Recently by Malcolm Higgins

It is very sad that I have to report that as soon as we get to the light nights it appears that another spate of vandalism occurs at the Pavilion. For the last couple of weeks broken glass and general rubbish have been found strewn around the childrens play area, which belongs to the Bishopthorpe Play Group. This has required staff to check for dangerous and often unsavoury items which have been discarded there.

The situation escalated this week when the childrens' play house was upended and damaged. I relaise that a plea to the people doing this is futile, but would ask other members of the public to keep an eye out for us and report any suspicious activity to the police.

The matter has been reported to the authorities and they will be paying passing attention to the site over the coming days.

The situation will be discussed and all available options to deter such problems will be considered.

The Parish Council

As the weather has started to improve, the number of people using the play area in Keble Park has also started to grow. With the impending change in the clocks [24th March], now is an apt time to remind all users of the opening times.

The play area will be open as follows:

Mon - Fri 0900

Sat         1000

Sunday   1030

And it will close at dusk or 7.30pm, whichever is the sooner.

Additionally we the PC have received a number of complaints from residents backing onto the area, about some users in the play area playing ball games. Therefore we would just like to give all users a gentle remonder that no ball games are allowed within the confines of the play area. This is to ensure that the users of the area and residents can co exist happily.

We thank you for your co-operation in this matter, whilst we have new signs made and put in position.

Saturday 10th March saw the planting of a number of trees from the Woodland Trust in celebration of the Queens Diamond Jubilee. Members of the Parish Council were involved in planting the trees in and around the Ferry Lane area. A number of wild trees were planted, including Crab Apple, Elder, Blackthorn, Hazel and Dog Rose. Additionally members of the Parish Council planted a new oak tree, which had been cultivated from an oak on the Queens Estates. This is situated near to the entrance to the Marina and is marked with a special ribbon. We are very proud to have been given these trees and to have contributed to the planting of over 6 million trees in 2012.

As the country gears up for the Olympics in 2012, Bishopthorpe Parish Council last night agreed to continue its sponsorship of Tom Quinn a local young man who started his canoeing career at the Lower Wharfe Canoe Club. The PC have sponsored Tom for a number of years now and he has always proudly displayed this fact on his boats. We are proud to continue supporting him in his quest for Olympic glory. In return he continues to inspire local youth.

Tom competes in the C1 and C2 categories and he is currently working towards selection for the GB team for London. Well done Tom!

Here is a piece written by Tom about his quest...

"Dear Members of the Parish Council

As you are aware I represent Great Britain in Canoe Slalom and am pursuing my dream to go to the Olympic Games and become the best in the world. A few months ago I let you know of my results but since then I have finished the domestic season. I have finished 2^nd overall in C2 in the National Rankings with my partner George Tatchell, and in C1 I finished 3^rd overall, also winning Bronze in the British Open which was a Class C International. This has left me in a perfect position to push for the senior and Olympic team in 2012 and I would like to invite you to support me to achieve my goals, also in the U23 World and European Championships.

As with most sports, canoeing is very costly to stay at the top. For example a paddle costs £170 and I will use 3 a year. A new C1 costs £1400, but I now also have to purchase a C2. The paddling equipment (helmet, buoyancy aid, water proofs) is around £500 a year. Then as well as this there are travel costs and entry fees for national and international races. I would like to ask you to support me in purchasing a new C1 so I can keep my equipment up to date and remain competitive so I can do the best of my abilities in selection for the 2012 Olympics.

I feel that the sponsorship would be a two way thing and it's important that I can help you and the village some way in return. As with last time I would put an acknowledgement on my boat and anything else you would require. I am hoping to go into the schools again so I can help inspire more young people and any other events with which I can help. I have a video blog and twitter feed for following my sporting journey and am currently designing a website.

I look forwards to hearing from you and am available should you require any further information"

If you are interested in following his progress use the link here,

http://www.ntu.ac.uk/sport/olympic_hopefuls/tom_quinn/index.html

Additionally you can follow him on Twitter by signing up to his Twitter feed; @TomQuinnGBR