Bishopthorpe News and Views

Bishopthorpe's Group Scout Leader Christine Hall and Beaver Leader Joanne Maddison-Rayner from 1st Bishopthorpe Scout Group met the 97th Archbishop of York Dr John Tucker Mugabi Sentamu following his Inauguration in York Minster on 30th November.

Chris said

We represented the National Scout Assocoation at this Inauguration and had a great time. The Archbishop will be coming to live at Bishopthorpe Palace in Bishopthorpe and we would like to welcome him to our community and also congratulate him on his Appointment as Archbishop of York.

Every year the Bishopthorpe Millennium Trust makes an award to a young person aged 11 to 18 for a special contribution through voluntary effort.

The Youth Award winners for 2005 are Jessica Harrison and Paul Parker.

There will be a special presentation to the winners on 13 January at the Bishopthorpe Palace.

For several years, whenever it rains the pavement opposite the library has flooded causing great inconvenience. The 'ponding' was as a result of the installation of the traffic calming measures.

Yesterday morning Council workmen relaid the tarmac after Parish Council chair Stewart Harrison complained of the dangers caused by icing of the wet pavement. Council officials were finally able to complete the remedy including part of the driveway to the end cottage on Main Street, that should see water draining off into the roadway.

Our eagle eyed correspondent, having spotted workmen cleaning the windows yesterday, noticed a large removal van parked at Priory Corner this morning, .

Yes - it looks like the new Archbishopo is about to move in!

You will have seen the christmas tree by the library. The tree was bought and set up by a team lead by Jenny Harris, and placed on the site of the planned sensory garden.

Unfortunately, the positioning of the power source meant a very limited amount of lighting could be used, and even that was reduced by the terribly exciting removal of some of the bulbs by local people. Thanks for that.

As a result, the Crossroads group decided that the tree would be better placed outside the Marcia where it has been hung with the planned set of lights and the charity stars sold at the concert of christmas carols and songs.

The planned sensory garden includes a space for a tree and a power supply, so it is hoped that next year the village can have its Christmas tree in a public space.

Sunday saw a full house for the charity concert held at the village hall.

Villagers young and old came along to hear the thoroughly enjoyable York Railway Institute Golden Rail Band who played all the old favourites.

Golden stars were available to buy for a loved one, and they have been hung on a christmas tree in Main Street. Villagers were also able to sponsor the purchase of plants for the planned sensory garden that is to be built alongside the library. £113 was raised in this way, much of it subject to Gift Aid that allows the Bishopthorpe Millennium Trust to claim a tax rebate to increase the sums available.

Volunteers were on hand to talk to villagers and add comments to a display about the Crossroads village improvement scheme and the planned garden.

Here the band is in full swing with a rendition of Jingle Bells