The Grapevine SEAMER & TAME BRIDGE MAGAZINE
No. 148 December 2017 – January 2018
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EDITOR’S NOTES Christmas and New Year are times for family celebrations and remembering past events ae well as looking to the future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the “Family” involved in the production and distribution of Grapevine who keep us informed of the events and happenings. I hope this Grapevine informs you of all the events going in and around Seamer and Tame Bridge to help you plan your time. I would also like to wish all who receive Grapevine (and those that don’t) a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Enjoy yourselves and the events but remember the meaning of Christmas and think of those less fortunate than ourselves as well . The closing date for contributions to the next edition is January 28th 2018! Dave Campy
ST. MARTIN’S CHURCH Eucharist at 11.15am 3rd and 17th December (NOT 31st December) 7th and 21st January In addition there will be a Christmas Morning Eucharist at 9.15a.m. Stokesley & District Choral Society Christmas Concert 16th December - in the Parish Church, Stokesley. This is a joint event with Stokesley Primary School and starts at 7pm. Beetle Drive - There will be a Beetle Drive in the Town Hall, Stokesley on 13th January. Tickets £10 to include a Pie & Peas Supper. Contact Marie Groom, 01642 712138 for more details.
VILLAGE HALL NEWS AND EVENTS POP IN Everyone is welcome to this informal fun get together on a Monday morning between 10 – 12 with a chance to meet fellow residents and have a chat over Tea/Coffee and a scone. Come for as long as you wish. See following advert for details of our special Christmas Pop In party. Janet 2
Pop in Christmas Party 18th December 11.30 for 12.00 Two courses, drinks included ÂŁ5.00 All welcome Call Janet Bainbridge 01642 715728 GARDEN CLUB (GREENFINGERS) For more details Contact Angela Forrest 07891097649. ART & CRAFT GROUP Monday afternoon 1.30-3.30 Contact Margaret Smith 01642710611 BOOK CLUB The Village Hall book club meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm. We are a small friendly group of people and would welcome any new members who would like to join us. We read a book in advance then, over a drink and a snack, have an informal chat about it. We choose a new book between us for the following month. The cost is ÂŁ2.50 to cover the drink and snacks. The dates for the next few meetings are : December (to be decided) Tuesday 23rd January 2018 Tuesday 27th February 2018 Our current book is All I Ever Wanted by Lucy Dillon For further information please contact Lynn Clayton at
richard.lynn.clayton@hotmail.co.uk or phone 01642 712157
NOW & THEN MAGAZINES These are free and available to collect from the village hall when open for activities. 3
SEAMER SING-A-LONG (CHORAL SOCIETY) The December Sing-a-long is incorporated into the Village Hall event on Friday 8th December (thank you for that Christine - see later advert). The group is meeting an hour before (6pm) for a final rehearsal of the 3 songs we’re performing. Emily Thorpe is also planning to sing a solo. Additionally, the first sing-a-long of 2018 is Friday 5th January. Jo Batey 07759 531050
CANDLELIT CHRISTMAS SINGALONG Friday the 8thDecember at 7pm (Note change of date)
Village Hall A musical Christmas evening (songs and Carols) by candlelight, led by Ron Kirk on the accordion. Bring your own drinks and food to share. (Pooled supper). (Voluntary Donation to the Village Hall to cover heating, etc)
Further details contact Christine Campy on 01642710320 (Last years was very special and lots of fun) MAGIC NIGHT What a fantastic night of entertainment we had. I'm sure I speak for all 44 of us there, that Eric and his three colleagues from Middlesbrough Magic Circle provided us with one of the best nights we have had in the hall for many years. It was non-stop fun and laughter from start to finish, especially with the children taking part and them been amazed at the tricks they did. It will certainly be on the agenda to have them back again. ÂŁ69 was made for the hall funds. Christine Cooper 4
STAMP COLLECTION I collect used stamps and give them to charity. Please save yours and bring them to the Hall or 21 The Green. Leave a border of 1cm around the stamp. Thank you. Contact Ann Thomas: catcabcam@gmail.com for more information. CHRISTMAS WREATHS & DECORATIONS With Judie Livingstone (formerly of Cherry Hill Nurseries) FRIDAY DECEMBER 15th at 7.30pm Village Hall Tickets £7 including glass of wine and mince pie From Gill Burton 01642 713985 Christine Cooper 01642 710294
If anyone has any Variegated Holly that could be used on the above night please contact Christine or Gill. SEAMER VILLAGE HALL 100+ CLUB October winners were: (150 members) 1st £25 31 Ann Woodward, Holme Lane 2nd £20 60 Helen McAlister, Thornaby 3rd £15 132 Alan Harbottle, Holme Lane 4th £10 124 Laura Thompson, Tame Bridge 5th £ 5 35 Sue Walton, Stainton Road November winners were: (150 members) 1st £25 90 Elsie Wood, Brackenhill Walk 2nd £20 85 Sue & Jim Scheilling, Hilton Road 3rd £15 59 Dennis Richardson, Stainton Road 4th £10 141 Tony Walker, The Green 5th £ 5 112 Adam Barnard, Stokesley Road In November the 100+ Club was 3 years old. Over the last year it has raised £1,730 of which £865 was given out as prizes and the other £865 donated to the village hall towards its refurbishment. It has proved to be a huge success and much appreciated by the village hall committee members and we hope you will continue to support it. 5
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 on 01642 710294 or by e-mail on chris_cooper1@hotmail.com The membership over the year increased from 140 to 150 but we have lost some members so the present number has dropped to 148. My aim is to get to 160, so if any new residents would like to join, please get in touch with me. 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 HALL TIMETABLE Monday
Pop-In
Tuesday
Carpet Bowls
10.00am
Art and Crafts Group
1.30pm
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
Seamer Choral Society
1st Friday in month at 7.00pm
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This space could have been used by you to tell us about an event which might of interest to other people in Seamer and Tame Bridge! Contact David Campy (Editor) 7
SEAMER METHODIST CHURCH SWITCHING ON OF THE VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTS This will take place on Sunday 10 th December at 4pm. Following this there will be a short Nativity Service and refreshments in the Methodist Church. Everyone is welcome. Many thanks to the Parish Council for providing the tree. CAROL SINGING One of the traditions of the week before Christmas is carol singing from door to door in the villages of Seamer and Newby. This year we plan the following: Tuesday 19th December meet at Seamer Methodist Church at 6pm Wednesday 20th December meet at Seamer Methodist Church at 6pm Thursday 21st December meet at Newby Village Hall at 6pm Everyone is very welcome to join us , young or old and anyone in between – it’s real fun and is a great way of demonstrating that some traditions are well worth preserving. Put on warm clothing, clear the voice box and sing. THOUGHTS FOR CHRISTMAS As we unwrap our presents help us to remember those who have nothing. As we eat our festive food help us to remember those who are hungry. As we have fun with our friends and family help us to remember those who are lonely. As we think of Mary giving birth a long way from home help us to remember refugees and displaced people. As we enjoy being around those we love, in our happiness help us to remember all for whom Christmas is a sad time. As we are busy with all our preparations and celebrations may we remember that at Christmas we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God who came to be the Saviour of the world. TIMES OF WORSHIP 3rd December @10.30am led by Ken Hudson 10th December @4pm Nativity following switching on of tree lights Led by Rev Lisa Quarmby 17th December @10.30am Christmas carols and readings led by Ron Kirk 24th December @ 10.30am led by Robert Johnson 31st December @ 10.30am at Stokesley Methodist Church 7th January @ 10.30am led by Rev Lisa Quarmby 14th January @ 10.30am All age worship led by Rev Trevor Haigh 8
21st January @ 10.30am Led by Ken Hudson 28th January @ 10.30am led by Rev Andrew Robinson TIME FOR A SMILE This is the time of year when many receive demand statements for SelfAssessment Income Tax. Someone sent me this comment recently: ‘I was delighted when the kind people at the Inland Revenue wrote to me recently, telling me that my tax return was OUTSTANDING, particularly since I can’t even remember sending it in.’ THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH As we think of the Christmas stable we go with wonder, compassion and hope in our heart, and know that we are loved, now and for ever. May peace and joy of the Christ child be with you. HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR
Ron Kirk
TIME FOR A LAUGH
Confucius did not say: Man who wants pretty nurse must be patient. Lady who goes camping with man must beware of evil intent. Squirrel who runs up woman's leg will not find nuts. Man who leaps off cliff jumps to conclusion. Man who runs in front of car gets tired, but man who runs behind car gets exhausted. Man who eats many prunes get good run for money. War does not determine who is right; it determines who is left. Man who drives like hell is bound to get there. Man who stands on toilet is high on pot. Wise man does not keep sledge hammer and slow computer in same room. Man who lives in glass house should change clothes in basement.
OIL CLUB The oil club is expanding nicely. Due to slow demand following the summer and continued warm temperatures, the last order was a little late. However when we did, we managed to secure a full tanker load for 9
Seamer alone which helped to keep the price down. We will be ordering again in late November/early December to secure deliveries prior to Christmas. However if anyone is desperately short we will always strive to get the best price even for a single delivery. Also don't forget if you have a problem with your oil tank, we can put you in touch with a company who will hopefully resolve it, even in an emergency. Gordon Reed (01642 711495) and David Ward (01642710333)
COMMUNITY FUND UPDATE To remind residents, the Community Fund is overseen by the Parish Council with the assistance of an independent chairman. Residents are very welcome to apply to the fund with ideas to improve the village and its facilities. Since inception the fund has helped to improve the facilities and fabric of the parish hall (£10k); resurface the parish hall carpark, the pavement near School Cottages and the road adjacent to the King’s Head (£4k), work urgently need that NYCC wouldn’t fund; purchasing and fitting a defibrillator (£1.5k); ongoing work at the pond including fencing and water plants (£1.5k); renewal of the handrail along the path near the Kings Head (£500); improvements to the sign gardens and replace the deteriorating flower tubs with brick gardens (£1k) and a donation of £500 was made to The Globe (Stokesley Library) to help get it established. Recent applications granted have been to improve the steep bank on Stainton Road, to create a small memorial garden at the village hall and to renew the railings around the village pond. To apply for funding, the first step would be to contact the Parish Council, to discuss any proposals you have to make the village a more pleasant and attractive place to live. P. Taylor (Seamer PC) [Editor: The fund has also contributed to the printing of Grapevine. Thanks!]
COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH UPDATE Since the last update, the volunteers continue to deploy about twice a week. The average number of vehicles caught exceeding the speed limit 10
has risen to about 14% (was 10%). One possible reason for this is the removal of the two signs located at either end of the village. They were removed on the insistence of NYCC Highways department for reasons not linked to road safety. If they hadn’t been removed, the Speedwatch operation would have been jeopardised. Representations to the Highways Department are ongoing with little progress made so far. Please note we are being supported by the NY police speed bike, speed van in Tame Bridge, and Stokesley police officers. A PCSO has been tasked to support us if a deployment coincides with his shifts. Fortunately, only a small percentage of vehicles caught exceeding the limit are travelling at 45mph+ ; most are in the range 35-39mph. Of note, is a motorist caught travelling at 58mph on Hilton Road and then was caught again 10 minutes later doing 36mph!! I am very grateful for the help given by the very loyal and reliable group of volunteers and any resident willing to join us will be most welcome. P. Taylor (Coordinator)
THE GLOBE LIBRARY AT STOKESLEY I am delighted to confirm that The Globe Library has now been up and running since April. The manager Jane Hall, is doing a wonderful job supported by a pool of some 130 dedicated volunteers. We hope to extend the reach of the library to ensure that everyone in the community has access to this facility. Alongside the normal books, wifi and computer access there are two Knit and Natter groups, children story time and two infants Rhyme Time sessions now running each week. Citizens Advice run a drop in session each Monday afternoon. In addition, Jane and the volunteers run a selection of monthly specials. In October, there was a choir taster session, a Murder Mystery evening attended by over 50 residents and the drama group from the senior school put on an excellent performance for younger children at the Halloween Party. Joygernaut – a free workshop for adults led by poet Andy CravenGriffiths was held in the Library on Friday 24 November. A children’s book club is about to start for 7 -12 year olds and a Coding Club for 9 13 year olds. We are to run a Short Story competition open to all and there will be a Christmas Fayre on December 2nd. We hope to extend the programme and offer space to any small groups 11
wanting to set up and need to hear from local people about things they feel would be of interest. Some ideas are a monthly domino drive, chess club, sporting memories drop in and chat afternoon. Key to the Globe's success is communicating this. We are having a new web site designed and have a great volunteer who runs our social media feeds. We plan to publicise in the D&S. In addition if you have any ideas or suggestions about how we develop the Globe please do get in touch with myself or pop in and meet Jane at the library. Thanks in anticipation of your support. Sara Fryer (email: sarafryer@btinternet.com
CHRISTMAS QUIZ (JOKES) Try this and see how many you get. No prizes!! Answers at the end of Grapevine. 1. Who is Santa’s favourite singer? 2. What do the elves call it when Father Christmas claps his hands? 3. What do you say to Santa when he says your name when completing the register at School? 4. Why does Santa have 3 gardens? 5. Why was santa’s littlest helper feeling depressed? 6. What do you call it when Santa puts his wife on his Sleigh insurance? 7. Christmas is the time when everyone gets ……..? 8. What sort of bike does Santa ride? 9. What nationality is Santa? 10. What do the elves call Santa when he is on the beach? 11. Why does Santa come down the chimney? 12. What is Santa’s dogs name? 13. What is as the same as Santa but weights nothing? 14. Why does Santa put a clock on his Sleigh? 15. What does Mrs Claus say to Santa on Christmas Eve when she looks at the Sky?
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NORTH YORKSHIRE TRADING STANDARDS SCAMS Residents are continuing to be called by someone claiming to be from Microsoft/BT stating there is a problem with your computer and asking the victim to download a piece of software called Teamviewer which allows the criminal to gain access to the victims computer. Victims have lost several thousands of pounds to these criminals. Callers claiming to be from HMRC say there is an outstanding bill and a court order has been obtained for payment and that unless the 'victim' pays immediately, bailiffs will be sent round. . Often the criminal will ask for payment in i-tune vouchers. Finally we are seeing an increase in reported 'Romance Scams' where victims are duped into sending money to someone they have met on the internet. Quite often the criminal will give some sob story about how a child is ill or they need money quick to persuade the victim to transfer thousands of pounds into a foreign account on the promise they will get the money back or that the person will come to the UK to marry the victim. In all these cases the advice is the same. If you are contacted by the telephone or on the internet and you have any doubt whatsoever, terminate the call. Please do not fall victim to these fraudsters. 14
There has been an increase in cold calls to the public from bogus bailiffs requesting payments for a “phantom” debt. The fraud involves being cold -called by someone purporting to be a bailiff working on behalf of a court, attempting to recover funds for a non-existent debt. Fraudsters are requesting payment by bank transfer and if refused they threaten to visit the people’s homes or place work in order to recover the debt that is owed. From the reports we have received a range of different businesses and individuals are being targeted. Though this type of fraud can occur throughout the UK, we have found that significant levels of reports are being made from those in the Yorkshire area. Key facts about bailiffs: A bailiff is someone who has a legal power to collect certain debts. They may do this by asking you to pay what you owe, or by taking and selling your belongings to raise the money. Bailiffs are only used to recover certain debts such as council tax, child support and compensation orders. Bailiffs are not used to recover debts relating to private advertisement; these would be collected by debt collectors. Debt collectors do not have the same legal powers as bailiffs and will not have special court authorisation to act. If you're not sure whether you're dealing with a bailiff or a debt collector, check the Citizens Advice website. How to protect yourself: • Make vigorous checks if you ever get a cold call associated with a bailiff. • If you work for a business and receive a call or visit from bailiffs or debt collectors, be sure to speak with your manager or business owner first. Never pay the debts yourself on behalf of the business you work for; some fraudsters have suggested employees do this whilst talking with them, suggesting they can then be reimbursed by their employer, when in reality the debt is non-existent. • Request details of the debt in writing to confirm its legitimacy. • Do not feel rushed or intimidated to make a decision based on a phone call. Take five and listen to your instincts. If you have been affected by these, or any other type of fraud, call the Action Fraud team on 0300 123 204 15
GRAPEVINE CONTACTS Magazine Layout, Editor, Printer and Distribution Coordinator David Campy, 5a Holme Lane, Seamer E mail: david.campy123@btinternet.com Illustrations Front Cover: Anne Clements, Tame Bridge St Martin’s Rev Paul Hutchinson, The Rectory, Stokesley Methodist Church Ron Kirk, 2 Rosehill, Great Ayton Seamer Village Hall Chairperson: Mark Murphy Email : medinnov8@hotmail.com Bookings: Ann Thomas catcabcam@googlemail.com Village News and Events Contact: Dave Campy david.campy123@btinternet.com Seamer Parish Council E-Mail: scapa20@hotmail.com Seamer Correspondent for Darlington and Stockton Times Christine Cooper ooooOOOOooo
Answers to Quiz (sorry!!) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Elfis Presley Santapplause Present So he can ho ho ho. Because he had low elf esteem A dependent Claus. Santamental. A Holly Davidson. North Polish Sandy Claus. Because it soots (suits) him. Santa Paws Santa’s shadow. So he can see time fly Looks like rain, dear.
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