Garden Club 2018 KIRK HAMMERTON NEWS January ‘Plants that earn their keep’- Pat Inman (First published January 1992,) Delivered Free of Charge 30th See also www.kirkhammertonpc.co.uk February ‘Welsh ‘Rare Bits’, Powys Castle and Bodnant’- Martin th 27 Walker No. 310 January 2018

March ‘History of the Valley Gardens’- Sue Wood This month's newsletter is sponsored by Felicity, Claire, Rosalind and Emily 27th The talk is about the history of Valley Gardens and also bringing it up Evans. They wish to thank everyone for their support and kindness to Wynne to the present day with the more recent project. when he was suffering from mesothelioma. Also many thanks for all the The AGM will also be held. flowers, cards, letters and kindness we have received at this very sad time, it April ‘Camassia, Chris, Chelsea and Chaos.’- Stella Exley has been a great comfort to us. We will miss him so very much. 24th A light hearted look behind the scenes of growing for a well- Wishing everyone best wishes for the New Year. known RHS Chelsea Gold Medal Winning Garden Designer. National st collection holder of camassia. CHURCH & CHAPEL Services Dec. 31 . and January st May Plant sale, cake stall and refreshments Sun. December 31 . Benefice Service Parish Church 10am. Methodist Service, Gracious St. 10am. 19th Sun. January 7th. 9am. Sung Communion Parish Church May ‘Soft fruit growing in Northern ’- Clifford Cain, 10 am. Family Service Methodist Chapel Sue Langley. 29th Fruitscape. Sun. January 14th. Covenant Service Methodist Chapel 10am.Rev. Gail Hunt June Visit to Garden- To be confirmed Sun. January 21st. Communion Service 8am. Parish Church 26th Morning Worship Methodist Chapel, Martin Lightfoot. th July Visit to Garden- To be confirmed Sun. January 28 . Village United Service in the Methodist Chapel at 10am. Betty Hughes and Rev. Paul Spurgeon.. 31st The Catholic Church August ‘Lawns! Who needs them? - Jonathan Hill, Rolawn Local Roman Catholics meet at St. Joseph’s Church, the Green, Green 28th Hammerton. each Saturday at 5.30pm. Additional services are held on the September ‘Gardens of Sussex and Kent’- Pam Towler eve of Holy Days at 6.30pm. Contact Brefni McCormack Tel 330070 25th October 'How to turn your garden into a delightful part of your RECYCLING / REFUSE COLLECTIONS Recycling collections in January 30th lifestyle' -Sally Tierney, Garden Designer Thursday 4th. Tuesdays 16th.and 30th. blue bag & boxes. November ‘Himalayan Gardens, Grewelthorpe’ - Ray Abrahams, Head Refuse Collection. Wednesday 10th.and Tuesday 23rd. in black bin. 27th Gardener. Collections on the outskirts of the village may be different. Please see Borough Council web site. All the meetings (except June and July) are held in Kirk Hammerton Village Hall, at 7.30pm. New members are invited to join, including those from all the CAROL SINGING surrounding villages, for only £12/year. Non-members are always welcome at Thank you to everyone who turned out to sing Carols on the Tuesday the meetings- just£3/meeting. For further information please contact Helen evening before Christmas, and of course to those who donated. We have Cunliffe 331474, Margaret Green 330242, or Brenda Short 339948. been able to send £106 to Martin House.

VILLAGE LIBRARY Library hours are 9.00am to 4.30pm. Mondays and Fridays and 9.00am. to 1.00pm. Saturday. The library will continue to be open at other times if the Hall is in use. Please use the new door, south

side.

KIRK HAMMERTON CRICKET CLUB.

100 Club Ackerley Park Kennels We now award two prizes, £100 and £50. The draw is made on the last Saturday of each month. Thank you to everyone who takes part in this fundraiser. We still have numbers available if anyone would like to join. Contact A new boarding kennel facility Selection of quality based in Nun Monkton, a rural dog foods and treats Les & Janice on 330154 or call at Llandaff Cottage. location providing a peaceful Day care so don’t Just to let everyone know that cricket nets have been booked for the 2018 stress-free environment have to rush back on season. Let’s start recruiting now, giving us the best chance to get good for your dog those rare days out. numbers to the winter nets and into the 2018 season! Two nets have been reserved for Kirk Hammerton CC at King James’s School, Knaresborough for practice from 8-9pm on Mondays from 8th January to 26th. March inclusive. For more information or a lift to Knaresborough please contact the Main family on 331078.

NEVER FORGOTTEN (by Les Hornby) On November 14th. 1943 a Halifax bomber crashed into the ponds adjacent to Under-floor heating in large airy Reduced fees for Benson’s Furniture Showrooms (The Hammerton Hotel as it was then). Four of Kennels, 3 walks per day longer stays the crew died either at the scene or shortly afterwards, one survived. Plus large well fenced play area for free play. I don’t think the Hornby family will ever forget that Sunday afternoon. We lived at Give me a ring to discuss any individual requirements South View Gardens at that time. The plane had left Marston Moor airfield on a 01423 331239 or 07718 655013 training flight, almost immediately encountered engine problems, missed our E-mail [email protected] house by an incredibly small margin and crashed, by the side of the A59. Web www.ackerleyparkkennels.co.uk My father was feeding the stock as it passed by and he was convinced that it Ackerley Park Kennels, Franks Lane, Nun Monkton, YO26 8EJ was heading straight for our house with all the family inside, except him and my eldest brother, Len, who was serving with the army somewhere in Europe. Being Sunday we were in the front room, otherwise we wouldn’t have seen it pass by. I could clearly see the pilot through our window, a vision that has remained with me to this day, even though I was barely five years old at the time.. My dad’s prayers were certainly answered. My brothers Tom and Don accompanied my father to the crash to render what help they could. At least one other person also went to help. The dead and injured were carried into the Hammerton Hotel with corrugated tin sheets being used as stretchers. Fast forward to 2017. A gentleman by the name of Phil McCormack came to the village to find out more about this crash. Rev. Paul Spurgeon pointed him in my direction. Who was he? he was the son of the sole survivor. He had done extensive research and Martin Benson, Janice and I were able to dot a few i’s and cross a few t’s for him. We exchanged several e-mails and had a very friendly and informative meeting at a café in Tadcaster in the summer. My brother, Tom died many years ago but Don and his wife Bunty live in Knaresborough and celebrated their 69th. wedding anniversary in November. Phil kindly sent him a letter thanking him for helping his father all those years ago. It was very poignant that the names of those four brave airmen were added to the many local people remembered at the Remembrance Day Service on the village green, by the village War Memorial last November. Their names are:- Terence McKinley, Peter J Emerton, Norman Beale, and George H Harrison.

CONGRATULATIONS To Brian (Barney) Mack who reached three score year and ten last month.

PAINTING / CRAFT GROUP The next meeting will be on Monday January 8th.at 10am. in the Village Hall.. This is a very friendly and supportive group who would really welcome new members for either craft work or painting irrespective of ability. If you are interested have a word with Kathleen Flintoff on 330598

BUSES from the Village On Tuesdays a bus collects passengers for Morrison’s Boroughbridge, leaving Parkway at 9.30am., then to St. John’s Grove. Bus passes accepted. On Wednesdays a bus collects from Stanyforth Crescent at 10.45am. to go to Knaresborough market. Return fare £5. Bus passes not accepted. The more they are used the more likely they will continue.

THANK YOU Thank you to the Evans family for sponsoring this newsletter. Thank you to advertisers, sponsors, contributors and the delivery team, without whom the Kirk Hammerton News would not exist.

Road Works A59 Skipbridge Skip New Bridge, (A59) OS Grid Reference: 448253, 456063 These works follow on from the general maintenance which was carried out earlier this year, the phase 2 works include replacing the bridge bearings, reconstruction of a ballast wall and resurfacing. The works will take place between the 8th of January and 23rd of March 2018. A letter giving full details, including disruption to traffic, is available at Llandaff Cottage. It can be sent to you by e-mail if you contact Les & Janice on [email protected]

Come and give yoga a go!

Kirk Hammerton Village Hall Tuesdays 9.30am-11am £8 per class (£6 per class when paying in advance for a half-termly block) Come along, stretch and relax. Give yourself and your body time to unwind. Suitable for all ages and experience. Please wear comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. Bring a mat if you have one and a cosy blanket for relaxation. CONTACT Jane Nicholson 01423 331441 or 07495 579839 [email protected] for further details.

PETE PHILLIPS HAS FOR SALE The Bay Horse Inn Fold up ladies bike 1 Pair Garden Shears York Road YO26 8BN 1 Hedge Slasher W:01423 330338 W: www.bayhorsegreenhammerton.co.uk Wooden Garden Troughs, various sizes Email: [email protected] 2 Bird Baths Meercat Garden Ornaments 20 various Walking Sticks 5 Framed pictures of Birds of Prey. Garden Pond with fish and pump. Bird Feeders stands 1 Electric grinder Electric MIG Welder as new The Bay Horse Inn is a traditional family-run old English Inn and village pub that dates to the 17th century, with log fires and beamed bar/dining areas. Quingo Mobility Scooter Ten bed and breakfast rooms are set in our courtyard area all with en-suite facilities and Gas stove for tent or shed separate entrances. Our home-made food is served daily from 12 noon. 2 Sets of Jump Leads For our up to date menus and events please visit our website. Open Mic nights run the second Wednesday of every month from 8.30pm. Weekly Wooden Barrow for moving plants etc. Wednesday Quiz night all other Wednesday’s from 9.15pm. 5 Bags of Kindling. Take Away Fish and Chips every Thursday 4.30pm to 6.30pm- orders taken in White Dress Shirts various sizes advance or on the night. Pinstripe Trousers various sizes

Dinner Jackets various sizes.

Waistcoat Jackets, various sizes all reasonably priced, in fact really cheap. Evening dresses various sizes really cheap. FARM BUTCHER CURLY LOCKS Rotary 16” mower, 2 Stroke Generator. (Annette Brown) Home Hairdresser 1 Vax AirThree Wishes Hoover Quality Meat at Competitive Prices Liz Amies – King Any screws, bolts you require. I have assortments. Pool Bridge Farm Salon services in your own home Ring for prices or call Pete on 01423 330336 mob. 07837479711 Pool Lane, Green Hammerton 5 View Whixley 8 Meadow Vale, Green Hammerton, York. YO236 8BJ Tel. 01423 331729 Tel 01423 330216 07914080503 [email protected] CHARITY STALL £50 has been given to each of:- Dementia Forward, Gauntlet Scouts, and The Bramley Accounting Services Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, bringing the total sum remitted from the Charity Bookkeeping, Payroll, VAT 07889608089 Stall to £6757:02 We have a further £50 to allocate. Suggestions please?

Ruth Bramley AICB 01423 331631 JANET’S CLASS BODYTONE & CORE STRENGTHENING, WEDNESDAY EVENINGS from 7pm. to 8pm. in the Village Hall. £5 per session. All ages welcome. Please bring a mat. (Janet Dixon 07916344727 or 330867) 5701 [email protected]

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ACTION FRAUD is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and internet crime. Members of the public, the police, businesses and charities can report to Action Fraud online or on the phone. If you are reporting via the website there is online chat support provided. As Action Fraud takes crime reports on behalf of the police, reporting directly is likely to be quicker and more convenient for you than visiting your police station. If you've become a victim of fraud you will receive a crime reference number when you report it to Action Fraud, and your report will be transferred securely to the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau for analysis and assessment. The online reporting tool is a straightforward and convenient way to report fraud and internet crime (actionfraud.police.uk) 24 hours a day seven days a week or if you do not have internet access, or if you feel you require more support, you can also contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and speak to an advisor. Phone lines are open 8am - 9pm Mon to Fri and 9am - 5pm Sat and Sun. WARNING OVER COLD CALLING SCAM... Residents are being warned about a scam which could cost them thousands of pounds. HM Revenue and Customs say scammers are preying on victims by cold calling them and impersonating an HMRC member of staff. They tell them that they owe large amounts of tax which they can only pay off through digital vouchers and gift cards. Victims are told to go to a local shop, buy these vouchers and then read out the redemption code to the scammer who has sometimes kept them on the phone the whole time or rang back later Conmen sell on the codes or purchase high-value products, all at the victim's expense. HMRC say that they would never request the settling of debt through such a method and say people should be on their guard and report any incident accordingly to ACTION FRAUD immediately. On Thursday the 28th December Cold Callers targeted Kirk Hammerton. The Police, Trading Standards & Harrogate District Neighbourhood Watch together advise all residents not to buy from these people for many reasons as mentioned previously in the Newsletter. Kirk Hammerton is a 'N0 COLD CALLING ZONE' with signs displayed at both ends of the Village Buying from cold callers will encourage more hard core visits and generally more unwanted activity from individuals, who are often part of many gangs that know they are in breach of trading laws and practices 'knowingly' when they cold call in zones originally that were set up to counter unwanted cold callers Please ring 330952 if you have concerns, information or just need window stickers to help deter cold callers. (Mike Josh 330952)

KIRK & GREEN HAMMERTON W I NEWS A very interesting talk and demonstration at the December meeting was given by Bob Hirst. His topic was Candle Making. Some of the members took up the challenge and made their own candles. Participation in the topic of the January meeting is less likely. Sam Blacker and Steve Ross will be giving an illustrated talk about their journey on the Offa’s Dyke Walk. This is a 177 mile walk following the English/Welsh border. The meeting will take place in Green Hammerton Village Hall on Tuesday January 9th. at 7.30pm. For more information contact Sue Bowe on 330651

Kirk Hammerton Playing Field Association news

Oaklands Care Home KHPFA held its AGM in early December. The overall financial situation of the Association is healthy however income has reduced due to less use of the Gilsthwaite Lane, Kirk Hammerton. football pitch and because we now no longer open the bar. It means that income and expenditure are finely balanced.

We agreed to pursue a project to have the car park properly paved and kerbed and we will be exploring costs and possible sources of income to undertake that project. The playing field car park is the official “drop off” point for Kirk Hammerton primary School which is a major advantage for road safety. However, it does mean very heavy usage and cars manoeuvring churn up the un-paved surface.

Following a consultation period, discussions with the parish Council and considerable local publicity we put up signs reminding people that dogs are not allowed on the playing field. That is in line with the national playing fields association’s advice. Unfortunately, those signs have been torn down. We will be replacing the signs but we shall be grateful for dog owners to respect the decision not to allow dogs on the field.

GAUNTLETT EXPLORER SCOUTS "Providing the highest standards of care in luxury accommodation" For everybody who came to the Gauntlett Explorers Christmas Fair at the beginning of December we would like to say a massive thank you, with your help Care services available: we were able to raise over £400, this will allow us to be able to buy tents, cookers and other essential equipment. Those who visited and our prize donors Nursing/Dementia/Palliative/Residential/Respite. gave a huge amount of support with their contributions as did the stallholders who we hope had a rewarding time. There were various other people who Also helping local people stay in their own homes by offering Day care and use helped in the organisation of the event and without them we wouldn't have been able to run a fair nearly as successfully as we did so we would finally like to of our facilities, come for a bath or use our wetrooms, stay for lunch, join in thank various friends who supported us throughout the fair. activities or just enjoy the company. Finn Perkins-Hill (07980580328). On behalf of Gauntlett Explorer Unit Gauntlett Explorer Scouts, are the fourth section of the Scouting movement after We are always looking to recruit local staff and offer flexible hours as well as Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. They meet every Thursday 7-8.30 at K.H Village hall. training and qualifications. We can provide refreshments and a place to meet for clubs that may be of interest to our residents. If you have a skill or interest Y.C.A. that you would like to pass on to our residents or if you would just like to The December Charity Lunch & Carol Service was an excellent event, good food followed by traditional Christmas readings and Carols. Thanks to everyone who spend some time chatting and keeping them up to date with village news, prepared the food, and the guests who joined in the celebrations. The excellent then please get in touch. sum raised, in excess of £300, will be divided between St. Michael’s and St. Leonard’s Hospices. Jane Williams (Manager The next meeting will be on Monday 15th January 2018. The guest speaker will be George Rowden who will be talking about the weather. 01423 330600 [email protected] For more information please contact Liz Powley on 330246 or Gillian Mays on 330547.

FILM NIGHTS IN THE VILLAGE HALL

Showing – 29th January 2018 7.30 pm Viceroy’s House (12) (Hugh Bonneville, Gillian Anderson, Lily Travers, Michael Gambon, Simon Callow)

Viceroy’s House in Delhi was the home of the British rulers of India. After 300 years, that rule was coming to an end. For 6 months in 1947, Lord Mountbatten, great grandson of Queen Victoria, assumed the post of the last Viceroy, charged with handing India back to its people. The film’s story unfolds within that great House. Upstairs lived Mountbatten together with his wife and daughter; downstairs lived their 500 Hindu, Muslim and Sikh servants. As the political elite - Nehru, Jinnah and Gandhi - converged on the House to wrangle over the birth of independent India, conflict erupted. A decision was taken to divide the country and create a new Muslim homeland: Pakistan. It was a decision whose consequences reverberate to this day.

Future Films: 26th February – Hugo 26th March - Goodbye Christopher Robin

JOIN NOW to see a whole year’s selection of films for just £20 NON-MEMBERS WELCOME - £3 per film. FREE snacks and drinks and FREE hire of DVD’s

If you have any queries about membership, you wish to borrow or have an unreturned film at home, or you have suggestions for future films, please contact Margaret or Malcolm Green (330242 or [email protected]).

Found A Car Key Fob for an Audi car has been found in Mill Lane. The key is with Les & Janice at Llandaff Cottage Tel. 01423 330154

HISTORICAL SOCIETY Some interest has been shown with a view to starting a historical society to research initially the history of Kirk Hammerton. A collection of old photos and documents has already been accumulated and we are sure that there will be many more to be unearthed. Janice will be pleased to hear from anyone who has a similar interest. With sufficient response a meeting will be arranged.

LES & JANICE Llandaff Cottage Tel/Fax 01423 330154 [email protected] NEWSPAPERS Dailies, Sundays & Periodicals To order or chance sales KIRK HAMMERTON NEWS Information or adverts for inclusion in the next issue should reach us by the 25th. of this month, and can be sent on line. Faxing, Photocopying & Laminating also undertaken. Calendars and diaries also available.

Whixley Players present The Beauty and the Beast

KIRK HAMMERTON C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL

News from Kirk Hammerton Church of England Primary School At Kirk Hammerton Primary School, Friends of organised a very successful Christmas Fair on 3rd December. The fair was very well supported by children, parents and members of the community. Thank you so much to the team of people who organised and supported this event by giving time, energy and for those of who supported by spending and giving goods for hampers etc. At Kirk, ‘Friends of’ have also just funded tables and chairs for Class 2 – the teachers and children are absolutely delighted. The new furniture has provided a much more ‘professional’ feel to the classroom and given the children much needed space for their learning. On 11th December, we held a Grandparents Afternoon where some residents from St John’s Care Home also joined us – a wonderful time was had by all, with the children singing some lovely Christmas Carols. Kirk Hammerton’s nativity ‘Lights, Camel, Action – It’s Strictly the Nativity’ was held this month. The children were absolutely fabulous and really enjoyed performing to all the parents/carers and grandparents. The School Council at Kirk Hammerton decided to collect for Parkinsons UK after each nativity performance and raised £146.70 – fantastic. At the beginning of December, Reception and KS 1 children attended a Tri-Golf ‘Sporting Start’ afternoon. Fun was had by all. Children from all schools did really well, with Kirk Hammerton Primary coming first overall. There was also a KS 2 trip to Bradford which was very enjoyable and successful. Children had the opportunity to visit a mosque, the Interfaith Centre and Bombay Stores, providing them with some information about the Muslim faith and some cultural experiences. Last week, the whole school (except Reception year) visited Harrogate Theatre for this year’s pantomime along with Staveley Primary School – this was a very enjoyable afternoon and really got us all into the festive spirit. What a busy December it has been! Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Keep Kirk Hammerton Green Update

The full council meeting of Harrogate Borough Council held on 13 December AINSTY FARM SHOP voted to approve the draft local plan which includes the proposal to develop a new town in a vaguely defined area near the Hammertons and Cattal. York Road, Green Hammerton, YO26 8EQ Tel. 01423 331897 The decision was not unexpected. The campaign group had done its best but objections to the new town were over-ridden by the concern that failure to SUPPORTING RURAL approve the Plan would mean planning decisions would be taken away from Harrogate and made by central government. During the council meeting it was clear that our arguments had been heard with several councilors speaking out against the “Great Hammerton” option.  Member of the Q Guild of Butchers The highest quality butchers in the UK The Council will now launch a further statutory consultation process in the new year and the full plan will subsequently be considered in a public Examination by  In-house bakery a Planning Inspector.

 Large choice of quality fruit and vegetables This next consultation will be critical because the comments made will be considered by the Inspector. We had a superb response to the new settlement  Comprehensive range of deli products consultation last summer. Nearly 600 people contributed online and many others  Ice-cream and dairy products by letter. The online consultation showed nearly 90% objected to the new town. We must now aim to get even more engagement with the next consultation so  Large selection of preserves we can show an independent Inspector the strength of feeling and arguments about why the choice of Great Hammerton as the new town site is wrong.  Country Products dried fruits etc  Wet fish sales Wednesdays 3.30 - 4.30pm We will keep you informed about the consultation and how to participate once the details are clear. st and 1 Saturday each month In the meantime, the developers of the proposed Flaxby new town site have  Friendly coffee shop submitted an outline planning application to proceed with nearly 3000 houses and associated infra-structure at that location. Many people feel that is a better Support the local economy! Reduce food miles – solution than Great Hammerton. The official deadline for commenting on the Over 60% of our produce is sourced within 10 miles of Flaxby planning application is now passed but there is the possibility of an extension. At time of writing, that has not been resolved. If there is an extension, our shop. we still encourage you to comment on this proposal and will keep you informed Ainsty Farm Shop is open Tuesday to Sunday by email. (closed Mondays) We thank everyone for their continued support. Our group will now work hard to Tuesday to Saturday 9 - 5.30,Sunday 10 – 4 ensure that we have the best possible participation in the next consultation and we are already looking ahead at how best to represent our interests in front of Outside Catering with Quality Local Produce the planning inspector. Email: [email protected]

Christmas at Nursery School We are so proud of all our little people at the Nativity this year. We had a stage full of two, three, and four year olds singing, dancing and even managing a few words! There were a few children who couldn’t be there on the day or didn’t want to go on the stage - but they have all been enjoying the rehearsals over the last few weeks and are just as much part of the Nativity as those who performed in front of over sixty adults. After the Nativity, held at the primary school (thank you to Mrs Mellor, the head teacher, for letting us use the hall) we all came back to Nursery School to a visit from Father Christmas and each child took home a special present of a den building kit. A big thank you to Kirk Hammerton’s own amazing photographer, Nikki Mitchell, who took some absolutely beautiful photographs of the children performing, donating all her profit to the children’s charity The Books Project https://www.gofundme.com/booksproject

Thank you! Johnsons of Whixley have very kindly donated mini Christmas trees so that each child could decorate and take home their very own tree. They are in pots so can be planted out in the garden to be used again another year. Thank you SO much Johnsons!

Goodbyes and Hellos We are saying a sad goodbye to Isabella and Oliver and we wish them well – we have loved having you with us and will miss you! We welcome Leo, Freya, Jenna, Joshua and Nathan who are all starting with us in the New Year and we can’t wait to get to know you better and for you to meet all the other children. We are also so pleased to welcome Laura Vause as a new permanent staff member. Laura has been providing us with cover recently, but as numbers grow we are lucky to secure her as part of the main teaching team. Laura has wealth of experience in teaching in Early Years and has just left Ouseburn Playgroup where she was acting Play Leader.

We wish all our families a peaceful New Year. Nursery School starts back on Tuesday 10th January. The Baby and Toddler Group is back at the Village Hall on Wedesday 11th 10-11.15 – all are welcome to this drop in session.

If you would like more information please call Helen Herbert on 01423 339404 or email on [email protected]. We are open from 9.00 to 3.15pm every day and offer flexible sessions plus funding for 2 and 3 year olds. Longer 8 – 6pm days in partnership with Kirk Hammerton school. For the latest fees, news and term dates please have a look at our website http://khnurseryschool.co.uk

CHRISTMAS JOY We have said Goodbye to 2017 with all its ups and downs, and are looking forward to the New Year with new beginnings for us all. There have been so many Carol Services in the vicinity, and I hope you have been able to get to at least one. Happily I attended six and one Nativity Play. One in an ancient Church lit only by candles, with the draughts blowing the candle flames to be almost horizontal, and our breath to rise in clouds as we sang lustily. One was in the Village Hall with all mod cons and lunch too! Two were in a packed town Chapel (extra chairs needed) with choir, organ, piano and brass instruments, and in the first Carol the great wave of sound lifted my spirits to the skies. The other two were in our own dear village in comforting and familiar surroundings, one in Church and one in Chapel. The Nativity Play, which was done by the Nursery school children, in the school, was something else altogether. Three Marys, no Kings and an abundance of stable animals. (The children had chosen their own parts). When it came to the crucial moment the baby had been left behind in the Pavilion! Janice and I loved every minute, and as Janice said, we laughed and we cried, we thought the singing amazingly good but were in fear and trembling in case the camel danced so vigorously that she would fall off the stage .It left us feeling with Christina Rossetti, “Love came down at Christmas, love all lovely, love divine”, even if it came in the guise of a camel or a donkey. I wish you all a very Happy New Year. Sheila Hornby.

PARISH COUNCIL The next meeting of the parish council will be on Monday January 29th. in the Methodist Chapel, commencing at 7.30pm. Broadband Speed The Parish Council has received many comments regarding broadband speed (or lack of it) in the village. Following the meeting on 11th December, County Councillor Andy Paraskos has undertaken to investigate the cause of the poor speed with NYCC and needs as much data as possible. Please could you email me your broadband speeds on various times throughout the day with one device on your wifi so we can collate the relevant data. test at: http://www.speedtest.net/ and follow the instructions. Any problems - please contact me. Basketball Hoop We understand that the removal of the basketball hoop appeared to cause some disquiet at the time. However, although it was on the agenda of the last parish council meeting on 11th December, no communication on the subject was received. If you have any views on this matter, please let the parish council know or attend the next meeting on 29th January when it will be on the agenda again. Amanda Kennerley, (Clerk to KHPC) at [email protected]