American Pharoah cemented is place in racing history with a scintillating performance in the Breeders Cup on Saturday evening.

The Yankee wonder horse will go down as the greatest racehorse in history.

Having completed the triple crown, the first in 37 years, the grand slam was an achievement few believed possible.

This monster three-year-old attracts 20,000 fans to watch him train and the world watched in awe as he destroyed his rivals with ease to win the five million dollar purse.

The Bob Baffert-trained colt will now retire to stud with an overall rating of 138 which rates him the best horse in American history.

Opinions are varied but my opinion is that he’d have surpassed Frankel’s rating of 143 if he trained on as a four-year-old as Frankel did.

The jump season is slowly warming up, with all trainers eyeing Cheltenham Festival.

Willie Mullins will have a major say in the outcome of the big races.

The Irish trainer has a wealth of exceptional horses in his stable such as Faugheen, Douvan, and Vautour who all won impressively at the festival last March. Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson will again have a strong hand in trying to stop the dominance from the Irish raiders.

The beauty about the jumps is that your favourite horses from last year will more than likely be here this year. Even the smaller yards have top class hurdlers and chasers for instance Mark Bradstock, who trains Gold Cup hero Coneygree.

Looking ahead to this Saturday, I do like the chances of Yorkist in the 3.40 at Aintree.

He rallied well to grab second when last seen in a class one, now dropping down in grade he could prove value for punters.

Wincanton probably has the better card out of the two and I’ve a few fancies that I feel have a good chance.

The 2.05 Badger Ales Trophy is a handicap chase over three miles.

Carole’s Destrier ran some fine races last season, and although I feel he will improve after this run he could still have enough to make a winning debut to the season.

He’s a very good jumper from the front, who should be versatile to any ground.

Connections of Sign Of A Victory were disappointed that he could only manage fourth place to Nabucco last weekend, but I think that that run will set him up perfectly for this race.

I’d be surprised if he was not to go close in a competitive race.

Wally’s Tips

Aintree 3.40 Yorkist.

Wincanton 2.05 Carole’s Destrier, 3.15 Sign Of A Victory.

This week sees the annual remembrance ceremonies taking place around the town and at sea. And, of course, all round the country.

A couple of months or so before the end of the Second World War a young boy was watching out of the front window of his house, looking for his father coming home from work in Woolwich Arsenal.

Suddenly the boy’s world literally fell around him in a cloud of dust and rubble as the house collapsed.

A V2 rocket had landed just across the road. The boy heard his mother calling as she searched the dust-filled house for him. Then he was in her arms, being carried out of the rubble, down the road to a neighbour’s house.

The ambulances arrived and the boy’s head was swathed in bandage as he was bleeding profusely.

In those days there were no paramedics and ambulances were equipped only to carry people to hospital, the crews trained only in basic first aid.

In due course, the ambulance arrived at a casualty receiving station at the local hospital. Once cleaned up it was seen that the injuries were not serious, just a few cuts and bruises. Amazingly there was only one fatality.

Yes, I was that boy. But what is the point of this rambling reminiscence?

Well, we are being asked this week to remember.

The focus is, quite properly, on the members of our armed forces who have died in action over the past nearly 100 years.

But, let us not forget the thousands, possibly millions, of civilians who died or were injured, some quite severely, as a result of the various wars which have raged worldwide throughout our history.

Nor let us forget the families of those service men and women, many of whom live with loss of a loved one, or, perhaps even more difficult, now live with a loved one who is disabled, physically or mentally.

We Brits, or perhaps I should say “English”, are quite good at remembering battles, especially those which we won!

Each year Trafalgar Day features in our diaries.

The British fleet, under Nelson, suffered about 1,500 casualties, whereas the French/Spanish fleet suffered about 16,000.

A couple of weeks ago there were ceremonies commemorating the Battle of Agincourt. There the skill of English archers inflicted terrible casualties on the French, while the English suffered comparatively few losses themselves.

None of these statistics takes account of the cost in civilian suffering.

War is not new, nor are the millions of unseen casualties who carry their wounds in their hearts and minds.

If you wear a poppy this weekend, wear it with pride, certainly.

Wear it not only for our servicemen and women, but also for the wives who lost husbands, the husbands who lost wives; the parents who lost children, and the children who were orphaned.

And wear it for all those who survived, but whose minds have been scrambled by their experiences.

“At the going down of the Sun, and in the morning, we will remember them.”

Racing pundit Tony McCormick from.irishbigracetrends.com beforetheoff.com and racing radio station racingfm.com presents his weekly column and continues his horses to follow.

Our trainers to follow in November got off to a mixed start during the week with Paul Nicholls sending out two winners at 3/1 and 5/2 from six runners, while Venetia Williams has started the month in fine form with Saroque (10/1), Pepite Rose (10/1) and Bobble Buru (5/2) all winning well from nine runners sent out on to the track.

On Monday, Nicholls provided a 5/2 winner at Carlisle in the shape of Silsol, with Williams chipping in with a 7/2 winners to complete the double as Rosa Fleet came home in front by three-and-a-half lengths at Southwell under Liam Treadwell in the Mares’ Handicap Chase.

irishbigracetrends.com this week will be looking forward to the Open Meeting at Cheltenham, which starts on Friday. We will be covering the meeting in the company of our Cheltenham ‘Insiders’, Andy Richmond (Racing UK), Tony Ennis (At The Races), Paul Ferguson (Jumpers To Follow and Racing Ahead), Dean Ryan (Racing FM), Conor O’Hehir (RTE, Racing FM) and Racing writing legend Tony Stafford.

Andy, a regular presenter on Racing UK, has been a punter for as long as he can remember and is a real sports nut. He turned this passion into a full-time trading career on the betting exchanges such as Betfair. His number one sport for trading is horse racing and that has provided him with steady profits every year for over 10 years.

Tony Ennis has progressed from an avid fan of racing to a first-class presenter and commentator. Tony moved to SIS and then began working for At the Races in August 2004. His work at At the Races involves presenting shows and producing domestic and international commentaries.

Author of Jumpers To Follow, which is now in its ninth year of publication, Paul Ferguson has built up a series of close relationships with trainers, both here in Great Britain and across the Irish Sea. While researching his book over the years, he has unearthed such future stars as Hurricane Fly, as a novice, Sprinter Sacre, Simonsig and Faugheen.

As the name suggests, Conor is a member of a racing Royal Family. We all know Racing Post contributor Tony O’Hehir and will always remember the great commentator, Michael O’Hehir. Conor is making his way in TV and radio, being a regular on RTE and Racing FM.

Dean is founder of Racing FM and I’m pleased to count Tony Stafford as a great friend of around 15 years now and he had no hesitation in accepting my invitation to join the team. 30 years at The Daily Telegraph, Tony has met them all.

For more details on the Cheltenham ‘Insiders’ insight pack, go to irishbigracetrends.com

Driffield Community Cinema suffered its first setback this week, when only two youngsters attended the Saturday morning matinee of animation blockbuster Home.

This paltry turnout followed the cinema’s first two Saturday showings, when audiences numbered 23 and 25 respectively.

“Saturday was certainly a wake-up call,” said Paul Grinstead, one of the cinema organisers.

“Maybe the novelty has worn off already, but I doubt that.

“It’s more likely a combination of bad weather and a film which didn’t appeal to enough people.”

The cinema is based at Market House - formerly known as the Access Centre - in Exchange Street.

Businessman Chris Morris owns the property and in July, he recruited local hairdresser Richard Hill and Mr Grinstead to make the cinema idea a reality.

“Chris deserves to succeed because he’s put a lot of money, effort and time into providing a facility the town has lacked for a long time,” said Mr Grinstead.

“It costs between £100-£125 to show a film and we just about broke even the first two weeks. That audience level needs maintaining,” he added.

Although the cinema is currently only operating Saturday mornings, adult films will be shown on Thursday afternoons in the near future. Evening performances will follow. The cinema is also available for private bookings.

Organisers are appealing for people to let them know what films they would like to see and on what days and times.

“We have a Facebook page called Driffield Community Cinema, where people can contribute their ideas,” said Mr Grinstead.

“The latest blockbusters are out of our league, but there are a lot of popular films available to us which have only been released a few months,” he added.

Shaun the Sheep is the cinema’s next offering on Saturday (Nov 14), 11am.

Tickets can be reserved through the Facebook page or by calling/texting the booking lines 07754 935863/07932 494357 or call 01377 255272.

A scheme which has seen 10,000 pupils take part in 25 different sports in schools across the East Riding has been named the best in the country.

The School Sport Partnership, run from Bridlington School, works with more than 50 schools in the region and was recognised at the National Youth Sport Trust Summit in Coventry.

The partnership received the national award for Outstanding Levels of Participation in Competition, with the award presented by Olympic cycling champion Victoria Pendleton and singer Kimberly Wyatt from the Pussycat Dolls.

Partnership development manager Angel Rhodes said:  “This award belongs to the dedicated network of headteachers, PE coordinators, and most importantly the pupils across all of our partnership schools - so thank you to them for their continued commitment to our competition programme and Sport Partnership programme.”

Another huge success for the partnership this year has been the number of National School Games Mark awards given to schools across the area. This is a National measure for PE and school sport provision to both primary and secondary age children.

The East Riding has the highest number of schools achieving this award and a record number of gold awards this year.

“Congratulations to all of our schools on an amazing year,” added Angel.

A man from Middleton on the Wolds was presented with a prestigious award during a final salute dinner for his work in recording for future generations, the naval history of the American Civil War.

Ian Dewar, President of the 290 Foundation (BVI) Inc, was presented with the Gen Stephen D Lee Award at the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool.

Ian received the award from Commander in Chief of the Sons of confederate Veterans, Charles Kelly Barrow, who had travelled from the United States to join international guests at this event.

The guest of honour was US Naval Attache, Captain Mark B Rudesill, USN and other guests included descendants of important civil war personages of that time. The Final Salute Dinner brought to an end a three-day event marking the surrender of the Confederate Cruiser CSS Shenandoah to Her Majesty’s ship HMS Donegal in the River Mersey on November 6, 1865.

Although the conflict on land had been over for some months, the Shenandoah only learned this news by chance from a passing British ship.

Fearing he and his mainly British crew would be tried as ‘pirates’, Cpt James Iredell Waddell sailed over 12,000 miles to Liverpool in England.

A Service of Remembrance was held at the Pump House near Liverpool’s Albert Dock last Friday, attended by more than 100 people.

In an interview for TV, Ian Dewar was asked why this anniversary was so important.

“The return of the CSS Shenandoah to Liverpool and the lowering of the Confederate ensign exactly 150 years ago today, marks the stand down of the last combatant unit of that conflict – and in our eyes, the true end of the American Civil War.

“The 290 Foundation’s Final Salute events not only remember this, but that over 2,600 seamen from Britain and her former Empire, defied the neutrality act and served with the navies of both sides – many paying the ultimate price without ever visiting the country they were fighting for.

“No memorial exists for them and at a time of Remembrance, they must not be forgotten either.”

Commenting later on his award, Ian said: “This was a great honour and leaves me feeling both humble and proud that the work of this foundation has been recognised by such an august body as the SCV.

“I understand the Gen Stephen D Lee Award is only awarded to non-members of the SCV and is considered once a year but not always assigned, so I am doubly honoured that I was chosen as the first non-American recipient.

“I was also very happy to welcome the SCV’s Commander in Chief, Charles K Barrow and his lovely family to Liverpool. I was also pleased that Sefton Unit of the Sea Cadets ‘returned’ and raised the ensign of the Shenandoah for our Final Salute.

When I let slip my indifference towards the Melbourne Cup a couple of years ago, I received bucketloads of abuse on Twitter from angry Australians.

Underlining that the web is truly worldwide, they were staggered that I had dared to sully the good name of their pride and joy.

I took more interest in the race this year. It had a great shape to it. And it yielded a wonderful story for the sport as Michelle Payne became the first female jockey to ride the winner.

I even had a bet. And although my Melbourne Cup phobia wasn’t entirely cured by the narrow, luckless defeat of Max Dynamite, at least the performance of a horse who was, and may well remain, a smart hurdler succeeded in reminding me that it was time now to concentrate on the new Jumps season.

After all the early skirmishes, that season comes alive this weekend with the three-day Open meeting at Cheltenham. The institution that used to be the Racing Post/Tote Ten To Follow competition might no longer with us but, in time-honoured fashion, I have still come up with a list of horses to monitor on the road to the Cheltenham Festival over the coming months.

Although it features several up-and-coming prospects, many might moan that the list contains too many obvious names from too many of the big yards. But I thought it made sense to concentrate on the top end of the National Hunt spectrum. On the horses most likely to be bossing the big races that most of us are interested in. Last season’s Festival was arguably the best ever for sheer quality. Rarely have so many magnificent performances been packed into one meeting, and predominantly from animals likely to be at the peak of their powers for some time to come. They cannot be ignored.

BOONDOOMA

8yo Dr Richard Newland

Fast-improving, front-running, lightly-raced eight-year-old, who takes his chance for the Grand National-winning trainer in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham this Saturday. Has risen in the weights and goes up in trip, but he was very impressive when defying a ten-month absence on his seasonal re-appearance at the same track last month. Whatever happens this weekend, he is sure to win more races.

CHAMPERS ON ICE

5yo, David Pipe

Highly-rated grey son of a cracking grandam called Ra Nova, who brings back so many personal memories for me, having won the old Schweppes Gold Trophy Hurdle (now the Betfair Hurdle) at Newbury back in 1984. Bought by two of the yard’s top owners, Bryan Drew and Caroline Tisdall for £205,000, he is an Irish point winner who showed speed and attitude when winning a Punchestown Bumper in April, and begins his novice hurdling campaign at Cheltenham this Friday.

CHOCCA WOCCA

5yo, Nicky Henderson

The Cheltenham Festival’s new mares’ novice hurdle race, named after the great Dawn Run, is very much on the agenda for this daughter of Chomba Womba, who was not far off Champion Hurdle class for the same stable. The race is to be sponsored by the stud run by her owners, Richard and Lizzie Kelvin-Hughes but, more significantly, she has the ability to tackle it, judging by the progress she made in Bumpers and the manner in which she has reportedly schooled over timber.

CONEYGREE

8yo, Mark Bradstock

Few who were there will forget the momentous achievement of the front-running lionheart when becoming the first novice to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup since 1974. The manner in which he relentlessly ground top-class opposition into the ground on only his fourth start over fences was a sight for sore eyes -- and those who believed he would struggle to recover from such a gruelling race have to think again after his polished romp at Sandown on his seasonal re-appearance the other day. Next stop will be Newbury and a Denman-type bid to shrug off top weight in the Hennessy. If all goes to plan, he will lock horns with the likes of Vautour and Don Cossack in the King George at Kempton, where he won in familiar front-running fashion last year, and then on to a repeat mission in what is shaping up to be a vintage Gold Cup.

DJAKADAM

6yo, Willie Mullins (Ire)

The huge reputation of Rich Ricci’s strapping chaser was dented severely when he failed to justify heavy market support for last year’s Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury. But by the end of the campaign, we all found out where the hype had come from because he was a brilliant runner-up in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, despite a gruelling gallop that would have exposed most horses of his age and inexperience. There’s no sign yet that the race has had an adverse effect on any of its combatants and, with natural improvement guaranteed, the French-bred gelding is surely set for more success.

DON COSSACK

8yo, Gordon Elliott (Ire)

The highest rated chaser in training is already on the board this term, having won weakish contests at Punchestown and Down Royal, and it’s all systems go now for a tilt at both the King George at Kempton and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He produced two of the best displays of the 2014/15 campaign when thrashing Cue Card at Aintree and then Gold Cup runner-up Djakadam at Punchestown, both after a defeat in the Ryanair Chase at the Festival that left connections visibly stunned but which could be explained by a jumping error and interference at key moments. He’s quick, he stays, he jumps. He’s all class.

DON POLI

6yo, Willie Mullins (Ire)

In the words of his trainer, this hard-as-nails, Gigginstown-owned chaser powered up the hill “like a loose horse” when landing a sub-standard RSA Chase at Cheltenham in March. It was a performance that defied doubts about his age, lack of chasing nous, drying ground and an absence against Christmas, which were all against him. It was also one, said Mullins, from a horse that “had Gold Cup written all over him” and was “as good an RSA winner as we have had”, which is some praise considering he saddled the mighty Florida Pearl.

FAUGHEEN

7yo, Willie Mullins (Ire)

March 10 2015 will go down in history as the day we all saw a machine win the Champion Hurdle. Dangerously inexperienced and a worryingly unnatural jumper, the son of Germany did not convince everyone of his credentials, despite sensational exploits at the previous Festival and then at Ascot and Kempton before Christmas. But once that formidable engine cranked into gear, he could not be caught and bagged a place in folklore as one of the finest winners of the great race. Such is the paucity of serious opposition at the moment that a repeat performance is on the cards, providing he stays fit and healthy. He’s set to return to action at Punchestown on Sunday.

GALLANT OSCAR

9yo, Tony Martin (Ire)

Bought by JP McManus with the Grand National in mind, the rapidly improving stayer was balloted out of this year’s Aintree marathon and was then withdrawn from the Scottish version on the morning of the race because the ground was too quick. However, he proceeded to win as he liked at Punchestown off a mark of 135 in only his eighth outing over fences, and everything this season is likely to be geared around a trip to Liverpool.

JOLLY’S CRACKED IT

6yo, Harry Fry

As a novice last term, this rangy, classy hurdler never quite fulfilled his potential when stepping up in grade. But he was given too much to do in the Betfair Hurdle, didn’t stay the 2m5f in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and was over the top by the time of Aintree. That all means he begins the new season still on a fair handicap mark, which the trainer is keen to exploit before sending him fencing, for which he is built. Shaped well on his seasonal bow at Ascot, to where he will enticingly return for the Ladbroke Hurdle next month.

KILCREA VALE

5yo, Nicky Henderson

Viewed as a 3m fencing prospect and may yet go novice chasing this term, having already won an Irish point. But his first target is reportedly a hurdle race at Ascot on November 20, and Henderson reports that he is working “incredibly well”. Bought by high-profile owner Alan Spence for £100,000, the son of Beneficial could be special on the evidence of his sole run so far in the UK when bolting up by 26 lengths at Market Rasen in January.

KILLULTAGH VIC

6yo, Willie Mullins (Ire)

Questions were asked as to why he was so well handicapped (off 135) for the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival when his previous form in novice hurdles and Bumpers bore the closest scrutiny. And after duly winning, he went on to prove how ridiculously handicapped he indeed was when lapping up the switch to 3m and landing a Grade One at Punchestown with a terrific staying performance to beat a very good field. Mullins must now choose between aiming him at the World Hurdle or novice chases. Oh, and incidentally, he’s still nicely handicapped on 149!

MONETAIRE

9yo, David Pipe

Ahead of this weekend’s Paddy Power Gold Cup, all the focus from the Pipe yard has been on the favourite, Kings Palace. In my view, his stablemate has equally strong claims, particularly as he remains realistically weighted after a light campaign last year that didn’t deliver all it had promised. Yes, he’s getting on a bit and yes, he’s fragile, on account of what his trainer describes of “dodgy front feet”. But he’s raced only nine times over fences and has twice run stormers at Cheltenham, including at this year’s Festival off a mark only 3lb higher than his current official rating.

MOON RACER

6yo, David Pipe

The highest-rated Bumper horse in the UK last season after an electric victory at Cheltenham’s Showcase meeting and a tremendous follow-up when returning to Prestbury Park for the big one at the Festival. He wasn’t as spectacular that day, but was equally impressive because he was left at the tape when a standing start replaced the false original and then was caught behind a wall of horses on the inner as the race unfolded. All roads this season lead back to the Festival for the opening race, the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, and Pipe reports that he has schooled well.

NICHOLS CANYON

5yo, Willie Mullins (Ire)

If Faugheen fails to deliver, maybe his classy stablemate will be the one to pick up the pieces in the Champion Hurdle. Like the mighty Istabraq, the son of Derby winner Authorized was trained by John Gosden on the Flat, where he reached an official rating as high as 111 and was sent off as low as 8/1 for the 2013 Great Voltigeur at York. He took to hurdles superbly last term, winning four Grade Ones in novice company and disappointing only when resenting restraining tactics over 2m5f in the Neptune at the Festival, a race won, of course, by Istabraq before he matured into a champion.

NOVICE CHASERS

I am always reluctant to include novice chasers on the main list before they have barely jumped a fence in public. Some turn out to be better than they were over hurdles, some do not. Some exceed expectations, some don’t. Here is an elite band of youngsters confidently predicted to make the grade. One or two have already won this term.

ARBRE DE VIE, 5yo Willie Mullins (Ire)

ALPHA DES OBEAUX, 5yo Mouse Morris (Ire)

AUX PTITS SOINS, 5yo Paul Nicholls (may stay over hurdles this season)

BITOFAPUZZLE, 7yo, Harry Fry

DOUVAN, 5yo Willie Mullins (Ire)

FLETCHERS FLYER, 7yo Harry Fry

GARDE LA VICTOIRE, 6yo, Philip Hobbs

HENRYVILLE, 7yo Harry Fry

KILLER MILLER, 6yo Noel Meade (Ire)

KITTEN ROCK, 5yo Edward O’Grady (Ire)

LESSONS IN MILAN, 7yo Nicky Henderson

MINELLA ROCCO, 6yo Jonjo O’Neill

NO MORE HEROES, 6yo Gordon Elliott (Ire)

SILSOL, 6yo Paul Nicholls

SIRABAD, 5yo Paul Nicholls

VALUE AT RISK, 6yo Dan Skelton

VYTA DU ROC, 6yo Nicky Henderson

Back to the main list…….

OK CORRAL

5yo, Nicky Henderson

Forgive me if I have a soft spot for a horse whose dam is a half-sister to one my all-time favourites, Tidal Bay. It’s not hard to like the son of St Leger runner-up Mahler, however, after an impressive victory on his Bumper debut at Kempton, which was followed by a close second to the very useful Yorkhill at Punchestown, where the pair pulled 20 lengths clear. He’s a scopy, strong chasing type, but his trainer is convinced that, first, he can develop into a ”high-class novice hurdler”.

OSCAR ROCK

7yo, Malcolm Jefferson

Cynics might suspect that I’m covering all early-season bases by selecting a third candidate for Paddy Power Gold Cup glory. But whatever happens at Cheltenham on Saturday, it’s impossible to resist the upwardly mobile profile of arguably the North’s most exciting youngster, who is at last fulfilling the potential he showed as one of the UK’s best Bumper horses in 2012/13. Even as a hurdler, he started 2/1 favourite for the Grade One Challow at Newbury, but he’s really come into his own over fences, for which he was bred, and has improved with every one of his five outings.

PENDRA

7yo, Charlie Longsdon

Until his re-appearance victory at Ascot last month, I would not have given a second glance to an animal who looked seriously over-hyped -- and indeed over-bet, judging by the way the JP McManus-owned gelding was backed every time he ran. But I was thoroughly won over by his ability, and willingness, to boss such a competitive handicap. Maybe it was his first try at 3m that unlocked the door, or maybe it was the fact that he is finally maturing. After all, it was only the 13th start of his career. Either way, what I do know for a fact is that he has run blinders at the last two Cheltenham Festivals and is now looking an attractive proposition at the foot of the handicap for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in two weeks’ time.

RENNETI

6yo, Willie Mullins (Ire)

I might be barking up the wrong tree completely here, but I reckon this lightly-raced recruit from France can land a big handicap hurdle this season. Almost two years ago, he finished a fine second in the Grade One Royal Bond at Fairyhouse, just in front of supposedly inferior stablemate Arctic Fire, who has since gone on to major success, culminating in the runner-up berth behind Faugheen in last season’s Champion Hurdle. In contrast, little has gone right for this one and he has even shown signs of temperament. But he ran on in eyecatching manner when returned to the level in the Cesarewitch at Newmarket last month and has been allotted a mark of 144 for Sunday’s Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham. Arctic Fire, meanwhile, sits on a perch of 169.

SAINT CHARLES

5yo, Nicky Henderson

Although reportedly sidelined by injury at present, this JP McManus-owned Flat-bred son of Manduro, out of a Peintre Celebre mare, is worth remembering if he returns because he’s arguably the best handicapped hurdler in training. Yes, the £140,000 purchase must learn to settle in his races, but the form of his last two starts, when winning a Doncaster maiden in January and then when he ran subsequent Grade One winner Thistlecrack to three lengths at Ascot, reads considerably better than it did at the time.

SAPHIR DU RHEU

6yo, Paul Nicholls

A penny for the thoughts of our champion trainer as Coneygree made all to grab the Gold Cup in March. For this horse had started a short-priced favourite in two novice events won by the Bradstocks’ champion earlier in the season, only to come down or unship his rider. The mishaps persuaded Nicholls to give him a Big Buck’s-style return to timber, where he covered himself in glory and was second in the World Hurdle. But his chasing career is back on track now after a scintillating triumph at Aintree and a very pleasing seasonal bow. His next stop is the Hennessy Gold Cup, but then it could be the big one for a horse his handler says “has the speed of Kauto Star and the stamina of Denman”.

SIZING GRANITE

7yo, Henry De Bromhead (Ire)

It was possibly an ordinary Grade One Maghull Novices’ Chase that this big, strong son of Milan won at Aintree in April, and he opened his new campaign by getting beat at even-money at Nass two weeks ago. But I am convinced that, as he matures mentally and physically with every run, he can evolve into a serious candidate for the Queen Mother Champion Chase next spring. He jumps for fun, has scope to burn and a game and genuine attitude to die for. Even if De Bromhead is forced to abandon lofty plans for the Festival, his charge’s pedigree suggests he is sure to stay further.

TRAFFIC FLUIDE

5yo, Gary Moore

The heir apparent to Sire De Grugy at the Sussex yard, this young French import has made remarkable progress in his five runs since arriving in this country, particularly after he was dropped to the minimum trip. He won off 129 and then 135 before producing a highly respectable performance when stepped up to Grade One company at Aintree. He is bound to be stronger and more mature this season and could progress into one of the chief rivals of Un De Sceaux in the Queen Mother Champion Chase that stablemate Grugy won last year.

THISTLECRACK

7yo, Colin Tizzard

Not content with revitalising Cue Card, the Dorset handler has another stable star on the horizon in this powerful son of Kayf Tara, who was a revelation when stepped up to 3m in top-notch novice hurdling events last backend. After landing the Sefton at Aintree, he was a luckless second at Punchestown when various bouts of interference hindered his chance. Tizzard freely admits he’s “a chaser through and through” but is to sensibly stick to the smaller obstacles for the first half of this season in the hope that he can develop into a World Hurdle contender.

UN DE SCEAUX

7yo, Willie Mullins (Ire)

Mullins’s trailblazing speedster was such a talented hurdler that many believed he should have gone for the 2014 Champion. And some took Mullins’s reluctance, justified by him as fear the horse might be too buzzed up by the occasion, as a reason to doubt his credentials for hot favouritism for the Arkle as a novice chaser 12 months later. However, he proceeded to smash the doubters to smithereens with a special performance that suggested he can develop into one of the great 2m chasers. Setting the briskest of gallops, without giving the impression that he was being remotely stretched, he jumped like a pro, especially at the last, from where he sprinted up the hill. He’s already at the top of a Festival market again -- this time for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.

VALSEUR LIDO

6yo, Willie Mullins (Ire)

It’s a measure of the astonishing strength in depth in the Mullins yard that this classy gelding barely rates a mention in dispatches. Indeed the trainer himself often gives the impression that he is surprised by his charge’s achievements. And yet, despite living in the shadow of the likes of Vautour and Don Poli, he landed two Grade Ones last season, showing marked improvement when upped to 3m at Punchestown in April. He might always need give in the ground to show his best, but he’s a terrific traveller and jumper, and currently sits on a very tempting weight of 10-8 for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury later this month.

VAUTOUR

6yo, Willie Mullins (Ire)

“He’s a machine and could be better than Faugheen,” says his trainer. “He’s a weapon,” says his jockey, Ruby Walsh. Big statements indeed, but fitting accompaniments to one of THE great Cheltenham Festival performances that this superstar unleashed in the JLT Novices’ Chase in March, destroying a top-class field to back up his equally devastating success in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle 12 months earlier. He jumped immaculately, quickened majestically when Walsh let the handbrake off and then sprinted up the hill after pinging the last. Unlike his trainer and jockey, I have a smidgen of doubt about his suitability for the Gold Cup trip, but his first major target, the King George at Kempton, should provide some of the clues we need.

WAIT FOR ME

5yo, Philip Hobbs

Until this year, the only debutant to have won the traditionally warm Bumper at Ascot’s February meeting was the mighty Sprinter Sacre. Hobbs’s rising star not only managed it but also came out of the race so well, losing only two kilos when he would normally have expected to lose ten to 12, that he was pitched into the Festival Bumper only a month later. He distinguished himself again, tanking through the contest and losing only to a couple of ultra-smart rivals. In time, he will be a crack 3m chaser, but don’t be surprised if he’s tackling the Neptune as a novice hurdler when returning to Cheltenham next March.

WINDSOR PARK

6yo, Dermot Weld

As an international trainer, capable of handling racehorses to succeed at all disciplines, Dermot Weld has few peers. The manner in which he brought this son of Galileo to the boil at just the right moment to peak in the Neptune Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival in March was sheer perfection. The gelding is a stayer with speed, capable of winning on the Flat. Indeed Weld even considered a tilt at the Ascot Gold Cup this summer. Instead, the plan is now a return to Cheltenham for the World Hurdle, and the fact that he relishes good, spring ground is sure to stand him in good stead.

I was really looking forward to the Callum Smith versus Rocky Fielding fight on Saturday.

I call it a fight, but in reality it was a demolition job on Smith’s part.

I expected a pretty close contest to be honest, but I, along with Fielding, was blown away by Smith’s explosive performance.

Don’t get me wrong, I thought Smith would win, but Fielding is a very awkward customer and I thought he would made it difficult for the Liverpudlian.

In the end, we just got a brutal demonstration of just how good Smith is, which highlights the huge gulf in class between world level fighters, and decent domestic boxers.

Fielding was simply out of his depth, but it’s not all doom and gloom for him, he’s still very young, he still has a lot to learn, he’s got lots of potential and he’ll bounce back from this.

Smith, on the other hand looks ready to be let off the leash.

He’s a boxer who can go all the way to the top and it’s now time for him to be allowed to go and test himself against genuine world class opponents.

From here, I wonder if a fight with Arthur Abrahams wouldn’t be a good next step.

Yes, Abrahams is tough, but he’s pretty one-dimensional and I’d back Smith to beat him.

There’s a pretty interesting back story that would add a bit of extra spice to this bout as Abrahams has beaten Paul Smith, so this could be a great chance for the younger brother to take revenge for that defeat.

Watching and talking about Callum got me on to thinking about which of the four Smiths is the best fighter.

It’s an incredibly tough one to call, but I suppose you would have to say that, as a current world champion, Liam Smith is the best because he’s the most successful.

The thing that you have to say is that the Smith brothers don’t get the recognition that they deserve, but that’s because boxing doesn’t get the same column inches as a lot of other sports.

It’s basically the equivalent of four brothers playing for the England football team, and you can imagine how much coverage something like that would get in the press.

Let’s put the Smiths’ achievements into perspective.

A city the size of Hull has never ever had a British champion, yet there is a household in Liverpool that boasts four all on its own.

What the four of them have done is incredible and I very much doubt that we’ll ever see anything like it in the sport again.

VARDY GIVES US ALL HOPE ...

Jamie Vardy has been hitting the headlines in recent weeks, but as a non-league manager, his progress is something I have been following for a while.

Vardy is someone I played against while he was at Stocksbridge and he looked a class act even then.

He’s made his way up the leagues and now he’s reached the pinnacle, he’s currently the top-scorer in the Premier League and starting games for England.

He’s a trailblazer for non-league footballers, and his rise shows that the academy system that so many people seem obsessed with, is not actually the be all and end all.

The thing to remember is that all players develop at different rates . When I was 16, I was too weak, but by the time I was 18 I was in great shape.

My body changed and developed massively in the space of 24 months.

Some players are late developers, and just because they’re not ready at the age of 16 or 17 and end up getting released by their club, doesn’t mean that they have no future in the game.

I say to any young player I speak to that if you’re not playing first team football by the time you’re 18 or 19, then you need to leave and go and get a game elsewhere.

Playing in the under-18s or under-21s basically equates to playing non-contact football, which is of no benefit.

Young lads need to be out playing senior football, and learning the game, it doesn’t matter if you have to drop down three or four levels to do so. If you’re good enough, you’ll make your way back up, just like Vardy has done.

He’s a player who has gone out and got kicked up in the air by big, horrible centre-halves and toughened himself up and learnt the game and now he’s reaping the rewards.

Since I started managing in non-league football I have realised that there are so many gems out there, just waiting to be picked up.

What Vardy’s story proves, is that there is hope for all these players in the lower echelons of football, and that the dream of making it to the top of the game is not unatainable.

It is East Riding Senior Cup weekend, with Bridlington Town, Bridlington Sports Club and Driffield EI all in action.

EI face FA Trophy holders North Ferriby United at Driffield School, while Town travel to Hull to take on Crown, and Sports Club face a trip to York Premier League champions Riccall United.

New Driffield League Premier Division leaders Stirling Wanderers will be hoping to stretch their lead when they tackle Forester Athletic 1sts tomorrow.

They will also be hoping that Forester’s second team can do them a favour, by beating Bridlington Rovers, who are now up to third after a thumping win over Burton Agnes last weekend.

Agnes, who are in second spot, are in Junior Country Cup action at Filey Town Reserves. Other ties see Bridlington Excelsior at Eastrington Village, Mermaid United Old Boys tackling Pocklington Town 2nds and Flamborough 1sts heading to Stamford Bridge.

The only Division One fixture sees Bridlington Snooker Centre host Flamborough 2nds at Matson Road. Coachman are away at Settrington in the Qualifying Country Cup, and Bridlington Sports Club Reserves are also on the road, having been draw at Wilberfoss Reserves.

Firefighters rushed to a retirement home in Driffield after a fire alarm was triggered.

Two fire engines from Driffield Fire Station rushed to Taylors Field on Kings Mill Road but there was no fire.

On Saturday, 38 students from LS School of Dance are performing live at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London’s West End.

The school will feature in a show produced by Mardi Gras – a company which arranges for dance schools to perform at fantastic venues across Europe. The popular school danced at Disneyland Paris in August 2014 and were then invited to perform at Sadler’s Wells this year.

Laura Ibson, who teaches at LS School of Dance in Driffield, said: “It’s great to see how well the dance school is doing and what a fantastic opportunity these dancers have been given in London.”

East Yorkshire professional Alex Belt gives tips on how to improve your golf over the winter months.

When a bunker has been hardened by rain or irrigation, the golf ball will spin more coming off the club face. That makes it stop quickly on the green.

You want to take less sand than usual when it is wet.

Dig in too far or too steeply behind the golf ball and the sand’s extra weight will stop the club dead.

○ Taking your stance, dig your feet in just enough to provide stability. You don’t want to go too far below the level of the ball.

○ Aim for a spot about an inch behind the ball, rather than the standard two inch, then swing through to hit that spot and be sure to accelerate the club through impact.

○ Plan for the ball to fly further and stop more quickly than the same shot from dry sand.

MUDDY BALLS

Mud on your golf ball can be a real pain at this time of year. Even if preferred lies are in operation, this problem will still occur when not on the fairway.

Mud on the ball can affect trajectory, distance and curve on the ball. It’s a problem that is unpredictable.

According to Rock Ishii, Tiger Woods’ ball guru, a 200-yard shot can lose up to eight yards of distance, depending on how much mud is on the ball.

The rule of thumb guideline here is:

○ If mud is on the top of the ball, take an extra club as the ball can tend to balloon up higher.

○ If mud is on the side of the ball, it will fly in the opposite direction to the target.

Failing that, you could make sure you hit the fairway next time!

CORRECT CLOTHING

Many golfers will just add more layers to protect them from the wild winter weather. This seems logical but will affect the golfer’s swing and rhythm if you are not careful, in particular the restriction caused under the arms which therefore affects normal rotation during the swing.

Clothing companies now invest millions in research to solve this problem by providing breathable, waterproof and specialist material which will keep the bodies heat from escaping during those cold bitter days. I highly recommend Ivanhoe of Sweden and Proquip as leading brands in this area of expertise.

○Got a golf problem you want Alex to solve? Email sport@bridlingtonfreepress.co.uk

○For enquiries regarding coaching sessions to improve your golf game this winter email al.belt@hotmail.com - all coaching sessions are held at Bridlington Links.

Driffield School and Sixth Form has a strong commitment to the values of learning beyond the school day and beyond the classroom through carefully planned and managed educational visits.

This is part of the school’s commitment to providing a broad and balanced curriculum that offers spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development which prepares young people for the opportunities and experiences of adult life.

Visits and off-site activities support, enrich and extend the curriculum in many subject areas; encourage co-operation, team work and the application of problem-solving skills, and develop independence and self-confidence. Residential opportunities, physical challenge and adventure can play a particular part in the development of personal and social qualities for all young people.

Educational visits co-ordinator Elaine Collinson said: “Each year staff organise a wide range of educational trips and visits both in the UK and abroad. The PE department arranges many away sports fixtures, including a netball tour to Spain, and most departments in school offer trips to support their area of the curriculum.

“There are also opportunities for students to join visits designed to provide wider opportunities such as the annual skiing trip, reward visits organised by the House teams and World Challenge.

“In addition, there are many visits each year to Spiers Bank House, the school’s outdoor field centre.

“Situated in the North York Moors National Park, a short distance from Pickering, the centre stands in three acres of land and is an attractive, warm, stone-built property consisting of a main building, a cookhouse and a bunk house. Being out of range of television and mobile phone signals, the centre offers a peaceful and undisturbed working environment which contributes towards the personal and social development of students and where teachers can further develop the special relationship they have with their students.

“In 2014/15 staff organised 108 educational visits organised and we are on course to deliver a similar number in this school year.”

So, in the end, it finished all square. Both sides were probably left feeling a sense of frustration, Beverley perhaps the more so because with 10 minutes left they led 23-11 with the game as good as won.

Driffield for their part had the chance to snatch victory with a fairly easy conversion at the death but missed it. Still, on the whole for spectators this was an enjoyable local derby in spite of the awful, wet, windy, and murky conditions.

Driffield had the better of the early play and it needed some heroic Beverley defending to keep them out. Eventually after 10 minutes Driffield did break through. A fine tackle by Tom Shires looked to have saved the day but Driffield somehow kept their attack going with some crisp inter-passing and prop Felix Nellon crashed over.

Phil Duboulay and Driffield fly half Colin Lucas then exchanged penalties before Duboulay slotted his second to bring Beverley to 6-8. Driffield continued to have the better of things but on 25 minutes the game was suddenly turned on its head.

Just when a second Driffield try looked certain Luke Hazell took an interception almost on his own line and sprinted away down the touchline. Once in his stride he never looked like being caught and he ran in under the posts to give Beverley the lead with a try which Duboulay converted. Now it was all Beverley.

Duboulay kicked another penalty and on the stroke of half-time David Worrall caught Driffield napping with a quickly-taken tap penalty to cross in the corner for another converted try. 23-8 up at half-time and completely on top, it was hard to see Beverley not winning from there.

Early in the second half Lucas kicked a penalty but otherwise Driffield seldom looked like breaking through. Even allowing for the wet conditions much of their handling was suspect and their attacks were quickly bottled up by the Beverley defence. In the gloomy conditions the game began to drift into a midfield stalemate with neither side able to find any penetration in midfield.

In the last quarter Driffield upped their game and they ended the match as they had started it. Nonetheless Beverley comfortably kept them at bay and it looked odds on that Beverley would finish with a second victory.

But 10 minutes from time it all went wrong. They made a dreadful hash of a lineout on halfway and lost the ball. Driffield surged away down the right touchline and after the ball had been moved left and then right flanker George Mewburn went over for a converted try. Suddenly at 18-23 Driffield were right back in it.

Beverley by now had lost their earlier spark and were struggling to make much impact in attack, well though their pack was playing. Driffield needed only a try to draw level.

Five minutes from time they duly got it when centre Ed Askew rounded off some sustained pressure to touch down and leave Driffield with a straightforward conversion to win the match. To Beverley’s relief and Driffield’s frustration the kick went wide.

As time ran out, Beverley threw everything into recovering the lead but it was to no avail and both sides had to settle for a share of the points.

The return of Alex Ogilvie and Danny Morris at prop made a huge impact for Beverley and the pack looked altogether better for the much needed extra muscle which they brought.

Despite not winning, Beverley continue to show a steady improvement. There is plenty of spirit there and they must surely soon hope to get away from the foot of the table.

Racing pundit Tony McCormick from.irishbigracetrends.com presents his weekly column and this week has a tour of some of the top Irish stables.

In the last two years at the Cheltenham Festival 24 of the 54 winning horses were trained in Ireland. Willie Mullins, of course, leads the way with 12 winners, with Tony Martin, Gordon Elliott, Jim Culloty, Dermot Weld, Margaret Mullins, Jessie Harrington, Noel Meade and Enda Bolger all chipping in the Irish pot. Here are a couple of runners you may like to note down to follow in the next couple of months.

Willie Mullins had eight winners at this year’s Festival from 54 runners, with Glens Melody (6/1), Wicklow Brave (25/1) and Killultagh Vic (7/1) all winning at decent prices joining the likes Douvan, Un Des Sceaux, Faugheen and Vautour in the winner’s enclosure.

Bachasson may be a youngster to keep an eye on. A French import has won all four hurdle starts including a Grade 3 Novice Hurdle at Tipperary in October. Mullins believes he has the make-up of a Cheltenham horse and what he has shown so far suggests he may well be up to that level. His previous owners in France are adamant the four-year-old wants soft ground, which is encouraging for his prospects during the winter.

Petit Mouchoir won a point-to-point at Kirkistown in February prior to making an impressive win in a bumper at the Punchestown Festival. Mullins says hurdling will be the plan following the four-year-old being schooled at Gordon Elliott’s stable.

Trainer Elliott has quickly risen through the ranks in Ireland, but has become well known for his fearless assaults on British racecourses, with a particular liking for Perth.

Free Expression, owned by J P McManus, is expected to go chasing this season and according to his trainer has strengthened up since his last run a year ago. His trainer sees no reason why he won’t stay three miles.

Whistle Dixie is a half sister to Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Kicking King and was last seen finishing second at the Grand National meeting at Aintree in April. Elliott says the five-year-old has had a wind operation since her last run and whatever she does over hurdles will be a bonus as she is a big chaser in the making, but the new mares’ Novice hurdle at the festival could be the main target this season.

Henry De Bromhead has steadily built up his Knockeen stable over the last 15 years and had his best season last term with 49 winners. This season De Bromhead has already sent out 35 winners which puts him firmly in line for his best-ever number of winners.

Alisier D’Irlande was formerly with Phillip Hobbs but won on stable debut for De Bromhead in March. The plan, says his trainer, is to go chasing with the five-year-old, who wouldn’t want it too soft, but normal winter ground should be OK for the gelding.

Sizing John won his second chase on Sunday at Punchestown in the Grade 2 Craddockstown Novice Chase, putting three-time chase winner Lord Scoundrel firmly in his place and is already a 12/1 chance for the Arkle at Cheltenham. Jockey JJ Burke said the five-year-old never missed the beat and said his mount’s jumping was brilliant. The gelding was third in last season Supreme Novices behind winner Douvan who, though yet to make his chasing debut, is a solid 2/1 favourite for the Arkle in March.

For more details on the Cheltenham ‘Insiders’ insight Pack go to irishbigracetrends.com

Bishop Burton’s Cold Harbour Farm used to be alive with the sounds of cows being milked and pigs being fed.

Now, however, it is the peaceful work place for seven talented artists who use the rural setting to produce a wide variety of original work.

The artists at the farm’s Calf House Studios are having an open day on Sunday November 15, 11am and 4pm.

It will be well signed from the village of Bishop Burton.

The resident artists are Tracey Spurgin, who tutors classes in silver and bronze jewellery, from beginners to advanced level, as well as designing her own unique range of jewellery. She has been invited to teach in Spain and the USA.

John Denton is a master portrait photographer who uses the rural location to provide unusual backdrops for his photographs.

Debbie March is a glass artist who makes bowls, pictures, coasters and birds in coloured glass.

Graham Chambers paints rural scenes in watercolours and oils as well as running popular lessons in watercolour painting. His commissions have come from all over the world.

Rob Porter makes items from recycled wooden wine boxes such as clocks, cheese boards, gift hampers and drinks boxes. His skill in woodwork has led him to design items from other reclaimed wood.

Alison Brice creates amazing shapes on her potter’s wheel which she then decorates in her uniquely talented manner.

Peter Brown is a stone carver and artist as well as finding time to practice as an art therapist. He will have sculpture and paintings on display.

The open day will be chance to see the artists working in their studios and it will be possible to buy work direct from them without any gallery commission.

A lot of courses for all levels of ability are run at the studios so it will be a chance to find out more about them.

As Cold Harbour is a working farm, there will be a chance to see some of the newly-born calves in the beef herd.

The Driffield School Association is planning to hold the largest Christmas Craft Fair in the East Riding and Driffield’s largest indoor event this month.

This is the 23rd year for the event, which is being held on 29 November at Driffield School, on Manorfield Road.

The fair is entirely indoors, and the ground floor will be changed into an Aladdin’s cave of quality crafts.

There will be 80 exhibitors from all over Yorkshire and beyond and once again the fair is a sell out. The event runs from 10am to 3.30pm and access is wheelchair friendly. Admission is £1, 75p for concessions, and free for children of primary school age. To encourage more visitors in the afternoon, admission for all will be just 50p after 2pm.

The 80 stalls will be exhibiting sewing, jewellery, art work, glasswork, quilting, woodworking, knitting, toys, plants, books, handbags, scarves, ceramics, terracotta, photos, cards, pyrography, sweets, candles, baby gifts, wreaths, garden ornaments, plaques, teddies, in addition to thousands of Christmas-themed gifts and decorations.

The organiser, Keith Harris, who has organised the popular event for 23 years, asks Driffield and surrounding area people to once again support the event as all proceeds go to Driffield School. Last year, attendance was down at about 800 visitors, this year Mr Harris asks for at least 1,200. He asks you all to make this your first port of call for that unusual Christmas gift before hitting the High Street shops and promises that you will not be disappointed.

There is ample free parking on site and refreshments will be available all day. For more details call 01377 254172.

Humberside Police have said sexual predators are targeting young girls online by encouraging them to take part in 'auditions.'

A number of incidents have been reported since January after teenagers were contacted by sex offenders on Facebook and Skype.

DS Lee Gallagher said after making initial contact with the girls, pedophiles have often blackmailed the youngsters.

He added: “They are then taken through an audition, during which they are asked to send increasingly sexually explicit pictures or videos of themselves.

“In some cases the offender then tries to blackmail the girl into sending more images by threatening to post what they have already sent online, or by passing the images to their family.”

A police spokesman added: "The incidents are being investigated by the force, in conjunction with the National Crime Agency and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre.

"When it comes to staying safe online, prevention is key. However, if you believe you have been targeted by an offender, it is important that you come forward."

Key things to remember:

Not everyone online is who they claim to be.

Don’t ‘friend’ people you don’t know in real life. You don’t know who they really are or what their intentions are.

Be wary of using private chat rooms and don’t enter into sexual exchanges.

Never meet up with someone you have befriended online without taking along a parent or other responsible adult.

Don’t respond to messages that are provocative or threatening.

If someone is aggressive or inappropriate online, most social networking sites have tools to help you block or delete that person.

Don’t be embarrassed about seeking help if you need it. Acting quickly can limit the damage if you have sent out something you regret.

Remember your family and other professionals want to ensure you are safe. Let them know all the facts so they can help you.

If you are worried you have been groomed or coerced, report it to the police and to CEOP (https://www.ceop.police.uk/Ceop-Report/)

Change your social media account security settings to prevent ‘Everyone’ been able to find and add you as a friend and send you messages

Change your social media account security settings to prevent search engines finding your account profile

Change your social media account security settings to prevent ‘Everyone’ from being able to view your posts, view the posts you have been tagged in and the posts that you have shared.

Consider changing your social media account security settings so the location data is not publicly available

Find out more information, tips and safe advice aimed at young people.

Click here to find out more about protecting yourself online and the latest on the Cyber Security – Has It Clicked? campaign.

You can also follow @humberbeat #HasItClicked? on Twitter or visit the force Facebook page.ac

It has been another busy week. The weather has changed from being a mild autumn to being positively chilly at times. Time to get the warmer clothing out.

Whilst most of those stashed winter woollies no longer fitted me, I did find a good dog jacket for my Doberman Sharpie cross who has a very short coat. It took her about five minutes to get out of it.

The Staffie doesn’t want to know a coat either but the little terrier, Brillo, really fancies herself in a jacket – event though she has a thick covering of hair.

On the Sunday of the celebration weekend of church we sang evensong, a real treat for me. As a teenager I went to evensong almost every week and it always settled my mind and gave me an overwhelming feeling of placidity and peace for the following week.

This week’s service was no exception to that rule, the echoes of a lovely setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimitis seemed to seep from the lit church as I emerged into the night at the end of the service.

All Saints’ Church is beautiful and I understand that a lovely couple from Grimsby came to visit Pocklington, and the church, because I had written about it. Thank you, I felt very flattered when the church warden told me he’d met you.

On the Monday it was the Pocklington Singers’ rehearsal as the big build up to our performance of The Messiah on December 5. We sang one of my favourite pieces this week, We, Like Sheep but maybe my years as a shepherd make me a little prejudiced.

Then Tuesday arrived. My handyman, a great bloke called Damien, was round to fix the cabinets and room dividers in my living room.

My front room is starting to look very good and at last I have room to store all (well most of) my craft work and materials without making a mess. He did a brilliant job and then in the evening it was off to give a talk at East Ayton Village Hall, near Scarborough.

It was very foggy and visibility was diabolical. The most direct route was closed by roadworks and getting there was a tedious business, but once I arrived I was made most welcome by the WI.

I came back on the A64, much longer, but a great deal safer. I was amazed at how brilliant some drivers’ eyesight must be, because vehicles were overtaking me at speed and I could barely see 100 metres at times. I expected to come across a serious crash at any moment.

As I approached York there were emergency vehicles with blue lights and two tone horns rushing around but I never saw the cause.

The next morning one of my friends had a hospital appointment and needed someone to stay with her husband who has dementia, and I had a pleasant morning at their house. I managed to knit quite a bit of a sock.

At lunchtime I dashed off to see another friend and we popped down to Market Weighton to shop at the superstore there.

On Thursday I had been told of a jumble sale in aid of the RNLI at Driffield. I like jumble sales and believe this to be a good cause. After a quick bit of shopping in the high street I joined the queue at the town hall and got chatting with a very interesting lady, and then the doors opened and the crush began.

I’d been warned to keep my purse safe, and headed towards the gents’ clothes and the few men’s ties which I purchased.

Once home I went off to the final rehearsal of The Sorcerer, this time at the beautiful and rather small church at Nunburnholme.

I spent Friday afternoon in Bridlington helping out at a premises there and stopped off at a supermarket in Driffield on the way back but it was filling time really before it was time to give my vocal chords another work out.

The next day I was off to the final performance at Nunburnholme. It went ever so well.

The next morning it was the Remembrance Day service, which always makes me stop and think, as we all should.

An East Yorkshire farm machinery importer has travelled to Germany this week to promote its Polish brand, Unia.

Market Weighton-based Manterra Ltd is the sole UK importer for Unia Group and its owner, Andrew Manfield, will be on hand to welcome UK customers to the stand at Agritechnica, the world’s largest trade fair for agricultural machinery and equipment.

Mr Manfield said: “Unia Group is Central Europe’s leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery.

“This exhibition represents an opportunity for them not only to showcase over 20 machines to potential customers, but to meet up with customers and importers from key markets including the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Czech Republic and Austria.”

The 2015 Agritechnica show opened in the Hanover exhibition centre on Sunday and runs until Saturday. It features 2,897 exhibitors from 47 countries.

Manterra will be represented on the Unia stand number D61 that is located in Hall 12, where Unia will display a wide selection of hard working, value for money machinery including ploughs, cultivators, spreaders and sprayers.

New products include the MX 3000 fertiliser spreader with the fertiliser weighing system, a six furrow Vario plough and the RCW Premium lime and fertiliser spreader.

Manterra Ltd was established by farmer and agronomist Mr Manfield in 2011 and has its foundations in a farming business that was established at the beginning of the last century. Manterra is also an authorised reseller for Trimble precision agriculture products and Duport spoke wheel injectors. It is the key technology supplier to the Stockbridge Technology Centre Tru-Nject project.

The project has secured Innovate UK funding for a three year trial to commercialise innovative soil nutrient mapping technology that has the potential to revolutionise farming practices.

Founded in 1882, Unia Group employs 1350 people at its five manufacturing sites in Poland and France and exports to over 60 countries. It produces over 25,000 machines per annum.