HERE is all your latest Vale and Dale news. Find out what is happening in your neighbourhood, check out when your parish council meets or simply plan ahead with details of events taking place round the corner.

ACKLAM

Church services - On every Wednesday in December there is to be a Holy Communion service in the Church of St John the Baptist at 10am each day. On Christmas Day there will be a traditional Parish Holy Communion service at 9am.

Carol Service - The Acklam village carol service is on Sunday, December 8, at 6pm, in the Church of St John the Baptist in Acklam.

AMPLEFORTH

Service - Sunday, December 8, 10.30am, St Hilda’s: Benefice Eucharist.

APPLETON-LE-MOORS

Work task - The Saturday work task, as part of Appleton & Spaunton Community Interest Company’s management of Bishop Hagg Wood, was attended by four villagers, as well as brash burning the permissive path was re-waymarked and partially tidied. Next one will be December 21 at 10am.

Parish council - As well as the usual items in was decide to circulate a map showing where the two dog waste bins are located to help both locals and visitors. Also a map is bring prepared showing the village house names to help local deliveries, a copy of this will be left in the telephone kiosk at at The Moors Inn. Finally it was decide to apply for 200 tree wips from OVO to be planted in community open spaces. The next meeting will be January 9 in the village hall.

50 Years of The Village Hall - On Saturday evening about 50 people gathered in the village hall for a dinner dance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the village school becoming the village hall. Thanks to Jacki Milestone, Maggie Tebb, Helen Sheared and other members of the management committee for organising the event and Appleton-le-Moors History Group for the display of hundreds of photographs and a rolling slide show.

BARTON-LE-WILLOWS

Group - New and old members will be made welcome every Friday morning at the mother and toddler group in the village hall from 9.30am and 11am.

BROMPTON-BY-SAWDON

Church - At 4.30pm on Sunday, December 8, at All Saints, there will be an Advent Carol Service. It will be taken by Dr Don Jones and Helen Wright and replaces the usual second Sunday Matins. There will be bells for the children to ring during the carols, a story and chance to find the models who move into the crib for the Christmas season. Refreshments and a chance to look at around 40 Christmas trees decorated by local schools, groups, businesses and individuals. The trees stay in place for the whole of December and the church is kept open for free entry in daylight hours. Donations welcome.

BULMER

Bridge club - The results of the bridge evening on Thursday, November 28. 1st Ian Barnett and Tom Nutman 60 per cent; 2nd John and Anne Prest 59.52 per cent; 3rd Sheila Briske and Jane Bartlett 57.92 per cent.

FARNDALE

Domino Drive - Christmas domino drive on Tuesday, December 10, in Farndale Village Hall.

Calendar - The 2020 Farndale Calendar is now available from The Feversham Arms Inn, Farndale, Lion Inn, Blakey and BATA, Kirkbymoorside, priced £6 all funds to Farndale Village Hall.

GILLING EAST

Project - On Thursday, December 5, Richard Baines, will be at Gilling East Village Hall talking about the North York Moors Turtle Dove Project. Starting at 7.30pm and costs £3 to include a cup of tea or coffee. Richard Baines is the Turtle Dove project director.

GREAT EDSTONE

Services at St Michaels - The Christingle service on Sunday, December 8, will be taken by Rev Bridget Gillespie at 6.30pm. Sunday, December 15, Holy communion at 11am.

HELMSLEY

RNLI - The Helmsley RNLI branch would like to thank who supported the last two events. The bingo night in the Scouts Hut, raised £300, and the coffee morning at The Black Swan Hotel, made £428. Both for Saving Lives at Sea.

HOVINGHAM

Market - Christmas Village Market will be held on Saturday, December 7, from 10.30am to 1.30pm, with more than 60 stalls selling local produce and crafts. Community stalls are Elsie the donkey with mistletoe with proceeds to Parkinson’s UK. The cafe will be run by Hovingham Project Purple who also have a stall telling you all about renewable energy. Swinton and District Excelsior Brass Band will be playings and the volunteer Market Manager is Tony Mathe. The next Christmas market is on Saturday, December 21.

LASTINGHAM

Sale - All proceeds from the sales of Mike Matson’s book, In Cedd’s Footsteps - the life and journals of James Salman, Vicar of Lastingham 1890-1904 have, so far, produced a total of £1,450, gift-aided, to Bridge House Mission to the Single Homeless. Copies are available at £15 each and can be delivered free within Ryedale, or by Royal Mail (p&p £3). Phone 01751 417834.

KIRKBYMOORSIDE

Bridge Club - The result from Tuesday, November 26. North/South winners were Tim Johnson and Cynthia Metcalfe with 66.1 per cent. In second place Barry Smith and Bob Wardell with 57.2 per cent. East/West winners were Tony and Bo Simpson with 60 per cent. In second place Graeme Matthew and Mary Mortonson with 58.7 per cent. Two pairs made two small slams and a further two pairs made one small slam.

Coffee Morning - All Saints monthly coffee morning in church is on Saturday, December 7, from 9.30am to noon. The December draw for Club100 will be drawn too.

Library - Can you help keep Kirkbymoorside Library open by volunteering? It welcomes enquiries for joining the friendly team working shifts in the library, or can you give a few hours a month helping with publicity, fundraising etc. Please call in and ask for an enquiry form or email the library for more information at kirkbylibrary@outlook.com. The library is offering a hot desking facility every Wednesday and on other days by agreement. The charge will be £10 per day or £5 per half day. Wifi is included in the charge. To book, phone 01609 534557.

Menzown - The next meeting of Menzown will be the members’ Christmas dinner at the King’s Head on Monday, December 16.

Tuesday Group - The meeting on Tuesday, December 10, at the Methodist church jubilee room, at 7.30pm, takes the format of a Outside In A reflective service for Christmas. The leader and music is by Jean, the service by Daisy and members will be the tea hostesses.

Messy church - It takes place on Monday, December 16, at the Methodist Church, from 4pm to 6pm.

Julian Meeting - It takes place in St Chad’s RC church on Tuesday, December 10, at 6.30pm.

KIRKDALE

Quiz - Look out for the latest quiz from Kirkdale. This has become a regular feature of local life - although this may be the final quiz. A volunteer is sought to continue the custom. Quiz sheets will be available from all the usual local businesses for just £1 each. It is in aid of St Gregory’s Minster and St Hilda’s, Beadlam. An ideal entertainment for the family over the Christmas holiday and an unusual mini-gift to send to other family members.

MALTON

Church news - There will be an Advent carol service at St Mary’s Priory Church, Old Malton, on Sunday December 1, at 6pm. Each church community will being its Advent wreath and each church community will also provide a reader. The parish gift weekend at St Leonard & St Mary’s RC Church, Malton, has raised an “excellent” amount for the upkeep of the church. The fund will remain open during the next few weeks. There will be a coffee morning at St Leonard’s Parish Community Centre on Wednesday, December 11, from 10am to noon, in support of Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale MIND in memory of Katherine Hannah. On Thursday, December 12, at 6.30pm, there will be the CAFOD Advent service with a social justice theme. The CAFOD Christmas Fair is fast approaching and any contributions of cakes would be appreciated. CAFOD will also be running a raffle after each Mass leading up to the event. Youth Sunday was held this past weekend at the church to celebrate and thank young people in the parish for their contributions to the life of the parish.

Bridge club - The winners in the latest session of Malton Bridge Club’s championship pairs were Matt Brash and Mike Jackson with 65.5 per cent. Pauline Cooper and Richard Hilton came second with 62.2 followed by Rob Ashdown and Madge Allison with 60.1 and John and Beryl Bramall with 55.4. The winners on Thursday were Terry Herbert and Charlie Callis as North-South and Gladys Thompson with Tricia Pearce as East-West. In the Yorkshire League on Sunday, Malton A lost narrowly 12-8 against Leeds A, while Malton B were defeated 19-1 by Leeds E.

NORTON

Flower club - National demonstrator Nick Grounds, from Cambridgeshire, a born entertainer, presented Bah Humbug, a floral demonstration, at the November Open Evening of Malton and District Flower Club. A very experienced and knowledgeable flower arranger he presented alternative style Christmas flower designs using both artificial and fresh materials. Original tips for mechanics and ideas for containers were given while this amusing raconteur created a fabulous display in the festive spirit. The next meeting is on December 17, at 1pm, at the rugby club and features a practice class entitled A Decorated Parcel for Xmas. This is followed by Christmas buffet lunch. New members and visitors welcome. Phone Maggie Tate-Smith on 01653 698741

OSWALDKIRK

Service - Sunday, December 8, at 6pm, St Oswald’s: Advent Service of Light.

PICKERING

Fair - St Joseph’s Christmas Fair will be on Saturday, December 7, from 10am to noon, at the RVS. Cakes will be needed on the day while there is a box in the church for tombola prizes.

Football draw - The numbers for week commencing November 25 were 37, five and four and the winner was Mrs V Russell, who won £675, therefore anyone wishing to join now is a good time, next week’s pot will be £75.

Domino drive - A domino drive will be held at the Recreation Club, Pickering, on Friday, December 13, at 7.30pm for the bowls club.

RIEVAULX

Christmas services - Rievaulx Methodist Church is holding various services this Christmas time to which you are invited. On Sunday, December 15, at 10.30am, there will be a Christingle Service led by Rev Ken Gowland. On Sunday, December 22, the carol service will be held at 6.30pm when there will be favourite traditional and modern carols. Finally, on Sunday, December 29, there is all age worship at 10.30am, led by David & Trudy Sanderson. Refreshments will be served after all services.

Carol singing - The carol singers from Rievaulx Methodist Church will begin their rounds next week on Tuesday, December 10, when they meet at Ashberry Farm, Rievaulx, to sing Old Byland village and the outlying farms in the area. On Friday, December 13, they will meet at the Methodist Church in Rievaulx to sing round Rievaulx village and the outlying properties below the village as far as Ashberry and Tylas Farm. On Monday, December 16, they will meet at Sutton Bank Top Visitor Centre Car Park to sing Cold Kirby village and the outlying farms. On Thursday, December 19, they meet they meet opposite the church in Scawton village to sing round the village and outlying farms to Sutton Bank Top. Their final evening is on Monday, December 23, when they meet at Bank Top Cottages, Rievaulx, to sing at the outlying farms from Stilton House to Newgate Bank Top (including Cringle Carr and Broadway Foot). This year’s proceeds will be divided equally between the Great North Air Ambulance and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Carol singers are needed. They meet at 6.30pm each evening. For further information contact any of the church members.

RILLINGTON

Quiz - Six teams playing for £48 took part in Jennie’s Mega Quiz at the Fleece Inn. The winners with 57.5 points were Gary, Steve & Co, second were Mix and Match (57) and third Team @ the Bar (50). Gary, Steve and Co also won the £12 jackpot. Jennie’s next Mega Quiz will be on Friday, December 13. Mike Williams paid tribute to chef Mike Moss who is hanging up his apron and retiring soon. Mike has provided hot suppers on quiz nights for a number of years and was wished a very happy retirement. Team @ the Bar were the winners of Jennie’s Sunday night quiz. Sue’s Crew were the winners of the £35 jackpot.

RYEDALE

Embroiderers’ Guild - The Embroiderers’ Guild held a day school led by Helen Barnes on the Bronte Needle Rolls. Charlotte Bronte and her sisters not only wrote novels, but were also embroiderers. Helen showed pictures of work they had done, including samplers that they had made when they were children. The members of the guild then made a needle roll similar to one made by Charlotte Bronte.

SAWDON

Village Hall - A very busy day was held at the village hall last Sunday. During the afternoon the children decorated the Christmas tree after which they played some games and had refreshments. In the evening, they held a Christmas quiz and Christmas Jumper competition. The quiz which was run by Alison and Steve which made everyone use their Christmas memories and put thinking caps on. Mulled wine and pizza was served for supper. A collection was also made for the Save the Children’s Christmas jumper appeal.

Soup and pudding lunch - The next one will be held on Tuesday, December 10, at 12.15pm.

SEAMER

Methodist Church - The service was taken by Rev Dr Kevin Ridd. The vestry steward was Bob Jackman, welcomer Margaret Harris and the offering was taken by Margaret Neave. The service began with the lighting of the 1st Advent candle and Advent prayers. The preacher next week at 10.30am is Christine Herbert. There is no monthly coffee morning in December and the carol service is on December 22 at 4pm.

St Martin’s Church - The Rev Richard Firth presided and preached at the 9.30am service of BCP Holy Communion for Advent Sunday. Carole Beswick and Enid Plevey were sidespersons, Dot Francis gave a bible reading, and Maurice Jennet and Jim Baird assisted with the distribution of communion. Edna Burton accompanied the hymns on the piano and Lyndsay Smithson served refreshments. Christmas services at St Martin’s: Tuesday, December 10, 4pm, Santa’s Great Discovery with Seamer and Irton, school choir; Tuesday, December 17, 7pm, Christmas Remembered in the Memorial Hall (a reflective service for those who feel the need for a quieter time of celebration); Saturday, December 21, 4pm, Carols by Candlelight Service; Tuesday, December 24, 4pm, Christingle Service 11.30pm Midnight Holy Communion; Wednesday, December 25,10.30am, Christmas Celebration with Holy Communion.

SHERBURN

Village Hall - Christmas Quiz on Thursday, December 19, from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Teams of up to four people. Cost £2 per ticket which includes tea or coffee and a mince pie. There will also be a raffle. For tickets, contact Sue Pollard.

Next Steps Coffee Morning - Takes place at Sherburn Village Hall on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 11.30pm.

Community Café - It is open at the village hall each Thursday, from 9am to 11.30am. Come and enjoy tea or coffee and a lovely toasted teacake. There are play facilities for the children.

Stay and Play Group - New group for under fives, mums, dads and carers, every Tuesday, 1pm to 2.30pm (during term time) at Sherburn Methodist Church. The cost for this session is £2 per family and includes a drink and snack for children.

St Hilda’s Church - The service on Sunday, December 8, at 10.30am, will be led by Barbara Grice. The carol service will be

held on Thursday, December 19, at 7pm.

Methodist News - The Tuesday Coffee Morning hostess was Judith Ruston and until Christmas your kind donations for coffee will go towards the transport costs of the Christmas shoeboxes. Sunday Service was led by the Worship Team and took the form of a café church. Jean Brown on guitar and Chris Cade on the organ led a time of opening praise. Sandra Cade led the opening prayers and India, Kiara and Jacob Heron helped to make the advent wreath and light the first candle of Advent. Kim Canterbury read from Luke’s Gospel. They welcome Rev Mary Jackman to lead The Holy Communion Service next Sunday at 10.30am. During Advent the Christmas story will be told with displays in the Link window. Grateful thanks to John Robinson who so kindly makes all the wooden figures.

SINNINGTON

People’s Guild - The Rev Bridget Gillespie, the part-time curate at All Saint’s Kirkbymoorside, was the guest speaker at the Sinnington People’s Guild on Tuesday, November 26. Her subject was “Creation and Creativity”. A Royal Horticultural Society illustrator, Bridget displayed prints of her paintings showing flowers, fruit and vegetables. Discussions continued over tea and biscuits. John Woodmancey was the pianist. The next meeting is a carols evening to be held on Tuesday, December 10, at 7.15pm.

TERRINGTON

Christmas quiz - The Big Fat Christmas Quiz in aid of LIAM will be in Terrington Village Hall on Saturday, December 7. Doors open at 7pm. Teams to be of one to six people and it is £5 per person to take part. There will also be a Christmas raffle. To enter a team please text/phone 07753 224489 or email doingitforliam@gmail.com

THORNTON-LE-DALE

Bridge - The results for November 25. In first position were Tim Johnson and Ruth Hunt with 61.1 per cent. In second position were Pat and George Donnor with 58.3 per cent.

Methodist church - The church invites you to the following Christmas events. Thursday, December 5, 2pm, in the schoolroom, the Ladies Group have a Christmas afternoon given by Ken and Nancy Allanson. A bring and share tea will follow. All ladies will be made welcome. Thursday, December 12, Advent Reflections will be held in the Old Grammar School at 2.30pm, followed by tea and cake. Saturday, December 14, carols will be sung in the village centre from 10.30am to 11am, followed by coffee and mince pies in the Methodist schoolroom. Tuesday, December 17, from 10am to 11.30am, coffee break 10.30am to 11am carols led by Rev Peter Sheasby. Sunday, December 22, 10.30am Methodist Church Carol Service led by Ann Corner. Wednesday, December 25, at 10am, Christmas Day Service led by Rev Jane Pickering.

WESTOW

Open house - Volunteers are opening the doors of Westow Cricket Pavilion between 10am and 1pm on Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8. They will be serving tea, coffee, bacon rolls, mince pies and slices of cake. There will be second hand books available by donation. Everyone is welcome. All the money taken will be used towards the running costs of the pavilion and cricket club.

Social evening - On Friday December 20, Westow cricket pavilion will be holding a social evening from 7pm. There will be tea, coffee available, alongside the licensed bar. Entry is free and everyone is welcome. Westow Cricket Club will be holding their annual Christmas Draw at 9pm. There are lots of prizes, including Christmas cakes, pork pies, vouchers, Christmas hamper, chocolates, biscuits and other Christmas Fair.

YCA MEETINGS

Wombleton - June welcomed 21 members and two guests. The minutes of the September meeting were read and approved. The 2020 programmes were distributed along with a reminder about the 2020 Ryedale Show Meeting to be held in Wombleton Village Hall on November 25. Two lists were circulated to members, one for suggestions for different classes for next year’s show and the other for members to write the type of food they were bringing to the Christmas Party on December 17. June reiterated the call for a new treasurer and chairman to take over in 2020 and stressed to members that unless new officers came forward the branch would be forced to close which nobody wants to happen. It was suggested that if anyone was prepared to take over for a year it would help and that a maximum of three years in any position was a good idea. The competition for a pretty plate was won by Daisy with 10 pts. The raffle was drawn. Louise introduced the speaker for the evening, Sophie Smith who owns and runs The Bakehouse in the Barn in Hovingham. Sophie gave a humorous, anecdotal potted history of her life in the catering industry culminating in her present enterprise. She then demonstrated the making of her signature Tunisian Orange Cake and provided members with a tasty sample of one she had baked earlier. Recipes were distributed to each member. Sophie invited questions from the floor and thanked us for inviting her to our meeting. Louise thanked Sophie for her amusing talk and demonstration.

WI MEETING

Helmsley - The last meeting of the year and AGM was attended by 22 members. The minutes of last year’s AGM were read, agreed and signed before reports were given by the treasurer, secretary and president who also thanked the committee for their hard work and the members for their support. The trophy for the monthly competitions this year was presented to joint winners Anne Jones and Cerise Smith. The annual bursary was drawn - well done Vanessa Williamson. Ann Spetch then gave a vote of thanks to the outgoing president and committee. Eight nominations were received for the committee for 2020 and these were voted in ‘en bloc’. Members then elected their president for the coming year and Helen Robinson was re-elected. Business concluded, there was an amusing handbag scavenger hunt before refreshments were served and the raffle drawn. The next meeting will be on Thursday, January 23, although members still have a Christmas meal and pantomime trip to look forward to next month. For more information, phone 01439 771707, email helmsleywi@btinternet.com or follow them on Facebook.