Catch up with the news in your neighbourhood

APPLETON-LE-MOORS

History group - The History Group committee met recently in the Reading Room when the main topic discussion was the progress in spending the £3,900 HLF grant. To date £1,400 has been spent. A substantial amount has been allocated for the publication in 2017 of a new 100-page book called Luminaries of Appleton-le-Moors. The book is progressing well with four authors being involved in the publication. Tomorrow (Thursday), at 7.30pm in the village hall, there will be a talk by Joel Brookfield called An Appleton Church Crawl. It will explore Christian history within 50 miles of the village. Admission is £2.50. In February, Professor Nicky Milner will give an update on Star Carr.

Parish council - The latest parish council meeting discussed the annual audit report. Also on the agenda was the progress of installing a defibrillation unit at the village hall - this should be resolved before the end of the year. There was also a discussion on the amount of brash being left after hedge cutting on public rights of way.

Shoebox appeal - Women from Appleton-le-Moors, Lastingham and Kirkbymoorside met in the village hall on Tuesday, November 8 to decorate and fill shoe boxes for the Samaritans Purse appeal. A total of 47 boxes for girls and boys of all ages were completed.

Christmas fair - More than £600, to be split equally between the church and chapel, was raised at the Christmas fair in the village hall on Saturday. The hall, decorated with trimmings and tinsel had a seasonal feel and the stalls were piled high with goods of all sorts. The atmosphere was helped by live music played by Richard Haynes.

BULMER

Bridge club -Dorothy Boyes and Charlie Chambers won at the meeting on Thursday, November 17 with 62.9 per cent. Second were Diane Cooper and Les Allan on 54.6 per cent.

GILLAMOOR

Bingo- There will be a session of bingo to raise funds for the village church at the Moorside Club & Bar, Kirkbymoorside, on Wednesday, December 7 at 8pm.

HELMSLEY

Poppy bingo – The local Royal British Legion women’s section are having a prize bingo at 7.30pm on Wednesday, November 30 in the town hall to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal. It will include a raffle.

KIRKBYMOORSIDE

Remembrance – There was a good attendance for the Remembrance Day parade on Sunday, November 13. It was attended by Alex Holford, the Deputy Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, and her husband, Michael. Local dignitaries included Bob Gardiner, chairman of Ryedale District Council and Angus Ashworth, mayor of Kirkbymoorside. The parade was led by Kirkbymoorside Brass Band through the town to All Saints Church where the Remembrance service took place. Brigadier M J D Perrett-Young, representing the local branch of the Royal British Legion was among those who laid wreaths in remembrance. After the service the band led the parade, which included veterans, town councillors, members of the Memorial Hall committee, fire brigade, police, cubs scouts and beavers to the Moorside Club and Bar and provided further entertainment.

Christmas market – The town’s Christmas market will be held on Saturday from10am to 3pm. The market, which is now in its eighth year, will feature up to 40 stalls lining the High Street and the ground and first floor of the Memorial Hall, selling a variety of Christmas gifts. For the children there will be activities in the library from 10.30am until noon, a free Santa’s grotto in the Dugout of the Memorial Hall from noon until 2pm and face painting in the early afternoon. Children aged from four to 11 will be able to make their own Christmas crackers at the library from 11am to noon. Kirkbymoorside Brass Band will play carols from 11am. For more information, email René Stuip at rene.stuip@gmail.com Christingle service - All Saints Church’s Christingle service is at 6.30pm on Sunday, November 27. Junior members of All Saints will be joining in the service. Christingles will be distributed to each child at the service which will be joined by Kirkbymoorside School choir and Kirkbymoorside cub scouts. The collection is for the work of the Children’s Society.

Manor Close – There will be a domino drive at the centre today (Wednesday) at 7.30pm.

Give or take -There will be a Give or Take day at the Memorial Hall on Sunday from 9am to noon. Goods can be delivered to the side door from 8am or the previous evening between 6pm and 8pm.

Bridge club - There was ten tables for the third session of the pairs handicap competition. At North/South Anne Smith and Chris Baxter tied for first place with Anne Avery and George Goodall on 63 per cent. East/West winners were Gill and Trevor Hardcastle on 67.2 per cent. Josie Helliwell and Peter Small were second on 58 per cent. Play of the week went to Christine Brett and Clarissa Napier.

Box collection - Children’s Society boxes can be left in All Saints Church on Sunday. Anyone unable to take their boxes to church should phone June on 01751 431160 and will be happy to collect.

Live act - Brad Stevens is the entertainer at the Moor Side Club & Bar on Saturday at 8.30pm. The club’s annual general meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 29 at 7.30pm.

Menzown - Members of Menzown each took a CD to the latest meeting. Their selected track was played to the other members after the significance of the chosen music had been explained. Selections included the Ashoken Farewell, Hey Mr Tambourine Man, Stranger on the Shaw, Jupiter from Holst’s Planets Suite, Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Any Dream Will Do. Further choices included the Dalesmen Singers, music by John Rutter and barber shop singing. The vote of thanks to Rhys for playing the music was given by Warwick. The chairman for the evening was Richard Sharpe. Roy Bishop expressed a request that three recently joined new members get in touch with him as to whether they are coming to the Christmas dinner to be held at the King’s Head on Monday, December 19, 7pm for 7.30pm..

KIRKDALE

Candlelight services - The services of Nine Lessons and Carols by candlelight at St Gregory’s Minster will be on Saturday and Sunday, December 17 and 18 at 4pm. Admission will be by free ticket which are available from Julia Maynard, phone 01439 772123. Work has been done during summer to improve the surface of the field available for extra parking so it is hoped there will be no further problems in wet weather. The minster choir will be leading the singing at choral evensong at Castle Howard chapel on Sunday, December 11 at 4pm.

LEAVENING

Advent service -There is a Methodist Advent service and Holy Communion in Leavening Church at 2.30pm with Rev Tanya Short.

MALTON

Flower club - At the November open evening of Malton and District Flower Club, internationally acclaimed demonstrator Andrew Grisewood presented A Touch of Fantasy. The demonstration showcased blooms, accompanied by commentary, observations and seasonal music. The next meeting is a week earlier than usual and is on December 13 at 12.30pm. The practice class, entitled Any Which Way will be followed by a Christmas buffet lunch. For membership inquiries phone Maggie Tate-Smith on 01653 698741.

Jet talk - Malton Ladies Luncheon Club met on Thursday, November 17 at the Forest & Vale Hotel, in Pickering. After lunch Rebecca Tucker gave a talk and slide show on Whitby Jet. The next meeting is on Thursday, December 8. Anyone wishing to join the club should phone the secretary, Tricia Pearce, on 01653 696593.

NEWTON-UPON-RAWCLIFFE

Bell ringing - Lockton and Levisham Bell Ringers will provide an evening of entertainment in the village hall tomorrow (Thursday) at 7.30pm. There will be an opportunity for visitors to have ago at bell ringing. Admission is £2 which includes tea or coffee, and biscuits.

PICKERING

Family cinema - Children and their parents enjoyed the new animated version of Robinson Crusoe at the family cinema at Pickering Methodist Church on Saturday. The next family cinema will be on Saturday, December 3 at 6.30pm when Finding Dory will be screened. Admission is free, but donations towards costs are welcome. Snacks and refreshments are available for sale. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Domino drive - There will be a domino drive in aid of Pickering Bowling Club at the Recreation Club, Mill Lane, on Friday, December 2 at 7.30pm.

Shoebox appeal - Last week 195 shoeboxes were sent from Pickering and Thornton-le-Dale. Many fillers and several donations towards the transport costs were also sent as part of the annual appeal .The last date for dropping filled shoeboxes off is this Sunday. They can be left at the home of Daphne Bowes, 14 Willow Court, Pickering or phone 01751 475143 for further information.

Christmas fair - There will be a Christmas fair and coffee morning at Potter Hill Methodist Church on Saturday from 10am to noon in the schoolroom. There will also be a crib festival from 10am to 3pm with a variety of displays in the church. The festival continues from 10am to 3pm in the schoolroom on Sunday when the normal service at 10.30am will be led by the Rev Jane Pickering. Refreshments will be available. All monies raised over the weekend will be for the church redevelopment fund.

Flower club – Members of Pickering and District Flower Club will meet tonight (Wednesday) at 7.30pm. It is the 30th anniversary of the club and it will be a practice night followed by judging. There will also be a talk by Libby Butler entitled The Birth and Journey of a Pearl. This will be followed by a faith supper. It will be the last meeting of this year. The next meeting will be the annual club lunch for members which will be held on Wednesday, January 25.

Christmas lights – The town’s Christmas lights switch on will take place at 5pm on Saturday, December 3. The Market Place will be closed to traffic from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. There will be live music from the Stape Silver Band and the Pickering Infants School Choir, Santa will be in his sleigh and shops will be open with festive goodies. The Christmas tree blessing will take place with carol singing and the Minster Strays Morris Dancers will be performing. In the Memorial Hall there will be a Christmas Market from 9am to 4pm.

Coffee morning – The annual Dogs Trust coffee morning will be held in the WRVS Hungate Centre on Saturday from 10am to noon. There will be homemade cakes, bric-a-brac, tombola and a raffle. Contributions to the stalls will be appreciated. For further information, phone 01751 473242.

Annual meeting - The annual general meeting of the Ryedale Aquarist Society was held in the Memorial Hall last week. Officers elected for 2017 are as follows –chairman, Mr S Russell; secretary and treasurer, David Marshall; table show secretary, Marc Taylor-Olsson; committee members, Mrs A Grayson, Miss S Marshall, Mr J Carr, Mr H Hallsworth, and Mr R Hebden. The annual trophy competition winners were table show champion: Mr D Gamble, British Telecom Christmas Trophy: Mr S Russell, owner of the best egg-laying fish: Marc Taylor-Olsson, best fish bred by a member and owner of the best livebearing fish: David Marshall. The next meeting will be held in the Memorial Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday, December 7 when a membership discussion will be held on the subject of South American Coricarons.

Farmers’ market – The next farmers’ market will be held in the market place on Thursday, Decenmber 1 from 8.30am.

Weekly draw - Last week’s main prize of £225 in the weekly Pickering Town draw was not won. The numbers were 13, 35 and 20. This week’s draw will be increased to £300.

PEEMS - The next meeting of the Pickering Experimental Engineering and Model Society will take place at the WRVS Hungate Centre on Wednesday December 7 at 7pm.

RILLINGTON

Parish council - The November meeting of the parish council was held in the Church Rooms. The draft minutes can be found on the parish council website.

Ladies Guild - Sixteen members and one guest were present at the November meeting of Rillington and District Ladies Guild held in Woodlands Community Centre. President Gillian De-Jong welcomed Adam Collier who entertained with an evening of dialect. After a brief introduction on the history of dialect Adam told stories and read verses. He was thanked by Sue Butler. The evening’s hostesses were Babs Buckley and Caroline Neuff. Judy Duke sold tickets for the raffle. At the business meeting which followed, the speakers’ secretary, Sue Donnell, outlined the plans for the June 2017 outing to Sledmere House and gardens.

Quiz time - Nine teams playing for £66 prize money took part in Mike Williams’ quiz at the Fleece Inn. The winners with 63 points were Weaverthorpe 4, second were 30/32’s and third Team @ the Bar. The booby prize was awarded to Too Young for this Quiz. The £16 jackpot was won by Honeymooners. Mike’s next quiz at the Fleece will be on Friday, December 2.

Jennie’s Sunday night quiz was won by Steve, Gary & Co and the jackpot was won by Team @ the Bar after a tie break with Steve, Gary & Co.

Christmas fair - The Christmas Fair will be held in the village hall on Saturday from 9.30am to 11.30am. It will include Christmas stalls, homemade cakes, Santa's grotto, face painting, refreshments, tombola and a raffle. Admission is free.

Live music - Looking Back will be playing rock and roll and classic tunes in the Fleece Inn on Saturday from 9.30pm.

Box appeal -The Christian group, the Besom, based in Malton are appealing for strong cardboard boxes without lids, covered in Christmas paper which they will fill and hand out to those in need. These can be left at the Buckrose Cafe on Tuesday mornings by early December or can be collected by Anne Nicoll.

SEAMER

St Martin’s Church - The Rev Richard Firth presided at the service of Holy Communion on Sunday at 9.30am. Reader Elizabeth Moreland preached the sermon for the Feast of Christ the King. Kieron Middleton gave a bible reading and Kate Middleton led the prayers and assisted with the distribution of communion. Clare Firth and Sue Johnson were sidespersons and Julie Stephenson served refreshments. Elizabeth Moreland preached again at the 11am service of modern worship, which was led by John Worthy. Mary Otway read and Tim Cremer led the intercessions. The sung worship was led by Richard Fuller (guitar) with John and Sue Grice (guitar and bass) and John Taylor (drums). Liz Cremer and Elizabeth Bradley ran the Sunday Club and Elizabeth also acted as sidesperson. Jenny and Duncan Bland served refreshments after the service.

Autumn fair - St Martin’s autumn fair has so far raised more than £650 for church funds.

Methodists - The service on Sunday was taken by Rev Bruce Russell. The organist was Doreen Lawson, the vestry steward was Bert Blower and the welcomer was Margaret Harris. A collection was taken by Margaret Neave. Bible readings were given by Mary Jackman who read from Exodus and Bert Blower read from Matthew’s gospel. The theme of Rev Russell’s sermon was based on the bible readings which spoke of the rules and laws of the Jewish people. The preacher next week at 10.30am will be taken by Christine Fenwick and Jean Brown. This is the first Sunday in Advent. The Singing for Fun Group will meet on Friday between 2pm and 3pm and anyone can join in.

SHERBURN

Quiz - The monthly quiz will be held at the Community Club on Sunday at 8pm. Entry is £1 per person and is for teams of up to five people.

Drawing a blank - There was no winner of Sherburn FC’s letters draw on Saturday. The letters drawn were E F V. Next week’s prize fund will be £180.

Charity auction – The East Riding pub is to host a charity auction in aid of R2C2 on Friday, December 2 at 7.30pm. Any donations of prizes will be greatly received. R2C2 goes to St Catherine;s Hospice Lavender Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support and is this year’s chosen charity for the auction. There will also be a donation to the Air Ambulance.

St Hilda’s - The Rev Joe Kinsella will officiate at Holy Communion at St Hilda’s Church on Sunday at 9am.

Messy Church – Members of Messy Church will be making Advent calendars at the Methodist Church on Saturday after joining in Advent Praise. Children will meet for tea at 4.45pm before making the calendars. Children should be accompanied by an adult.

Luncheon Club – Members of the Senior Citizen Luncheon Club met in the chapel hall and enjoyed lunch. Eightieth birthday greetings were sung to Jean Brown, one of the helpers, who gave us a short demonstration of keep fit. Barbara Grice was in charge of the quiz which was won by John’s table. The Christmas party will be held at the chapel hall on Wednesday, December 21, meeting at12.30pm for lunch at 1pm. It is open to all our seniors in the village. The club is grateful to the parish council for its help with funding this event. Anyone needing a lift within the village should Christine on 01944 711294.

Methodist news - The Bible study group met and continued with its study of the book of Revelation. The Tuesday coffee morning hostess was Liz Aconley. On Saturday members of the family cinema group watched the film Marmaduke in the hall. The Holy Communion service on Sunday was led by the minister, the Rev Denise Free, assisted by Communion steward Kim Canterbury. The welcomer was Christine Pickard and the offertory steward was Ray Pickard. Bible readings were by Sandra Cade and Janet Magee. Jean Brown was steward and Chris Cade played the organ. The audio visual equipment was operated by Christine Fenwick. After worship, refreshments were enjoyed in the hall. The service on Sunday at 10.30am will be led by Rev Pam Ward.

SINNINGTON

People’s Guild - Kirkbymoorside Community Band with the Farndale and Newton Singers entertained the People’s Guild at a full chapel on Tuesday, November 15. The band began the evening by accompanying the first hymn Praise My Soul the King of Heaven, then played four items. The Newton singers sang four pieces, followed by the hymn Cwm Rhondda played by the band. The Farndale singers sang its chosen four items before the band ended the evening with a further four pieces, the singers joining them to sing Deep Harmony before Onward Christian Soldiers completed the night. John Lumley proposed the vote of thanks. Supper was served. The collection for the work of the Guide Dogs for the Blind totalled £194.50p. The next meeting is on Tuesday, November 29 at 7.15pm when the Rev Tanya Short will give a talk on Advent.

SLINGSBY

Tea Spot – Villagers are invited to drop in at the chapel to socialise at Tea Spot gatherings on Thursday, December 1 and Thursday, January 5 between 10am to 11.30am. The sessions provide cups of tea, chat, and company. Anyone can take their own games, craft or knitting. Anyone requiring a lift should phone Louise on 01653 628064.

SNAINTON

Carol singing - Snainton Carollers hope to be singing in the village during December. However, numbers are small, and so anyone who feels able to give a couple of evenings to this Christmas tradition should phone John on 01723 859442.

THORNTON-LE-DALE

Bridge club – The competition held on Monday, November 14 was won by Barry Smith and Bob Wardell with 59.5 per cent. In second place were Tim Johnson and Enid Watson with 58.7 per cent. Three couples shared third place with 49.2 per cent.

Parish council - Rural Action Yorkshire have been asked if one of their officers could attend the next meeting of the parish council on Tuesday, December 6 at 7.30pm in the Hill Memorial Institute.

WOMBLETON

Coffee morning - A Christmas coffee morning will be held in the village hall on Saturday from 10am to 11.30am. The raffle will be drawn at 11am. Admisson is £1.50 for adults and includes a hot drink and a mince pie. Children’s admission is £1to include juice and a biscuit. The event is to raise funds for the hall.

Carol service - The village carol service will be held in the village hall on Sunday, December 18.

Domino drives – There will be a domino drive in the village hall on Saturday at 7.30pm and one on Wednesday, December 7.

WRELTON

Fair - There will be a Christmas craft and gift fair in Wrelton Village Hall on Thursday, December 1, from 7pm, raising funds for Ryedale Special Families and the Peter Simpson's Trust Fund. There will be a range of stalls including cards, cushions, candles, Christmas decorations, home-baking, raffle, tombola and refreshments. Everyone welcome with free admission.

WI REPORTS

Byland with Wass - The branch were delighted to welcome three new members and several visitors to the November meeting. Claire Birnie-Reid talked about the practicalities of providing large flower arrangements for the altar at Ampleforth Abbey. She then demonstrated a much smaller arrangement for a table centre. Everyone then had a go at a Christmas table centre. The December meeting will be the Christmas meal at the Staypleton Arms, Wass. On Thursday, January 19 the branch will listen to a talk by Jackie Barlow from Husthwaite about her prizewinning Beacon Alpacas. Phone Jane on 01439 788870 for information about the branch.

Marton & Normanby - The November meeting started with a welcome to the two speakers for the evening, Ann and Peter Mansfield. Members viewed their slides and listened to their anecdotes about their holiday to China earlier in the year. The raffle and supper followed. The evening ended with notices from the president, Jean Bell. She highlighted the successful coffee morning in late October in order to raise enough funds to buy a memorial bench in memory of Mary Sellars, a dedicated member of the branch, who died recently .The next meeting, in December, will be the Christmas party. The New Year meeting will be held in the Moors Inn.

YCA REPORT

Rillington and District - The November meeting, held in the village hall was attended by 16 members. The evening’s demonstrator was Gemma Bicknell of the Topiary Tree, Malton. She decorated a pine door wreath using holly, cones, seed heads, died citrus fruit slices and cinnamon sticks. Next she made an oblong table arrangement with three candles, red roses, carnations, gerberas and chrysanthemums and her third arrangement was done in a rustic container made of twigs and moss, into this she put an orchid, carnations and gerberas. Gemma donated the table arrangement the raffle. Lorna Mastaglio thanked Gemma who Gemma judged the competition for an indoor plant and awarded first prize to Heather Thornes. In second place was Marjorie Grice and third Ruby Rodgers.

Sherburn - The chairman welcomed 26members to the November meeting. There were apologies from eight members. Sue Woodcock gave a talk called From Copper to Shepherd. The vote of thanks was given by Barbara Grice and the competition was won by Rosemary Mudd. The minutes of the October meeting were read and approved and correspondence was read out. The Christmas dinner on Wednesday, December 14 is at the Copper Horse and the bus will leave Sherburn at 6pm. The meeting on Wednesday, January 11 will be the Christmas party which will be held between 2pm and 4pm.

OBITUARY

Kathleen Oldfield - A service of thanksgiving for the life of Kathleen Oldfield was held at the East Riding Crematorium on Thursday, November 10. The service was conducted by the Rev Jeremy Valentine. Donations in lieu of flowers were for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Kathleen was on January 6 1926 at Whisperdale near Hackness to William and Margaret Gamble. They moved to Barthorpe Grange Farm before Kathleen started school along with her older brother Dick and older sister Dorothy.

On leaving Bugthorpe School she became a nanny. She met Fred Oldfield and they married three years later, almost 68 years ago. They had four sons – John, David Ian and Alan.

1n 1957 the family moved to Harton and then to Claxton where Kathleen took a job at the petrol station, serving petrol and doing the books. She was very house proud and was renowned for her cooking and baking skills as well as knitting and sewing.

After the boys grew up and left home she set up a bed and breakfast business. This proved to be a huge success and she received an award for the best B&B in Yorkshire. She and Fred enjoyed their trip to the Look North studios where they were interviewed by Harry Gration and Christa Ackroyd and later attended the awards ceremony.

In 1994 Fred retired after 31 years working at Mount Pleasant Farm at Bossall. T hey were given a surprise party at Claxton with lots of speeches and treats before they moved to their dream bungalow in Stamford Bridge. They spent 22 years of happy retirement together, still managing to run their B&B business.

Kathleen will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity and willingness to help anyone. She always had positive words of encouragement for everyone.

Kathleen passed away peacefully at her home on October 29 and will be sadly missed by all her loving family and friends.

Chief mourners were Fred Oldfield (husband), John and Jo Oldfield, David and Julie Oldfield, Ian and Chris Oldfield, Alan and Margaret Oldfield (sons and daughters-in-law), Guy, Emma and Sam (grandchildren), Doris and Ken (sister and brother-in-law), Josie Underwood, Maurice and Vic Parkin (nieces and nephews), Hazel and Peter Andrew.