The Kirkbymoorside Town Blog

Gillamoor Quiz Night this Sunday

2012-02-22T21:21:00.003Z

A Quiz Night is being held at the Royal Oak in Gillamoor at 8.30pm this Sunday, 26th February with proceeds donated to Home Start Ryedale - a local charity supporting young families experiencing rural or social isolation.

Home-Start Ryedale, which is based in Norton, trains parent volunteers to support families who are struggling to cope for any reason, such as domestic abuse, multiple births, isolation or depression.

Set up in 2007, Home-Start Ryedale is one of 334 local HomeStarts that form part of the UK's leading family support charity.

For more information about volunteering for Home-Start Ryedale or to access support please email or phone (01653) 693551 or 07966 473567.

Kirkbymoorside Town Council - Minutes of the Ordinary meeting - 16 January 2012

2012-02-22T11:57:00.001Z

KIRKBYMOORSIDE TOWN COUNCIL

The Shambles, Crown Square, Kirkbymoorside, York, YO62 6AY

Tel: 01751 432217 ~ email

Minutes of the Ordinary meeting of the TOWN COUNCIL held at Church House, Kirkbymoorside on Monday 16 January 2012 at 7.00pm

Present: Councillors C Dowie (Chairman), A Alexander, J Cossins, J Coughlan, S Ward and J Watson.

Also present: District Councillor D Cussins, County Councillor V Arnold, 15 members of the electorate and Clerk, Miss S Brown

11183. Apologies for absence were received and accepted from Councillors Brampton and Marsden

11184. No Declarations of Interest were received

11185. Minutes and Matters arising:

a) The Town Council approved the minutes of the Meeting held on 19 December 2011 after amending item 11170

b) The Town Council received the Draft Minutes of the Play Areas Committee Meeting held on the 9 January 2012.

c) The Town Council received the Minutes of the Staffing Committee Meeting held on the 19 December 2011.

d) The Town Council received the Draft Minutes of the Staffing Committee Meeting held on the 4 January 2012.

e) The Town Council received the Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 19 December 2011.

f) The Town Council received the Draft Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 4 January 2012.

g) The Town Council received the Draft Minutes of the Finance Committee held on the 17 December 2011.

h) The Draft Minutes of the Manor Vale Committee Meeting held on the 13 January 2012 were deferred to the next meeting

i) There were no matters arising.

11186. Public Session – to allow members of the public to make representations, ask questions and give evidence in respect of any items of business. The Sportsfield Association advised the Town Council that they were offering the use of the fields at the Sportsfield for the celebrations of the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Members of the public gave representation in respect of item 11 of the Agenda

11187. Discussions with District and County Councillors:

a) County and District Councillors to respond to questions already posed.Councillor Arnold had no further updates to report on the sale of the Old Highways depot

b) Town Councillors had no comments on urgent matters.

c) Councillor Cussins reported that sites were becoming available for planning applications in the Westfields and West Pasture area. Councillor Ward reported that a decision had been reached regarding the allocation of the New Homes Bonus. She reported that 80% of the proposed income had been allocated to Ryedale District Council and 20% had been allocated to National Parks. At Ryedale DC meeting it was decided that, after a payment to NYMNPA to reflect housing within the Park, 50% of the remainder has been ring fenced for the Kirkbymoorside Ward, the allocation being £10,502.This money will be available under a bidding system and RDC are looking for projects based on Parish Plans and require evidence of benefits of the project to the community – this money is to be allocated by March 2013 and spent by March 2014.The balance of the money (£100,803) will be distributed on a bid basis, with bids from properly constituted organizations including the District Council, National Park, Voluntary Organisations and Community Groups. A panel of Councillors will be established to decide on the applications.

11188. Councillor Cossins asked the Chairman to pass on congratulations to the residents’ of Dale End for the display of Christmas lights

11189. The Town Council noted that North Yorkshire County Council’s street lighting engineer has confirmed that the bus signs can go on the street lighting column outside Kitching Walker Solicitors and that the hanging baskets will need to be removed as will the connections and brackets for any Christmas illuminations.The Town Council approved the siting of the signage and agreed that the area required clear marking once in place and also requested that full enforcement of the restrictions were to be carried out

11190. The Town Council noted the contents and restrictions on storage of data within the registration for Data Protection and that compliance in respect of primary storage remains within the European Economic Area.

11191. To consider financial matters:

a) The Town Council amended the cheque payments removing the invoice relating to Allgardens to await a more comprehensive breakdown of the costs. The remaining cheques listed were approved and signed

b) The financial report for receipts and payments were received by the Town Council.

c) The Town Council agreed to revolve the current £49,999 on deposit and due to mature on 24 January 2012.

d) The Town Council requested that the Finance Committee make recommendations regarding further deposits of £49,999 one month apart for the subsequent 2 months resulting in a revolving monthly return.

e) The Town Council agreed to continue using Scribe 2000 for the preparation of the next year’s accounts and authorise the invoice for payment at a cost of £245 +VAT.

11192. Streetlights:

a) To receive an update from the clerk on the collation of prices for the replacement of concrete pillars (including updating/changing same pillars to Highway specification) and response from Acorn for the information requested regarding inspections emailed by the clerk in November. This item was deferred to the next meeting due to none response from other agencies.

b) To request the Clerk to instigate tender processing for the on-going maintenance of the street lights due the cessation of the existing contract on 31 March 2012. This item was deferred to the next meeting for further information including the cost of the existing contract.

11193. The Town Council agreed to amend the agenda item to read “Tinley Garth” rather than “Piercy End”Councillor Alexander raised Health and Safety concerns regarding cars mounting the pavement on West End to enable the traversing of two way traffic. He felt that the Council had a moral obligation to investigate alternative traffic management.Councillor Coughlan requested that he was recorded as saying that there was no question of the Council ignoring its moral responsibility regarding this matter.

11194. Play Areas Committee:

a) The Town Council agreed to the recommendation from the Play Areas Committee that the following resolution be rescinded: Minute 11149 ‘To replace the broken fence along one side of the Play Area with a wooden one at a cost £480.’

b) The Town Council agreed to purchase Wetpour surfacing for underneath the double swings and large cantilever swing at Old Road Play Area..

c) The Town Council agreed that the Play Areas Committee can spend up to £6,750 on Wetpour surfacing once 3 quotes have been received. Ryedale District Council have agreed to award a grant of £2,500 towards this project from the Parks and Open Spaces Fund. The Town Council also agreed that if as a result of this purchase the budget is overspent the funding will come from reserves

d) The Town Council agreed to allow the Play Areas Committee to spend £155 to replace rubber straps on the small swings at Old Road Play Area.

11195. Old Library

The Town Council received the report from the Team subsequent to the meeting of 9 January 2012. The Town Council delegated the working group to investigate the impact on the rateable value and “on costs” for public letting. Councillor Ward proposed that the Council appoint a valuer to determine whether plans presented by John Paul are likely to enhance the value of the property sufficiently to warrant the investment.

11196. The Town Council agreed to carry out a study of the Dog Bins around Kirkbymoorside with a view to purchasing more bins from Ryedale District Council following recent complaints of dog fouling. A request to the Dog Warden was to be made to assist with this and Councillor Ward agreed to liaise

11197 Councillor Arnold advised the Town Council that whilst there were no bus shelters currently available and no money for current additional purchases she would be happy to raise this matter at the next NYCC Area Committee Meeting. Councillor Alexander offered to make an assessment of possible sites for bus shelters and report to the next meeting.

11198 Councillor Alexander reported that the Committee of the Community Led Plan would be publishing an initial questionnaire in March 2012.

11199 Councillor Dowie reported that negotiations with NYCC are on-going and she was hopeful that Library opening hours would not be reduced

11200. The Mayor wished to thank the team of volunteers who had helped with the Christmas Lights and also the Business Partnership for organising the very successful Christmas Fair. She asked the Town Clerk to write and thank all those involved. The Mayor also wished to thank all the residents in the town who had decorated their property with Christmas lights.

11201. The Town Clerk presented her report (see appendix). The Town Council requested the Town Clerk to contact NYCC in respect of the temporary road closure at Dale End and Gillamoor Road for 4 weeks between 20 Feb 2012 and 27 April 2012 and expressed concern regarding the considerable inconvenience for accessibility.

11202. The Town Council noted that the office staff have received numerous complaints from residents who did not receive a Tesco Questionnaire. Councillors expressed regret that this had occurred.

11203. The Town Council noted the date of the next meeting as 20 February.

Meeting closed 8:33pm

Kirkbymoorside Town Council - Minutes of the extra ordinary meeting - 10 February 2012

2012-02-22T11:49:00.002Z

KIRKBYMOORSIDE TOWN COUNCIL

The Shambles, Crown Square, Kirkbymoorside, York, YO62 6AY

Tel: 01751 432217 ~ email

Minutes of the extra ordinary meeting of the TOWN COUNCIL held at Church House, Kirkbymoorside on Friday 10 February 2012 at 7.15pm

Present: Councillors C Dowie (Chairman), M Brampton, J Coughlan, S Ward and J Watson.

Also present: Clerk, Miss S Brown

11204. Apologies for absence were received and accepted from County Councillor V Arnold and Councillor J Cossins

11205 No Declarations of Interest were received

11206 Minutes and Matters arising:

a) Amendments were requested to the minutes of the Meeting held on 16 January 2012 for resubmission to the next ordinary meeting of Council

b) The Town Council received the draft minutes of the staffing committee of 30 January 2012

c) Works taking place at Manor Vale, Dale End and Gillamoor Road are being further investigated following requests from the meeting of 16 January 2012. The Town Council agreed that at a site meeting prior to the work commencing, Councillors Dowie and Brampton will discuss an agreement with the contractor to use an area of Town Council land in Manor Vale to store materials and equipment. The Town Clerk will also attend the site meeting. The council will require a written agreement setting out the terms, the length of the rental period and the amount of rent payable.

11207 No members of the public wished to make representation to the Town Council

11208 The Town Council resolved to accept the recommendation of the Staffing Committee that the post of Assistant Town Clerk be advertised

11209 The Town Council agreed and accepted the advertising costs for recruitment via SLCC for a 3 week period at a cost of £120. The Town Council also agreed to advertise the position through the Job Centre, on the Town Blog and on the Town Council notice board.

11210 To Town Council approved the job description, person specification and application form for the Assistant Town ClerkThe Town Council deferred the acceptance of the employment contract until March 2012

11211 To Town Council agreed to set the salary for the post of Assistant Town Clerk at SCP scale 15 to 22

11212 To Town Council agreed the dates and process for recruitment

a) Deadline for the receipt of application forms; midday 12 March 2012

b) The staffing committee to create a shortlist from application forms; evening of 12 March 2012

c) Interviews to be conducted by the staffing committee on 16 March 2012

11213 The Town Council noted that the staff appraisals are carried out by 2 or 3 members of the staffing committee

11214 The Town Council noted that the appraisal for new staff is after 3 months, 6 months and then annually at a time to fit in with budget setting

11215 The Town Council noted the date of the next meeting as 20 February 2012 in Church House

The meeting closed at 8:00pm

Diary of an Allotment Woman

2012-02-21T18:04:00.001Z

Mid February and the excitement of the Allotment Association Annual General Meeting.

First, by way of background, here is some boring stuff I gleaned from Wikipedia.

The National Society of Allotment and Leisure Gardeners Ltd claims that “gardening is almost certainly the only recreational activity which has its own legislation. The main points of the legislation are laid out in the Small Holdings and Allotments Act 1908” This was modified by the Allotments Act 1922 and subsequent Allotments Acts up until 1950. Are you yawning yet?

Under the acts a local authority is required to maintain an "adequate provision" of land, usually a large field, which can then be subdivided into allotment gardens for individual residents at a low rent. Allotment sizes are often quoted in square rods, although the use of the rod has been illegal for trade purposes since 1965 and unit prices must by law be quoted in pounds per square metre. The rent is set at what a person "may reasonably be expected to pay". In 1997 the average rent for a 10 square rods (approx. 250 m2) plot was £22 a year. Each plot cannot exceed 40 square rods (1000 m2) and must be used for the production of fruit or vegetables for consumption by the plot-holder and their family, or of flowers for use by the plot-holder and their family. The exact size and quality of the plots is not defined. The council has a duty to provide sufficient allotments to meet demand.

So, with the weight of all this legislation behind us, the Kirkbymoorside Allotment Association holds its one annual meeting. Madam Chairman (I do hate ‘Chair’ except for a piece of furniture) proceeds with brisk efficiency.
Last year’s minutes, which we are supposed to have read, are agreed to be a true record and signed; there are no matters arising. The Treasurer reports that we are solvent. The office holders – we don’t know who they are, and they don’t say – are pleased to continue for another year, and we, duly delighted that we don’t have to hunt about and bully someone into being chairman, elect them pronto. There are two vacancies on the committee, but victims have been lined up, wave their hands reluctantly, and are duly elected. The Lishman Shield, its criteria unknown to us, is awarded on the Committee’s recommendation. We pay our plot rental for the coming year, and we are out on the street again in twenty minutes. I love it. Nobody says ‘on a point of order, Mr Chairman’, or ‘May I move a motion that a motion be now put’ and all that sort of nonsense that tends to bedevil amateur committees. We do what we are there for, in plain English, and go home again. Long may it continue thus.

I asked Allotment Man once if he didn’t fancy being on the committee so as to have some say in how things were run. Looking up from his engrossing reading matter – I think it was ‘One hundred and twenty seven ways to detect, deter, disable and destroy coddling moth in apples’ – he said, with his usual Yorkshire loquacity (and having been on committees all his working life), ‘no’. OK, no point in pursuing that one then.

And soon, soon, we will start planting again.

Handbell concert

2012-02-21T11:30:00.001Z

The Beverley Town Handbell Ringers are giving a concert in Hovingham Village Hall on Saturday 17 March at 7.30 pm.

The Ringers were formed in 1981, and play on a set pf 136 Whitechapel bells covering a wide range of octaves and an equally wide range of music including modern and light classical, marches and waltzes. This is real music, not to be confused with the old school bell some of us remember from our youth! They also offer an opportunity for members of the audience to ‘have a go’. You can see the group in action, and get an idea of what they sound like, here.

This particular concert is organised as a fund raising event by the Ryedale Centre of the National Trust, but everyone is welcome. Tickets cost £7.00 including tea or coffee and biscuits, and may be obtained from Joyce Helliwell by phoning 01751 475793, or on the door.

Treasure in the Attic at Ryedale Auctioneers

2012-02-20T21:44:00.000Z

Angus describes the highlight of the weekend's specialist sales when a toy train, taken down from the loft, achieved far more than was expected.

Click here for prices realised in the weekend auctions.

Missing cat

2012-02-20T14:25:00.000Z

A not wholly happy arrival in Kirkbymoorside for new vicar of All Saints, Mark Brosnan, when his cat Bramble went missing.

Bramble, a small black tabby, pictured above, went walkabout from his new home at the vicarage last Wednesday. If you spot him, please call Mark or Tania on 01751 431452.

Pickering Quakers to host Terry Waite - March 17th

2012-02-19T20:19:00.001Z

Former Beirut hostage Terry Waite is to be the guest speaker of Pickering Quaker Meeting next month.

Mr Waite, who worked for the then Archbishop of Canterbury, was on a visit to Lebanon when he was captured and held hostage for several years. Now, 20 years after his release from captivity, Mr Waite has been described as “a sort of roving humanitarian” and is involved in a large number of issues and projects and is in high demand as a speaker.

The event entitled “A Testament to Peace” will be on March 17 between 2pm and 5pm at the Pickering Memorial Hall. After his address he and a small panel of local people will respond to questions and views from the floor.

Admittance is free, but by ticket only and these are available from the Pickering Tourist Information Centre.

Photo 18 - The Way We Were

2012-02-19T20:08:00.000Z

"Discussing the Match" ~ Customers with landlord Tony Riby at the Kings Head Hotel, High Market Place.

(Taken 12.4.2000)

To see all the images posted to date just click on the link 'Way We Were' under the Story Topics in the right hand column. There are over 100 in the series of photos taken by David Ireland so keep watching as more are posted over the months ahead.

Events at Nunnington Hall

2012-02-18T13:21:00.000Z

(Photo courtesy of the National Trust)

Nunnington Hall in (not surprisingly!) Nunnington village is our nearest National Trust property and a very pleasant place for an afternoon out with tea by the river. But until the weather improves sufficiently for that to be possible, you might like to note a couple of exhibitons taking place there.

Running until 18 March is "Salvador Dali: The Surralist Master" a selling exhibition of lithographs, etchings and drawings. From 27 March to 7 May there is "Through Lichfield's Lens: The Polaroids", the world premier (no less) of some of photographer Patrick Litchfield's polaroid boards which decorated his London studio. Several further exhibitions are scheduled for later in the year.

For information on Nunnington Hall, including opening hours and admission charges, click here.

Great opportunity for young sailor ...

2012-02-17T16:43:00.002Z

Would you like a week in this boat?

If you are 14 to 17yrs old between the 6th and 17th August then the Pickering and District Rotary Club would like to hear from you. They are offering ONE FREE place to a suitable candidate.

NO SAILING EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

For more information have a look at this link and if you are still interested drop a line to Andrew Husband, 128 Westgate, Pickering, YO18 8BB by the end of March saying why you would like to go.

Busy weekend ahead at Kirkby auction house

2012-02-16T10:03:00.000Z

Angus here describes what will be a very busy weekend ahead at Ryedale Auctioneers with two days of specialist sales. On Saturday there will be a Sporting, Militaria and Motorbike sale followed on Sunday by a Model Railway and Toys Sale.

You can view the catalogue here.

Items in the Model Railway sale:

Helmsley Arts Centre seeks support

2012-02-15T18:57:00.002Z

Kirkbymoorside Town Council - Planning Committee Meeting - 20 February

2012-02-15T18:47:00.000Z

Issued on Wednesday 15 February 2011 for a Planning Committee meeting to be held at Church House, Kirkbymoorside on Monday 20 February at 6:30 pm.

Members of the press and public are welcome to attend

1. To receive apologies for absence

2. To receive declarations of interest in items on the agenda

3. Minutes and Matters Arising

a) To approve the Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 16 January 2012

b) To consider any matters arising.

4 Public Session - to allow members of the public to make representations, ask questions and give evidence in respect of any items of business.

5 To review planning applications and notices:

a) 12/00103/HOUSE Installation of replacement front door for flood prevention
70 West End Kirkbymoorside YO62 6AF

b) 12/00104/HOUSE Installation of replacement front door for flood prevention
Candlemas Cottage 74 West End Kirkbymoorside YO62 6AF

c) 12/00105/HOUSE Installation of replacement front door for flood prevention
76 West End Kirkbymoorside YO62 6AF

d) 12/00127/HOUSE Installation of replacement front door for flood prevention
71 West End Kirkbymoorside YO62 6AD

e) 12/00039/FUL Change of use and alteration of two storey section of building from general storage to a two bedroom dwelling with integral garage while retaining the retail unit fronting West End.
10A West End Kirkbymoorside YO62 6AF

f) 12/00036/ADV Display of 1no non-illuminated aluminium post mounted V sign to advertise adjacent residential development (revised details to refusal 11/01028/ADV dated 24.11.2011)
Land To North Of Wainds Field Kirkbymoorside

6 To note planning amendments from Ryedale District Council

11/01300/FUL Change of use of annex to a separate residential dwelling
21 West End Kirkbymoorside YO62 6AD

7 To note planning decisions from Ryedale District Council

11/01186/FUL Installation of 18no. photovoltaic panels to the southern roofslope facing into the forecourt area to generate electricity for the applicant's business
63 Piercy End Kirkbymoorside YO62 6DQ

8 To receive a copy of a letter in respect of 11/00067/FUL Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of a six-bedroom dwelling with linked double garage with hobby room above Quarry House Hagg Road Kirkbymoorside York YO62 7JF

9 To note that the next Meeting will be on 19 March in Church House

Kirkbymoorside Town Council - General Meeting Agenda - 20 February

2012-02-15T18:43:00.000Z

Issued on 13th February 2012, for a meeting of the TOWN COUNCIL to be held at Church House, Kirkbymoorside on Monday 20 February 2012 at 7.00pm

Members are reminded that the press and public are invited to attend the meeting

1. To receive apologies for absence

2 To receive Declarations of Interest in items on the agenda

3 Minutes and Matters arising:

a) To approve the amended minutes of the Meeting held on 16 January 2012

b) To approve the minutes of the extra ordinary meeting held on 10 February 2012

c) To receive the Draft Minutes of the Play Areas Committee Meeting held on the 26 January 2012

d) To receive the Draft Minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 16 January 2012

e) To receive the Draft Minutes of the Finance Committee held on the 10 February 2012

f) To receive the Draft Minutes of the Manor Vale Committee Meeting held on the 13 January 2012

g) To consider any matters arising

4 Public Session – to allow members of the public to make representations, ask questions and give evidence in respect of any items of business

5 Discussions with District and County Councillors

a) County and District Councillors to respond to questions already posed

b) Town Councillors to raise urgent matters recently arisen

c) County and District Councillors to advise the Town Council on any new matters

6 To consider a request from Allgardens to carry out some Winter Maintenance to the A170 roundabout.

7. To discuss suggestions for projects for submission in respect of the New Homes Bonus income

8. To consider financial matters

a) To approve cheque payments according to the list provided

b) To receive the report of the Councillors Audit of 30 January 2012

c) To receive the financial statements from Moore Stephens

9 To receive further information regarding maintenance and upgrade costs for streetlighting

10. Grounds Maintenance

a) To receive a report from the clerk on the status of grounds management arrangements in response to an agenda item from 17 October 2011

b) To consider the content of the letter received from NYCC regarding Urban Grass Cutting for 2012

11 To consider celebrations in the Town for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

12 Old Library

a) To receive the report from the working group on the progress of previous questions

b) To receive the report and suggestions (including costings) following the inspection and test of the storage heaters.

13 To receive the first draft of the calendar of meetings of Council for the year 2012/13

14 To note that the Kirkbymoorside 10km Race will be held on Sun 6 May 12 and that a road closure order is being requested.

15 To note that the Sponsored Sleep Out in aid of SASH (Safe and Sound Homes) will take place on 10 March 2012 around the streets of Kirkby. To further note that fundraising breakfast will be served from 7am in the Dugout for those who are unable to participate

16 To consider suggestions regarding the siting of dog bins in the town.

17 To consider and agree to J M Bentley (contractors to Yorkshire Water) storing equipment and materials on Town Council land in Manor Vale while carrying out flood alleviation work from 20 Feb to 15 June in the area of Manor Close, Dale End and Manor Vale

18 To request that the Clerk and Assistant Clerk to maintain bound register of documents and keys removed from the office

20 To considering sponsoring for a further year, a tub for Kirkbymoorside in Bloom.

21 To receive the recommendation of the Finance Committee to make revolving investments of £49,999 while the Committee works to a timescale to create an investment policy

22 To receive reports from Members representing the Town Council at meetings of outside bodies

23 To receive reports from Members on delegated matters

24 Mayor’s report

25 Officers’ Report

26 Questions to the Chairman

27 To receive the nominations for the Community Award and to agree the recipient (EXEMPT ITEM)

28 To agree a date for the next meeting

Homes plan for Hovingham and Kirkbymoorside

2012-02-14T17:19:00.001Z

A London-based property firm has earmarked a picture-postcard North Yorkshire village as the site for its “flagship” development in the region.

Yoo Capital is looking to build 24 “bespoke” homes through a scheme called The Pastures in Hovingham, as part of a collaboration with Leeds developer Trilandium Homes.

The companies are also planning to build 26 properties in a Kirkbymoorside development called The Orchard ....read more.

Children's Film - 25th Feb.

2012-02-14T17:06:00.006Z

NAUSICAA (PG)

SHOWING AT KIRKBYMOORSIDE LIBRARY (UPSTAIRS)

Saturday 25th February 2012, 2pm, FREE ENTRY

A wonderful film from Studio Ghibli with the voices of Sir Patrick Stewart,

Shia LeBeouf, and Uma Thurman.

A thousand years after a global war, a seaside kingdom known as the Valley Of The Wind remains one of only a few areas still populated. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaa,the people of the valley are engaged in a constant struggle with powerful insects called Ohmu, who guard a poisonous jungle that is spreading across the earth. Nausicaa and her brave companions, together with the people of the Valley, strive to restore the bond between humanity and the Earth.

(Please note:- a full length film and some of the insects might be scarey for younger children).

Diary of an allotment woman

2012-02-14T14:35:00.001Z

Mid-February, snow, more snow, then thaw and mud, no wonder we haven’t been to the allotment recently. There’s nothing in the bottom of the fridge but a piece of rather sad dried out swede, and at this rate we shall have to go to the greengrocer, shock horror! (Sorry, Mr Baines, only kidding – where else would we get bananas, oranges, and other tropical exotica, not to mention peanuts for the birds?)

In the meantime, I must thank Maureen Brampton, grower of prize parsnips, for pointing out that I had my biblically derived pop songs all muddled. Always check your facts! Boney M were responsible for ‘By the Rivers of Babylon’ (from Psalm 137) (hear it here) and the ‘Turn Turn Turn’ song was a hit for the Byrds, which you can hear here. It was written by Pete Seeger and performed, I think, rather better by the incomparable Judy Collins, although this version, which you can hear here, truncates the stone casting and gathering line. Anyway, if, like me, you’re going a bit stir crazy on account of the weather, make a nice cup of tea, sit back and indulge in a little '60s and '70s nostalgia.

I promise to be back on the plot by the next post.

Job - Assistant to the Town Clerk

2012-02-14T10:52:00.001Z

Kirkbymoorside Town Council seek to appoint a highly motivated, enthusiastic person as Assistant Clerk to the Council.

Average 10 hours per week

Starting salary: Local Council SCP 15 – 22: - £16,054 - £19,621 pro rata

The Assistant Town Clerk will work alongside the Town Clerk and the Council members, with special responsibility for the Manor Vale, Play Areas and Staffing Committees and Cemetery Administration.

Application packs are available from the Town Council Office,

The Shambles, Crown Square, Kirkbymoorside YO62 6AY.

Tel: 01751 432217 ~ website.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Monday 12 March 2012

Interview date: Friday 16 March 2012

It's National Nest Box Week

2012-02-14T10:25:00.001Z

Britain's leading bird research charity, the British Trust for Ornithology, is calling on the nation to encourage biodiversity, by supporting breeding birds from blue tits to barn owls this week. Have a go at building a box - or if you don't have the time, they're easy to buy in the shops or online.

Nestboxes are excellent substitutes for the holes found in old trees. In young woodlands and plantations, and in many parks and gardens there may be plenty of food for small birds but nowhere for hole-nesting birds to nest.

Over 60 species are known to have used nestboxes. Regular residents include blue, great and coal tits, nuthatches, house and tree sparrows, starlings, spotted and pied flycatchers, robins, house martins, kestrels and tawny owls. Much depends on the type of the box, where it is located, and on its surroundings.

In recent years, the fortunes of many birds have varied. For example, blue and great tits have prospered, while house sparrows and starlings have declined. If you want to provide a nest box, try, if possible, to target those birds that genuinely need help. Source RSPB

Find out more.

Recycling tips from Ryedale District Council

2012-02-13T19:01:00.002Z

Recycling of domestic waste has become a necessity in recent years driven both by environmental concerns but also as a result of landfill costs rising rapidly. In this film John Brown, Environment Officer for Ryedale District Council, describes what local residents can do to assist in the drive to 'dump less and recycle more'.

Ryedale District Council operates recycling banks for plastic bottles, glass, cans, paper, textiles, books and aluminium foil at a number of sites across the district. Pictured here is one in Kirkbymoorside adjacent to the Primary School. This makes it really easy for parents to do their recycling whilst dropping their children off and is just off the main commuter route, the A170.

The council, in conjunction with Tetra Pak Ltd and the carton industry body ACE (Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment) also have new black beverage carton recycling banks located there which you can see in the slideshow.

More information on recycling in Ryedale can be found here.

Ceilidh - advance notice

2012-02-12T07:10:00.005Z

Kirkbymoorside Pre-school and Kirkby Kids Club would like to invite you to a

CEILIDH

with a bar, food, and raffle

Friday 16th March, 6.30 - 9pm, at Kirkbymoorside Primary School

To raise money for an outdoor play area next to their new eco-building.

Tickets £5 for adults, children free

Entry price includes food:- chilli, veggie chilli, hotdogs, baked potatoes, rice, salad

Tickets available from Summit Bookshop, Primary School, Pre-school,

or from Helen Gundry 01751 432447

PLEASE GET YOUR TICKETS SOON, IT WILL REALLY HELP OUR CATERING PLANS!

Catch it while you can....

2012-02-11T16:25:00.000Z

When Lynn Simm closed her successful fabric shop on Piercy End to look after daughter who was ill it took on a new role as Minim Music, this you'll remember then became a charity shop raising much needed funds for the eco-build. Now Lynn is back but, with family commitments still a big part of her life, only part time.

Opened in August last year Lynn restricts her shop hours to Wednesday and Saturday mornings 10am -1.00pm and even then these may alter if she is needed elsewhere - best ring 01653 628846 if you are making a specific trip.

The shop specialises in stylish cushions, fabrics, homeware and individual items of furniture all arranged sparingly and beautifully. If you are looking for a special gift do pay Lynn a visit - but only on Saturdays and Wednesdays!!

Travelling Light

2012-02-11T15:09:00.000Z

From Jean Richards, theatre editor

The National Theatre’s production of “Travelling Light”, a new play by Nicholas Wright, was broadcast live to cinemas around the world last Thursday, including City Screen in York, where a somewhat reduced audience had an enjoyable evening, well rewarded for the difficulties of getting there in the snow.

The play begins in the early 1900s, and tells the story of Moti Mendl, a young Jewish man from a poor village in an unspecified part of eastern Europe, who has nothing but his dead father’s new camera, and ultimately becomes a millionaire American movie director. His much older self wanders through the action, commenting on events, and a large company of family and villagers moves with swift precision around a brilliant quasi realistic set, which includes a big projector screen, where jerky, spotty, fragmented films are shown as they are made. Much of the action is dominated by Jacob, the illiterate but rich timber merchant who finances the first film.

As the plot unfolds, Moti is seen to have ambition but limited talent. His pictures are good, but Jacob and the villagers develop the plot lines, his lover Anna is both a natural actress and the technician who works out at the kitchen table how to cut and splice film with a pair of scissors and a glue pot, villagers take over the camera, the lighting, the props, the scenery and the caption boards. The title of the play reflects both the passage of light through the camera, which obsesses Moti, and his own passage through life, without emotional commitment to family, friends or his young lover. Moti has no heart, and ultimately neither has the play.

Moti is played with great aplomb by Damien Molony (known to viewers of BBC 3 for ‘Being Human’). The play is however really a vehicle for Antony Sher, who plays Jacob, a large presence full of energy and enthusiasm and ideas.

The live version of “Travelling Light” can be seen at the National until March 6, then on tour at the Grand Theatre in Leeds between March 20 and 24 (bookings here), or, a bit further afield, at the Theatre Royal in Newcastle from April 3 to 7 (bookings here). It then returns to the National for a further run until June 2 (bookings here).

The next live broadcast from the National Theatre to be shown at City Screen is “The Comedy of Errors”, on March 1. It stars Lenny Henry, and was described by The Times as ‘magnificently funny…a modern-urban production full of sharp ideas’. For bookings, click here.

Pickering and Kirkbymoorside team win Green Neighbourhood Challenge

2012-02-10T20:42:00.002Z

A carbon-cutting campaign to make Ryedale a greener community has been given an award.

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A team from Pickering and Kirkbymoorside, headed by environmental champion Mike Potter, was named as the winner of the Green Neighbourhood Challenge at a ceremony in York recenty.

The team was picked to take part in the campaign in January last year – competing alongside six other groups from York and North Yorkshire to make lifestyle changes that will create greener communities for themselves and for future generations, helping them to save money at the same time.

The Green Neighbourhood Challenge’s aim was to see which group could do the most to save, and even generate energy, cut emissions and encourage local people in their area to foster a low-carbon lifestyle. The Pickering and Kirkbymoorside team, which achieved a 11.9 per cent carbon reduction and showed evidence of strong grass roots activity within their neighbourhood, received £500 to invest back into their community.

Read more.