Bishopthorpe News and Views

Mindless vandalism strikes again. The pinfold has suffered at the hands of people who show little regard or care for the people or property around them.

But why people vandalise things?

Two of the reasons given are boredom and poor social background. To most of us these seem like weak excuses on the surface. Boredom seems a poor excuse for committing vandalism as many young people get bored at some time and they don't feel the need to go out and cause trouble for other people.

Much depends on the home life and the example set by parents and peer groups. If parental attitudes are lapse and home life is what we might term dysfunctional then children easily follow a set example. However many children from so-called 'good' homes still act in a way which caused distress to others.

Some youngsters are trying to prove themselves in front of their friends and others are trying to attract attention for all the wrong reasons. Some children are very unhappy at home and they release their frustrations and unhappiness in a variety of unpleasant ways.

One way to reduce the levels of vandalism and nuisance is to give youngsters positive things to focus on. In deprived urban areas, lack of space, opportunities, poor education and a feeling of no-hope for the future all add to the problem. There's really no excuse for some of the acts people commit but if the rest of society and the government realise the underlying causes of the problems then there is a hope that the situation can improve.

The bottom line is homelife and that needs improving for many young people who offend in this way.

Phil

Saturday morning dawned dry and bright, but dark clouds were gathering as the stall holders and volunteers prepared through the morning and with astonishing accuracy the English weather played the downpour card on the stroke of 12 o'clock.
And that set the pattern for the rest of the day; showers, sometimes heavy, sometimes a bit lighter, with dry outbreaks to keep spirits up.
The stall holders had their work cut out to keep everything dry but fortunately everyone seemed to have plenty of plastic sheeting. Surely they can't have been expecting to have to use it?
But in spite of everything there looked to be a good turnout. It takes more than a few showers to put a damper on villagers' enthusiasm and everyone seemed to be joining in and having a good time. The Marching Band played on regardless and Uncle Mal was a big hit with the kids. The beer tent proved popular, especially during the worst of the weather.
There were lots of fund raising activities for a variety of good causes, ranging from local sports clubs through border collie rescue to international aid. Hopefully everyone did well.
If anyone else wants to write something about their view of the Gala, or anything else for that matter, we'd welcome your contribution. In the meantime I think everyone involved should be congratulated on a great event. Well done.
Oh, and at the end of the day the weather brightened up for a lovely evening. Typical.

Here are a few pictures that catch something of the day...

Why not drop in to the Methodist Church Hall on Saturday 27th June for strawberries and cream, much handier and much better value than you'd get at Wimbledon.

There will be home made cakes, a bring and buy stall, bric-a-brac, and books.

We're open from 2 o'clock to 4 o'clock, and all proceeds go to Church funds. Everyone welcome - bring your friends.

Did anybody notice today the man opposite the marcia cooking burgers? He had a trailer attached to a white van. Was he cooking them to sell in Bishopthorpe or was he cooking them to take to the races? Did anybody in Bishopthorpe buy a burger from him?

I was advised not to take a picture but there are obvious questions here, apart from what a great idea....

1. Did he have a licence? Did he need one?

2. If he was selling them, is this fair on our local businesses?

3. Can we stop this happening again if we need to?

Any comments would be greatly appreciated. I understand that it will be discussed at the next Parish Council meeting. Watch this space!

Phil

I think many people have noticed very few City of York Council grass cutting machines. What has happened to this service? How many times per year should the grass be cut?

I took this picture outside Vernon House, (Maple Avenue). I think the picture speaks for itself.

Phil

How nice it is to see things moving forward for our lovely village. The hall is going to look great from the outside and even better on the inside.

If anybody could organise some internal pictures sometime soon, that would be great. We would then have a record of before and after for our website.

Well done again to all who have made this happen.

Phil

The Ship Inn at Acaster set sail again last night, after a lengthy spell in dry dock.

The maiden voyage was a drinks only affair, but from the look of the supplies being loaded aboard, the galley will soon be swinging into action - and serving more than just ship's biscuits. The Ship is captained by Carole Temple, who also pilots the Woodman, so anyone setting sail should know they're in for a safe passage.

Good luck to the Ship, and all who sail in her.

Bishopthorpe Parish Council

We currently have a vacancy for a Parish Councillor.

Parish Councillors are unpaid but if you are prepared to give up some of your time to help to maintain and improve the village in which we live please forward your details to:

The Clerk
The Village Hall
40 Main Street
Bishopthorpe
York
YO23 2RB

before noon on 25 April 2009