What's making the headlines in your neighbourhood?

APPLETON-LE-MOORS

History Group - More than 60 people crowded into the village hall last Thursday to listen to Professor Nick Milner give a talk called A Star Carr Reprise. It was particularly interesting to see a replica of the head-dress displayed on the latest £1.05 stamp. Shirley Brooke provided the refreshments.

BROMPTON-BY-SAWDON

Brownies - The 1st Brompton with Snainton Brownies still has places available for girls aged seven years or over who would like to belong to the Guiding movement. The brownies meet in Brompton Village Hall on Mondays, during term time, from 6pm to 7.30pm. The programme includes some outside visits during the year. Last year they enjoyed a weekend in London. To find out more about joining visit the girl-guiding website and register your interest or phone Sue Thomson on 01944 738804 or email to sue@tthomson.fsworld.co.uk

Church - The service at All Saints on Sunday will be Matins at 11am taken by Dr Don Jones. The pancake day brass cleaning task will be to get the wax out of the 40 candle holders in the church chandelier and then to clean the brass. All are welcome to share in this task from 11am on Shrove Tuesday, February 28.

Memorial memories - At the first meeting of 2017, members of Brompton Local History Society heard from Di Ford, about the 13 men commemorated on the village war memorial who died during the First World War. For the Willoughby family living in The Green at the top of Hungate, the loss of two sons meant, through inheritance tax, the loss of major estates while for the Foster family at the bottom of Hungate, Kate Foster was left to bring up eight children after her husband, Edward, a general labourer, was killed in 1917. Among the other families mentioned were the Simpsons, who lived at Dale Lodge. Captain John Simpson died at Messines in 1914 leading an attack on a farm house held by the Germans. There are a number of memorials to the Simpsons in and around the church. Fortunately, of the 33 men who left Brompton to fight in the 1914-18 war, most returned home and this was celebrated by a welcome home dinner at the High Hall. The research about the men on the war memorial is still on-going, and there are several about whom little is as yet known, so if anyone has any information that you would like to share, email Di Ford on deford47@btinternet.com or phone 01723 859211. At the next meeting of the society in the village hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 1, Steven Bassett will speak on The Anglo-Saxon origins of the Vales churches and parishes. The society’s excursions are on Wednesday, May 20 to Rievaulx Abbey and on Saturday, June 3 to Pickering Church. Unlike the monthly meetings, the excursions are not on the first Wednesday of the month.

Community lunch - The next Village Ventures community lunch will be held in the village hall on Wednesday, February 15 starting at 12.30pm.

Parish council - The next meeting of the parish council will be held in the village hall on Monday, February 20 at 7.35pm.

BULMER

Bridge club - The winners of the meeting on Thursday, February 2, were Sandy and Peter Hill with 63.3 per cent. Second were Diane Cooper and Les Allan on 56.2 per cent.

CLAXTON & SAND HUTTON

Plant fair - Local artists who specialise in botanical drawings, flower or landscape art, including ceramics, textiles and photography, are invited to exhibit their work at Claxton and Sand Hutton plant fair in Sand Hutton Village Hall on Sunday, June 11 from 10am to 3.30pm. The event is in aid of the village hall with commission of 15 per cent being taken from all sales. Phone Fiona on 01904 468001 or email fionacycles@hotmail.com by Friday, March 17 with brief details of your work, if you would like to be considered.

HELMSLEY

Probus - The club held its monthly meeting at the Feathers on Tuesday, January 31. This was followed by a talk by John Parker who spoke about the work of the RNLI. The club meets on the last Tuesday of each month at the Feathers. Anyone interested in joining should phone David Trill on 01439 770788.

Ladies Luncheon Club - The group met on Wednesday, February 1 at the Black Swan Hotel. After lunch, the president, Elizabeth Wilson, welcomed Keith Goodchild, who gave an illustrated talk about his service in the Lifeguards. The club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the Black Swan Hotel and welcomes new members. For information on joining, phone 01439 770596.

RBL dinner - Helmsley Royal British Legion women’s section hosted a dinner at the Feathers Hotel to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the formation of the branch. It is one of the oldest surviving women’s section branches in the country, having been formed on February 3 1927, which is only six years after the original British Legion was founded on 15 May 1921.The dinner was attended by members, guests and Royal British Legion members. A celebration cake was made and decorated by committee member Diane Pearson. A toast was proposed by Helmsley women’s section president Lady Feversham.

HOVINGHAM

Village market - The first village market of the year got off to a flying start with glorious sunshine and more than 50 stalls. The two new stalls, Tokaree, selling bags from India, and Proudfoot Poultry will be returning to the next market. The new busker, Josh, was offered some more bookings by visitors. The market organisers are always looking for looking for new local talent to play at the market and anyone interested should email themarket@hovingham.org.uk. The visitors’ survey, with a draw for £30 of market vouchers, was won by Ms Cawte of Norton. The next market will be on Saturday, March 4.

KIRKBYMOORSIDE

Camera club - Kirkbymoorside and District Camera Club met at the Moorside Bar & Club for an applied competition. The judge for the evening was Richard Littlefair from Ripon Camera Club. Mike Ward won the print section with his image, Making A Canoe With Fire. Runner-up was David Ireland with Terracotta Warriors. The projected digital image section was won by Martin Williams with True Grit and the runner-up was Jim Cavanagh with BBC Salford. The next club meeting at the Moorside Bar & Club is on Thursday, February 16 when John Webster will be showing an audio visual titled Light and Inspiration Concert - Kirkbymoorside Brass Band will hold an evening of traditional brass band music, including a preview performance of the area test piece, on Saturday February 18 in the Memorial Hall. Tickets are £5 and are available from JRA Computer Services or Summit Bakery.

Flower festival - All Saints Church is to host a flower festival with a difference. All the flowers or vegetables will be either knitted or crocheted. If you would like to knit or crochet, patterns are available from the library or Children In Distress, who also sell wool. Carol Messham is happy to show anyone how to crochet. Her email address is carol.messham@talktalk.net

Benefice study day - The second Benefice study day on the theme of growing together takes place on Saturday, February 25 at the Methodist church from 9.30am to 3.30pm. Anyone attending is asked to take a plate of food for a shared lunch. For further details, phone Rev Mark Brosnan on 01751 431452.

Julian meeting - The Julian prayer group will meet in St Chad’s RC Church on Tuesday, February 14 at 6.30pm.

All Saints - The parish lunch will be held on Sunday, February 19. Anyone wishing to attend should add their name to list which is in church.

Menzone - The group will meet in the Kings Head Hotel on Monday, February 13 at 7pm for 7.30pm when Jac Thomas will speak on her trip to Peru.

Tuesday Group - Members will meet on Tuesday, February 14 for an evening of knitting. The leader is Gillan and tea hostesses are Dot and Gwen. The conference at Cober Hill, Cloughton, is on Friday, February 24 to Sunday, February 26.

Postage stamps - Correspondent Maureen Rolph is collecting used postage stamps to be sent on to RNIB, Cancer Research and Guide Dogs for the Blind. She is happy to collect any stamnps you may have, phone 01751 432011 or email maureenrolphnews@talktalk.net Horticultural Society - Members of the society will meet at the home of Vi Webster on Friday, February 10 at 7pm to plan this year’s open show which will be held on Saturday, September 23 in the Memorial Hall. The group would welcome more support to keep the show going. If you are able to give any help phone secretary Jill Hugill 01751 431670 or Maureen Rolph on 01751 4320011 or email maureenrolphnews@talktalk.net

Lent lunches - Churches Together in Kirkbymoorside will be hosting a series of lunches during lent on the theme of expressions of spirituality. Each Tuesday a talk will be led by a speaker from a different tradition, followed by a soup lunch at the Methodist church from noon. Donations will go to Water Aid. The first Lent lunch is on Tuesday, February 14.

MALTON

Bridge club - The first session of Malton Bridge Club’s Cross-IMP Pairs competition was won convincingly by Philip Mason and John Hayton with a score of 53.7 points. Mike and Annette Jackson took second place with 37.7 points while Anne Avery and Graeme Matthew were third with 25.3 points.

NEWTON-UPON-RAWCLIFFE

Social evening - Gordon Clitheroe will present a talk and slide show called Now and Then at social evening in the village hall on Thursday, February 25 at 7.30pm. The cost is £3 which will include tea or coffee and biscuits.

Jumble sale - There will be a jumble sale in aid of Newton-upon-Rawcliffe Kids Fun Club in the village hall on Saturday from 11am to 2pm. Admission is 50p. Cakes, refreshments, hot and cold drinks will all be available for purchase. Anyone wishing to donate jumble or anything else to be sold is asked to phone either Cathryn on 01751 476592 or Alan on 07895 703843.

Annual meeting - Newton-upon-Rawcliffe Playing Fields Association will hold its annual general meeting at 7pm on Friday, February 24.

Craft club – The club will meet in the village hall on Thursday, February 16 from 7pm to 9pm. Admission is £2 which includes coffee or tea and biscuits.

PICKERING

Retirement - Basil Finney, sole owner of TFM Vehicle Repairs, Recreation Road, is retiring. His business will cease to trade from Tuesday, February 28. Mr Finney’s business started in 1970 as a haulage contractor with wagon and car repairs. The business progressed and moved away from haulage several years ago.

Hardy plant group - The monthly meeting of the Hardy Plant Group of the Pickering Horticultural Society will take place in the Memorial Hall on Thursday, February 16 at 7.30pm. Payment of subscriptions will be collected for the group and the society will be accepted, 2017 programme of meetings, events, and garden visits will be given out to members. Joe Ostoja-Starzewski from DEFRA, York, will give a talk called There Is Always A Pest. Refreshments will be available after the talk. New members and guests are always made welcome.

Tribute act - Tickets are still available for Garry Pease tribute act to Rod Stewart the Recreation Club on Saturday, 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets cost £15, which includes supper and disco, and are available from the Recreation Club, phone 01751 473317, or from Dunning Butchers, Bridge Street, or phone 01751 472627.

Pottery workshops - Olivia Rose of Yorkshire have arranged pottery workshops with Julia West at its shop in Market Place. The first was held on Tuesday and the next is on Tuesday, February 21 at 5pm. The cost is £12.50 per session. To book a place, either call at the shop or telephone 01751 798130 or email info@oliviarpse-yorkshire.co.uk Payment is required when booking.

Tuesday group - There will be a meeting of the Tuesday Group on Tuesday February 14 at Potter Hill Methodist Church at 7.30pm when Paula Appleby will present Aloe Vera.

Volunteers needed - The Tuesday Group which has 30 members at the weekly Tuesday Luncheon Club need volunteer helpers to help prepare and serve the food as well as set up the tables every four to five weeks. If anyone, if can help, phone the organiser, Daphne Bowes, on 01751 475143 for further information.

Fish talk - Ryedale Aquarist Society will meet at the home of Sue and David Marshall on Wednesday, February 15 at 7.30pm.

Farmers’ market - The monthly farmers’ market will be held in the Market Place on Thursday, February 16 from 8.30am.

Weekly draw - Last week’s main prize of £75 in the Pickering Town FC Weekly Draw was won by Jim Hodgson, Middleton Road, with the numbers 15, 29 and 39. This week’s draw will be for £75. To join the draw costs £1 per entry per week. To join call at Dunning Butchers, Bridge Street or get in touch with any Pickering Town FC committee member.

Ryedale Shopper - There will be a mini-bus trip to Driffield, costing £5, on Thursday, February 23. Next month there will be trips to Northalleton (£6) on Wednesday, March 8 and Stokesley (£6) on Thursday, March 23. To reserve a place, or for more information, phone 01653 699059 or 01653 698888. The revised pick-up points and times are Thornton-le-Dale (Roxby Road junction with the A170) 9.15am, Eastgate/Hawthorne Lane 9.25am, Eastgate car park 9.30am, Ingsgarth 9.33am, Westgate/Manor Drive 9.35am and Middleton Road/Northway 9.40am.

RILLINGTON

Whist drives - After a short break the progressive whist drives will resume at Woodlands Community Centre on Friday at 7.15pm.

Quiz - Mike Williams will be hosting a general knowledge quiz in the Fleece Inn on Friday at 9pm. Entry £2 includes a hot supper and cash prizes.

Discos - There will be an under-11s and under-16s disco night in the village hall on Friday, February 17 to raise funds for the village hall and recreation ground. It will run from 6pm to 8pm for the under 11ss and 8pm to 10pm for under 16s. Admission is £2. Food and drinks will be available.

RYEDALE

RAFA - John Paul, a member from Kirkbymoorside, was the guest speaker at the RAFA Ryedale branch meeting on Wednesday, February 1 at the Malton & Norton Golf Club. The audience of 36 members enjoyed a slide presentation of photographs and personal sketches of John’s RAF service 1952-1954 mostly spent in Singapore at RAF Changi, the former prisoner of war camp,and in duties in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. John Paul joined the RAF on National Service in December 1951, stationed for basic training at West Kirby. During this period he was called upon to line the route for the funeral of King George VI in 1952 John’s stories of his National Service captivated the audience and brought back many memories for some, including David Toop of Scarborough, who was one of his comrades during that time. For information about RAFA membership, which is open to serving and ex-RAF personnel and supporters, phone the membership secretary Allan Jones on 07747 825309.

SEAMER

St Martin’s Church - The Rev Richard Firth presided at the 9.30am service of BCP Communion and reader Elizabeth Moreland preached the sermon. Enid Plevey gave a bible reading and also, with Carol Beswick, was a sidesperson. Edna Burton accompanied the hymns on the piano, and Clare Firth assisted by Sue Johnson, served refreshments. Elizabeth Moreland preached again at the 11am service of modern worship, which was led by John Worthy. Liz Cremer read and Tim Cremer led the intercessions. The sung worship was led by Steve Raettig (keyboard) with Andy Taylor (guitar) and John Taylor (drums). Jenny and Duncan Bland ran the Sunday Club, Elizabeth Bradley was the sidesperson and Debbie Little served refreshments after the service

Methodists - The service on Sunday was taken by Rev Pam Ward. The vestry steward was Bert Blower and Margaret Neave was the welcomer and also took the collection. The singing was accompanied by Sarah on the piano. Bible readings were given by Bob Jackman, who read from Isaiah, and Sheena Dunnington, who read from Matthew’s Gospel. The theme of Rev Ward’s sermon was Jesus the light of the world. Holy Communion was observed during the service. The preacher next week at 10.30am is Deacon Helen Webster. The monthly coffee morning is on Saturday at 10.30am. Singing for fun sessions returns on Friday, February 17 between 2pm and 3pm.

SHERBURN

Quiz - The next quiz at the Sports and Community Club will he held on Sunday, February 26 at 8pm. The latest quiz run by Steve Hunter was won by the Weaverthorpe team. The lucky envelope game which stood at £190 was won by Val Slack.

Water Aid - Pamela Wild would like to thank everyone who bought Christmas gifts that she made to sell on behalf of Water Aid. It raised £400.

Letters draw - Saturday’s Sherburn FC draw was won by R McNeilly from Kingspan with the letters M U Y. He won £300 and the prize fund this week will be £60.

St Hilda’s Church - The next service at St Hilda’s will be morning worship led by Barbara Grice on Sunday at 10.30am.

Lunch - The Senior Citizen Luncheon Club will meet from 12.30pm for lunch at 1pm on Wednesday, February 15. Lifts within the village can be arranged by phoning Christine on 01944 711294.

Methodist news - The Tuesday coffee morning donations continue to be given your kind donations for coffee towards the purchase of a new Doppler Scanner for Sherburn Surgery. There was shared worship with Anglican friends on Sunday led by the worship team with music provided by Janet on the organ and Chris Cade, Tony Mok, Tom Webborn and Jean Brown on guitars. Christine Pickard was the welcome and Ray Pickard took up the offertory. The gifts were received and dedicated by Jean Brown. Barbara Grice read from Matthew’s Gospel about salt and light. Liz Aconley read a reflection about the uses of salt and led the prayers of Confession. The congregation sang about light, singing Shine Jesus Shine with actions taught by Jean. Christine Fenwick told a story about reflected light. Sandra Cade, India Heron and Kiara Heron illustrated and read Psalm 91. Candles were lit for all the Anglican churches in the benefice and the Methodist churches in the local circuit. The audio visual equipment was operated by Luke Heron. After worship, coffee was enjoyed together in the hall. The worship on Sunday at 10.30am will be led by Martin Mellowdew.

SINNINGTON

People’s Guild - The Rev Mark Brosnan was the speaker at the meeting on Tuesday, January 31. Mark, previously trained as a psychiatric nurse, has a special interest in dementia and its care. After much discussion, members were encouraged to think how they can help and support dementia patients in church. Jill Simpson thanked Mark for a thought-provoking talk. Olive Leng played for the two hymns. Tea and biscuits were served. The next meeting is on Tuesday, February 14 at 7.15pm when Mr A Poole will speak on the Malton and Norton District Hospital League of Friends.

SNAINTON

St Stephen’s - The last weekend in February will be particularly busy for St Stephen’s church fundraisers as part of their ongoing fundraising for the church new roof appeal. On Saturday, February 25 homemade soup will be served from 11am in the village hall followed by homemade pancakes with a variety of toppings. This event was held for the first time last year. There will be a handicrafts stall, cake stall, raffle and tombola. The following day the gardens and grounds of Headon Cottage, Wydale and Wydale Hall will be open for a snowdrop walk from 11am to 3pm. This is the first time the gardens have been open to the public at this time of year. Mugs of hot soup, tea, coffee and cakes will be available from Wydale Hall. Dogs on short leads will be allowed in the grounds but not in the hall itself. The cost is adults £5, children under 16 free. More information about either event is available from Jane Williams phone 01723 859130 or Angela Howgate phone 01723 859843.

Quiz - Tickets are selling well for the fundraising general knowledge quiz being held in the village hall on Friday at 7pm. Get in touch with Derwent Valley BRIDGE Community Library to buy tickets. There will be a licenced bar, raffle and supper options. The quiz master will be local author and journalist Alan Combes. There is a cup for the winning team, prizes for the three highest-placed teams, spot prizes and a wooden spoon award. Individuals can help make up teams of four. Tickets cost £6 per person, or £5 for Derwent Valley BRIDGE Friends, and can be obtained from the Community Library, Pickering Road, West Ayton, phone 01723 863052.

THORNTON-LE-DALE

Bridge club - North/South winners at the competition on Monday, January 30 were Margaret Lowe and Isa Eggleston with 61.6 per cent. In second place were Peter and Lesley Jaram with 58.3 per cent. East/West winners were George and Pat Donnor with 61.7 per cent. Runners-up were Audrey Shaw and Angela Smith with 60 per cent.

WESTOW

New gates - Richard Walker has donated new gates for the village cricket ground. The cricket club’s annual meeting will be held in the pavilion at 7pm on Friday, February 24.

WI REPORT

Middleton Aislaby and Wrelton -The monthly meeting was held on Wednesday, February 1 when Roger Osborne gave a talk called The Rocks and Landscape of our Area. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 1 at 7.15pm in Middleton Village Hall when Tony Nicholson will give a talk called Secrets in the Attic. The branch is always interested in visitors and new members. As well as monthly meetings with speakers or social events, it has activities and outings. For more information, phone 01752 470127 or email middletonaislabywrelton@gmail.com

OBITUARY

Irene Bull

A thanksgiving service for the life of Irene Bull was held at All Saints Church, Low Catton, after cremation at Octon. The service was conducted by the Rev Maggy Ellison and the Rev Fran Wakefield. The organist was Helen Drewery. Donations in lieu of flowers were for All Saints Church and St Catherine’s Hospice in Scarborough. Liz Cowley, her niece, said Irene was born on November 3, 1941 at Broompark just outside Durham. She had an older sister, Betty, and a foster sister, Joyce. Irene started work at Kingston’s Farm, near Shincliffe, and belonged to the Young Farmers’ Club and the Girl Guides.

Irene married Norman Curtis on March 3, 1962 and they moved to Gate Helmsley where Irene worked as cook and housekeeper. They moved to Stamford Bridge and Irene they bought The Old School House in Low Catton and set up the Yorkdale Kennels. Irene also drove the school bus and all the children called her auntie. She served on the Parish Council for a number of years. She was a stalwart member of the village hall and the church and loved to sing hymns. Her strong faith helped her when Norman died in 1982 after losing his battle against lung cancer. Irene married Alan White from Full Sutton but Irene was widowed again when Alan died from a heart attack. Irene needed help to run the kennels and look after her land at Full Sutton and advertised for someone to assist her. Colin Bull applied and they hit it off straight away with their love of animals and birds. They married on November 28, 1986 and so began their 30 years of happy marriage together. After Colin’s death in October 2016 Irene’s health was failing and had to give up her home. After time in Scarborough Hospital she moved to St Catherine’s Hospice where she died peacefully on Thursday, January 19. Last year the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, while on his pilgrimage of the Deanery, called to see Irene who was waiting in her wheelchair to greet him and together they had sung the hymn Thine be the Glory and this was one of the hymns chosen for her funeral service.