The Grapevine SEAMER & TAME BRIDGE MAGAZINE
No. 136. December 2015 - January 2016
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EDITOR’S NOTES What a wonderfully warm November we have had and the events we have had held (including cleaning the pond!!!) have also helped to keep us warm. I am looking forward to Christmas and the New Year Events and hope you are too. It has, however, also been a sad November, internationally with the Paris Terrorist attack and locally with the death of another of Seamer’s long established residents (Tom Bainbridge). Our thoughts and condolences go out to all those affected by these events. Christmas is a time for Peace, Joy and reconciliation. I hope that, despite what other events happen, we will all remember that and experience it. The next edition of Grapevine will be at the beginning of February, I invite contributions for it from any readers, especially those in Tame Bridge, which can be sent by email to david.campy123@btinternet.com or by phone 01642710320 or post to 5a Holme Lane by the 24th January. Thank you and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Dave Campy
ST. MARTIN’S CHURCH Eucharist will be 11.15am on Sundays: 29th November 6th December 3rd, 17th and 31st January. Please join us for these very special services: Informal Carol Service, 3pm, Sunday 20th December (refreshments afterwards - no service at 11.15 that day) Christmas Morning Eucharist 9.15am Revd Paul Hutchinson 2
SEAMER VILLAGE POND - THANKS I would just like to thank everyone who turned out to help clear the weed off the pond on 10th October. It was a great team effort; although it initially looked as though we did not make much of an impression, it turned out we thinned out the weed considerably. Since then a few of us have persevered (when the wind has been strong and in a helpful direction, driving the weed to one corner). A few sessions and it has all but gone!! The expert opinion is that it could well return next year - but we will be ready for it and now have a strategy to keep it more under control. Many thanks again! Derek Winterbotham.
VILLAGE FLOWER TUBS Some of you may be wondering why some of the lovely wooden flower tubs around the village are being replaced by brick ones. One reason for this is that the existing wooden tubs are being damaged, by what is thought to be dog urine, corroding the metal straps, and this is a costly process to repair. Whilst the brick ones will soon become equally as nice, can I make a polite request to all dog owners to not allow their dogs to urinate on the remaining wooden tubs to help preserve them. Thanking you in anticipation of your co-operation. Editor
SEAMER VILLAGE HALL 100+ CLUB October winners were: (136 members) 1st £20 63 Mark Taylor, Leconfield 2nd £17 102 David Ward, The Green rd 3 £14 129 Jackie Sawney, off Hilton Road th 4 £10 46 Walter Pattison, Stainton Road 5th £7 47 Mark Murphy, Leconfield 3
The November draw had not taken place before the deadline for this Grapevine so the results will be in the February Edition or you can find them on the website. In November, the 100+ Club was 1 year old. We now have 140 members. For those members who joined last December/January, this means that you are due to join again. If you wish to do so, please get in touch with me (details below). New members can join at anytime - ÂŁ1 per month/ÂŁ12 per year. Full details are on the village website: seamervillage.co.uk Christine Cooper 01642 710294 or chris_cooper1@hotmail.com
Thanks to Margaret Smith who has recently retired from the post of Chairperson of the Village Hall Committee. We thank her very much for her splendid leadership & hard work involved in the supper room refurbishment. It looks wonderful! But now:
Your village hall needs you! There is now a vacancy for Chairperson of the Village Hall Committee as well as for more people to come onto the committee to represent the village & village hall activities. For more details & description of duties please contact Christine Campy, Vice-chair. Tel 01642 710320 or 07549134433
SEAMER METHODIST CHURCH CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS (see also adverts later)
On Sunday13th December there will be the switching on of the Village Christmas Tree lights at 4pm when we hope it will be dark 4
enough to appreciate the lights. This will be followed by a Nativity in the Church and refreshments. There will be Carols and other Christmas songs. Everyone is invited to this Village event and if your children and you would like to dress up for the Nativity that would be great. Shepherds, Wise Men, Angels, Inn keepers, Mary, Joseph and even animals will be most welcome. This will be led by Rev Daniel Pratt Morris-Chapman. CHRISTMAS CRIB Many households have some kind of Christmas Crib with figures of Mary, Joseph, animals and so on. Some wait to place the child in the manger on Christmas Eve, and then bringing the shepherds to the stable – later replacing the shepherds with the wise men. Some have all the figures in place all the time. Whatever way, for many it is a traditional part of the Christmas display. David Adam, formally a vicar at Danby/Castleton then at Lindisfarne wrote these words: I open the stable door; I kneel before the infant; I worship with the shepherds; I adore the Christ child. I give my love with Mary and Joseph; I wonder at the ‘Word made flesh’. I am aware of the love of God; I sing glory with the angels; I offer my gifts with the wise men. I receive the living Lord; I hold him in my hands; I go on my way rejoicing, Glorifying and praising God. Christmas can be a time of mixed emotions ranging from great excitement, memories of Christmases past, family gatherings and memories of loved ones no longer with us. The true message of Christmas is one of hope and peace – regardless of the emotions surrounding this festive season may we all reflect on these thoughts. 5
CAROL SINGING ROUND THE VILLAGES Once again we plan to go door to door in the Villages of Seamer and Newby singing carols. Despite the weather, I assure you that it is great fun. It is also a Christmas tradition that it would be very sad to loose. We would like to invite you to come and join us - wrap up well - and be part of this tradition. Weather permitting, the following arrangements have been agreed: Sunday 20th December meet Seamer Methodist Church at 6 pm Monday 21st December meet Seamer Methodist Church at 6 pm (At the end of each of these two evenings there will be refreshments in the ‘warm’ Church.) Tuesday 22nd December meet Newby Village Hall at 6 pm FUNERAL OF TOM BAINBRIDGE
The funeral took place on Tuesday 17th November of Tom (not Thomas) Bainbridge. Tom was born at Lowfields Farm Seamer and attended the village school in Seamer. Tom’s mother died when he was only 7 years old. As an adult he went into partnership with his brother Alwyn at Lowfields Farm. Tom then bought a small holding and then he eventually bought Seamer Grange Farm. Tom married Rita when he was 23 and they were at Seamer Grange Farm for some 42 years until ill health forced Tom and Rita to retire to Stokesley. Tom was committed to the community at Seamer. He was a Parish Councillor for many years serving as Chairman for over 10 years. He was also a Councillor for a period on Hambleton District Council representing Stokesley, Seamer and Newby. Above all, Tom was a family man and loved being with his children - Colin, Angela, Helen and Howard - and his 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. 6
Tom and Rita were together for 62 years until Tom’s death on November 1st 2015 at the age of 86 with Rita at his bedside. A large number of people attended the funeral, symbolising the high respect for Tom’s life. A total of £335 was donated, £165 going to the MRI scanner appeal at the Friarage Hospital and £170 to Seamer Methodist Church. It is to people like Tom that we owe a real debt of gratitude. We give thanks to God for his life. TIMES OF WORSHIP 6th December at 10.30 am Led by Ken Hudson 13th December Christmas Celebrations at 4pm 20th December at 10.30 am Led by Stan Townson 27th December at 10.30 am at Stokesley Methodist Church 3rd January at 10.30 am at Hutton Rudby Methodist Church 10th January at 10.30 am All age Worship Led by Christine Campy 17th January at 10.30 am Led by Doreen Hunt 24th January at 10.30 am Led by Arthur Noble 31st January at 10.30am Led by Rev Daniel Pratt Morris-Chapman TIME FOR A SMILE A vicar sees a small boy struggling to reach a door knocker and kindly knocks on the door for him. ‘Thanks,’ says the little boy. ‘Now run like mad!’ (I promise that when we knock while carol singing, we will not run like mad - unless you throw something nasty at us as you open the door!!!!!) THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH The blessing of Christ comes to cave and to hillside. His coming is mercy and kindness and joy. Hope and peace is born in his birthing. Ron Kirk
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TIME FOR A LAUGH The fattest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from eating too much pi. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian. She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of maths disruption. No matter how much you push an envelope, it'll still be stationery. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it. Time flies like an arrow; Fruit flies like a banana. Atheism is a non-prophet organization. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other: "You stay here; I'll go on a head." I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab centre said: "Keep off the Grass." The midget fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large. The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran. A backward poet writes inverse. In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion. There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did. 8
A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The stewardess looks at him and says, "I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion allowed per passenger." Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and says “Dam!" Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, "I've lost my electron. The other says "Are you sure?" The first replies, "Yes, I'm positive." Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during root canal treatment ? His goal: transcend dental medication. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have your kayak and heat it. Submitted by Bryan Sykes.
VILLAGE HALL NEWS MARGARET'S STINT AS CHAIRWOMAN! After a hectic and stimulating year as Chairwoman, I should like to thank all of the members of the Village Hall Committee for all their support, both with the Committee work and the full Event's programme. This has seen an exciting list of Social Events, from Burns’ Night, Marske Fishermen's Choir with Fish and Chips, to Alf Hind's Big Band. The aim was to have at least one Special Interest Event per month outside all the regular groups who enjoy the Hall. Janet is not on the Event's Committee but her 'Games Night', was very popular; so if anyone has an idea for an event they would like to run, or just suggest, contact me on 01642710611. Which brings me to New Year's Eve, we would like to know what interest there would be in a New Year Party in the Hall? This would mean providing your own drinks, food for a pooled Supper and a contribution to the Entertainment. (No suggestions here, you tell me!). Ring the above number, or make sure I know you are 9
interested, as soon as possible. There would be a nominal fee of £1 a head to cover any costs incurred. GARDEN CLUB The Garden Club is going on its Annual Garden Centre Crawl on Thursday 3rd of December; anyone who fancies joining us please ring me so you can be included in the transport arrangements. We usually set off about eleven, have a Coffee at the first Centre, calling somewhere nice, possibly Root's, for lunch, and looking at their Christmas Specialities. Then we will proceed with our 'Fact Finding', visiting maybe another two Centres with further sustenance as required. At our regular Meeting on Tuesday 8th of December we will be doing a Winter Arrangement. Please bring a container/vase, oasis, decorations and some flowers and greenery to share with the Group. If you have got over your Garden Centre crawl, bring something towards a Pooled Supper, as well as some ideas for next year’s programme! Next year will start with a meal at 'Uno Momento' on Tuesday 19 th of January. If you are a hungry soul who also likes Gardening, it looks like you couldn't go wrong by joining in with the Greenfinger's Group!! ART GROUP Our friendly Group is now flourishing, with new members bringing our numbers up to a dozen. Work from the Group is for sale on the Walls of the Hall with over seven paintings sold over the past few months. We meet on a Monday afternoon from 1-30 to 3-30; you do not need an Art Degree to join us, in fact we would not let Picasso join, this is just for fun! Margaret Smith 01642710611
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HALL TIMETABLE Monday
Pop-In 10.00am
Art Group 1.30pm
Tuesday
Carpet Bowls 10.00am
Beginner’s Pilates Class 6.00-7.00pm Craft Club 7.00pm Improvers’ and Intermediates’ Pilates Class 6.00-7.00pm Hall Committee meeting (1st Tuesday in month) Greenfingers 7.00pm (2nd Tuesday) Seamer Parish Council (3rd Tuesday)
Wednesday
Table Tennis 7.00pm Badminton 6.00-9.00pm
Thursday
Zumba Class 5.45-6.30pm Bridge Group 7.00pm
Seamer Methodist Church Traditional Nativity & Carols on th 13 Dec at 4-15pm (Following Tree Light Switch on)
Led by Rev Daniel Morris - Chapman Optional fancy dress Very informal - suitable for young & old, with presents under the tree for children! 11
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The Post Box can be accessed when the Village Hall is open for Group activities. Please put your cards and money in it and it will be emptied daily
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And Treasures in the Attic
BIG THANKS A big thank you to all who attended this event both selling (we had 11 tables) and buying. We had a wonderful time together and managed to raise £100 from the tables for Village Hall funds. However, the actual amount raised was not important. Everyone who attended, regardless of age, commented on the great time they had. The atmosphere was tremendous. Sam and Emily Thorpe, two village children managed to buy lots with their £2, including a play tent (50p) which has kept them and their cats entertained for days!! The stall holders were fantastic, explaining to the children how much they wanted for the articles and helping them to “barter”. Sam and Emily could not stop talking for hours after about what they got and towards the end of the sale they were given “freebies” for their politeness and enthusiasm. As we had such a good time, and many people have expressed that they would like to come again, I hope to make this a regular event perhaps every quarter. More details in future Grapevines but once again thanks to everyone who helped make this a success!! Jo Batey.
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GRAPEVINE CONTACTS (all numbers have 01642 in front of them) Magazine Layout and Editor David Campy, 5a Holme Lane, Seamer E-Mail: david.campy123@btinternet.com 710320 Illustrations Margaret Smith, 4 Bracken Hill Walk, Seamer 710611 Distribution Derek Winterbotham, Kingsbridge, Hilton Rd. Seamer 711617 St Martin’s Rev Paul Hutchinson, The Rectory, Stokesley 710405 Rev Sarah Strand (revsarahstrand@outlook.com) 810690 Methodist Church Ron Kirk, 2 Rosehill, Great Ayton 722053 Seamer Village Hall Bookings: Christine Campy (david.campy123@btinternet.com) 710320 General : Christine Campy (Temporarily) 710320 Village News Margaret Smith 710611 Seamer Parish Council E-Mail: scapa20@hotmail.com Seamer Correspondent for Darlington and Stockton Times Christine Cooper 710294 ooooOOOOoooo
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