February 14, 2008
The Pinfold
People will have noticed that the Pinfold has recently been fenced off (see previous entry.) This is pending work to be carried out under the auspices of the Parish Council. In the meantime the Pinfold remains out of bounds to all but authorised personnel. The police have been advised (there has been at least one forced unauthorised entry with minor damage done.) Villagers are requested to report any suspicious activity to the police.
Posted by Liam Godfrey at 9:50 PM | Comments (0)
February 12, 2008
Terry's Trouble
Those of you who read 'The Press' will see tonight that Bishopthorpe Parish Council are opposing ALL planning applications on the site until a 'detailed traffic management plan' is produced.
I totally agree with this. It's bad enough now with all the traffic that use Church Lane/ Bishopthorpe Road rather than Tadcaster Road.
The link to read the article in the paper is here.
Phil
Posted by Phil Curtis at 9:28 PM | Comments (0)
February 8, 2008
Go by bike!
Yesterday the City Council installed two bike racks at the pull-in in front of the shops in Acaster Lane.
The installation is part of the ongoing Parish Council programme, see (and add your own) Comments below.
Posted by The Newshound at 10:50 AM | Comments (2)
What's going on at the Pinfold?
You may have seen the fencing put up around the Pinfold. This is to protect the site as further work is done by the Parish Council that now has responsibility for its maintenance. It is planned to replace the wooden seating with york stone as this has not proved satisfactory, deal with the drainage and install the historical interpretation board.
You can read the full Pinfold story here. See also comments here.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 10:03 AM | Comments (3)
January 29, 2008
Ward news
Each year the City wards get a small amount of money to spend on local schemes. Hitherto these have been put forward by individuals and groups and appear annually on a 'voting' form distributed with the ward newsletter.
The current year's schemes were debated at a meeting in February last year, and it is worth noting what has been done specifically in respect of Bishopthorpe.
- A speed restriction (to 20MPH??*see below) - or perhaps a speed restriction sign for Ferry Lane - is still in the pipeline (although if we are to consider the need for this, perhaps we should be having a blanket 20 MPH throughout the village).
- The Scouts have received £2000 for a vehicle trailer.
- A lighting design from Bishopthorpe village across the bridge up to York College site boundary on Sim Balk Lane is 'ongoing'.
- A feasibility study into improving and extending the existing path from Bishopthorpe Village to the junction of Sim Balk Lane and Tadcaster Road for cyclists and pedestrians has been completed.
- Capital fund to carry out work on Sim Balk Lane as recommended by above schemes is described as 'ongoing'.
For next year more schemes have been recommended: they include pathway improvements, lighting, a bin, cycle stands and a bus shelter, and a substantial in Ward terms grant to the tennis club for re-surfacing.
All of this can be talked about at the next Ward meeting on 12th February at Wheldrake (perhaps we can have a Ward-funded minibus to get us there and save on carbon!). For example, just what is a Neighbourhood Action Plan, how is it made and by whom?
It is worth noting that that the City council is currently consulting on a new set of proposals for the Ward Committee Application process. Again it would be worth asking what any proposed changes will mean in practice.
* 20 MPH - see a story here.
Posted by The Newshound at 3:05 PM | Comments (6)
January 28, 2008
Bring Me Sunshine...In Your Smile :)
I could not help but feel better as I walked down Sim Balk Lane this morning with the sun shining!
But what effect does the sun and different weather conditions have on our lives? After a little Internet research, apparently...
Our bodies can react differently to the weather depending on our age, sex and how fit and healthy we are. This is all linked to our 'endocrine' system, the system of glands, which are part of our hormones linked to pain, stress and the weather. One in three people are thought to be sensitive to different weather conditions. The old, young and the chronically ill suffer more, and women are generally more sensitive than men.
Taken from http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/weatherwise/living/
Phil
Posted by Phil Curtis at 1:22 PM | Comments (0)
January 17, 2008
It's a nice neighbourhood
Bishopthorpe has a slightly above average number of elderly residents, and with increasing life expectancy this will grow.
Age Concern commissions research and reports on all sorts of topics for older people, and one of its recent interests covers the issue of neighbourliness in communities. Bishopthorpe has been said to be a friendly and neighbourly place, and some of the research information was gathered here.
Two meetings were held, one with a group of older folk at Vernon House, and one with a group of other residents brought together through local contacts (another was held in Shipley too). Now the resulting overview has been published as An enfolding community? neighbourliness and older people.
It says for instance that
Local policies - for instance in the provision of amenities or the design of streets – which are not ... older-person friendly, are unlikely to be conducive to neighbourliness.
More creative thought needs to be given to the ways in which older people can be needed in neighbourhood roles.
All neighbourhoods need neutral or ‘third’ spaces – community centres; micro-parks; benches; street corners that are clean and safe to stand and chat; bus stops; the ground floor lobby area and dedicated community rooms in a tower block; coffee shops, libraries and post offices – places that are safe for lingering or resting, which are ‘escapable,’ but where people may be more prepared to hover in conversation, and connections with others can be lightly refreshed and maintained.
We can't find the report on the Age Concern web site so you can download a copy of the report from here.
Posted by The Newshound at 10:43 AM | Comments (0)
Bishopthorpe Road Closure
Signs have gone up announcing the closure of Bishopthorpe Road this Sunday from 10.00 to 10.30.
This is to accomodate the Brass Monkey Half-marathon that is organised by the Knavesmire Harriers.
Traffic in to the city will be diverted via Church and Sim Balk Lanes and up Tadcaster Road.
The one affectd bus will be diverted into town from Main Street thence via Church Lane to Sim Balk Lane and up Tadcaster Road. The incoming bus will follow a similar route via Church Lane to Acaster Lane. All normal stops will be covered.
Posted by The Newshound at 10:40 AM | Comments (0)
January 10, 2008
The SWIMfold
Forget waterworld and head for the SWIMfold here in Bishopthorpe. A great place to meet and swim with your friends.
On a more serious note though, what has happened here? Was drainage part of the planning process or is the drain just blocked?
Phil
Posted by Phil Curtis at 9:37 PM | Comments (0)
January 9, 2008
Voters, Leaders, but hold the party
City of York Council has made the TV headlines with its current consultation on how to make cuts in its budget from this April.
It has provoked a number of reactions - it does not matter what we say; where is the background information needed in order to make a judgment; what a good idea; and, we elected councillors to make these decisions and if they can't they should resign!
You may get a questionnaire through the door, or you can look at it online starting here. What it says is that the Council has a shortfall and it proposes a number of new things to spend money on or to make savings on. We are asked to choose from the options presented, and give some reasons.
It is not made clear at all what the information will be used for, and you can see that it would be perfectly possible to organise a number of response from like minded individuals that might give a false picture. Our answers cannot be considered a scientific response, but will perhaps show councillors what might be least popular (when it comes time to vote).
For Bishopthorpe residents there are ideas that will affect some but not all, and have a local impact or not. Its tough making decisions so how do we judge what is best? Christmas lights and a firework display - or more recycling and money for voluntary groups?
York is one of the worst funded councils in England, and it still needs to reduce by £1 million. This is driven by central government, that also wants us to have a bigger say in local affairs. On their terms it seems.
Posted by The Newshound at 6:13 PM | Comments (1)
January 4, 2008
KEEP OUT !
Those of you who enjoy the racecourse, have you noticed the barriers leading towards the finish line? These are to 'encourage' us not to walk or run (as I do) where the horses run, to avoid 'damage' to the course. I know this as I have spoken to the head groundsman. What a cheek! I know that I have size 11 feet, perhaps if I was size 20 then they would have a point.....talking of damage to the racecourse...what about the TARMAC track they are building around the inner edge of the course?? In my opinion this will vandalise the racecourse. I wonder what Bishopthorpe Parish Council think?
Phil
Posted by Phil Curtis at 11:31 PM | Comments (1)
December 18, 2007
Christmas Tree
This year's Bishopthorpe Christmas tree is better than ever thanks to local efforts.
The tree was donated by the family of local resident Elsie McTurk who died last year aged 89. It was felled in her garden and handed over to Jenny Harris. A new stand has been bought, and once again Richard Williams has set up the new electrical installation using the supply laid on for the Sensory Garden.
With more lights - funded by the Parish Council, the very green and locally sourced tree looks splendid.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 11:03 AM | Comments (0)
December 12, 2007
A rock and roll Panto!
And observed they were right from the bright opening musical ensemble before an impressive backdrop of Camelot castle. The innuendos flew thick and fast, and my, didn’t Arthur (Andrew Dunn) have a massive sword for such a nice little comic fella! Guinevere, played as the Dame by David Rose, flounced and bounced right from the start, and somehow you suspected that the darker side of her relationship with Sir Lancelot was not going to be a theme.
Lancelot, as the principal boy played by the young and talented Bobbie Parrish-Moreton, had all the long-legged attributes and thigh-smacking poses that originally got the Victorian male all a-flutter. She was clearly going to get the better of the evil witch Morgana (Philipa Parrish) and her fey son Mordred (Tom Davis), but we knew we were in for a fight.
Olivia (as a principal girl) was played by another talented young actor Georgina Sykes, and had some good scenes with Lancelot including a duet that got rousing applause. A sparkling-robed Merlin would for me have had a more central role by introducing some more magic, but played by an increasingly confident newcomer John Houseman, he had the Shakespearean device of moving the plot along with rhyming couplets. The sub-plot developed well with repetition and some slapstick around Squirt (Andy Pearce in his usual amiable form), Sally Simple (Tracey Patrick) and a young dragon (Saskia Dunn). The choruses played their parts well, with the youngest Julian Williams at seven years well capable of his role.
In a small auditorium filled with local people, audience participation is always going to be crucial, and on a first night with a large number of adults, a good reaction will lift the cast and raise the momentum of the action. The audience reacted to their cues, and the device of having Guinevere come down and ad-lib her comic way round the stalls early on clearly got everyone involved, though Director Tim Bruce may have wondered about his rehearsed timings! So involved were the audience later on that when the evil Morgana was in full plot mode, Sally asked “behind us?” and a clear small voice was heard to shout out “no – turn your head”. Not for the first time too at this point cast members turned to ad-libbing lines to considerable effect.
In every way this first night can be considered a success. The basic script was good, and the inclusion of topical and local references that go back to the days of the Elizabethan theatre made sure that there was something for an audience of all ages and not just from the most recent popular culture. The switching between comedy, the developing of the dramatic plot, the sub-plot and the song and dance routines was perfectly balanced to maintain the pace and development of the entertainment. Given the size of the stage and the wings, the precision of the choreography worked very well, both for the small Ghoul routines and the ensemble set pieces. The sets were painted with élan, particularly the backdrop for the entrance to Morgana’s Castle that was just horrible and original enough to scare the youngest members of the audience. The lighting and sound were good, the principals all had microphones, with the balance between voice, music and audience working well in a less than ideal hall. The choice of songs and the new words written by Chris Higgins (who also choreographed) and Tim Bruce were just spot-on.
Over 160 years ago, some people thought pantomime was dead. Here in Bishopthorpe it is prospering, and for a youngster perhaps seeing his or her first dramatic production, there could no better introduction to the pleasure of live action theatre.
Copyright Martin P Dudley
Posted by The Newshound at 12:20 PM | Comments (0)
December 11, 2007
Boxing Day
Local residents this week received a leaflet stating that there will be no green bin collection during the Christmas period. There will be a grey bin collection on each of three successive weeks.
I telephoned York Pride to ask about emptying of recycling boxes. I was told that boxes will be emptied on their normal day even though green bins will not.
This was not explained in the leaflet, but those of us whose guests empty a lot of bottles during the Christmas period may be relieved to know that they (the bottles - not the guests) will be taken away.
Ian
Posted by Ian at 8:21 PM | Comments (0)
December 9, 2007
Nativity Festival
St. Andrew's Church provided a festival of Christmas Nativities today. It was well worth a visit bearing in mind all the hard work that had gone into each display.
Well done to everybody who took part.
Phil
Posted by Phil Curtis at 8:59 PM | Comments (0)
December 7, 2007
Self-service
Two bits of news:
The Coop ATM in Main Street is now free to use for all Link cards.
Ever thought you could scan your shopping at Tesco quicker than Mavis on the till?
Well, now is your chance to prove it, as Tesco has introduced new self-service checkouts. Great fun - is this a banana or a plantian, is this a Cox or some French rubbish?
And watch out you don't lift your shopping off the special place too soon, or security will think you are running off without paying! You are being watched!!
Posted by Your local correspondent at 10:28 AM | Comments (0)
December 4, 2007
HELP !!
Can anybody take a better picture of Christmas lights?? I have a casio exilum camera and this is my best effort!
I know we have a camera club in Bishopthorpe, it would be great if a member came forward and took some pics of the best lit up gardens in Bishopthorpe.
Phil
Posted by Phil Curtis at 6:20 PM | Comments (0)
December 1, 2007
Too bright?
The Marcia is due to re-open shortly (see story below) and the outside has been given a facelift. Planning consent has been applied for by Punch Taverns for illuminated signs on the front and gable end walls. Work has been completed on these despite the fact that planning approval or otherwise is pending. According to the Council's planning website the target for completion of the proces is today.
Having seen the amount of illumination in an area that is specially protected by conservation area status, you may want to send in comments or objections to the lighting and signs, despite the fact that the expiry date is supposed to be 29 November. As the application was received on 6th November you may also feel 23 days is rather less than is normally allowed for planning consents.
In any event, if you want to make comments, you can do so online here, and the responsible officer at the Council will no doubt be able to read them on Monday.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 9:58 AM | Comments (0)
November 27, 2007
Broadband right?
We have been all lead to believe (and by the way this is government policy and has been for some years) that broadband is good for us, good for business, good for education and good for the country.
How fast then is broadband? Well that depends, and we have always thought that broadband should mean really quick speeds that will allow good video download. Now Channel Five is running a campaign to get better speeds than our internet suppliers actually provide. The Gadget Show says that actual speeds are less then we might think from the advertising, and that the "up to 8 megabits" slogan should be dropped.
So how fast is your broadband? Welll at http://gadgetshow.five.tv/jsp/speed_test.htm is a neat little test that shows the real speed you are getting. We tried it at the bish dot net office and hey! its an actual 1.892 megabits pers second, less even than the 2.2 the modem conncetion says (although the actual figure varies).
Line speed can depend on a range of factors, including the distance from the (Dringhouses) exchange), and whether there is suitable cabling in the building.
It might be worth checking your speed, joining the campaign, and asking your internet service provider to give you better speeds - some fibre optic cable down Sim balk Lane might help!
Posted by Your local correspondent at 10:03 AM | Comments (0)
November 12, 2007
Roman remains?
The Marcia in Main Street is undergoing a makeover at the moment.
One theory as to the name of the pub is that it is named after Marcia, mistress and assassin of Emperor Commodus in second century Rome.
During the preparations the following illustrations have come to light on the walls of the extension of the current saloon bar.
Does anyone know when, by whom and what for these stylised roman-like drawings were made?
Posted by The Newshound at 5:12 PM | Comments (0)
November 9, 2007
Interview with our City of York Councillor John Galvin
John has been involved in politics for 40 years. He started out in 1968 representing a suburb of Huddersfield. He was elected to Huddersfield Council in 1970.
John feels that Bishopthorpe and its surrounding area is a lovely area to represent without the 'inner city' problems. John sees his role as a contact point between the City of York Council and the people he represents. As a Councillor he is able to cut through the red tape and get answers from people who make decisions.
John wanted to make clear to me that he does and will continue to do his very, very best to represent people when they want representing. He said that people must contact him when they have a problem that they need help/ support with. Although he cannot wave a magic wand, generally he can make a difference to people's lives.
John spoke to me about issues that are concerning him at the moment,
1. Concern that the Post Office in Bishopthorpe could be under threat of closure.
2. More traffic with the development of the former Terry's site.
3. Lack of 'play' provision for all ages of young people in Bishopthorpe.
4. Parking on grass verges.
5. Speeding.
4. Road repairs that are needed.
John can be contacted on,
cllr.jgalvin@york.gov.uk - 01904 704829 - 07973 898402 - 8 Bridge Road, Bishopthorpe, York, YO23 2RR
Phil
Posted by Phil Curtis at 9:54 PM | Comments (0)
November 2, 2007
College parking...a lucky escape...so far!
I could not help but notice as I drove down Sim Balk lane...
Perhaps we in Bishopthorpe are lucky at the moment, as there appears to be nobody parking on our side of Sim Balk Lane bridge. But imaging living in these two streets close to the college...
A lucky escape so far,
Phil
Posted by Phil Curtis at 12:00 PM | Comments (1)
November 1, 2007
A Good Night's Work
31st October passed off fairly quietly this year. Some houses had decorations and lit pumpkins, and no doubt thay had the trick or treat visitors. One house however went all the way - the emergency services have been notified of this alarming situation...
Posted by Your local correspondent at 5:20 PM | Comments (0)
October 31, 2007
Phil's world has moved...To here!!
See my news, views, interviews and stories on the main page of Bishopthorpe.net
Phil
Posted by Phil Curtis at 12:41 PM | Comments (0)
October 30, 2007
A picture to look at
Posted by The Newshound at 11:02 AM | Comments (0)
Shop and save
I am contacting you to tell you about a website you may be interested in if you do any shopping on the Internet, particularly in the run up to Christmas. It is www.easyfundraising.org.uk.
Basically if you register with this site and shop through its links to online shopping services, including lots of the major ones, Amazon, Play.com, M&S, and many, many more these companies will donate a small percentage of the money you spend to a cause of your choice, at no extra cost to you.
I have registered an account for my World Challenge Expedition under "World Challenge Expedition 2008 Peru - Emma Curran" (under W where you find a cause).
If you fancy registering for a Free 30 Day trial of Which that would really help, see the Funds for Free section of the website.
If you want to pass this website on to anyone else who may be able to help or make
use of it, they can choose any cause they want, it seems a shame not to make use of it!
As some of you might know, a group of students, including me, from Tadcaster Grammar School will be participating in a Team Challenge expedition to Peru next summer where we will be participating in various community, environmental and adventurous activities, and part of the challenge is to raise the money for it ourselves, so any support through the use of this website would be very useful, and I would be very grateful!
Thanks a lot
Emma Curran
Posted by Your local correspondent at 10:50 AM | Comments (0)
October 26, 2007
Chairman marches off
Yesterday Bishopthorpe Millennium Trust bade farwell to its first Chair John Bettridge at a special dinner held at the Marcia pub.
John, pictured belowing arriving at the dinner, established the Trust seven years ago to spend money raised during the Millennium celebrations.
A former army officer, he used his considerable skills to get people to join in the Trust's activities. These have included setting up the Bish dot net web site, the annual youth awards scheme, creating village signs, funding local groups and the building of the sensory garden and the restored pinfold as part of the Crossroads improvement scheme.
Twenty current and former members of the Trust and their partners accompanied John and his wife Margaret to the dinner, where Liam Godfrey thanked John for all his work and presented him with a signed card and gift.
The Trust is now chaired by Jo Bewley and operates at a reduced level. Its continuing responsibilities for the Youth Awards, the sensory garden and the Pinfold maintenance have been passed over to the Parish Council.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 2:35 PM | Comments (0)
Youth Awards
Now is the time to put forward nominations for this year's youth awards, given to two young people who have made a special contribution in the last year. Anyone can nominate, and there are posters throughought the village telling you how to do so.
This year the wards are being arranged by the Parish Council. The Village Hall has a board listing previous winners, all of whom receive a cash sum to spend on an item of their choice.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 2:25 PM | Comments (0)
October 13, 2007
Denial of service
It is worth noting and passing on to people you know that as from the weekend of 27th October Sunday postal collections will cease.
This means that for those who shop and send cards and presents on a Saturday had better post them before 12 noon at the Main Street post box, otherwise they will not be collected until about 47 hours later on Monday morning.
Might be a good idea to plan to post as much as possible on the 28th so that the box fills up to overflowing.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 1:14 PM | Comments (0)
September 30, 2007
New pages
Local resident Phil Curtis has started his own blog on local affairs here on Bishopthorpe Dot Net. You can see it by clicking on the link to Phil's World on the right.Posted by The Newshound at 9:22 AM | Comments (0)
September 15, 2007
Ebor Players Secure First Ashes Win
From Our Cricket Correspondent
After the rains of July caused the annual cricket match between the Parish Council/Millennium Trust (PC) and Ebor Players (Players) to be postponed, the match was finally played on Sunday 2nd September. Despite leaden skies, the rain held off and there was no need to apply Duckworth-Lewis unlike in the more notable match taking place at Headingley.
After winning the toss, Players captain Lisa Thornton put the Parish Council team into bat. Despite a good start by the PC’s best player Chris Dale (10 not out) having hit 2 boundaries, wickets began to fall with Jo Bewley out for a duck caught Tim Bruce off the bowling of Thornton, closely followed by Cath Bruce who made a solid 4 before being caught out off the bowling of Julia Sykes. The runs began to dry up as Liam Godfrey & Carole Green occupied the crease and the Players put their on best bowlers, newcomer Chris Todd and ‘cricketer’ Ben Smith. Having seen off most of the bowling, Godfrey was then cleaned bowled by Smith for 1. Green followed closely after being caught by Alistair Dunn off the bowling of Malcolm Higgins.
However things began to turn again as a very fruitful partnership developed between Charlotte Drummond (daughter of one of last years heroes) and whose father and boyfriend took a turn at umpiring this year, and PC Chairman Stewart Harrison. The latter having to retire on 12. Martin Dudley and Cayley Godfrey finished off the batting making 1 run each. However, a total of 44 never looked like being enough.
Choreographer Chris Higgins and Ben Smith opened the reply for the Players, but tight bowling from Harrison & Dudley kept them pinned down. Then Smith holed out to a brilliant running catch from Dale for arguably the best moment of the match, off the bowling of Godfrey. Solid contributions from Thornton and Tim Bruce keep the score ticking along and both retire undefeated Then, the match swung again as Chris Gajewicz is almost run out but is saved by chaotic fielding from the PC team, but in the process she pulls a muscle and has to leave the field. Each year produces its heroic victim, and none of us are getting any younger. Then Julia Sykes who has scored a very respectable 3 hits her own wicket.
Malcolm ‘Hurricane’ Higgins gets a quick 6 runs but the overs are running out for the Players. Enter new boy Chris Higgins, another proper cricketer we could tell because he actually placed the ball rather than closed his eyes and hoped for the best. 10 runs later he is forced to retire. But now the Ebor Players have only one batsman left; Alistair Dunn, and he is joined by a non batting runner. 4 runs are needed with only a few balls left. Dunn hits these in 1 stroke of the bat to win with a boundary and secure himself the Man of the Match award.
So victory this year like last by 1 wicket but this time it’s the Ebor Players who take the honours. Its now one each and let’s do it all again next year.
Thanks must go to Bishopthorpe Cricket Club for letting us use their pitch and equipment, to the umpires and scorers for giving up their time and of course to the teams and spectators for turning up.
Liam Godfrey
(If you want to report on other events, send an email with your report to mail @ bishopthorpe.net
Parish Council/Millennium Trust
Scorecard
| C Dale | Retired | 10 |
| C Bruce | c Smith b Sykes | 4 |
| J Bewley | c Bruce b Thornton | 0 |
| C Green | c Dunn b Higgins | 0 |
| L Godfrey | b Smith | 1 |
| C Drummond | Retired | 1 |
| S Harrison | Retired | 12 |
| M Dudley | Run Out | 1 |
| C Godfrey | Not Out | 1 |
| A Dunn | Did not bat | |
| Extras | 14 | |
| Total | 44 |
Ebor Players
Scorecard
| C Higgins | Retired | 5 |
| B Smith | c Dale b Godfrey | 4 |
| L Thornton | Retired | 2 |
| T Bruce | Retired | 7 |
| C Gajewicz | Retired Hurt | 0 |
| J Sykes | hit wicket b Bewley | 3 |
| M Higgins | Retired | 6 |
| C Todd | Retired | 10 |
| A Dunn | Not Out | 5 |
| Extras | 6 | |
| Total | 45 |
Ebor Players win by 1 wicket.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 9:53 AM | Comments (0)
August 24, 2007
Sensory garden
The wet summer has encouraged the plants to prosper in the garden, and some of them have had to be cut back. Others will have got their roots down and will show growth next year.
One problem has been with the fountain. On two occasions small stones have been put down the spout, completely blocking it. Judging by what has been seen this has probably been done by young children who are fascinated by water and pebbles.
Here's a thought - was the fountain erected as a plaything? Is it sensible to allow young chidren to scrabble over the stones, or put thier hands in the less than clean water. Or let them interfere with the water flow?
Thanks to Richard Williams the blockages have been twice cleared, and Ian Jemison has made a cap to fit over the spout.
The fountain was paid for as a remembrance for a loved villager. Let's keep it flowing as was intended.
Posted by The Newshound at 8:59 AM | Comments (0)
August 14, 2007
Cricket
The match between the Parish Council and the Ebor Players on Sunday 22nd July. was cancelled due to damp.
It is now to be played at the cricket ground on Ferry Lane on Sunday afternoon 2nd September.
Posted by The Newshound at 6:52 PM | Comments (0)
July 4, 2007
Walled Garden open day
Good weather at the start of the Brunswick Nursery Walled Garden open day saw a good turnout, especially of those who were unable to attend last year's opening.
Floral displays, music and maturing plantings were the highlights of the afternoon, although towrds the end a heavy downpour saw everyone taking cover - and chatting away to each other.
The hard work put in was evident, so well done!
You can read previous articles about the walled garden here and here.
Posted by The Newshound at 4:34 PM | Comments (0)
Bishopthorpe Gala 2007
The Bishopthorpe Village Gala took place on Saturday 30th June in the Archbishop's Palace gardens in Bishopthorpe.
The Gala featured arpound 40 stalls including crafts, local produce and games, plus the Steel Expressions band, African choir Chechele, the Let's Dance Troupe, a children's entertainer and magician, bouncy castle, trampoline, mini tennis, mini cricket, a coconut shy, face painting, bar, BBQ and afternoon teas.
Despite a grim weather forecast, plenty of folk turned out, and the stalls and activities were busy.
Thanks are due to Shirley, and Gordon and Lisa (pictured below) who did the organising, and all the local people who helped out or put on stands.
Posted by at 12:27 PM | Comments (0)
Pinfold opened
At a ceremony on Friday 29th June attended by about 30 invited guests, the new Pinfold was formally opened.
Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Millennium Trust, the new Pinfold has been designed and built by local people. It has seating and planting, and a soon to be installed historical interpretation panel. It is proving popular with residents and visitors, and is particularly busy when the junior school is about to finish in the afternoons.
At a reception to mark the opening, Trust chair John Bettridge thanked all those involved, including Richard Parkin who manged the project, and local historians Linda Haywood and Liam Godfrey.
John also launched an exhibition showing how the Pinfold project was developed. The project completes phase 2 of the Crossroads scheme, and a panel shows a concept of how phase 3 may be developed further. The exhibition will be on display at the Library from 16th July.
More details here.
Posted by The Newshound at 9:44 AM | Comments (0)
June 25, 2007
Bishopthorpe Gala - parking?
The Gala is on at the Palace grounds this Saturday - and so are a whole bunch of weddings at St Andrews church.
Bish Dot Net has been asked to recommend that you do not try to park in the church car park and to avoid Church Lane might be a good idea too. It might be convenient to use the church car park, (especially as City of York Ward, that is your, money paid for about a third of its recent tarmacing over), but probably best not to on this occasion.
Better still, leave the car at home, walk, and take the kids to the pub on the way home!
Posted by Your local correspondent at 5:49 PM | Comments (0)
June 20, 2007
Open Day
Brunswick Organic Nursery
presents an
Open Day
at the
Sunday 1st July
from 1.00 pm
Admission £1 to include cup of tea
Stalls withe organic plants and goods
Please note: there is limited disabled parking only at the Walled Gardens,
we advise you to park in the village and walk down.
Posted by The Newshound at 5:05 PM | Comments (0)
June 14, 2007
News from the Millennium Trust
At its recent AGM, the Bishopthorpe Millnnium Trust set out its proposed way forward.
In future the Trust will be concentrating on setting up and monitoring the remainder of the Crossroads scheme. Having made grants to village clubs and societies totalling over £16 000, its grants programme has now come to an end.
Plans are in hand to transfer “ownership” of the Youth Award scheme, the Sensory Garden and the Pinfold, to the Parish Council. John Bettridge is standing down as Chair and Trustee after seven years. A s a result, special meeting is to be held on 25th July.
The agenda for the special meeting would include: a new structure for the Trust; the Trustees Annual Report; the accounts for 2006/7; proposed changes to the Trust Deed; the election of Trustees for the new structure; and the appointment of Chair from 25th July 2007.
Charlotte Drummond Trust Secretary
Posted by Your local correspondent at 3:32 PM | Comments (0)
Dates (sunshine required!)
Important local diary dates to make a note of in the next few weekd:
Saturday 30th June: Bishopthorpe Gala, from noon at the Palace
Sunday 1st July: Walled garden open day
Tuesday 2nd July: Parish Council vs Petanque Club boules match from 7.00 at the Marcia
Sunday 22nd July: Parish Council vs Ebor Players cricket match from 2.00 at ferry Lane
Any more dates??
Posted by The Newshound at 2:42 PM | Comments (0)
June 1, 2007
Bishopthorpe Millennium Trust
(Registered Charity No.1088453)Annual General Meeting - Wednesday 6th June 2007
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Bishopthorpe Millennium Trust will be held in the Bishopthorpe Village Hall at 7.30p.m. on Wednesday 6th June 2007 with the following agenda:
1. Welcome and opening remarks – Chair
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of the previous Annual General Meeting held on 31st May 2006 (to be tabled)
4. Annual Report – Chair
5. Statement on Annual Accounts – Chair - in the absence of the Treasurer
6. Election of Chair, Treasurer and Secretary.
7. Any other Business.
Charlotte Drummond
Secretary and Trustee,
Bishopthorpe Millennium Trust
Posted by Your local correspondent at 10:07 AM | Comments (0)
May 12, 2007
Cricket lovely cricket
As well as the series against the West Indies to look forward to, cricket watchers can now book their diaries for another exciting local match.
The (annual?) Parish Council / Millennium Trust v Ebor Players charity match is due to be played on Sunday 22nd July at 2 p.m. on the Bishopthorpe cricket ground in Ferry Lane.
You can read a report of last year's tremendous match here.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 5:03 PM | Comments (0)
May 8, 2007
Spring Clean for the War Memorial
Posted by at 6:02 PM | Comments (0)
May 6, 2007
New Parish Council
Posted by The Newshound at 2:32 PM | Comments (0)
May 4, 2007
Election 2007 Results for Bishopthorpe
BISHOPTHORPE PARISH COUNCIL
Catherine Bruce 663
Phil Curtis 457
Chris Dale 466
Andrew Dunn 495
Martin Flook 324
Carole Green 636
Stewart Harrison 560
Ian Jemison 694
David Livesley 768
Brian Mellors 485
Lisa Thornton 537
Gordon Watkins 792
All but Curtis and Flook are duly elected.
CITY of YORK COUNCIL - BISHOPTHORPE WARD
John Galvin (CONSERVATIVE) 851
David Livesley (LIBERAL DEM) 540
Fiona Smith (LABOUR) 217
Richard Thurley (GREEN) 122
John Galvin is duly elected.
1730 people voted, which is a 54.3% turnout. Only Hewarth Without and Wheldrake wards had a bigger turnout. The average across the City was 41.8%.
See also: Parish Council site
Posted by The Newshound at 9:17 AM | Comments (0)
New feature
The safety fencing around the new Pinfold came down yesterday, and although there is work to be done (due to be finsihed next month) - the seating can now be used.
Posted by The Newshound at 7:17 AM | Comments (0)
April 30, 2007
That's the limit
This week two new speed limit signs were switched on in Bishopthorpe. The first is in Acaster Lane where there has been a campaign to reduce the speed of vehicles entering the village. Often these vehicles are travelling too fast even before they enter the 30 limit. The second is in Sim Balk Lane, to warn drivers many of whom are heading for York off the A64.
Sim Balk Lane sign in action
Recent research reveals
In 2006, nearly half (49 per cent) of all car drivers on 30 mph built-up roads exceeded the speed limit compared with 65 per cent in 2001 and 72 per cent ten years earlier in 1996. On 40 mph built-up roads, 28 per cent of car drivers exceeded the speed limit, this is an increase of 4 per cent on the 2005 level.
So although the situation is improving on 30 mph roads, speeding has to be the biggest type of anti-social as well as illegal behaviour. Its impact on young people for example is enormous - when parents prevent children playing outside for fear of an accident, or drive them to the school gates, they create a generation of young people with limted access to public space, and reduced social skills (being street-wise), and whose own 'anti-social behaviour' can only reflect that of their adult role models. Meanwhile everyone has to pay the costs of the 'traffic calming' measures that have replaced the role of our ever increasingly expensive police.
Bishopthorpe Parish Council which organised the speed warnings wanted them to be mobile - but the appear to be fixed. They will need statistics to show that they have worked, and might want to question why the 30 limit sign in Sim Balk Lane - although clearly as our photo shows is a busy bit of kit - is situated just in advance of the 20 limit zone.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 8:03 AM | Comments (0)
April 14, 2007
Then and Now
The 'railway path' is a popular local amenity, and a photograph recently came to light of the swing bridge when it was still active on the old east coast main line. So with the permission of the York Railway Institute Sailing Club we publish this early picture.
And to contrast with it, here is one taken recently, featuring BishdotNet's transport correspondent, Ian Hodson.
Posted by The Newshound at 8:38 AM | Comments (0)
March 21, 2007
Black History at the Palace
Eleven years prior to the 1807 Abolition of the Slave Trade Act - which is being commemorated this week - a noteworthy event was taking place at the Palace. Find out what that was - here.
Posted by at 1:13 PM | Comments (0)
March 19, 2007
Environmental improvements
When the Millennium Trust ran workshops on things to do for Bishopthorpe, environmental improvements came high on the agenda. Four areas were identified in subsequent discussions, and the first area of attention has been the Crossroads scheme.
Another area was the riverside, and this has seen the work done by the St Andrews Trust around the old church, and some small improvements to the landing stage area.
Now the large field between the Yorkshire Water site and the A64 is having a planting screen installed by the private landowner that will do much to improve the amenity value of the land, and also provide a sound screen against the increasing traffic noise on the by-pass. It is to be hoped that this can be replicated and extended alomg the whole roadside.
Bishopthorpe Parish Council has also been working with both Yorkshire Water and contractors Costain to improve the entrance to the village along Sim Balk Lane. Yorkshire Water and Costain agreed to fund and plant a tree screen along the side of their water pumping station and this was completed a few weeks ago.
The Parish Council then agreed to provide funding to plant trees along the front of the site to complete the whole project and again Yorkshire Water and Costain provided some of their workforce to help. During the week leading up to the planting Cllr Carole Green purchased and delivered a selection of trees to Cllr Ian Jemison. On Saturday 17 March Ian was joined by Cllr Stewart Harrison, Parish Clerk Cayley Godfrey and her husband Liam along with a merry band of workers from Costain to plant the trees along the front of the site. Hopefully all the trees planted will flourish and in a few years provide an attractive screen around the water pumping station.
The Parish team set to work - with some youthful help!
The Parish Council would like to thank Yorkshire Water and Costain for their help and assistance in completing this project. And Bishopthorpe residents can continue to encourage and support all those trying to make such environmental improvements.
Cotsain staff get the trees in place
Posted by The Newshound at 11:34 AM | Comments (0)
February 15, 2007
Looking Back at Bishopthorpe: Jan & Feb 1907
What was happening in Bishopthorpe 100 years ago? Well, the Ouse was in flood, the 'evils of gambling' were being discussed, and fashion was on the agenda. Sound familiar? Mind you - diphtheria closed the school and the city vagrants were fed on bread and water instead of yummy gruel.
As Stanley Holloway put it, several years later: "No wrecks and nobody drownded, in fact nothing to laugh at, at all."
Don't let this put you off - read all about it on the Local History Group web page - here.
Posted by at 4:31 PM | Comments (0)
February 14, 2007
Bishopthorpe subdues New Earswick
Yes, it's true. In our recent "slide battle" with New Earswick Camera Club, Bishopthorpe Camera Club emerged victorious by a not-inconsiderable margin. A bit like a test match between Australia and England really!
You can see some of our winning pictures and find out more about the club on our Website.
The next meeting, on Wednesday 21st February at 7.30 pm, has a new topic. Our original speaker is unavailable so we now have a three-person presentation about photographic technique.
If you want to find out what is possible with digital imaging, then this is for you.
Visitors welcome.
Posted by Roger Walton at 1:23 PM | Comments (0)
February 6, 2007
Two more young people in the spotlight
The Lord Mayor of York, Councillor Janet Hopton, presented the 2007 Youth Awards at a ceremony in St Andrew’s Church Hall on 31st January.
The annual awards are made by the Millennium Trust in recognition of contributions made by young people as suggested by local residents. Each winner received a cheque for £100 and a certificate.
The winners this year are Mhairi Dunn (aged 17) and Tom Quinn (aged 15).
Mhairi’s award is for an outstanding contribution to youth groups in the Village. She is a junior leader at cubs but has also very successfully taken on the role as leader of “Summit”, the church youth group for young people based at St Andrew’s Church Hall. This group meets twice a month and also has outings and sleepovers. Current roll is nearly 20, though many more often turn up. Earlier in the year, Mhairi was one of the team that produced a week long holiday club for younger children in the village at the church hall - over 40 children attended daily. This was followed by a Wednesday morning children's cafe event which ran for the rest of the summer holidays. She is also part of the leading team for the monthly cafe church services in which she takes an active presentational role. All this and working for her A-levels - which she does while baby sitting.
Tom’s award is for helping with the Canoe Club and his achievements as a canoeist. Tom is British under 16’s canoeing champion (Canadian single slalom) and he won the British Division 1 championship in the same class. He is also in the British Under-16 team and is in England's top boat for this year’s Home Internationals. Tom has worked very hard to get these results. He has followed a strict training programme, often getting up at 6 am to do a four mile run or some weight training before going to school. He is very conscientious about his training. Tom has been a member of the canoe club since he was 11. In the last few months he has been instrumental in raising the profile of the club. Reports of his successes have been in the local press three times recently. He has also given up his time to take part in several canoe club events at various swimming pools where he has helped coach some younger children.
Mhairi is putting her cheque towards a laptop and Tom is putting his towards a new paddle.
The Lord Mayor was accompanied by Mr David Hopton, and the Sheriff of York Richard Baldwin and Mrs Alison Baldwin. Richard and Alison Baldwin live in Bishopthorpe.
Pictures by Simon Melton.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 10:21 AM | Comments (0)
New footway in use
The Safer Routes to School Programme has taken another step forward in the promotion of pedestrian safety.
A new footway has been built on the south side of Copmanthorpe Lane that allows children to approach the school on the same side. This avoids having to cross the road by the school gates, where a number of drivers still insist in dropping off their children despite the provision of alternatives such as the Park and Stride and the Walking Bus (see more here).
The programme, run by City of York Council is part of a national scheme to reduce car journeys to school, improve safety and encourage a healthier lifestyle. The local programme hopes to deal with parking in Appleton Road and improve the crossing point on Sim Balk Lane, both issues that have been raised as part of the Crossroads Scheme.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 8:01 AM | Comments (0)
January 29, 2007
With January having been 5.9 degrees above average, and the second warmest on record, some early flowers were seen in a garden in Main Street in mid-month.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 5:01 PM | Comments (0)
Now you see them
Planning permission has been sought to fell the two evergreen trees at the front of the palace gateway.
As foreign species they are not really appropriate, but they do frame the gateway well. See them before they disappear.
Work has also started on extensive changes within the palace buildings, as described in full detail here.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 4:43 PM | Comments (0)
January 11, 2007
...and a good time was had by all
The Camera Club's new year kicked off with a Social Evening on Weds 10th January which was also attended by some members of York photographers group "BlackDogWhiteWall" - don't ask!
As usual, no-one got off lightly as there were two fiendish quizzes to do. The super "spread" was needed to refresh the parts that other questions couldn't reach.
The next meeting, "Jim Wilson's Travel Show", on 24th January, promises to be less taxing but no less interesting. Why not come along and see what we get up to?
Posted by Roger Walton at 4:38 PM | Comments (0)
January 8, 2007
York Residents 1st Weekend 27th/28th January
This year's York Residents 1st Weekend takes place on Saturday & Sunday, 27th/28th January.
More than forty facilities and visitor attractions are open either free or at a reduced rate to holders of a YORKcard (Residents' Card). Additionally some fifteen hotels and restaurants have special offers during this period. There are also several performance events.
Most venues are in the city centre, but some (e.g. Elvington Air Museum; Acomb Cold War Bunker) are in the suburbs.
If you don't have a YORKcard, you can get one free on showing identification and proof of residence (e.g. utility bill) at any Library. The YORKcard also serves as a library card, and entitles you to certain privileges throughout the year.
Since some of the Residents 1st tours and events (e.g. Monks Cross Waterworld) have only limited numbers of tickets, it is worth obtaining a copy of the detailed Residents 1st leaflet from the Library to discover how to book in advance. Information is also available at the Information Point in Parliament St. Fri. - Sun. 26th - 28th Jan.
Ian
Posted by Ian at 5:19 PM | Comments (0)
January 2, 2007
More History
Don't forget to check the Bishopthorpe History Group page for its latest tale from the past.Posted by Your local correspondent at 10:38 AM | Comments (0)
January 1, 2007
Welcome to 2007
A happy New Year to all our readers!
And for a New Year's Resolution, what better than to take seriously our impact on the environment.
A new web site has detailed recommendations on how to make a difference on the environment and greener living. It includes all sorts of tips on how to go green and save money too.
Just click here.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 11:36 AM | Comments (0)
December 8, 2006
Nice and spruce
The village Christmas tree made its appearance this year at the entrance to the new Sensory Garden.
The tree was paid for by the Parish Council. It was ordered by Jenny Harris, and installed by her husband Albert and friends. The lights were supplied by Mrs Harris, and were connected to the electricity supply laid on by the Millennium Trust for the Sensory Garden. The connection work was carried out by Richard Williams who runs his Electrotest business in the village.
It was decided to place the tree in such a position that it was as visible as possible, rather than in the Garden which would have partly hidden it from view. The Library service kindly agreed that it could be placed outside the library. As before, the tree is being used for the display of memorial stars, sold this year to raise funds for the Emergency Responders and for sports equipment for the Junior School.
Posted by The Newshound at 7:07 AM | Comments (0)
November 13, 2006
Sensory Garden Opens
Saturday 11th November 20006 saw the opening of the new Sensory Garden next to the Library in Bishopthorpe Main Street.
Watched by over one hundred people, Geoff Dixon, 90, the well known local butcher, cut the ceremonial tape. He was then accompanied into the garden by two of the younger residents of the village, 6 year old Max Jones and three year old Mai Harris.
As people moved for the first time into the new garden (leased from the Library Service for seven years), to look at the layout and the plants, Bishopthorpe Millennium Trust Chair John Bettridge spoke about the development of the garden and its place in the Bishopthorpe@Crossroads improvement scheme. Geoff Freeston of Brunswick Organic Nursery then told his audience about how the design of the garden was influenced by the need to provide sensory stimulation and access for all - and provides a community owned and run facility.
John Bettridge (right) and M/C Andrew Dunn
The opening ceremony concluded with the switching on of the water feature and lights by Alfred grandson of Mrs Spooner who used to live in School Lane, and to whom the water feature was dedicated by her family.
Also on hand were some of the people from Vernon House day centre who had created the sunflower mosaic at the centre of the garden, workers from Brunswick, Parish Councillors and Trustees, our local councillor and City of York representatives. And of course volunteers and residents of Bishopthorpe.
Music and the PA were provided by Brian Ross-Williams, and a display was on hand to tell the story of the Crossroads scheme.
The garden will be unlocked and open every day during daylight hours. A display about the scheme is on show at the Library for the next three weeks.
A series of photographs of the opening event can be found at simonmeltonphotography.com from where prints can be ordered.
Posted by Your local correspondent at 11:04 AM | Comments (0)
November 10, 2006
Shock and ire?
What has the Parish Council to say on the matter? Has anyone informed the city authorities?
What is going on - we should be told!
Posted by Your local correspondent at 4:26 PM | Comments (0)
November 8, 2006
The Millennium Trust Needs Volunteer Fundraisers
The Millennium Trust, having been successful in raising £36 000 for the Sensory Garden and the Pinfold Heritage Project, is keen to find two people to work on fundraising for the rest of the Crossroads Scheme. The work involves identifying potential sources of funding and writing applications. This would suit retired people who have access to the internet and could spare up to one day a week in the short term. Further details from the Trust Chair, John Bettridge, 704270.Posted by The Newshound at 3:39 PM | Comments (0)
Village Youth Awards 2006
Nominations for this year's Youth Awards close on 13th December.
Please get your nominations either to:
Roy Bayles
Tall Trees
Ferry Lane
Tel: 702545
or Charlotte Drummond,
Bishopthorpe MillenniumTrust Secretary
The Post Office
Main Street
or send an email or telephone 778346, for further details.
The Millennium Trust will make two awards each to the value of £100 to two young people aged 11- 19 who have done something particularly helpful for: someone in need; any good cause; or a local club or organisation. Nominations must be about something done this year and can be about tasks carried out at school, at work or in spare time.
Posted by The Newshound at 10:55 AM | Comments (0)
November 6, 2006
Crossroads project hits milestone
The sensory garden will be officially opened
at 12.00 noon on Saturday 11th November 2006
All are welcome to attend and celebrate the first stage of the Crossroads Village Centre Improvement Scheme.
Posted by The Newshound at 4:40 PM | Comments (0)
October 17, 2006
Autumn colours at Brunswick
Brunswick Organic Nursery held its first Squash Festival recently at its Appleton Road centre.
All the squashes on display and for sale were grown in the palace walled gardens that Brunswick have been turning back into productive use.
The squashes came in all shapes and sizes. And colours too!
Recipes were available, and there was a selection of cakes, breads and spreads to sample, made from some of the different kinds. No wine though!
Brunswick manager Adam Myers is seen here practising his costermonger skills
Posted by The Newshound at 4:22 PM | Comments (0)
September 28, 2006
Brunswick Organic Nursery Walled Gardens Open Day
Friday afternoon 15th September was a beautiful day to be out and about.
And for the many people who came to the public launch of the re-vitalised Palace walled gardens, it was a day to remember - and a day for memories too.
Brunswick has rented the smaller of the two walled gardens since 2004, and started on the larger garden in 2005. The walls are thought to have been built in 1785, and the gardens had a long and varied hsitory until their decline during the 1950's. Fruit, vegetables and a famous herbaceous border have featured over the years, and Brunswick staff students and volunteers have made great strides towards restoring them to their former glory.
Tea was served in the newly restored workshop, a band played, and the crops and effort were admired by all.
Villagers, staff, and students at Brunswick and their relatives flowed through the grounds, enjoying the flowers, newly planted fruit trees and the huge marrow and squash patch.
Villagers told tales to staff of climbing the walls as childern to scrump the apples and pears, and of the regular Friday vegetable market during the difficult days of 1942.
An exhibition told the story of the garden, and Brunswick staff encouraged people to get in touch with their memories of its history.
John Sentamu attended with the Lord Mayor amd the Lord Lieutenant, and assisted at the unveiling of a plaque to mark the opening of the new workshop...
before posing with two students who helped him choose a ripe pumpkin for his supper!
Congratulations are due to all who worked so hard to make it a great day, and provide such an asset for training and for the village.
You can download a pdf with more photographs here.
Posted by The Newshound at 4:38 PM | Comments (0)
August 6, 2006
New grant for village
Bishopthorpe has received more funding for its village centre improvements, thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery fund.
A total of over £25 000 will be available to restore the pinfold area near the junior school, and provide new facilities for residents and visitors.
For the full story of the project, click this link.
Posted by The Newshound at 3:05 PM | Comments (0)
July 19, 2006
Players Upstaged in Dramatic Finale
Well this the inaugural cricket match between the Ebor Players and combined Parish Council/Millennium Trust team had it all. What began as a beautiful sun drenched evening ended with a nail biting finish and a wounded match winning hero.
The final ball is struck..but what happened next?
Having won the toss, Ebor Players captain Lisa “Fairy” Thornton elected to bat. Openers “Bossy Boots” Patrick and Ben “The Sound” Smith put on a solid partnership with the latter having to retire after hitting 3 consecutive boundaries off the bowling of Liam Godfrey, the first act in their unfolding sub plot.
Next in was captain Thornton who after making a stunning 3 runs was Run Out by a brilliant combination of fielding from “The Dude” Martin Dudley and Parish Council captain Stewart Harrison. That turned out to be the Parish Councils team only wicket of the night.
The scoreboard ticked along with Tim “Lord” Bruce and Steve Harrison both hitting boundaries, and there were scoring contributions from Chris Gajewicz, Julia Sykes, the aptly named “Comedy” Tom Davis (we are not talking about his wit and banter) and “Dancing” Diane Curran.
However tight bowling by “the Dude” Martin Dudley, Julian “Deadly” Davies, David Livesley, and Andrew Dunn who bowled to his son Alistair for some of the time, kept the Ebor Players total to 56. An indication of the overall bowling quality however was the fact that top scorer for the Players were extras at 25, with wides contributing 24 runs.
So a good total of 56 meant that the Parish Council team had to score nearly 6 an over, could they do it?
Openers Glynn Drummond and Julian Davies got them off to a flying start with a flurry of boundaries including the only 6 of the night, caught brilliantly by a spectator a rare example where those watching were probably better than those playing. Both retired on 13 and 11 respectively. Curiously however the Players had decided not to open with their best bowler Smith, what was the reason behind this tactical move?
The scoring continued slowly but surely with “Belter” Bewley and captain Harrison at the crease until a mix up over calls led to Harrison being Run Out. At last the Players had a wicket. Next up was another Harrison Jess “Slogger” Harrison, who batted gamely seeing out the best the Players had to throw at her, but still no sign of the Players best bowler.
Step up to the crease Liam Godfrey regarded by many on the Players team as a traitor and subjected to a chorus of boos and generally unpleasant barracking which umpires Green and Wilkinson had to note. Then surprise surprise on comes the previously anonymous Smith.
Godfrey was joined at the crease by his wife Cayley who gamely held off Smith bowling for 2 balls. Then it was Godfrey’s turn to face Smith, the previous barracking melted away, the field crowded round the batsman as there was complete silence, unique in any previous Ebor Players gathering.
Ball after ball rained down on the batsman who stoically defended, then end of over, mini crisis over. With 52 on the board and 3 overs remaining, and 4 batsman still to come in, captain Harrison pulled Liam Godfrey off, the match was well as won - or was it?
On comes Lizzie Patrick to bowl and 3 balls later Cayley Godfrey is out caught and bowled for the only non-Run Out wicket of the evening.
“Silly mid on” Green and Dudley are batting but the runs are now like thick set treacle and not flowing. Green gets a single, then disaster as another mix up leads to the run out of Dudley.
There’s tight bowling from Curran. Andrew Dunn is now at the crease and following the retirement of Green is joined by David “Lively” Livesey, “Lord” Bruce is bowling the last over, they go for a quick single, Dunn is slow out of the blocks another Run Out looks a certainty, the tension is unbearable, but no The Players miss the stumps, and the scores are level.
Two balls to go, Bruce to Livesley who skies one in the air. Underneath it is Diane Curran, if she catches it the Parish Council are all out, the Players win on account of having lost less wickets. Livesley is running for the single which if Curran drops the ball, the Parish Council win. The crowd cannot bear it as we appear to go into suspended animation the ball hangs forever in the air, Curran fumbles, the ball flies out of her hands, she has another attempt to cling on but to no avail. Cricket like life can be cruel. The Parish Council have won with one ball to spare, you could not have scripted a better ending.
But wait, as the rest of the Parish Council team exuberantly invade the pitch the hero of the hour Livesley is down injured felled by a stray ball from “Comedy” Tom and Livesley like Nelson at Trafalgar is fallen in this his most heroic hour.
For a few of us we can say “I was there”.
Liam Godfrey (no relation)
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Get your match photos!
Official photographer Simon Melton has now put the best photos on his web site at www.simonmeltonphotography.com. They can be viewed by clicking on York events / Ebor Players.
Prints are for sale @ £2 each for a 7" X 5" on high quality photo paper with fade resistant inks, with £1 from each print sold going back to the Ebor Players fund.
Simon can be contacted via his web site, or by telephone on 01904 701857 or 07944 841996.
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Scorecard
| Ebor Players | ||
| T Patrick B Smith *L Thornton +T Bruce C Gajewicz S Harrison J Sykes T Davis L Patrick D Curran A Dunn Extras 25 TOTAL 56 | Retired Retired Run Out Retired Retired Retired Retired Retired Retired NOT OUT NOT OUT | 2 12 3 5 1 5 1 1 0 1 0 |
| Parish Council / Millennium Trust | ||
| +G Drummond J Davies J Bewley *S Harrison J Harrison L Godfrey C Godfrey C Green M Dudley A Dunn D Livesley Extras 22 TOTAL 57 | Retired Retired Retired Run Out Retired Retired c&b L Patrick Retired Run Out NOT OUT NOT OUT | 13 11 5 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 1 |
| ‘* Captain + Wicket Keeper | ||
| Umpires: J Green & G Wilkinson Scorers: J Bettridge & I Hodson | ||
| RESULT: PARISH COUNCIL/MILLENNIUM TRUST WIN BY 1 WICKET | ||
Posted by The Newshound at 12:23 PM | Comments (0)
July 18, 2006
A Captain's View
Thoughts on that Cricket Match - written about midnight after a few celebratory drinks in the Ebor after the match.)
Posted by Your local correspondent at 8:26 AM | Comments (0)
June 21, 2006
Local Development Framework
The City of York Council has published its issues and options template for its draft core strategy for new developments across the city. It includes specific objectives as follows:
Objective 1: To ensure the sustainable location, design and construction of
development
Objective 2: To ensure economic wellbeing through sustainable
economic growth
Objective 3: To meet community development needs
Objective 4: To maintain a quality environment
Objective 5: To minimise motorised transport and promote sustainable
forms of transport.
You can download a range of publications (including maps of the historical character and setting and the indicative flood areas) about the options for the strategy that are now open for comment.
Comments can be made about urban design, housing, retailing, education and employment, conservation and environment, all as they would affect planning decisons in the future. An executive summary lists the possible options and invites answers to specific questions.
No doubt our Parish Council will be debating these, and given the recent interest shown in a planning application for the riverside, perhaps an open meeting might be called to make sure that village ideas are put forward.
You can download and read the proposals in pdf from here.
Posted by The Newshound at 11:27 AM | Comments (0)
May 26, 2006
Canoe Club Open Day – Saturday June 3rd
The local Canoe Club invites anyone who wants to try canoeing to have a go for free on Saturday June 3rd at its base at the end of Ferry Lane, Bishopthorpe. Any individual or group can sign up for a free one-hour “lesson” with an instructor between 10:00 – 12:00 or 13:00 – 17:00.
During the day there will also be displays of different canoeing activities and paddle sports and for the more adventurous the opportunity to try a range of different kayaks and canoes under the watchful eye of the club’s team of instructors.
If you want to have a go, ring Dennis Fothergill on 01904 703973 to reserve a place, or just come down Ferry Lane to have a look on the day. To take part in canoeing you must be aged 8 or over and be able to swim 50 meters. Equipment including buoyancy aids will be provided.
The club, the Lower Wharfe Canoe Club, is celebrating its new base and new canoe store by the River Ouse at Bishopthorpe, which has been installed with generous help from Bishopthorpe Parish Council and the local ward committee.
Posted by at 7:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 16, 2006
The restored sundial is back
On Friday 12th May - a gloriously sunny morning - Bishopthorpe's restored 17th-century sundial was fixed back into its niche on the Co-op store. It was last November that sun-dial restorer, Harriet James, took the York-stone dial down to her Wiltshire workshop. There she stripped off many layers of flaking paint and limewash. Harriet re-painted it, imitating the oldest white/cream layer and picked out the carved detail in black to ensure legibility.
Harriet had found the sundial to be generally in good condition with the carved numerals worn, but of good quality. The corners of the dial, however, had to be re-formed using epoxy glue and ground stone. Also, the iron gnomon (shadow caster) was badly rusted and could not be saved. Harriet had a replica made from brass.
The restoration was funded by United Co-operatives Ltd. and will be officially unveiled on Thursday, 18th May at 11.00 a.m.
The sundial has been angled out from the wall in order to tell the correct, local, solar time. It was found that the sundial was designed to face due south, but the facade it is fixed to faces 15 degrees to the east of south.
For further details on the history of the dial, how to tell the time and other technical stuff, go to the Bishopthorpe Local History Group's pages here.
Posted by at 6:07 PM | Comments (0)
May 2, 2006
Auto Destruct
On Friday night a car was driven off the road at the Main Street crossroads.
It demolished the Main Street sign, a hydrant marker and part of the wall next to the Library.
The results of this example of 'de-cluttering the streetscape' can be seen below.
By Sunday morning, the Main Street sign had disappeared!
Posted by The Newshound at 9:12 AM | Comments (0)
April 19, 2006
Library Hours
Our local Library has revised hours through the elimination of the tea-time closure on certain days.
| Monday | 2.00 - 5.00 |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 2.00 - 7.30 |
| Thursday | 10.00 - 12.00 and 2.00 - 5.00 |
| Friday | 2.00 - 7.30 |
| Saturday | 10.00 - 12.30 |
A step in the right direction, but still a confusing variation in hours. How about 2.00 - 7.30 every weekday?
Posted by The Newshound at 8:51 AM | Comments (0)