The Grapevine SEAMER & TAME BRIDGE MAGAZINE
No. 145 June – July 2017
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EDITOR’S NOTES What a wonderful end to May we have had regarding the weather but tinged with sadness by the events in Manchester. Our thoughts are with all those who have suffered in that tragedy. No one deserves to suffer as innocent bystanders. As our village’s contribution to the community well being, the problem of speeding vehicles travelling through Seamer and Tame Bridge is being tackled by police approved and trained Community Speed Watch Volunteers carrying out regular checks. In addition, the defibrillator is installed and fully functional. (Further information later on). Thanks to the lady from Leconfield who donated £10 towards the cost of future editions of Grapevine. Much appreciated. Dave Campy
ST. MARTIN’S CHURCH Eucharist at 11.15am Normal pattern (1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays of the month) resumes in June on June 4th with Pentecost . Revd Paul Hutchinson
The Coffee morning held on Friday 28th April raised £377.65. A big thanks to all that attended and helped make it a success. An even bigger thanks to those that helped in the organisation, provision of food and drinks and those that served them. Ann Startin Other important dates to note Saturday 24th June Heritage Masterworks concert at 7.30 pm in Stokesley Parish Church - no ticket price, but retiring collection Wednesday 5th July Three Inch Fools, Twelfth Night in Stokesley Parish Church at 7.00pm Tickets Adults £14 U18 £10 Saturday 8th July Kildale Quartet in Stokesley Parish Church at 7.30pm
VILLAGE HALL NEWS AND EVENTS GARDEN CLUB (GREENFINGERS) For more details Contact Angela Forrest 07891097649. ART GROUP For more information contact Margaret Smith 01642710611 CRAFT CLUB (Monday 7.00pm) - Extra members are always welcome to join us in an informal get together whilst doing your own craftwork. Time for the sharing of ideas and talent. Just come along to the sessions. 2
BOOK CLUB Dates for the next 5 months’ are Tuesday: June 27th, No meetings in July and August, September 26th and October 24th
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY LEARN TO KNIT
November for 4 sessions starting on Saturday 4th at 2.00pm
A class for Beginners, adults and children (Children must be accompanied by adult) or if you simply love to knit just come along and share in the fun. CHRISTMAS CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP Saturday December 2nd 2.00-4.00pm. Usual activities and SANTA! Contact Ann Thomas at catcabcam@gmail.com
Magic Night with Middlesbrough Magic Circle Friday October 7th Seamer Village Hall (Further details nearer the date)
SEAMER VILLAGE HALL 100+ CLUB April winners were: (140 members) 1st £20 79 Linda Lowther, Brackenhill Walk 2nd £17 83 Julie Allen, Hilton Road 3rd £14 103 Alison Cook, Hemlington 4th £11 42 Richard Clayton, The Green 5th £ 8 69 Craig Williams, Hilton Road The May draw will be drawn on June 5th due to the May Bank Holiday. For those members who joined last June/July, this means that you are due to join again. If you wish to do so, please get in touch. If you are new to the area and would like to become a member, you can do so at any time. It costs £1 per month/£12 for the year for which you are allocated a number. Each month half the monthly money is given out as prize money and the other half goes to the village hall funds. I look forward to hearing from you. Christine Cooper 01642 710294 or chris_cooper1@hotmail.com 3
HALL TIMETABLE Monday
Pop-In
Tuesday
Carpet Bowls
10.00am
Art Group
1.30pm
Craft Club
7.00pm
Pilates Class
6.00-7.00pm
10.00am
Hall Committee meeting
(1st Tuesday in month) Greenfingers
7.00pm (2nd Tuesday)
Seamer Parish Council
(3rd Tuesday) Book Club
7.30—9.00 (4th Tuesday) Wednesday
Table Tennis
Thursday
Zumba Class
7.00pm
5.40-6.40pm
Bridge Group
7.00pm Friday
JUMBLE SALE
Seamer Choral Society
1st Friday in month at 7.00pm
Our annual jumble sale on Saturday 29th April was a real success from the generous donations, sense of community and fun on the day (Ann and Eunice, I have photographic evidence!), to the people who streamed in and spent their money (rags also an extra £47.20).
From 2011, to date, the event has raised £3,513 for our Village Hall funds: 2011 £315, 2012 £440, 2013 £493, 2014 £590, 2015 £678, 2016 £532 and 2017 £465. It’s not, though, all about the money, here’s an exert from an email I received from one of our regulars: ‘Hi Jo, I'm not sure if you'd recognise me but I'm the guy who always comes and spends about £60+ on clothes at the jumble sale each year. Your team of 'glamorous assistants' behind the tables certainly always like to make a fuss of me when I'm paying and thinking back, I am sure it must have been you who they shouted over to trying to make you aware of how much I'd bought when I was leaving last year. I honestly actually LOVE the Seamer Village 4
Hall Jumble Sale though. As sad as it sounds it is actually one of the highlights of my yearly calendar ha!ha! Credit to you and your team and everyone who donates as there is always such good stuff there! I love vintage clothes and can never actually believe the stuff I come away with each year and that’s why I look forward to it so much. I've recently just moved away to Scotland but, as soon as I see the date go online, I put holidays straight in at work to come back home just for it (no pressure) . Matthew’ The YMCA benefited from all the leftover bric-a-brac. So thank you to everyone who helped and made the day feel so good, including teas and homemade biscuits on the day and please start keeping your stuff for next year! Jo Batey 01642 713143
SEAMER SING-A-LONG - 1st FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH
7.00 - 8.30pm Well we’ve had 4 fun (for some, tipsy) sing-a-longs since we started in February. A huge thank you to Ron Kirk for his musicality, direction and patience! Without Ron and his enthusiasm, little anecdotes and encouragement to practice ‘screeching in the shower’ it would, it has to be said, just not be the same. Hardly any of us can sing but we are belting out everything from songs from the Shows to The Beatles, Amarillo and the Rhythm of Life. The next 3 meetings are Friday 2nd June, 7th July and 4th August. Please join us, it really is the more the merrier, just be at the Village Hall for 7pm with the option to BYO drinks and stay for a natter afterwards. Managing to keep cost at only £2 per session and that often includes a complimentary drink. Please spread the word to friends and family, everyone welcome. I hope to see you there. Jo Batey 07759 531050 - please note I no longer have a landline.
JAM JARS WANTED Another year has gone by since I told you about my friend Jenny Firman who in her spare time makes jams, jellies, chutney's and pickles of every description to sell to raise money for Cancer Research UK. In the 7 years she has been doing this, she has raised the amazing sum of £19,100, which includes £3,400 for the last year ending on April 30th. To achieve this sum she has required lots of jam jars and produce to fill them with. Many of you have been saving them for her and she would be grateful if 5
you could keep on doing so. Please save any glass jars varying in size from baby food jars and all others in-between up to 1lb or 454g. As it will soon be the season for soft fruits and later on other fruits and vegetables, if you have a surplus of any produce and don’t know what to do with it, she will be glad to take it off your hands and is willing to pick it as well. The glass jars can be left at the village hall when it is open for activities or they can be left at Lowfields Farm, Stainton Road, Seamer – by the gates, or you can contact Jenny and she will collect them and/or any produce from you. If you would like to see what she makes and wish to place an order, or if you have an outlet where you could sell her preserves, look on her Facebook page. Her details are: Jenny Firman Phone: 01642 723934 / 07725207515 Facebook: easby charity preserves e-mail: easbycharitypreserves@yahoo.co.uk With your help I hope she will be able to raise a lot more money for this very deserving charity.
SEAMER DEFIBRILLATOR This is sited on the outside of the village Hall behind the notice board. In an emergency the user must first dial 999. The operator will then give advice on whether it is needed and then, if required, provide the code to unlock the cabinet. The defibrillator machine, with the help of the 999 operator, will guide the user through the procedure. Christine Campy
Chairman’s Annual Report to Seamer Parish Council, May 2017. Welcome to the Annual Report for 2016/17. Parish Council developments have for another year been rather peaceful and with one exception, mainly uncontroversial – long may it last, but we cannot take it for granted because we never know what is about to be thrust upon us. Changes to the national Planning Laws have so far been low key for the parish. Hambleton District Council are in the process of consulting on a new Local Development Framework which takes account of the new national guidelines. At some stage in the future we will be faced with development applications and I would hope that we will be able to influence any decisions 6
the planners recommend, for the best interest of the village. To this end we have formulated some principles which will guide our response in supporting the village to ensure that an development is appropriate and manageable without encroaching on the surrounding countryside. Speeding through the village continues to be an issue for residents but I am pleased to say that in conjunction with the Richmondshire and Hambleton Road Safety Partnership the police are now tasked to do speed checks on The Green/Stokesley Road, though not frequently enough. In a recent development, Seamer has joined the Community Speed Watch initiative with residents able to monitor and report motorists going above the speed limit. We will wait to see if this has any effect. The village is looking much more attractive with the flower tubs kindly provided and stocked by Arnold and Kath Cook of Springwell Nursery (and the small brick gardens) to whom I offer our thanks. The Parish Council are taking a bigger role in maintaining the tubs from now on and my thanks to Cllr Pattison for his help in this matter. Last September a mass planting of daffodil and crocus bulbs took place and the show in February and March was very attractive. The contractor, Philip Wood continues to do a good job in keeping our greens and verges looking neat and tidy and his efforts have been much appreciated by the villagers. The bank on Stainton Road seeded with grass and wild flowers, was not quite as successful this year and we will look for advice as to how to improve it. We will continue to try and ensure the village remains a pleasing and attractive place to live and any developments remain in keeping with a village environment. Gill Burton has taken responsibility for the pond and continues to fundraise for plants and equipment. Together with her band of helpers there was success in preventing the invasion of the weed that so blighted the pond in 2015/16. We are very grateful for her efforts. The village now has a defibrillator located at the village hall and the money to invest in this, came from the Community Fund. May I thank my fellow Parish Councillors for their time, work and interest they give to issues in Seamer and Tame Bridge and for the support, advice and interest shown by our District Councillor and County Council representatives. Thanks also to Mrs Taylor our Parish Clerk for the work needed to ensure the Parish Council functions efficiently.
Philip R Taylor (Chairman)
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MEMORIAL GARDEN Now that the garden at the side of the village hall has been cleared and topsoil
ordered, it has been proposed we now dedicate it as a memorial garden. We hope that the local community are in agreement. However, should anyone wish to discuss this further, please contact a member of the Village Hall Committee. Parish Council
COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH UPDATE The speed watch has been operating at two sites on Hilton Road for nearly a month. There have been 15 deployments so far and the results are as follows; From 1733 vehicles passing both sites, 164 have been exceeding the speed limit which is just over 9%. Only 3 vehicles have been reported as doing more than 50mph (maximum speed 59mph) with the majority exceeding the limit being between 39 and 43mph, which is still far too high. The police CSW coordinator has visited to watch a deployment and was very pleased as to how it was organised. After his visit, agreement was given to the use of a third site on Hilton Road. My thanks go to all the volunteers who have made the CSW so successful. We are always on the lookout for residents to join us and help make Seamer a safer and more pleasant place to live. P. Taylor (Coordinator)
SEAMER VILLAGE POND Our nesting house developed a problem. There has been a few different versions of the cause but the end result was it started to lean as one of the floating drums went adrift. It was removed before it sank! As I have been incapacitated for a few months, this will be revised and re-floated in the very near future. It doesn't seem to have affected the nesting of the ponds residents though, there is still some little new residents swimming around quite happily. Still looking out for Lily pads, it is still a bit early but fingers crossed. Gill Burton
SEAMER METHODIST CHURCH LIGHT IN DARKNESS What a shock when we switched on the Television to see the News on Tuesday Morning last week. Rather than all the General Election soundbites we were indeed shocked to see the tragic and wicked events unfold of the terrorist attack in Manchester, where a Concert attended by mostly young people was deliberately targeted, killing and maiming indiscriminately. As we know the youngest was only 8
8 years old. During the last few days we have heard the tragic stories of how lives have been changed irrevocably by the injuries sustained. To target, without warning, such an event where a large group of people, mostly children and young people is beyond understanding and can only be described as evil. How the perpetrator, who killed himself in that act, considered that the act was a honourable one is beyond belief. Alongside all the tragedy we heard of many deeds of caring for others. Alongside the example of the worst in people we saw many, many examples of the very best in humanity. Such acts of terror make us want to be more determined that there is a better way that brings out the very best in humanity as people respond heroically and generously regardless of their religion. Whatever our beliefs, let us pray that we may see the God of Love in each other, and that light will continue to dispel darkness. TIMES OF WORSHIP 4th June @ 10.30 am Led by Rev Lisa Quarmby 11th June @ 10.30 am All Age Worship Led by Katherine Atha 18th June @ 10.30 am Led by Rev Andrew Robinson 25th June @ 10.30 am Led by Lesley Hopwood 2nd July @ 10.30am Led by Church members 9th July @ 10.30 am All Age Worship led by Doreen Hunt 16th July @ 10.30 am Led by Ron Kirk 23rd July @ 10.30 am Led by Rev Lisa Quarmby 30th July @ 10.30 am Led by Peter Jackson TIME FOR A SMILE Just to remind everyone that June 6th is a general election. (If you don’t know who to vote for – give me a ring!) Q. How many spin doctors does it take to change a light bulb? A. Four. One to change it and three to deny it. THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Make me a channel of your peace. Where there is hatred let me bring your love; Where there is injury, pardon, Lord; And where there’s doubt, true faith in you. (Based on words by Saint Francis) Ron Kirk 9
CONCERNS ABOUT FOOTPATHS Some residents in Seamer may have seen a copy of a letter I recently wrote to Hilton Parish council and I have been asked to write this piece for the Grapevine because of the possible relevance to people in Seamer Parish. In Seamer Parish, we have two field footpaths; one west from Seamer Hill and one west from Oneholmes farm entrance. Both run to the road from Seamer down to Moor Farm. In Hilton, we have a permissive access to Brewsdale and in Newby Parish two small lengths of path. There are no other legal rights over our land or tracks but over time we have given personal permission to a number of local people to use some of the tracks on the farm for walks while assisting us in the control of trespass and other misdemeanours. It has, however, come to our attention that people are walking over our land without having the courtesy to seek permission. Further in some places they are either not clearing up after their dogs and in one place in particular, near the windmills, well away from the road, I have just had to tidy up over forty bags of dog faeces thrown into a briar patch which I am sure you can imagine was not a particularly pleasant occupation. We are particularly concerned about dog faeces as dogs which are themselves healthy can spread diseases which are lethal to cattle so it is essential that we ensure that grass and silage we make from the grass to feed our animals is not contaminated. We also do not wish to endanger the high health status of our own animals. Agriculture has, for several years, come under considerable public pressure to enhance the environment and we have been happy to join a number of countryside stewardship schemes. This mainly involves care for hedges and the provision of wide grass strips round the edges of our crops which are intended to be undisturbed refuges for wild life. Walking along these margins destroys their value and breaches the rules making us liable for penalties as well as destroying the environmental value they provide. In writing, I would also point out that we spend time and money clearing up litter and fly tipped material from our land and we do try to keep our roadside verges tidy, though this is not our responsibility. Driving a lawn mower from Applegrove farm gate to Oneholmes farm gate, I counted over three hundred items of litter, but apparently, no one ever sees this litter being deposited or thrown out of cars. This is a criminal and reportable offence but it relies on everyone keeping their eyes open and dialling 101 especially if you can get a vehicle registration. You may not think much happens but we need to make this activity as anti-social as speeding if we are to make any impression on the habit. We need everyone’s active support if we are to keep our countryside tidy.
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I do hope that Seamer and Tame bridge residents can assist in reducing these problems. Every little bit helps! Robert Campbell
SMART METERS Following a presentation to Trading Standards from National Energy Advice (www.nea.org.uk) regarding the rollout of Smart Meters for domestic energy consumers, please be aware that they are free of charge and will be installed by your energy provider during a pre-arranged appointment. Also, please be aware of any ’traders’ offering to install them for a fee and always ask to see identification of anyone entering your house you do not know. Reputable traders will always carry and show Identification.
TIME FOR A LAUGH Just read that 4,153,237 people in the USA got married last year; not to cause any trouble but shouldn't that be an even number? Today a man knocked on my door and asked for a small donation toward the local swimming pool. I gave him a glass of water. If I had a dollar for every girl that found me unattractive, they would eventually find me attractive. I find it ironic that the colours red, white, and blue stand for freedom until they are flashing behind you When wearing a bikini, women reveal 90 % of their body... men are so polite they only look at the covered parts. A recent study has found that women, who carry a little extra weight, live longer than the men who mention it. Relationships are a lot like algebra. Have you ever looked at your X and wondered Y? America is a country which produces citizens who will cross the ocean to fight for democracy but won't cross the street to vote. You know that tingly feeling you get when your attracted to someone? That's your common sense leaving your body. Did you know that dolphins are so smart that within a few weeks of captivity, they can train people to stand on the very edge of the pool and throw them fish? My therapist says I have a preoccupation with vengeance. We'll see about that. I think my neighbour is stalking me as she's been googling my name on her computer. I saw it through my telescope last night. Strong people don't put others down. They lift them up and slam them on the ground for maximum damage. Money talks... but all mine ever says is good-bye. 11
You're not fat, you're just... easier to see. If you think nobody cares whether you're dead or alive, try missing a couple of payments for your car.
JOB VACANCY
After many years service as illustrator for the covers of Grapevine, Margaret Smith would like to take a “well deserved break” and give others the opportunity to show their artistic skills and provide future covers. These can be Seamer/ Tame Bridge views, seasonal illustrations, adverts for local events in the months the edition covers etc. Now we have some colour printing they could even be photographs! I would like to thank Margaret for all the wonderful work she has done for Grapevine and wish her a great, well deserved break! Please contact me if you are interested in this Vacancy. Dave Campy 01642710320 david.campy123@btinternet.com
GRAPEVINE CONTACTS Magazine Layout and Editor David Campy, 5a Holme Lane, Seamer E mail: david.campy123@btinternet.com Illustrations Margaret Smith, 4 Bracken Hill Walk, Seamer Distribution Derek Winterbotham, Kingsbridge, Hilton Rd. Seamer St Martin’s Rev Paul Hutchinson, The Rectory, Stokesley Methodist Church Ron Kirk, 2 Rosehill, Great Ayton Seamer Village Hall Christine Campy Email : christine.campy@hotmail.co.uk Village News and Events Christine Campy/Ann Thomas Seamer Parish Council E-Mail: scapa20@hotmail.com Seamer Correspondent for Darlington and Stockton Times Christine Cooper ooooOOOOoooo
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