A MOTHER wept as her drug addict son was jailed for 24 months after burgling the home of a Driffield woman in her 70s who was recovering from major surgery.

Judge James Sampson said repeat-offender George Hague, 30, terrified his victim, who was forced to crawl upstairs to alert her husband when her home was raided shortly after she had undergone surgery to remove a kidney.

He told Hull Crown Court: “You are a drug addict but that is not an excuse for burglary.

“There are a number of aggravating features. Firstly you have a number of previous convictions. Secondly this happened at night.

“You must have chosen this house in darkness.

“The victims were elderly people in their 70s. They were terrified. You violated their personal space.

“Fortunately there was no confrontation, but that is no comfort to them.

“They may never recover from the experience.”

Crown barrister Jane Bryan said the elderly victim of the burglary was in the kitchen of her home when she heard a window being smashed in the sun room on October 6.

In fear, she had to crawl upstairs to her sleeping husband, who rang the police.

It was later discovered that fluted glass and an antique Chinese ginger jar, together valued at £300, had been stolen.

Blood was found on a chair which was matched to Hague.

A witness reported to police seeing Hague between midnight and 1am offering to sell him the jar with blood on his hands.

He was arrested by police and his initial reaction was: “You are joking”.

Jane Bryan said a victim statement from the pensioner said: “I was shocked and scared during the incident that night, and it has made me feel uneasy in my own home.”

Hague of Whitelands, Driffield, pleaded guilty at Bridlington Magistrates’ Court to the charge of burglary, plus two charges of theft and one of going equipped for theft. He appeared at Hull Crown Court for sentence on Monday.

Hague also admitted stealing £45 from a cash tin at a yoga class held at the Masonic Hall in Driffield on October 10.

On October 15 PC Philips came across Hague at 3.15pm in Driffield riding a stolen bike. He told police he had been asked to steal it to order. He had on him a hacksaw, spare blades and tin snips.

The court heard he had conviction for dishonesty going back to 2003 including car theft, shop lifting, driving with excess alcohol and a caution for possession of a controlled drug.

Defending barrister Andrew Wilson said Hague had been an IT office boy from a good home until he tried heroin for no reason. He fell into addiction. He had tried to quit in February but then began to take Valium.

He said: “This is a sad story of the affect class A drugs can have on a positive member of society.

Hague’s mother wept in the public gallery as Judge Sampson said he had even effectively stolen from his mother by stealing from the yoga class which was a “mean offence.”

He added: “Only a custodial sentence is appropriate as you have failed to comply with community sentences in the past.”

On a mild and sunny afternoon, United were back to league action when they entertained Parkhouse at Rotsea Lane.

However, not for the first time this season, the football was overshadowed by an extremely indifferent performance by two of the officials.

The visitors started brightly and Olly Shelton might have done better but miscued his shot wide. United got into their rhythm and, from a Tom Shortland corner, Luke Taylor shot just wide.

On 17 minutes, keeper Ryan Ramsden received a harsh yellow card when the assistant, Steve Zielinski indicated that he had been sworn at even though spectators behind the goal were adamant that, although Ramsden had sworn, it was not directed at the assistant. Parkhouse were awarded a controversial free-kick on the edge of the United area. James Gee Pemberton managed to beat Ramsden with a shot that deflected off the wall.

There was another bizarre decision from the officials when Andy Etherington won a good tackle and referee, Mateusz Keicz, rightly signified he had got the ball. However Mr Zielinski signalled a for a free-kick. Tom Stephenson and Mike Pipes then combined and Stephenson’s shot was parried by Kurtis Hodgkinson, then hacked away for a corner from which, United deservedly equalised when Mike Bartlett headed home after 26 minutes. James Hall rightly received a booking for delaying the restart at a freekick.

Level-pegging was short-lived, as four minutes later, Parkhouse retook the lead from a corner when Luke Beatson looped the ball over Ramsden.

After a series of bizarre offside decisions by Mr Zielinski, which mainly went against Parkhouse, Danny Gee was allowed to get away with questioning the assistant’s ability without any form of punishment.

From a Shortland free-kick, Bartlett headed over when well-placed. Chances fell to both sides and Gee scooped the ball wide when he should have done better. Tom Giddings was rightly booked for a needless foul on Gee but there was no further incident before half-time.

The second half started with United on the front foot and James Hall had a chance before Perry Skelton was replaced by Shawn Matongo in a bid to add more potency up front.

Mike Pipes sliced wide after another good move by United as they took the match to Parkhouse. United were stretching themselves in a bid to come back and Parkhouse could have scored if Pemberton hadn’t impeded fellow player, John Parsons, who was well-placed to head home.

Parkhouse replaced Olly Shelton with Ashley Barber but, with time running out and United pushing for an equaliser, they broke and Gee calmly placed his shot wide of Ramsden to increase the lead.

Whilst United were regrouping the same player broke again and completed his brace within a minute.

United were awarded a freekick and Luke Beatson kicked the ball away but the offence went unpunished. United didn’t give up as they took the game back to Parkhouse. They were rewarded when, from a Shortland corner, Kris Walmsley flicked on and Matongo knocked the ball home from six yards.

With almost the last kick of the match, Giddings was dismissed for a second yellow when he was very harshly booked for supposedly pulling back Olly Shelton when he had actually been pulled back himself and, only minutes earlier, Gee had deliberately pulled back Walmsley as United broke and he received nothing other than a free kick against him; a theme that ran throughout the match.

Despite this, United can count themselves unfortunate not to have got something from a match in which they played a significant part.

There was another strong performance from Luke Taylor in the heart of the defence and Mike Pipes looked very effective up front. Unfortunately the good approach play rarely creates a chance at goal which showed as Hodgkinson had only two real saves to make.

Mr Keicz and Mr Zielinski especially had very poor games whilst the other assistant, Alex Thompson, performed competently throughout.As it was aptly put after the match, “they saw but they didn’t observe”.

Many thanks to main sponsors, Enertek International, The Insurance Partnership and the White Horse Inn.

United: Ryan Ramsden, Kris Walmsley, Tom Giddings, Andy Etherington, Luke Taylor, Mike Bartlett (c), Perry Skelton, James Hall, Tom Shortland, Mike Pipes, Tom Stephenson. Subs: Rich Overment, Shawn Matongo.

Parkhouse: Kurtis Hodgkinson, Matt Shaw, Mark Houghton, Luke Beatson, Ryan Williams (c), Olly Shelton, James Gee Pemberton, John Parsons, James Goodison, Danny Gee, Michael Wain. Subs: Ashley Barber

Referee: Mr M Keicz (Doncaster), Mr S. Zielinski (Skellow), Mr A Thompson (Scunthorpe).

A wet and misty Rec greeted the Driffield Cobras U10s for their game on Sunday against Tickton Thunder who always provide tough opposition for the Driffield boys.

Cobras started well carrying on their excellent form from the previous week. Artley and Warren Lambert in defence comfortably dealt with the Tickton forwards while Mottershead, Maddox and Morley competed well in defence. Up front Dixon held the ball up well against the well manned Tickton defence, trying to bring the midfield into the game.

Despite their good possession Driffield struggled to create any good scoring chances as Tickton defended well and in numbers and the half finished in a 0-0 stale mate.

Into the second and Johnson came on to play upfront with Dixon closely supporting him as Cobras tried everything to get the breakthrough. Several times excellent defensive interceptions prevented good scoring opportunities and when Johnson did break clear he fired narrowly wide.

Petch came into midfield as Cobras continued to press but Driffield just could not get that final pass right, including one towards the end which managed to bisect the Driffield forwards and was safely held by the Tickton keeper, final score 0-0.

For the start of the second match and again Driffield started well with Charles now in attack, only now the boys seemed to have found their shooting boots and really tested the Tickton keeper. First he held on well to a dipping Dixon volley and then an excellent Maddox long shot brought a superb one-handed save.

Then out of the blue a goal for Tickton, an attack was only half cleared and with Driffield’s midfield missing tackles the Tickton player slotted it into the corner giving keeper Hawkes no chance.

The second and final half started with the Cobras in a determined mood not to end the morning in disappointing defeat.

A good attack which moved the ball well from left to right saw Morley just unable to control the final pass when through on goal while Driffield forced several dangerous corners.

One of these brought the equaliser, Artley received the ball back from Mottershead before hitting a great cross to Dixon who instantly controlled to turn and fire past the keeper, 1-1.

With Driffield throwing men forward to press for the winner Artley and keeper Hawkes dealt well with some dangerous Tickton breaks.

In fact it was Cobras who nearly snatched it at the end when Dixon broke through only for the keeper to make another good save, final score 1-1.

Another good effort by the Driffield boys to finish the morning unbeaten.

Man of the match went to defenders Artley and Warren Lambert who were dominant throughout.

Thanks to team sponsors Trishna Tandoori and to referee Chris for taking charge of both games.

Action from one of the games, played in thick fog, by Mike Hopps, on Sunday at the Rec.

a CHARITY which helps ex service personnel is seeking to raise its profile in the Driffield area.

Many people who have served in the Armed Forces are not aware that they are eligible for help from military charities, according to the East Yorkshire branch of SSAFA Forces Help.

Each year volunteers from SSAFA (The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) Forces Help assist around 350 people in the East Riding Community who has served in the Armed Forces.

Branch Chairman David Elvidge believes that this is just the tip of the iceberg of those in the Community who may need its help.

“There are many people in East Yorkshire who are eligible for our help but who don’t realise that we can assist them or who do not like the idea of accepting help.” According to Mr Elvidge. it takes one day of military service to be eligible for support, including those who did national service. SSAFA can also be used by the dependants of those who served.

“Because of the unique way SSAFA works we will always look at ways of finding help to address someone’s needs rather than look for reasons not to. Military people are very proud and some people do not like to turn to charity but we believe that, having served their country they have earned that support”

SSAFA has 36 volunteers locally who can offer support with a range of issues including mobility scooters, home adaptations, training and housing.

SSAFA Forces Help is currently undertaking a national campaign to raise awareness of its work and the wide range of people it can help.

To find out more about the support SSAFA can offer please call 01964 552837 or visit www.ssafa.org.uk

SOON Christmas decorations and all things festive will be present at every corner you turn, and if that’s not incentive enough to get on with shopping and plans then perhaps our gift guide can help!

Of course, December 25th is still a few weeks away, and many people will now be in the throes of present buying, or at least coming up with a list.

So, to make things easier, we’re bringing you some inspirational ideas so hopefully the hard work is taken out of your Christmas preparations.

In fact, the Christmas shopping this year might become a real pleasure, rather than a pain! Here are some pointers before you commence your festive foray!

l Make a list for everyone

l Make sure anything that needs ordering is taken care of in good time

l Stick to a budget for each person

l Shop around for bargains

l Club together for larger presents

l Wrap and label gifts as you buy them

l Always have a spare gift – just in case!

The best presents, of course, are the ones that have an element of surprise.

But finding out what someone wants, without letting on what you are up to, is the tricky bit.

This is where it is best to have a little bit of time on your side, so you can find out any special interests a person may have, or some particular thing they have wanted for a long time.

Always be sure to keep receipts for gifts, so they can either be exchanged or a refund, if it turns out that the recipient has been given the same present by someone else.

With Driffield and the surrounding area is a place that attracts many visitors, there are many shops that have a wide range of gift ideas for all ages and tastes.

EVERY time I wash my face, I hear a voice from my childhood whispering: “Don’t forget behind your ears”

Which is odd, because I’m not schizophrenic and I don’t think in my life I have ever forgotten that there was a space behind my lug ‘oles. I think everyone has one.

Imagine waking up in the middle of the night, prodding your partner (no, not like that) and saying: “I just found a space behind my ears – I’d completely forgotten about that.”

I can hear the reply now: “Good job, otherwise your spectacles would fall off.”

Nor since childhood have I ever intended for there to be a small part of my body which would remain untouched by water during the daily splosh and brush down – with the exception of internally, of course (although some people do seem to go down that route, with a hosepipe and an hour to spare).

Which leads me to the point of this week’s column viz a vie, it’s interesting to consider how the little things which influenced our childhood often stay with us throughout later life – not just memories, but also possessions.

I happened upon a list the other day which detailed the Top 10 most bizarre artefacts found in attics in East Yorkshire. No, honestly.

It went:

* Antique adult toys (long nights, poor TV reception)

* Russian spyglass (to see what the neighbours are doing in a hurry ... Russian … geddit?)

* Stuffed dogs and parrots (nice bit of mince and some carrots add to the flavour)

* WW1 bullets and gas masks (for Ann Summers parties and/or Tuesdays)

* Boxed fingernails (a great Christmas gift, although quite appalling without the box)

* Elephant’s foot (just three to go for the set)

* X-ray machine (early version of X-ray specs allowing folk to see each other naked)

* Official order of service from Princess Diana’s funeral (drunken shopping channel spur of the moment purchase)

* Pair of 1757 duelling pistols (for those long-running feuds over a cat or damage caused by a rogue potato)

* Wooden coffin (soil included, in case of defeat in a long-running feud caused by a cat or rogue potato)

As you might have gathered from the list, residents in parts of East Yorkshire – especially Kelk – can be quite bizarre, although quite why anyone would want a box of fingernails is beyond even my comprehension.

Maybe it’s a challenge to see how many nose pickers they can collect in a lifetime.

The Hills Have Eyes, Kelk Has Fingernails. The makings of a good horror film if ever there was one.

Actually, Kelk is probably not a bad place to live. It’s shed dwellers hardly suffer any crime and the village used to have its own red phone box – which is probably just as well, as I can’t imagine mobile phone reception being much cop out in the sticks. They also have a fabulous sense of humour.

Driff, on the other hand, is riddled with crime. Riddled, I say. Probably worse per head of population than Hull.

Hardly a day goes by in the town without someone committing an act of vandalism, theft, burglary or assault.

And it always makes me chortle with amusement when we receive in the office CCTV images of the alleged suspects.

It’s 2011 and new technology is exploding gloriously across the world yet most of the CCTV images available to catch criminals in our little redneck town are so poor that a mother probably wouldn’t even recognise her own son.

As a wannabe journalist, I know hundreds, if not thousands, of people, yet there have been occasions when even I have received a CCTV picture, printed it in the newspaper and completely failed to realise that I know the accused man until I see him face to face in court.

This must be wrong, surely?

Driffield needs a good CCTV system capable of producing clear, crisp images. This will help the police as it will substantially reduce the amount of time they spend investigating crimes which would otherwise be solved quickly.

And, as a bonus, the people who monitor the system would also get the chance to watch funny stuff – such as wobbly drunks falling over – in glorious high definition.

We also need more cous cous in Driffield. Loads of places sell cooked rice and fried chips but it is damn nigh impossible to find cous cous, which is a shame as it makes me laugh as the name of this exotic foodstuff sounds like someone shouting for a missing cat.

While we are on the subject of food, why is it that you can buy country vegetable soup but there is no equivalent for town vegetables?

Have you heard about a disease you can catch from birds?

It’s called Chirpes – a canarial disease which is untweetable.

Finally, this is true and not an invention of The Orb ... although it sounds like it..

The EU has issued a new rule that water cannot be sold as healthy.

A panel of “experts” threw out a claim that regular water consumption is the best way to rehydrate the body.

This is the best news in years – right lads ... pub?!

Wetwang events management business Nimbus Solution International Ltd and Humber travel company Good Travel Management have agreed an exclusive partnership deal to expand the services both firms offer.

The deal enables the two companies to organise travel and events anywhere in the world – from one-to-one business meetings to full-blown conferences, as well as delegate travel, as a single package.

It is set to simplify the process of staging international events for companies in East Yorkshire and beyond.

Dianne Hepworth, who established Nimbus Solutions International 11 years ago, said the partnership came about after she organised a networking event for Hull University.

She said: “Although I’ve been aware of Good Travel Management for some years, I hadn’t realised the extent of the synergies that existed between the two businesses.

“By establishing an exclusive deal like this, we can work together to offer clients the complete travel and event experience.

“I personally have been organising large, international corporate events for more than 20 years, 11 of those with Nimbus, and Good Travel Management has more than 120 years providing international travel, so between us our skills are unparalleled.”

MYSTERY still surrounds what caused the sudden death of a widow at her home in Garton-on-the-Wolds.

Hull Coroners Court has heard that the body of Jacqueline Wilks, 62, of Main Street was so decomposed when discovered on August 7 this year the pathologist was unable to say for sure what had caused her death.

But Dr Laslo Karsai told yesterday’s hearing that there were signs of ischaemic heart disease which may have caused a heart attack.

Dr Karsai told the court that he understood Mrs Wilks had been a heavy smoker, smoking about 40 cigarettes a day, had recently been diagnosed with asthma, and in the weeks leading up to her death had been complaining of a stomach upset.

Paramedics were called by Mrs Wilks on July 23 because she was experiencing problems with her breathing.

Advanced emergency medical technician Diane Clixby said Mrs Wilks appeared to be suffering a panic attack and was found hyperventilating on the kitchen floor.

But Mrs Wilks refused hospital treatment and her son, Darren Wilks, was called to sit with her.

Mr Wilks said his mother had been complaining of a stomach upset for which she had taken some medication, but he asked her not to take any more because it may have interfered with her breathing.

Mr Wilks stayed until his mother calmed down and returned several days later to check on her.

“She said her breathing was a lot better, she still had an upset tummy but she was fine,” Mr Wilks said.

When Mr Wilks failed to make contact with his mother in the days that followed he let himself into her home and found her body in bed.

“To me she passed away peacefully just laid out flat,” Mr Wilks added.

The court heard that Mrs Wilks had always been a smoker and had not wanted to quit the habit.

“She enjoyed the cigarettes, she wasn’t going to give it up, she did try but enjoyed smoking too much to want to give it up,” Mr Wilks said.

The court heard that Mrs Wilks had sought help for alcoholism in the early 1990s and while the treatment had not been completely successful she had reduced her drinking.

Mr Wilks said his mother used to drink whiskey and vodka but in the last couple of years did not drink as much and usually had wine or beer.

“We have had serious events where she had drunk excessive amounts to the point where she was unable to help herself, she needed somebody else to dress her but she had improved,” Mr Wilks said.

In 2000 Mrs Wilks’ husband was diagnosed with a terminal illness and died in March 2001.

Recording an open verdict assistant deputy coroner Michael Mellun said: “Mrs Wilks died peacefully somehow but because Dr Karsai can’t assist me with exactly how it seems to me that the evidence doesn’t fully disclose exactly how death arose.”

GOT the sparkly accessories and dazzling dresses sussed? Don’t even think about stepping onto a dancefloor without a party season makeover to complete your look.

Give the au naturel look a swerve and doll up for glamorous December nights.

The party season is your licence to go experimental with colour and dabble in shimmer and shine.

At night, dark colours - from neutral greys to rich jewel tones - smoulder and look sultry, while glitter and metallic finishes that seem garish during the day glimmer alluringly and add drama.

Red lips, captivating eyes, or a dash of sparkle, shine like a Christmas star with these after-dark looks.

DANCING QUEEN

If there’s one magic ingredient in your make-up bag that’s guaranteed to get you in the festive party spirit, it’s a touch of sparkle. Think Studio 54 and 1970s glam rock for inspiration.

Piling on the glitz doesn’t work for everyone, so use your pot of sparkle sparingly.

Glitter eyeshadow is a party look that is most flattering on younger eyes, but older women can add sophisticated sparkle by using products with a pearlescent finish, which adds flattering light without highlighting creases and wrinkles.

RED CARPET GLAMOUR

You don’t have to have George Clooney on your arm at the office Christmas party to channel a Hollywood screen siren.

If your pout is your best feature, striking red lips are your seasonal gift. But the major make-up groundwork with stand-out lip looks is all in the base.

A perfect radiant complexion is crucial, so opt for an illuminating primer under foundation, a perfect colour match for your base, and the correct formulation for your skin.

Be wary of foundation that is too pale or too dark.

FOXY & FABULOUS

Grab your mistletoe and make eyes across the room with the object of your seasonal affections.

Put all the emphasis on your eyes with dramatic eyeliner, false eyelash corners, and lashings of mascara for a seductive heavy-lidded look.

Liquid and gel eyeliner can give a neat, stirking finish or use a pencil eyeliner for softer lines with blurred edges.

Ingredients

75g (3oz) butter, softened, plus extra for greasing

450g (1lb) dried fruit (use a mixture of sultanas, raisins and snipped apricots)

1 small cooking apple, peeled, cored and roughly chopped (about 175g/6oz)

finely grated rind and juice of 1 orange

50ml (2fl oz) brandy or rum, plus extra for feeding and flaming

100g (4oz) light muscovado sugar

2 eggs

100g (4oz) self-raising flour

1 level tsp ground mixed spice

40g (11/2oz) fresh white breadcrumbs

40g (11/2oz) whole shelled almonds, roughly chopped

Lightly butter a 1.4-litre (21/2-pint) pudding basin. Cut a small square of foil and press into the base of the basin.

Method

1. Measure the sultanas, raisins, apricots and apple into a bowl with the orange juice. Add the brandy or rum and leave to marinate for about one hour.

2. Put the butter, sugar and grated orange rind into a large bowl and cream together with a wooden spoon or a hand-held electric whisk until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs, adding a little flour if the mixture starts to curdle.

3. Sift together the flour and mixed spice, then fold into the creamed mixture with the breadcrumbs and the nuts. Add the dried fruits, apple and liquid and stir well.

4. Spoon into the prepared pudding basin, pressing the mixture down, and level the top with the back of a spoon. Cover the pudding with a layer of greaseproof paper and foil, both pleated across the middle to allow for expansion. Tie securely with string and trim off excess paper and foil with scissors.

5. To steam, put the pudding in the top of a steamer filled with simmering water, cover with a lid and steam for about eight hours, topping up the water as necessary. To boil the pudding, put a metal jam-jar lid into the base of a large pan to act as a trivet. Put the pudding on to this and pour in enough boiling water to come one-third of the way up the bowl. Cover with a lid, bring the water back to the boil, then simmer for about seven hours, until the pudding is a glorious deep brown colour, topping up the water as necessary.

6. Remove the pudding from the steamer or pan and cool completely. Make holes in the pudding with a fine skewer and pour in a little more brandy or rum to feed. Discard the paper and foil and replace with fresh. Store in a cool, dry place.

7. On Christmas Day, steam or boil the pudding for about an hour to reheat. Turn the pudding on to a serving plate. To flame, warm 3-4 tablespoons brandy or rum in a small pan, pour it over the hot pudding and set light to it. Serve with rum sauce, brandy butter or boozy cream.

HUMBERSIDE Police are gearing up to tackle drink and drug drivers over the festive period.

The Safer Roads Humber Partnership, supported by charities BRAKE and Crimestoppers, launched the campaign on Tuesday, and point out that even a small amount of alcohol can impair driving and endanger lives.

Organisers want to spread the message that, where drink and drugs are concerned the only safe limit is nil.

Frank Duffield, chairman of Humberside Crimestoppers said: “Drink driving wrecks the lives of so many people and statistics show that the occurrence level increases over the festive season.”

Statistically, young drivers are the most likely to drive over the legal drink drive limit and this year’s campaign will work hard to educate this group on the dangers of such actions.

The campaign launch coincides with charity BRAKE’s National Road Safety Week and supports the organisation’s ‘Too Young To Die’ focus.

The partnership in conjunction with Crimestoppers is encouraging the public to provide information about those prepared to risk their own life and the lives of others by driving under the influence of drink or drugs.

Anyone who has information about someone who is driving illegally should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or contact police on 101.

The Safer Roads Humber Partnership is also reminding people to think twice before picking up their car keys the morning after drinking with further information available at www.morning-after.org.uk.

IN THIS mild November, trees have been reluctant to let go of their leaves.

But most of them are bare now and even the oak leaves, which are always last, are trickling to the ground.

As garden plants start to die back and a pleasant view morphs into a bit of a shambles, gardeners get the urge to tidy up. Some things have to be done.

Ignore fallen rose leaves affected by black spot, and the disease will over-winter in the soil. Mouldy stems, encouraged by damp days, can damage the crowns of perennials.

But try to leave any seed heads that will provide food for small birds.

Fallen leaves can be left where they are. A layer of leafmold — that’s decomposed leaves, not mouldy ones — makes a brilliant soil conditioner.

Worms will pull leaves down into the soil, further enriching it for next year.

And let’s not forget our friend the hedgehog, who needs those dry leaves to furnish his winter nest. Among the dead leaves and rotting wood will be spiders and insects snuggling down for the winter.

Some of these are the gardener’s friends, but even the pests have their place.

They make tasty morsels for birds, helping them to survive the cold months. So the message is, tidy up a bit, but not too much.

While busy in the garden you might come across a ladybird. Take note of where it is, because it has a message for you.

If winter in your area is going to be mild, the ladybird will be tucked away in a crevice in the bark of a tree, at least three feet off the ground.

If a cold winter is on the way, it will have retreated into a pile of dead leaves on the ground.

Nobody knows how the ladybirds do it, but research has shown that they never make the wrong choice.

Advent

It can’t be four weeks to Christmas; it’s not cold enough yet for a mid-winter festival.

But already Santa is in his grotto, Christmas lights are cheering up the late afternoon gloom, and this coming Sunday is the first in Advent.

Advent means coming, the coming of the Holy Child. It’s the start of the church’s year when Christians look forward to the birth of Jesus, while also remembering His second coming.

So the first Sunday in Advent is solemn, with readings about the Lord coming in judgement at the end of time.

Before the Reformation there was real solemnity during Advent, because everyone was expected to fast.

In practice this meant four weeks of stew or fish, which must have been miserable for those who had to work outside in the cold.

Christmas Eve was an even stricter fast with no meat, cheese or eggs. Even the humblest Christmas meal must have felt like a feast after that.

It’s all rather different today. In the weeks leading up to the Big Day there’s relentless pressure to spend.

For parents this amounts to emotional blackmail, and that’s just from the stores, not the kids.

Have you seen that desperate TV ad with singing children dressed as stars? Good mums and dads, it suggests none too subtly, buy expensive gadgets for their kids.

Consumerism has done a thorough job of hijacking Christmas, so let’s make this the year that we claim it back.

We’ll start by purging ourselves of cynicism, because this cuts us off from everything good.

We’ll make someone happy by doing a small act of kindness, without thinking of what they might do for us.

We’ll pay no attention to the Christmas moaners, instead let’s remember what we really enjoy, the things that give us a warm glow.

No, not presents, the basic things like lights, carols, a mince pie, the smell of a pine tree, bunches of holly, getting together with friends or family.

There’s no need to feel guilty about having to cut back this year, because millions of people are doing the same. Christmas will not be ruined.

Without the stress of overspending and overeating, we’ll rediscover the true joys of the season.

Brrrrr, winter is definitely here, the trees are bare, although it’s still mild enough to be out in the garden. Whether or not you’ve got jobs to do, you can still indulge in a bit of birdwatching. You might hear fieldfares or redwings calling overhead, or they may even come into your garden. Both species love apples, so trying leaving some halved apples on your lawn to see if that attracts them.

Look out for flocks of long-tailed tits making their way through the trees and bushes in your garden too. They are very vocal, so you will always hear them before you see them. They occasionally come to my feeders, and they are exquisite little birds.

I’ve been plucking up the courage to prune my fruit trees. Reducing stems, removing dead ones, and crossing branches helps keep bushes open and promote better fruiting. I just always worry I might snip the wrong bit!

My vegetable beds are all dug over. Its heavy work but at this time of year it keeps you warm and I leave the clumps of soil to be broken down by the frosts, which is a lot easier than doing it myself. Let nature do the work for you!

If you’ve got a rather shady area of garden that looks a bit bare and drab, why not consider ordering some hellebores and try and get them planted this month? Hellebores are great for late winter and early spring colour and are good for any bees which may venture from hibernation on a warm day.

With Christmas just around the corner and many shops being closed over the holiday, make sure you’re stocked up with enough bird food to keep your regulars fed, especially if as last year, the weather suddenly turns cold. Once the birds know there’s a supply of food to be had, they’ll keep coming back for more. Fat balls are always a favourite and a great source of energy. Just make sure you remove the mesh bags they often come packaged in as birds can get their feet and beaks caught up in it.

Have a great Christmas!

Kate

For bird food and a range of gifts and accessories visit www.rspbshop.co.uk

THE University of Hull Centre for Lifelong Learning has teamed up with Cass Hall on King Street, Driffield to offer two 10 week I.T courses.

The courses are aimed at beginners and those with a little more I.T experience who are looking to get back into education and will run weekly from Thursday January 12.

Courses will be spilt into morning and afternoon sessions with morning sessions entitled The Moving Image running from 10am to 12noon and afternoon sessions entitled Create Animations running from 1pm to 3pm.

The Moving Image course will teach attendees the basics of making and editing digital videos and Create Animations will centre around stop motion and drawn animation.

Courses are free to those in receipt of benefits, registered as a jobseeker or who have a family income of less than £16,845.

Anyone interested in siging up for a course or for further information contact Les Runkee on 07411273168 or via email at lesrunkee@yahoo.co.uk.

Nafferton Old boys returned to the top of the Division with another 4-3 win away from home. After a last minute winner away to Woodlands last week Old Boys travelled to Humbleton to play Long Riston.

The visitors were without Warner, Kitching, Foster and Wright who was serving a one match ban but Danny Brown continued his impressive return after a long layoff with injury.

After a tough previous meeting in the cup manager Petch changed the shape of the team to a 3-5-2 in a bid to pack the midfield and dominate the play. Old Boys started the match in a workman-like positive manner with Mikey Parker, Hayhurst, Kennedy, Sam Harrison and Ross Harrison all working hard to play the visitors passing style of football on a heavy surface and in blustery conditions.

The visitors took the lead through Sam Harrison when after a good move down the right involving Danny Brown there was a foul in the area and Old Boys were awarded a penalty kick.

Nafferton soon doubled their lead before Riston grabbed a goal when a shot was only palmed away by Smith and the home sides striker was first to react to his absolute delight.

A change of ends and shape at half time saw Nafferton revert back to their more orthodox 4-4-2 in a bid to get the ball out wide and try and capitalise on the areas of the pitch that had been left unexposed during the first 45 minutes.

The defence of Hood, Collins, Mitchinson, Adam Parker and the very impressive Robinson took time to settle with the new shape and the home team took full advantage of the space by getting back on level terms.

The introduction of fresh legs kept Old Boys battling for every ball and they again took the lead before Long Riston scored a 75th minute equaliser.

Spurred on by skipper Kennedy and the hard working Nicholson upfront cometh the hour cometh the man and it was that man again Sam Harrison who continued a superb start to the season by curling in the winning goal after good work from brother Ross.

At the end of the match manager Petch was pleased with the result, saying: “Three points was the main, the pitch was not good and the conditions were worse but it’s the same for both teams.

“It’s frustrating some times when we turn up and try to play passing football against teams who just boot it root one. It would be easy for us to line up 4-3-3, defend deep and just play long balls up to the front lads.

“But I think we’re better than that but we need to tighten up at the back. At the start of the season we predicted that the team who wins this division will not be the one who scores the most goals but the one who defends the best and concedes the least. Well done boys.”

Thanks to Bob and staff at the Rose and Crown for the after match hospitality.

Man of the match big Nick Robinson

DRIFFIELD’S Curtis Woodhouse sent out a message to his rivals with a classy fourth-round stoppage victory over Gary McArthur.

Curtis, 31, was scheduled to box Jason Cook, but he pulled out less than 48 hours before the fight at Rotherham’s Magna Centre on Saturday night.

Instead he fought southpaw Gary McArthur, 29, who weighed in three pounds heavier than 10st 2 Curtis. The Driffield destroyer was disappointed Cook pulled out and knew he still faced a tough fight against McArthur.

But Curtis showed no mercy and was on top from the first bell until the fourth round when McArthur retired with a hand injury, frustrating Curtis, who said: “I just felt I was getting him more and more every round and I think he knew that, and the bottom line was he bailed out, he didn’t hurt his hand.

“He knew he was going to get knocked out and bailed out before that happened, which was a bit disappointing as I wanted to finish the fight off.

“I don’t know how he hurt his hand because he didn’t do it by hitting me.

“I was just too strong for him.”

Fighting in front of 2,000 people, Curtis was pleased to get his 17th win from 20 bouts, but disappointed he missed out on Jason Cook. Curtis said: “It was disappointing. I had got myself up for that fight and it was just going to be an out and out fight, and then I got the late change and ended up with a southpaw boxer, which is a different style to what I had been preparing for, so it was disappointing.

“But the most important thing is your health, and if Jason Cook has had problems is health comes first and foremost and I just wish him a speedy recovery.”

Speaking to the Times & Post yesterday morning, Curtis was set for a meeting an hour later with his promoter Dave Coldwell. Curtis added: “I have a few options, the phone has been going mad with different fights being offered to me, so it’s just a case of me sitting down and picking what is the best route to go down.

“Dave seems confident he can make a fight for the British or Commonwealth title early in the new year, so I will be back in the gym on Monday and training away and waiting for the phone to go.”

Curtis is still keeping involved with football, and is assistant manager to friend David Holdsworth at Lincoln City, who lost 2-0 at York on Tuesday night.

More pictures on page 74.

A MAN who unexpectedly found himself in sole charge of his two year old child had 99 hours of unpaid work removed from his community order and replaced with a curfew.

At Bridlington Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday (November 23) Craig Andrew Allman, 23, of Washington Street, Driffield, admitted being in breach of a community order.

Jon Wild of the probation service told the bench Allman was given a 12 month supervision order with 100 hours of unpaid work and a requirement to attend an alcohol treatment course.

However, Allman had failed to attend appointments with the service on October 20 and November 5 without giving a suitable explanation.

He had completed just one hour of his 100 hour unpaid work sentence.

However, Mr Wild said Allman had suddenly become responsible for the care of his two year old son which made it very difficult for him to carry out the work requirement.

Magistrates agreed to delete the number of outstanding unpaid work hours and instead impose a three month curfew between the hours of 8pm and 7am at his home address.

“We hope it will make life easier for you and also for the order to continue with the alcohol treatment,” said magistrate Tony Hardman.

SPECIALLY designed note pads have been created and will be trialled in Driffield for residents to record suspicious activity in their area.

The ‘Community Watch Pads’ have been designed by members of the Beverley Neigbourhood Policing team and East Riding Safer Communities and have been jointly funded by Safer Communities and Crimestoppers.

The pads contain loose leaf pages designed to prompt members of the community who have witnessed something suspicious to report information that may be vital to police investigations.

Local Neighbourhood Officer, PC Julie Turrell from Beverley Police Station said: “Local residents are the eyes and ears of a community, and from my line of work, I know all too well that when a neighbour has witnessed something a little bit ‘odd’ it usually means something untoward has happened.

“Sadly by the time a crime has been reported to the police the neighbour usually has forgotten the time it occurred, descriptions of people, cars, etc.

“These are the key details detectives and police officers need to kick start an investigation. That is why these Community Watch pads are so great. If you see anything remotely suspicious, whether it is a possible bogus caller, a dodgy looking car cruising the area or some sort of criminal damage being caused. The questions in the pad prompt you to take additional notes which you may not think to record and will help officers potentially find an offender or locate the people or car and speak to them.”

Information recorded in the Watch Pads can be passed onto the police either by dropping it into the local police station or contacting a local Neighbourhood Policing Team by phone and quoting ‘Community Watch’.

The scheme will be piloted in the Beverley Neighbourhood Policing Area, which includes Beverley, Driffield, Hornsea and surrounding rural areas and will see pads being handed out to Neighbourhood Watch groups, Farm Watch members and residents.

At an official launch held at Beverley County Hall, Councillors and Police Officers handed over the first Community Watch Pads to be distributed across the three towns to Ray Grange, Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator chairman for Beverley.

Nigel Brignell, East Riding of Yorkshire Community Safety Officer from the Anti-Social Behaviour Team said: “The pads are a good example of partnership working in the East Riding.

“I would like to thank all of the parties involved.”

Coun. Jonathan Owen, Deputy Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “The Council are 100% behind this.

“We wish the initiative every success.”

POLICE have released these CCTV images in relation to an alleged raid at a Driffield town centre store.

Two PSP Computer consoles, several DS Computer games and Wii accessories were stolen during a break-in at Blockbuster, on Middle Street South.

Police say the store was allegedly broken into between 4.32am and 5.14am on Sunday, November 6 when something sharp was used to break the front shop window.

A spokesperson for Humberside Police said: “The men made off with the stolen items on foot, before returning again 45 minutes later to take further items from the window display.”

A criminal investigation has been launched and officers would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area.

The police spokesperson added: “Anyone who may have been offered any of these items for sale or believe they may have any information in connection with the theft and may assist police, are asked to contact Humberside Police on the new non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number CS/1872911/2011 or log number 247 of 06/11/2011.”

IT’S that time of the year again when we are thinking about Christmas.

I get a lot of questions around this time of the year about Christmas trees.

Here are a few tips when buying a tree:

l Nordmann Fir have ideal needles that don’t drop as much as the traditional Christmas tree Picea Abies, which is still a lovely tree but the needles will drop if you do not look after it, especially if you have it near a radiator.

l Always buy a Christmas tree from a reputable buyer, garden centre or plants nursery or a professional Christmas tree grower.

Never buy from the side of the road. From my experience and from what people have told me, the trees have never lasted.

l Give the tree a shake and you will be able to tell if the tree is fresh because if the needles start to drop off you know it has been cut some time ago, so my advice is not to buy it.

If the needles do not drop you know you have a lovely fresh Christmas tree. You’re tree should last over the Christmas period.

l Cut two inches off the bottom of the tree. The tree will take water up better when doing this.

l During its time indoors, the tree will need up to one pint of water each day depending on the size of the container.

You can also stand the tree on a drip tray which can be concealed along with the pot with a covering of crepe paper. Keep it away from intense heat such as a radiator.

STILL FLOWERING

As I write this article, I’m looking outside my window at my garden. Amazingly, still flowering is the tender perennial verbena bonariensis with lovely purple flowers.

It’s been in bloom since July. When it eventually stops flowering I will cut the stems back to ground level and cover the crown of the plant with straw to protect it over winter.

As I am walking to work I notice English Marigolds are still in flower. Eucalyptus which were hit hard by the terrible winter we had are looking healthy again.

And do you remember how badly cordylines were hit? I visited eight gardens to give my advice on what to do with the be-draggled looking cordylines in spring.

Some were a lost cause, but I am glad to say a lot of cordylines have re-sprouted from the base.

If we get a really bad winter again, I’d suggest you cover the whole plant in fleece and insulate with straw to protect it as much you can.

I was talking to a gentleman from Scotland the other week about gardening and we got talking about trees and their beauty and the old trees with all their history and the age they can live too.

He then told me there is a yew tree in Scotland which is believed to be 5,000 years old – it is believed to be the oldest tree in Britain.

I have researched what the bonny wee lad told me and he is correct. What history, just unbelievable. I wish I could see the tree for myself. I would be in awe of the old timer of the tree world.

CHRISTMAS OPEN DAY

Please come and buy some wreaths at the Christmas open day were are having at Priory View Day Centre in Marton Road on Thursday, December 15, from 11am to 3pm.

There will be cakes stalls, plant stalls, a tombola, cards made by our students. The cafe will be open to the public from 1pm to 3pm.

Please support Priory View and Sewerby Outreach by buying our wreaths. They are £6 for round wreaths and £7.50 for heart shaped wreaths.

For more information contact Paul Robinson at Priory View on 602477.