jukes former Priest-in-Charge at St Wilfrid's (2005 - 2007) has been inducted as Priest-in-Charge of St Columba's Church, Topcliffe. Susanne's husband Keith, Dean of Ripon Cathedral and former vicar of Selby died last year and she needed to leave her accommodation, the Minster House in Ripon.

Members of St Wilfrid's and St Mary's congregations attended the induction.

Susanne will work three days in her new parish, situated deep in James Herriot country, and reduce her hours at the Full Sutton Prison chaplaincy to one day a week. The possibility of working at Northallerton prison fell through after the jail closed last year.

Former parishioners who attended a Lent talk by Susanne several years ago will remember her regretting that she didn't conduct many baptisms at Full Sutton.

They will be hoping for a healthy birth rate in the Topcliffe parishes.

He grows potatoes close to the Polish border and keeps them in an insulated store before shipping them in bulk to Kiev and Odessa in refrigerated trucks. He uses equipment imported from the UK. The season was nearly over and his store all but empty when for reasons completely beyond his control, access to central Ukraine was blocked.

Mind blowing on twitter HILLAM NEWS! 40ft conifer tree from the Edwards' house has fallen into our front garden. Road closed off. All safe @victoriafinan

Nick, son of the late Cyril Stoker, was due to return to the Ukraine (where winter temperatures can plunge to minus 30 degrees Celsius) later this spring in order to plant the 2014 crop. He is in daily contact with his Ukrainian farm manager. Let’s hope by then the situation will have calmed down and he has emptied his store.

Our garden wall is safe- they've called a tree surgeon to get rid of the timber. It sounds awful though, parents bit shook up. @spaceystyle

The Rev John Hetherington is taking a sabbatical this summer. Some of the time was going to have been spent in the Ukraine where he was to visit Orthodox monasteries near the river Dnieper. Not surprisingly the visit has been called off.

Meanwhile at Hillam Rectory an uprooted tree landed in the drive just where John Hetherington usually parks his car. Something told him to park it elsewhere.

It missed his caravan too.

Ambulance Chasing Did you get a leaflet through your door offering no-win no-fee support in pursuing a possible legal claim in the aftermath of the Sherburn tyre fire? Was it yet another scam, an invasion of privacy or a potentially useful service? Such offers are appearing more and more in public places such as hospital casualty and doctors' waiting rooms. It begs the question as to what kind of a solicitor sits in a call centre and answers such calls. We can hardly believe that anyone in Hillam made a call about the tyre fire, but if you did, we invite you to share your experiences with Hillam News.

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RE CYCLING The editor has no right to complain about the squads of cyclists who barge through Hillam three abreast constrained by nothing but lycra. And he doesn’t. Even if the motorist has to give way and the pedestrian jump over the nearest garden wall we welcome this part of the Olympic legacy. Hillam News reported last year how sponsored cyclists raised the largest single contribution to the church roof fund. A couple from Monk Fryston were Games Makers at the Olympics. Now Hillam will have its own Tour Maker at the 2014 @letouryorkshire grand depart - David Cockayne who along with Iain Mitchell will shortly be cycling for Hillam and charity.

Cycling for Roald Dahl's Marvelous Children's Charity Hello Hillam!

As some of the more active Twitter residents know I've recently had the opportunity to become involved in Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity, firstly in an advisory capacity but now doing my first major fundraise!

On your bike Cycling from Hillam to the Humber Bridge and back for the Alzheimer’s Society

Hillam resident Iain Mitchell has heroically taken up the challenge to cycle 100 miles to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. Iain will be joined by work colleagues from Total, family For those of you (like me) who didn't know that Dahl had a char- and members of the Monk Fryston cycling club. ity. It was set up on his death by his widow, Liccy. The Charity Iain explained, “I decided to organise my "Humber 100 Cycle raises money to support children with very rare conditions - ac- Challenge" for the Alzheimer’s Society after my mother was quired brain injuries, extreme forms of epilepsy and neurodiagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease three years ago. It has been degenerative conditions being some of the many they support that very distressing for the whole family watching her deteriorate have chronic impact not only on the child but also on the famiand particularly hard on my Dad who was her main carer. After lies. roalddahlchaity.org nearly 60 years of marriage, he had to take the difficult decision to put mum into full time residential care. I am hoping that by To support their work I am cycling the Coast2Coast route, 150 raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, more support can be miles from Whitehaven to Sunderland, beginning on April 3rd provided for carers as well as allowing the Society to continue its 2014. My target is £2,000 - all of which will go directly to the search for a cure.

Charity.

While any money I raise will come too late to help my mum, I Some of you have already had the joy of seeing me training hope to be able to provide funds that will help other families ” around Hillam on my bike!

Iain hopes to raise over £1,000 by cycling a circular route from Hillam to the Humber Bridge and back on Saturday 17th May. A I know that you all get many request for support but if you could distance of just over 100 miles. even spare a few pounds I'd be very grateful indeed. You can do this by emailing me at lovellandcockayne@gmail.com To sponsor Iain please call 01977 681063 or visit contacting me on twitter @davecockayne or simply going to https://www.justgiving.com/iain-mitchell1 www.justgiving.com/David-Cockayne and donating directly.

Thanks! (keep an eye on twitter for all the latest )

Dave Cockayne Rose Lea House, Hillam

I have been accepted as a tour maker @letouryorkshire Awesomely excited!!!! @davecockayne

Hillam News posted a picture on Facebook and overnight 95 surfers had seen it. We’re also on ISSUU which holds our back issue archive plus Hillam Parish Council minutes. TripAdvisor carries lively discussion of the Cross Keys and please check #Hillam on Twitter. Then there’s Hillam on Wikipedia where the search is on for Hillam’s only citizen who has listed in the census ‘Welsh’ as his/her main language. (Who does he/her talk to?)

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LET THERE BE LIGHTS Hillam Ringtree Lights 100 Club The draw for January has taken place and the lucky winners are: 1st - £20 – No.62 – Susan Ferguson 2nd - £10 – No.73 – Ian Metcalfe 3rd - £5 – No.25 – Roger Everson

Superfast response At the height of the February storm, my super-reliable superfast broadband failed. The telephone worked and a few brief calls revealed that it was a general problem. Indeed after calling BT and passing through numerous menus I was told electronically that broad band was down and would be restored within a few hours.

Later I asked a number of 'regular non superfast' broadband users if theirs had been down, which elicited, "Dunno. We had a power cut."

The draw for February has taken place as well and the lucky winners are:

I eventually found a rare Hillam resident who had not experienced a power cut and did not use 'superfast.' She confirmed her copper delivered broadband was uninterrupted.

1st - £20 – No.53 – Victoria and Richard Hardman 2nd - £10 – No.60 – Anne Dawson 3rd - £5 – No.55 – Dave Cockayne

Hillam News writers have pointed out on previous occasions that the arrival of fibre optic at Mill Close will not affect your regular broadband delivery. You need to order (and pay for) the enhanced service to experience the lightening speeds and (until now) uninterrupted service of 'superfast'.

Madge Smales (née Revell) 1924 to 2014 Madge Revell was born at Prospect Farm, Monk Fryston (no, not Hillam) and married Eric Smales from Hillam. That was in 1952 at Monk Fryston Chapel, where Madge was an occasional organist. They lived for some time at Mount Pleasant Farm (in Hillam, just across the level crossing) and later at Orchard Farm, Chapel Street.

Mrs Smales was a real farmer's wife and looked after her men folk with food and drink when they were hard at work on the land. She did the farm accounts and, like many of her generation, could add up a column of figures in her head. She was well known for keeping local agricultural suppliers, (with whom she drove a hard bargain,) in order.

A funeral service was taken by John Hetherington at Pontefract Crematorium, followed by tea at Monk Fryston Hall.

The collection was on behalf of the Alzheimer's Society.

A former BT worker knowledgably explained that (DC) power is needed at the Mill Close 'street furniture' to convert the fibre optic signal to one that will travel the last few yards along copper. An Openreach technician with his head inside the cabinet indicated the backup battery which was exhausted after the power cut had lasted so long.

Hillam Nerd Houses without a connection or slow download speeds can be worth 20% less, Rightmove claims - From Twitter Rightmove now includes a broadband speed indicator with every set of online house sale particulars. The trouble is the information given is 'incomplete'. For instance houses in Chapel Street, Hillam, where superfast broadband is widely used, are wrongly allocated the dismal speed of 0.12Mbps by Rightmove. The online estate agent 'helpfully' adds, 'there is superfast available in the area, but you'll need to check with providers to be sure.'

Carole Haywood-Poole of Superfast North Yorkshire (@SFNYorkshire) told Hillam News she was aware of the problem. Rightmove, she said, is also using data from a survey of 3,000 people which shows that broadband can be a potential deal breaker in property sales. Carole added that the report erroneously states that just 19 per cent of the country currently has access to superfast broadband speeds, whereas the actual figure from OFFCOM is 73%.

Houses in Hillam and Monk Fryston 15 Hillam Hall Lane, Hillam £350,000 15-11-13 17 Bedfords Fold, Hillam £335,000 4-12-13 5 Ingthorpe Way, Monk Fryston £190,000 4-12-13

11 Mill Close, Monk Fryston

£158,000 3-12-13

11

VILLAGE PHONE IN Telephone poll

Results of Burton Salmon Parish Council Questionnaire Completed questionnaires from 69 residents on the elecAfter numerous meetings at the end of last year, toral register and this represents 19% of the electorate.

Burton Salmon Parish council agreed to let the vil89% were in favour of retaining the village hall and 13 lage decide whether they wished to keep our lovely electors indicated they were willing to help run the old red phone box and adopt it for £1.00. After talkhall. ing to many villagers, I was certain this is what the 5 electors indicated that they would like to organise activimajority wanted. Survey letters went out and were ties in the hall. One offered to help with the library; the returned to various places including the ballot box at others are electors already running activities. the Plough Inn. When the count was finished it was announced 53% would support a youth club in the village and 10 indithat there was a firm majority in favour of the box and the matter cated that they would assist in running it. However, was over as far as I was concerned. Not so I’m afraid; at the parish only 9 children in total were identified on the questioncouncil meeting in January and even after going to the trouble of naires submitted. writing to every house in Burton Salmon, the Parish council de76% would support a lending library in the village hall and cided by a vote of 4 to 1 with one abstention that they would write 70% would use the facility. to BT and ask to have the box removed!

66% wish to retain the telephone box. Most wanted to Reasons given were that they did not want the liability; it may be retain it as a historic landmark but some other uses painted with dangerous lead paint and someone could get poiwere suggested soned. Children may crush their fingers in the door or they may At its 28th January 2014 meeting Burton Salmon Parish shut themselves in. It would be a pointless exercise because it Council voted not to adopt the telephone box. would probably get vandalised anyway! The way the council have The minutes note: acted is undemocratic at best and shameful at worst. I feel the population of this village have a right to decide what happens in it Phone box: Council reported issues raised by the Solicitor consulted and the significant obligations set out in clause 5.5 of the and hope that we can change the council's mind and make them proposed agreement with BT. Concerns that the adoption of the see sense. phone box may bring problems in the future, which would be too Please mail me at rwright61@btopenworld.com and I will expensive for such a small Council to afford. Proposal that the pass your comments on to the parish council.

Council do not adopt the phone box; 4 voted in favour with 1 abstention; therefore the proposal was passed.

Richard Wright Hillam News Editor writes: I wouldn't be surprised if Hillam Parish Council take legal advice too and decide to politely decline.

Final word from Richard Wright: I have no intention of standing for the parish council. All I want is for them to keep their word when they said 'We will let the village decide.’

12

HEALTHY EATING Hillam residents have long enjoyed fresh Ramble House eggs from Richard Hardman on Hillam Hall Lane. Some of you may have tried the quality pork and lamb he also supplies. Recently, in addition to pigs, sheep and chickens, Richard has now introduced a congregation of alligators to the livestock on his smallholding. You will have heard the buzz about health benefits of lean meats that are low in cholesterol – well, alligator meat is the healthiest of all; remaining tender and moist, but with 65% less saturated fat that any other white meat. Richard has been keen to meet the demand that is sweeping the health-fanatic nation. Meat lovers say that alligator meat is firm and basically tastes ‘just like chicken’ but with more of a ‘textured chew’. Fresh and lean alligator ribs, steaks and sausages will be available from Ramble House from the 1st April onwards.

All of the livestock at Ramble House enjoy free run of the paddocks. However, the welfare of the alligators is top priority; so as you would expect, the alligators are also free range. Traditional stock fencing, however, is not suitable because, as you will be aware, alligators are great climbers.

Complying with European Animal Welfare legislation the alligators are allowed to roam freely around Hillam.

Good Quality Nutrition makes you slimmer!!

The key to a healthy body and mind is to have good nutrition, drink water and exercise regularly.

Exercise speeds up your metabolism so it’s really important to eat a healthy, nutritious diet. You need the right fuel to burn those calories away from your fat stores. When you include exercises with weights you increase the amount of calories you burn in your daily exercise and long afterwards too!

‘Burn Baby Burn’!

How great is that - burning calories at rest? It’s like having a great investment working for you when you’re asleep, making you richer with no extra effort. And on top of that you’re going to feel good as all the good endorphins race round your body giving you that ‘on top of the world feeling’.

Make some small changes on a day to day basis. Walk to work if you can, or to the shops, take the stairs instead of the lift and just try to be more active by taking up a sport that you enjoy or a class or maybe even get a personal trainer to help you with some exercises until you feel comfortable enough to work on your own.

Each alligator is tagged so that its location can be tracked through the Global Positioning System. If you happen to encounter one, do not be alarmed as these intelligent reptiles have a strong homing sense and usually return to their home pond by early evening. Residents will often see the alligators being herded along to Hillam Brick Pond for a Water keeps you hydrated which is really important good long swim. for the metabolism to function, helping prevent constipation and

keeping your body (skin, lips and joints) in good working order and stopping you feeling thirsty. Without adequate water, blood pressure drops and slows the delivery of oxygen to the brain which in turn makes you less alert in your daily tasks and less able to Please take extra caution while driving around Hillam and, concentrate. if you see them, please give way to any alligators crossing Good Nutrition makes you slimmer! Often when people go on a the road, but more im‘DIET’ they cut calories to lose weight but how many of them care about the ‘QUALITY’ of calories that they eat or drink./Poor portantly, if you happen quality calories rob the body of nutrients making you feel tired to see one of these repand before long you go back to your old eating habits not only tiles basking on your putting the weight back on but probably even more, making you lawn, or lazing in a feel totally demotivated. You’ll lose water and lean muscle tistree, please leave it in sue so the scales will show a weight loss but it’s just a quick fix peace and respect our ‘a yo-yo diet1’ new neighbours in DO YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT? Hillam.

Jane Elizabeth Halstead 07921689931 or 01977673553

Contrary to popular belief, alligators feel quite at home in our climate and have already adapted quickly to the cool Yorkshire weather. Spending winter in Hillam is not an issue for the alligators who love snow and are looking forward to being taken to Betteras Hill for a sledging session.

13

HILLAM COMMON KEEPS OUT OF THE NEWS Twenty pumps were rushed from Holland to the Somerset Levels as the Environment Agency, the world's best staffed flood prevention quango, signalled a change of policy. We can be relieved that land drainage on Hillam Common is safely in the hands of the Selby Internal Drainage Board. Funding comes from charges made on agricultural land and buildings occupied by farmers who benefit from good drainage.

We should remember that if it were not for pumps, underground drains and regular water course cleaning, Hillam Common would revert to wetlands.

whether by deliberate policy, parsimony or oversight. If farmers and the local drainage board ever stop tending the dykes on Hillam Common, the land to be overlooked by the proposed Wood Lane wind farm will revert to marsh.

What a relief, at least, that the Environment Agency is not involved.

Armchair Farmer See Hillam News Facebook page for picture of Hillam Common under water - from 1947. https://www.facebook.com/pages/HillamNews/160742057308841

Water from Hillam which passes through the recently upgraded culvert outside Rose Lea Close, flows past Stocking Lane sewage works to a pumping station situated between Birkin and Haddlesey and ends up in the Aire. On its way the dyke draws Statistics from Open Farm Sunday 2013 water from fields south of Hillam Common and Maspin Moor.

The area between Hillam Common and the A63 drains mainly • More than 200,000 visitors on 9 June 2013 into Selby Dam, from where it is pumped into the Ouse. Arable • Seven in ten visitors attended an Open Farm farming in this block of land was made possible by the lowering, Sunday event for the first time in 1970, of the culvert passing northward under Selby Road at its • 17% of visitors had never visited a farm before junction with Fox (or Maspin) Lane. The culvert was modernised following pressure from Hillam Common farmers.

• 30% of host farmers were first timers The drainage board cleans out all major dykes and farmers look after smaller waterways within their land. The system is known as 'arterial drainage.'

In much the same way as the Fens (and the Somerset Levels) were drained by a Dutchman, Cornelius Vermuyden, much of the land around Hillam was drained by a 'foreigner', Frank Jones and his extended family from Lincolnshire! Work took place in the nineteen sixties and seventies and the government contributed capital grants of up to 40%. Deepening the dykes enabled the positioning of underground laterals below ploughing depth.

Originally clay tiles were used but some of these silted up. Later the use of perforated polythene piping gained ground. Trenches were often backfilled with power station waste ash to improve water percolation.

This ancient farmer was amazed to learn that the practice of cleaning out water courses had been abandoned in Somerset,

Open Farm Sunday 8th June 2014 Find a farm near Hillam at http://www.farmsunday.org

14

COMMUNITY NEWS Burton Salmon CP School Happy Learning for a Healthy Future We are delighted to welcome two new pupils who joined us earlier this year; James and Julia Anne Conner. Both pupils have settled very quickly into our school and we hope they will be very happy with us.

Our Active Children’s sessions in KS1 were very successful with pupils tasting different fruits and vegetables, making smoothies and wraps and taking part in physical activity. We particularly enjoyed making healthy wrap faces with lots of fresh salads and vegetables.

Class 1 had an excellent visit to Selby where we compared a modern church to the Abbey, we looked at different kinds of shops and then during a tour of Morrisons we tasted cheeses, fruits and doughnuts! Needless to say everyone enjoyed the day.

The pupils all enjoyed tasting lucky sweets and some made lanterns to celebrate Chinese New Year. Our assembly theme all week was Chinese New Year and we ended the week with a lovely spicy Chinese lunch.

We are very grateful to Mr. Bate whose company, Arco, has sponsored a new football kit for our team and provided a set of team T-shirts which we can wear to sporting events. Our team looks very smart now.

On 26th February we had a visit to school from Farmer Carl and his Lamb, Minty and his Hen, Henrietta! All the children were able to meet these new arrivals and learn a little bit about them.

On Thursday, 6th March we celebrated World Book Day; pupils and staff dressed as animals from our favourite books and enjoyed sharing their favourite stories.

Our Craft after school club has been very popular this term; Mrs Huntington has helped pupils to create Suffolk Puff Jewellery, Rainbow Loom Bracelets and Decoupage. Mrs. Rylah’s ever popular Healthy Eating Club has made some more beautiful meals with groups of children including pear and blackberry oaty crumble, cheese and tomato tortilla quiche and chocolate orange upside down cake!

Pupils in KS2 received a visit from staff from Sherburn High School last week who taught a session on Rollo Lab which introduces pupils to control and monitoring and data collection.

We are looking forward to taking part in Easter activities organised by Friends of Burton Salmon School before the end of term including an Easter bonnet competition and a decorated egg competition.

We wish everyone a Happy Easter.

Best wishes,

Mrs. D. Andrews

Précis of Feb 2014 Hillam PC minutes Minutes of previous meeting agreed.

Matters arising Clerk reported receipt of cheque for £100 from Hanover Housing towards provision of grit salt for use around Manor Court.

Cllr Sadler reported verge clearance on Chapel Street is in hand Councillors Mackman gave updates on local issues: Travellers sites location still to be agreed and actioned.

New pumping station has resulted in reduction of flooding in Hillam; further capital funding being sought from Yorkshire Water to further improve potential local flooding issues.

SDC has set up a planning surgery to advise prospective applicants on relevant planning issues. Cost £25 for 25 mins.

Local Government Boundary changes proposed to merge existing boundaries and reduce 41 district councillors to 31.

Also discussed PO customer usage, road crossing in MF, loss of pathways and hedges on previously unregistered land.

Finance C/A £6,011.57 H/I A/c £5,204.76 Cheques drawn Thirsk C/Care Assoc £38.25 PAYE MF & Hillam C/Assoc. £72.00 MH Walton £180.00 HM Rev and Customs £45.00 CSR Electrical £186.44 Correspondence received CSR confirms sample LED light fitting has been fitted to allow PC to assess light quality, suitability. If accepted the parish owned street lights can be changed for £131.60 + VAT per light.

A resident reporting a number of households fail to clean/clear the areas adjacent to their boundary and suggesting the PC use some of the reserves to clear the pathways/public areas.

SDC Chairman requesting donation towards his chosen charities, the Stroke Unit and Selby Abbey Organ restoration Various street lighting issues and invoices.

Correspondence sent Precept request to SDC for 2014/2015 Copy of T Cannon Appeal input submitted by Cllr Sadler Clerk’s letter of resignation Planning Applications Outline application to erect 2 bedroom detached house on land at The Old Coach House, Chapel Street, Hillam from Mrs Holland Granted Retrospective application for change of use of butchery to dog grooming business at Hillam Grange Farm, Hillam.

Environmental Issues Complaint about speeding on Chapel Street discussed and further evidence gathering investigations will be made by Cllr Sadler.

Dog excrement issues and possible preventative measures discussed. Actions in hand.

Vehicle monitoring exercise on Austfield Lane hampered by breakdown of the requisite equipment.

Repair of public notice board to be instigated.

Burial Committee: Cemetery water being used inappropriately.

15

ORGANISED CRIME I had a phone call from a really nice man at Equiniti. He was the financial director, Martyn Hindley and wanted to tell me that my wife held shares in a company called Peter Hambro Mining and the company had been taken over.

Could I give him my email so he could send me a number of suggested courses of action. He left his direct phone number. I realized almost straight away that I had missed a digit off the email and called the number to give the correct information.

But there was no reply and I began to think. Why on earth would a senior director of Equiniti shares registry call me. I checked and the shares were mine, not my wife's and of course if he wanted to talk about shares belonging to my wife he should have asked for her. (Have you ever tried to talk to a bank about the bank account of a family member.) Moreover Peter Hambro Mining had been renamed Petropavlovsk a couple of years ago.

I had been conned. I had fallen for the caller's flattery and bonhomie. When I called Equiniti they couldn't put me through to Martyn Hindley. The name was real enough but he didn't make calls to ordinary shareholders.

I spoke to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and they explained. The caller had got hold of an old share list. My wife sold her shares in 2008. We were both on a suckers' list which circulates round 'boiler rooms'. The title comes from the use in the nineteen twenties of basements of Wall Street banks as mailing addresses in share scams. I already knew about this and have a phone which rejects 'International' calls. This is where most of the spoof calls originate. Criminal share dealers sometimes use Skype, which shows a call's origin as 'International'.

And there it was, a well constructed letter with three attachments purporting to be share purchase proposals. I deleted it just before Yahoo email disappeared for the day. (That's another story for another occasion - How BT ended its arrangement with Yahoo because its email was so unreliable and insecure.)

Mr Hindley's message said he was in the office until 8.00pm and invited me to call him. I rang and left words with his message service. I don't think he will ring me again. He will move on to someone else on his list; so take care. And because I know of no way to get my name removed from the suckers' list I will remain on my guard.

It was presumably Mr Hindley's intention to get me to transfer my Peter Hambro Mining shares to him. But since I bought them the Russian gold miner's price has fallen by more than 90 percent.

There wasn't much left to steal!

It used to be calls from Nigerians with money to launder; then anyone who was anyone in Hillam was getting mugged in Northern Cyprus, or the Philippines.

The Hillam Nerd Theft of Heating Oil

• • • • • •

Hide your tank from view especially if you live near a road Check the oil level on a regular basis Consider security lighting and lockable gates Keep a look out for suspicious large vehicles and report to police If your tank is in an outbuilding, secure it at all times Keep the area around your tank tidy and remove empty cans

However my phone doesn't reject calls from 'unknown' callers or 020 numbers, which is why the phoney Mr Hindley got through. I From North Yorkshire Police was now waiting for the promised email from Equiniti, when I found a phone message suggesting I check my spam folder, as On March 20th a local disabled man was telephoned by a male sometimes Martyn's emails ended up being classed as spam. to say he had won a prize. It was supposed to be a holiday and the caller turned up at the man’s address but was told to go away. The male is described as black , possibly Indian with a Leeds accent. Please be vigilant and if you are in this sort of situation phone the Police on 101 straight away.

Police Support Volunteering Opportunity North Yorkshire Police volunteers already undertake various interesting and challenging roles within the force from Role play in training scenarios to front counters and community safety.

If you would like to know more please go to the NYP website and see the roles where we need your help. Please complete the 'expression of interest form' and one of my colleagues we will be in touch to discuss where you might best be able to help.

Richard Baldwin Head of Volunteering

16

CUTTINGS, PROPAGATION AND TALCUM POWDER The Kindest Cut There have been a few surprises in the garden this spring. Plants which are not supposed to be tough and overwinter have done just that. Some plants in containers have staged a comeback. I recently tidied up a container which had spring bulbs flowering surrounded by a very healthy annual plant - A Swan River Daisy and a tender perennial often used in hanging baskets - a Diascia.

Both plants looked extremely happy and given a little sunshine had the potential to be flowering early.

Use a mixture of seed compost and sand as a medium for the cuttings. The sand aids drainage and keeps the compost a little warmer to encourage rooting.

Check that there is sufficient moisture but not too much to encourage mosses and viruses to contaminate the compost. Misting over with water is a method favoured by large plant producers and covering the pot with a clear plastic lid can help to create a microclimate. Make sure the heat does not build up inside as this also encourages mosses and viruses.

Other surprises include an Osteospurnum which has flower buds (in March) and a yellow Marguerite which has not been affected by the winter except that no flower has been produced since last August.

Serious propagators may wish to invest in a heated propagation unit with temperature control. This can be used very early in the season for raising seedlings. Most of us will be content with a pot or two of rooted cuttings to add to our summer displays.

These plants are all in really good condition and have enough stem material to take cuttings. Propagating from cuttings is an excellent way of increasing your stock at little cost and produces exact copies of the parent plant. This type of cutting uses a piece of plant which is actively growing (as opposed to a hardwood cutting which is taken when a plant is dormant during the winter).

Take a piece from a side shoot which has no flower bud and about 4-6 inches in length (10-15 cms). Cut it cleanly on the stem and place the cutting upright in a pot with seed and cutting compost and around the edge of the pot. This way lots of cuttings can be taken and having them close together seems to encourage rooting. Some plants seem to fare better if the end of the stem is allowed to dry out overnight before placing in the pot. This is the recommended way to do Pelargonium cuttings and for Christmas Cactus.

Having grown your own tender plants, watch the weather as a late frost can still catch them. Have some protection ready. A cold frame is ideal but moving some containers or covering with horticultural fleece will provide sufficient warm air around a plant to prevent damage.

Talcum powder in the garden I never use hormone rooting powder. I discovered years ago that rooting powder had a 'shelf life' of about two years. I had had patchy results with a batch of cuttings when I discovered this shelf life so did not buy any more. Some propagators use plain talcum powder as a substitute. It acts as a drying agent which speeds up the process of callusing. This is the plant equivalent of a wound healing.

To maintain this for the future I shall be adding a dose of organic matter in the form of well rotted stable manure. My clay soil retains water readily so adding the organic matter helps drainage as well as adding extra nutrients.

Bought in bedding plants may also be affected. So if you have no means of protection hold back from buying until you can be confident that the danger of frost has passed.

Our main concern this gardening year may be water - too much early on and unreliable amounts later.

I shall be keeping a careful eye on the drainage in my borders especially where I have had spring bulbs. The display of narcissus from February has been lovely and the tulips and other bulbs hold as much promise.

Susan Scott

01977 685205

Get ready for spring Winter fuel - logs and coal

17

SURVEY SHOWS SUSTAINED OPPOSITION TO WIND FARMS Wind farms and incinerators - not wanted say local residents Biomass conversion and gas fired power station make more sense for Selby District.

A recent survey which asked local residents their opinion about four major energy developments proposed in Selby District provided convincing evidence that people do not want wind farms or incinerators built close to where they live. The survey was carried out by Nigel Adams MP in Beal, Eggborough and Kellington. It asked the simple question about whether people were in favour, opposed to or undecided about four energy generation projects, each of which would involve major construction. The survey form included information about how much energy each of four projects would generate and how many people might be employed. Over 150 people completed the survey which was delivered to homes in each of the three villages. The responses were of a very high standard with many people adding detailed comments.

The results were consistent between the three villages.

The projects included in the survey were

The conversion of Eggborough to biomass.

Southmoor incinerator at Kellingley colliery.

A gas fired power station at Knottingley Woodlane wind farm.

Planning appeals Wistow Lordship is the tipping point There have now been 38 applications for single turbines in Selby District . Many have already been approved and some are up and running, including the one near to Hillam.

The trend is clear, larger turbines are being proposed closer to homes and the Green Belt is not being protected. The turbine at Wistow Lordship is the point at which a line needs to be drawn the turbine is over 800 metres from the owners home and less than 400 metres from his neighbours home. “Enough is enough.�

It is reassuring to know that the appeal has been called in and the final decision will be taken by the Secretary of State.

Bishopwood appeal The results showed a large majority in support of EggborProwind are still working on additional arguments to support ough biomass conversion (80% of the responses), a large majortheir case that seven 400 foot high turbines should be located ity opposed to Southmoor (72% of responses) and an even near to Hambleton and Thorpe Willoughby. Until we see this larger majority opposed to Woodlane wind farm (78% ). evidence and know what the next move will be there is little to The results were analysed by village and there was very little report. As soon as there is any news it will be communicated via difference between the responses from the three villages who e-mail, website and twitter. took part in the survey. www.stopwoodlanewindfarm.co.uk The opposition to the Southmoor Energy Centre and Woodlane wind farm was overwhelming, with over 75% of people opposing them. The major concern about Southmoor was the traffic that it would generate because of the number of lorries required to bring the waste material to the site. The concern about the wind farm was the small amount of energy that it would generate compared with the very large visual impact.

Strong opposition elsewhere It is not just in the Selby Area that wind turbines are unpopular.

Near to York a meeting where a developer explained his plans for two turbines had two police officers in attendance. It is not known who requested them to attend but the meeting was attended by over 100 villagers who were opposed to a scheme to put up two 100metre turbines.

Looking nationally there are now over 400 groups opposing wind energy developments.

18

FARMER AND STOCKBREEDER Sheds, Pigs, Fires and Christmas Trees – Richard Hardman January 2014 Sheds At the start of 2013, I had ideas on how I was going to expand my livestock numbers, how I was going to branch out into growing some Christmas trees and how I was going to invest in a ‘Man Shed’. The shed would have everything from a gas hob, (for making cups of tea), machines, shelves, tools, drills, hammers and a sofa! You get the picture. It would be a place where I could escape to, an untidy place where I knew where everything was because I had left it there the time before. Nobody would come and tidy it away or put it somewhere safe!

Pigs I had been harbouring the idea of keeping some pigs; after all I loved bacon butties - so why not? Friends and neighbours were all keen to take the produce from me, so what was I waiting for? Planning was needed here, because it’s one thing getting a sheep back onto your land; it’s another matter trying to move a big stubborn pig. I knew I needed to invest the time and effort in making sure the run was secure and that they had plenty to occupy their minds. It needed to offer shelter from both the rain and the sun in addition to their actual pig houses. Firstly I knocked in the fence posts and then put up the stock fencing to create the run. I had read several books which gave you information on how much space they required. All of which I disagreed with! My pig run was larger so as I write this I’m adamant that my view that ‘a happy animal is a tasty one’ is correct. I did note that those who rear pigs on a large scale do so by limiting the amount of area the pig can roam in, the idea being if they have more room then they will burn more energy which in turn means more food which means more cost. This was going to be my first time keeping pigs so I wanted to start off in what I thought was the right way.

Pig run built, pig houses ordered, delivered and assembled. Pig feeders and water troughs in place. Wait. Electric fencing? I needed to make sure I had peace of mind whilst I was away with

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work. The thought of a call from Vic to say they’ve escaped just before I was going into a big presentation to a customer was not a pleasant one. Fencing done, all systems go. Just need pigs now. I’ve learnt since living here, that if you need to know something, or are unsure, then ask someone. A few phone calls later I had found a chap in West Haddlesey who was happy to sell me four weaners. Saturday morning came; I hitched the trailer to the Defender and set off. I arrived, paid the man and we loaded my chosen pigs into the trailer. Off I went with four bags of feed, movement paperwork completed online, back to Ramble House. Vic and our boys were waiting as I drove up the garden into the run to let them out. As I lowered the trailer gate, the pigs were all huddled together wondering what the hell was going on. I gave them time and room to relax and make their own way out into the field. They did so one by one taking their time to feel grass for the first time. I drove out and left them to it. It was now noon and I had only one thing on my mind, a big bacon butty. After lunch I went to see them with the family. They were running around, snorting and playing like children - the pigs that is. J Fire July 19th dealt us a hammer blow, we suffered a fire when a ride on lawn mower ignited dried grass and the whole shed burnt down with all my equipment and tools inside.

The fire brigade were called and when I got home from a meeting in Essex I found the whole thing ablaze. The fire was so hot it actually melted the metal of the lawn mowers. My livestock trailer was parked next to the shed and that too was completely burnt out. This was a big blow. I was looking at smouldering scrap metal and wondering if it was all worth it. Dad came with a big trailer to help clear everything away. By the end of the weekend I was looking at charred earth and a big space where my shed used to be. That week I really did feel sorry for myself.

A friend posed the question, “What are you going to do now?” I replied with, “As they say Go Big or Go Home.” I’d got no intention of giving up. This was my chance to learn from mistakes I’d made such as; equipment that I’d Please turn to p 19

19

FARMERS WEEKLY From p 18 bought that wasn’t quite up to the job, even the size of the shed. Right then, insurance pay out agreement had been reached, I now had my eyes set on a compact tractor and a shed that would be twice as big. I did my research and placed my orders.

Christmas Trees Mid to late summer 2012 I had made my mind up to plant some Christmas trees.

The late, and dearly missed, Steve Longbottom, ploughed my field up and I was on track for planting in April 2013. I’d done my research and visited the growers who would supply my young trees. April came and the men turned up with a big tractor with a machine that could plant out the trees and secure their roots into the soil in one operation. By mid-afternoon I had a plantation of trees but no means of keeping out rabbits or hares that could destroy my crop in no time. A good friend of mine, Andrew, spent the day with me knocking in over 100 fence posts and fixing electric fencing wire to hoops on the posts to buy me some time. 650 metres of wire were used on each loop from the ground up. I had decided to go with four loops just to be on the safe side.

The job was completed as darkness fell, the Cross Keys was open and I wanted a beer. I owed Andrew for his time. We drank and played darts all night!

Richard Hardman Ramble House, Hillam Hall Lane.

Twitter: @Farmramblehouse Email: ramblehouse@live.co.uk

Turkey for Christmas, Lamb for Easter both great British traditions.

Treat yourself and enjoy some delicious Organic Lamb from Monk Fryston Organics.

All our lambs are born on our farm in Monk Fryston before spending the summer months grazing our meadows at Fairburn.

I only have just one fore Easter.

Orders placed by will be delivered on

delivery date be-

Half Lamb is £75 £40 or you can purfor £140. The Lamb suit you own personal you’re unsure what more than happy to ance.

and a quarter is chase a whole one is cut into joints to requirements. If you would like I'm offer some guid-

Sunday 13th April Friday 18th April.

To place an order please call me 07768 835059. I'm preparing for lambing time at moment and a few of my ladies have decided to lamb early. So if I don't answer straight away I may have may hand full, so to speak, but I will call you back.

The majority of my ladies are due to start lambing from 1st April and customers are more than welcome to visit our new arrivals. Please feel free to pop down or you could give me a call first to make sure I'm in. Ironically the only exclusion I have is that pregnant women are not allowed in the lambing shed.

My best regards for a happy spring time.

Mandy Shaw

MONK FRYSTON Pre-SCHOOL We welcome children from two years to school age* We provide lots of different activities including: Toys, Songs, Rhymes, Stories, Painting, Modelling, Sand and Water Play, Cutting and Glueing, Playdough, Puzzles and much more…!

Monday to Friday 9:00 – 12:00 am Tuesday and Thursday 12:30 – 3:00 pm Contact Jayne Wood 681050 Church Hall, Monk Fryston We are OFSTED inspected and LEA funded and we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum *places are offered subject to availability

20

ST WILFRID’S CHURCH RECTOR’S RAMBLINGS When was the Battle of Waterloo?

The answer is that it was on the 18th June 1815, when The Duke of Wellington kicked Napoleon’s bottom - that’s a rather nice way of putting it.

But did you know during the battle itself, news of what was happening was flashed from hilltop to hilltop by signalmen, until it reached London. All the way from the little Belgium village of the very same name - Waterloo - located just a few miles south of Brussels where the battle was fought. The news even managed to get across the channel as well.

And in London they’d erected a great bulletin board for people to read the news as it was received. At a critical point in the battle, two words appeared on the bulletin board, ‘Wellington defeated’. Suddenly a heavy fog settled down and nothing more could get through. Needless to say, fear gripped people, everywhere. Some locked themselves in their homes refusing to come out; others made plans to get out of the country. After a while, the fog lifted and another word came through from the signalmen. That word was ‘Napoleon’.

Now the completed message read…

‘WELLINGTON DEFEATED NAPOLEON!’

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

2ND SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 9.30am Parish Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6.00pm Evensong at St Mary’s, South Milford

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

4TH SUNDAY OF EACH MONTH 9.30am Morning Prayer at St Mary’s, South Milford 11am Parish Communion at St Wilfrid’s, Monk Fryston 6pm Holy Communion at St Mary’s, South Milford BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN FOR WEDDINGS AND BAPTISMS FOR 2014

Fear had turned into celebration and the streets of London were filled with people. They were rejoicing and celebrating because the enemy had been defeated.

It was a bit like that at Easter all those years ago. The bulletin board for Good Friday read ‘Jesus Christ defeated’ and a terrible darkness settled over the world. But three days later on Easter morning, the darkness lifted and the word ‘Death’ had been added. Now the bulletin board read…

‘JESUS CHRIST DEFEATED DEATH’ And ever since that day people have celebrated the tremendous life-changing certainty of that historic event.

It is indeed a life-changing certainty, but we need to make sure that we get the whole message!

Easter blessings

John

Enquiries to the Rector on 01977 680788 or email at hetherington556@btintenret.com

HOLY WEEK AT ST M ARY’S CHURCH IN SOUTH MILFORD From Monday 14th April to Wednesday 17th April there will be Holy Communion Service at St Mary’s Church each morning at 9.45am – Please do join us if you are able.

SERVICES FOR EASTER 2014 We do hope that you might be able to join us for one of our services during Holy Week and Easter SUNDAY 13TH A PRIL - PALM SUNDAY

11AM – PARISH COMMUNION AT ST WILFRID’S (With Blessing and Distribution of Palm Crosses) * * * * * THURSDAY 18TH APRIL - MAUNDY THURSDAY

7.30PM – EVENING SERVICE AT ST M ARY’S IN SOUTH MILFORD (Based on the Last Supper Meal that Jesus shared with his Disciples)

* * * * * FRIDAY 19TH A PRIL - GOOD FRIDAY

2PM – DEVOTIONAL SERVICE AT ST MARY’S IN SOUTH MILFORD * * * * * SUNDAY 21ST APRIL (EASTER DAY)

5AM DAWN COMMUNION SERVICE AT ST W ILFRID’S (Followed by Breakfast)

11AM – EASTER DAY COMMUNION AT ST WILFRID’S

21

VIEW FROM THE GOLD COAST The big news from Hillam Cricket Club is the imminent arrival of our overseas player. He is Matthew McCrystal, from the Australian Gold Coast.

He arrives on the 4th April. A Top order batsman we are told; so first team matches will be worth coming to watch. Matthew may be spotted down The Crown with the other cricket lads.

We have now taken down the unsafe trees on Stocking Lane. That was a great relief for the committee. As an observer of the tree felling it was quite a sight to see; the two largest trees were tackled so competently and with little damage to the cricket outfield. The large ash tree nearest to the pedestrian entrance looked to the novice eye to be quite healthy, but as it came down it was apparent that there was a hole of approx. 6 inches running through its core. The felled wood has disappeared! No donations have yet been received by the cricket club – but we are hopeful!

We are very grateful to the Parish Council for a grant which helped us fund the felling.

Mike Allison and Toni Janick have already started working at the ground, getting the wicket rolled and ready for April and the outfield trimmed. The weather has been great for making a good start to the work but Mike says he’s counting on some more rain. He would normally be using a sprinkler but the new water supply is not due to be connected until the end of March. We hope all will be ready for the first home match scheduled on Saturday 19th April. A full list of fixtures will be available on the Club website hmfcc@hitssports.co.uk Hillam News site, Crown and Cross Keys pubs and Hillam Notice Board.

Match Ball sponsorship is available again this year. For £30 you get a cricket tea for 2 and a drink. If you have a business then you can bring promotional materials down with you. It all adds up to a lovely relaxing afternoon which could be a nice gift or a just treat for yourself.

We also have promotional banners around the ground. If you want to advertise your company or services then for £90 we can get your banner printed and displayed for the season.

For sponsorship contact Julie on 01977 685795 or Tonu on 685227.

Julie Sadler

22

SPORT - IN - NEWS Recent weeks have seen the recommencing of the latter stages of football’s European cup competitions. For the second year running the English based clubs will be few and far between in the quarter final and semi-final ties. It’s another damning lesson in terms of how far the Premier League has fallen from the dizzy heights of the previous ten years when the latter stages of the Champions League were liberally scattered with teams from these shores. Based on the performance in UEFA’s prestige cup tournament then England’s top tier now ranks a poor third behind Spain and Germany. If you look beyond those results and see the nationalities of those involved in teams who represent the English sides you will see that around two out of every three does NOT qualify to play for England. In some ways therefore, you can be forgiven for thinking that the results of clubs in European competitions only have relevance to those who support the teams taking part. In terms of helping to build a stronger national side, then the statistics would say it is of very little benefit. Too many of the players eligible to pull on the three-lions shirt spend their midweek evenings sat at home watching enviously as their foreign counterparts gain key experience through playing at the highest club level in Europe. It’s little wonder therefore that when our national side play, as they did recently against Denmark, they are left looking a little out of place when asked to play against halfdecent opposition. Let’s hope the England squad can come together in the summer and take Brazil by storm! Based on recent performance and having looked at those playing within the Premier League I fear that the weeks of build-up will all end with England not progressing beyond the group stage. I hope those who believe we can escape from a group containing Uruguay and Italy are correct but for me, the Costa Rica game will be about the need to avoid finishing bottom of the group....

Rugby Union’s six nations has once again been played over the last couple of months and reminded everyone that this is still the premier tournament outside of the World Cup. Others will say that the southern hemisphere four nations bash involving New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Argentina offers more quality and that’s a very fair point. The plus point for the European version however is that you just cannot recreate the historic rivalry that a Wales England or Ireland France clash can generate. I accept that Australia and New Zealand share the same intensity across the Tasman Sea but beyond those games it’s hard to see the same type of atmosphere being generated. At the time of writing, the destination of this year’s six nations winner is still to be decided but whatever happens, England have shown themselves as being a team that is building nicely towards the World Cup in 2015. Chris Robshaw and his men were desperately unlucky not to win in Paris where the bounce of the ball on two occasions went for the home side and this turned out to be the key factor in a two point win. Having said that, they probably got what they deserved in terms of the final outcome particularly based on their performance in the first half of that game but if you look at the five games as a whole, then there are definite signs of progression and encouragement. Let’s hope the rugby boys can do better than

their round-ball counterparts by at least progressing through to the latter stages of the tournament.

Golf will hit our screens again in April with the season opening major of the US Masters taking centre stage from Augusta. This really is a unique tournament that rarely fails to deliver excitement and skill on one of the most beautiful courses in the world.

It would be great to see a player from these shores or even Europe put on the famous green jacket on the Sunday evening particularly in this Ryder Cup year. Time will tell whether that actually happens but let’s hope we do not see the coverage spoiled by talk of players cheating and misbehaving as was the case last year. Tiger Woods was inevitably at the centre of those issues although based on his recent performance it’s not clear whether he’ll be fit enough to take his place at Augusta as he continues to be plagued by a back injury. I hope he is there and fit enough to do himself justice, as these tournaments need all the best players turning up to give it their best shot (excuse the pun!).

Let battle commence!

Yours in Sport

Doug Hout Delivering Hillam News to Betteras Hill Now that Peter and Celia have moved to Thorpe Willoughby and left their Hillam Crossing home, they no longer will be able to deliver the Hillam News to Betteras Hill residents.

We thank them for their support; especially over the last few issues when they have returned to the village to do the deliveries. Their round stretches up Betteras Hill from the A162 to Shiraz on the right and Jean Collinson’s on the left. Particularly if you live in this stretch but also if you would enjoy the exercise six times a year, please contact me at: bettyandleswright@talktalk.net or 01977 682361

23

LAST WORDS St George's Crypt, Leeds Armley Shop Furniture Appeal We are always In need of good quality furniture to sell in our Armley Shop - it is one of our best sources of income and every penny we raise goes to fund the work we do across the charity.

If You have an old wardrobe in the attic, an unused chair in the garage or even an entire house clearance we can come and collect the lot - nothing is too big for our expert team of removers, many of whom are volunteers gaining valuable experience.

So if you think there is something we can help you with then please give the Armley shop a call on 0113 2-79 7732 and we will arrange the rest .

Pontefract Castle Shakespeare Day Free for Ages 5 - 12 Celebrate Shakespeare Day at this fun workshop and discover his connection with Pontefract Castle.

Wednesday 23 Apr 10.30am - 12pm and 1pm - 2.30pm Booking essential on 01924 302700 museumslearning@wakefield.gov.uk

THE SHERBURN TRILOGY

three humorous whodunnits set in 1728 and featuring the well-intentioned but accident-prone vicar of Sherburn by Julius Falconer – now out!

The Bite of a Mad Dog Death by Aloe-Seed The Trials of Thomas Roxby www.pneumasprings.co.uk and on Kindle www.juliusfalconer.com

Personal small adverts £1.00 per issue Business small adverts £4.00 per issue please contact David Edwards on 682346 or exSite@talktalk.net

24

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

Telephone

Details

Monk Fryston Stores Post Office counter

682252

Mon - Fri 6.30 am - 8 pm; Sat 7.30 am - 7 pm; Sun 8 am - 2 pm Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri 9 am - 5.30 pm; Wed & Sat 9 am - 1 pm

Last postal collections 682252 682201 691940

Hillam Square Monk Fryston PO South Milford PO Pontefract, Trinity St

Mon - Fri 4.30 pm, Sat 9.30 am Mon - Fri 4.15 pm, Sat 11 am Mon - Fri 5.30 pm, Sat 11 am Mon - Fri 6.30 pm, Sat 12.30 pm

Public transport

0113 2457676

Local bus and train timetables and enquiries: www.wymetro.com

South Milford Surgery Dr A Mackenzie & Partners

682202

Mon - Fri 8 am - 1 pm, 2 - 6 pm www.southmilfordsurgery.co.uk

Monk Fryston Surgery Dr D James & Partners

683452

Mon 4 - 8 pm; Tues & Wed 8 - 12 am; Thur 2 - 6 pm; Fri 9 - 11 am www.gibsonlanemedicalpractice.co.uk

Selby War Memorial Hospital

01757 702664

www.warmemorialhospital.org

Pontefract General Infirmary

0844 8118110

www.midyorks.nhs.uk

Visiting Scheme for the Elderly

681828

Transport, shopping, social events for the housebound, and much more www.sherburnvisitingscheme.co.uk

St Wilfrid’s Church, Monk Fryston

680788

Rector: Rev John Hetherington www.stwilfridandstmary.org.uk

Hillam Parish Council

01609 760345

Clerk: Malcolm Walton 1st Wed of month (except Jan) 7.30 pm, Community Centre To see the full minutes visit www.issuu.com/hillamnews

Selby District Council

01757 705101

www.selby.gov.uk

Western Area Community Engagement Forum

01757 705101

www.your-community.org.uk

Environmental Health, SDC

01757 292113

Refuse disposal: removal of bulky items

NYCC Recycling Centre, Canal Road, Selby

01609 780780

Recycling centre for household waste: cardboard, metals, textiles, masonry, bottles, green waste, batteries, TVs, monitors, oils

Wakefield MDC Recycling Centre, Ferrybridge

677792 01609 532512

Permits necessary for NYCC residents: waste.management@northyorks.gov.uk

Police (non-emergency)

101

www.northyorkshire.police.uk

Police Community Support Officer

101

Dion Wood dion.wood@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk

Neighbourhood Watch

682693

Tony Hudson

Gas (leaks)

0800 111999

www.transco.uk.com

Electricity (supply failure)

0800 375675

www.npower.com

Yorkshire Water (sewerage and leaks)

0845 1242429

www.yorkshirewater.com

Citizens’ Advice Bureau

01757 293015 0845 1203718

- for appointments at Sherburn - advice line www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Venue bookings

684180 689230

Church Hall: Paddy Twidale Community Centre: Becky Gatenby

The Hillam News is a free newspaper produced by volunteers. We make reasonable endeavours to ensure the accuracy of the content but we do not guarantee the accuracy of nor endorse the opinions of third-party contributions including adverts.

We publish our material in good faith and strive to comment fairly. If we make a mistake we are willing to correct it when it is pointed out to us. Because the paper is free we do not permit copying for gain but are happy to grant permission for reproduction.