Now that the festive break is well and truly behind us and we are ensconced in our back-to-work routines, racing fans have only one word on their minds -- Cheltenham.

The chilly prospect of the second half of winter is tempered by the warming thought that it’s downhill fast until the second Tuesday in March when the tapes go up, the Prestbury Park roar clears the air and the Festival is off and running once more.

With only eight weeks to go, most Festival-bound horses will be given just one more outing, if any, before their training regimes revolve exclusively around Cheltenham. For Willie Mullins, champion trainer of Ireland, that means a lot of horses, a lot of preparatory plans to juggle. But if the evidence of 2015 is anything to go by, he can handle it!

In a remarkable feat, curiously under-played in some quarters, Mullins broke all records at last year’s Festival when saddling eight winners of the 27 races, not to mention four seconds and five thirds. Only a cursory glance at the firepower he is lining up for the 2016 extravaganza suggests an even greater return is possible.

A repeat of his 1-2-3 in the Champion Hurdle is on the cards, courtesy of FAUGHEEN, NICHOLS CANYON and ARCTIC FIRE -- and not necessarily in that order. The Gold Cup has so far eluded the Closutton tentacles, but Mullins could even celebrate the first three here too if VAUTOUR takes his chance alongside DJAKADAM, last year’s runner-up, and the battle-hardened DON POLI.

Trailblazing frontrunner UN DE SCEAUX is already a best-priced even-money to be crowned the new 2m champion chaser, while ANNIE POWER is no shorter to make amends for her stunning last-flight fall last year when she had the Mares’ Hurdle at her mercy.

Mullins’s 2015 vintage is backed up by an array of talented novices. Over fences, the deadly DOUVAN has a Festival double in his sights in the Arkle, while the trainer has expertly nurtured PONT ALEXANDRE back to his best for a tilt at the RSA. Over hurdles, MIN is the new talking horse, sure to be touted as the latest first-race banker in the Supreme, while the likes of YORKHILL, BELLSHILL, LONG DOG and UP FOR REVIEW show why the 20/1 for Mullins to train the winners of all three novice hurdle events was snapped up very quickly over Christmas. He might even throw in the Triumph Hurdle too if APPLE’S JADE confirms the promise of her victorious debut.

Add the handicap hurdles, where Mullins commands increasingly impressive statistics, and it is clear that the 59-year-old boasts all the ammunition to boss the best week of the racing year again. And we haven’t even mentioned the Bumper, which he landed five times between 1996 and 2005.

It’s all a far cry from 1995 when the likeable County Carlow man bagged his first Festival victor with TOURIST ATTRACTION, a 25/1 shocker in the Supreme. Twelve more years elapsed before he found the winner’s enclosure again, courtesy of 40/1 outsider EBAZIYAN in the same race. Nowadays, such prices about Mullins animals are unheard of. The quality of his string has improved beyond compare, and if he creates a new record of nine winners this year, he will have cracked his personal half-century at the Festival.

Against such a backdrop, it has been so depressing to read a couple of opinion-pieces in the racing media casting insulting shadows over Mullins’s achievements. Suggesting that his domination is bad for racing and strangling competition as if, like some Victorian benefactor, he must sprinkle his equine stardust among the rest of the training fraternity.

Not only is the criticism illogical and an affront to the Mullins genius, it is also drivel that will be derided by most punters and racegoers, whose two main priorities are to find a winner and/or to see a good horse. Mullins supplies both. Many of the top Irish races would be blighted by miniscule fields and ordinary animals without the support of the Mullins battalions. In the UK, his presence in the big contests has actually increased competition and raised standards.

The argument of the critics is based on the assumption that any Tom, Dick, or Willie could emulate Mullins, given the support of such wealthy, high-profile owners as Rich Ricci, Graham Wylie and Michael O’Leary’s Gigginstown Stud. But as at football clubs who throw money at their managers, success cannot be guaranteed. Just look at the UK yards of Donald McCain, where his main, big-spending owner removed more than 50 horses in October, and Olly Stevens, who quit with a dire strike-rate despite the backing of Qatar Racing.

It is no coincidence that Ricci, Wylie and O’Leary choose to fuel the Mullins bandwagon. His skills in developing and placing young horses before producing and repeating results at the highest level, as part of what must be an enormous logistical operation, are incomparable.

Those results are also a testament to his jockeys and staff, not least the experts who source his potential stars from the Irish point-to-point field or France. One of his critics claimed glibly that “everyone knows which are the best ones to buy in France, but no trainer can compete with the financial power of the Mullins owners”. Whisper it quietly, but novice hurdling sensation Min, the undoubted star turn of last weekend’s racing, cost just 6,000 euros after two poor runs in Auteuil. Now he’s Min the merciless, trained by Mullins the phenomenon.

Pick of Mullins’s Festival firepower

DJAKADAM -- Gold Cup.

DON POLI -- Gold Cup.

VAUTOUR -- Gold Cup or Ryanair Chase.

FAUGHEEN -- Champion Hurdle.

NICHOLS CANYON -- Champion Hurdle.

ARCTIC FIRE -- Champion Hurdle.

UN DE SCEAUX -- Queen Mother Champion Chase.

DOUVAN -- Arkle Novices’ Chase.

PONT ALEXANDRE -- RSA Novices’ Chase.

MIN -- Supreme Novices’ Hurdle.

YORKHILL -- all novice hurdle options

BELLSHILL -- all novice hurdle options.

UP FOR REVIEW -- Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.

ANNIE POWER -- Mares’ Hurdle.

APPLE’S JADE -- Triumph Hurdle.

ADIL RASHID’s planned arrival in South Africa prior to England’s one-day series could be delayed if Adelaide Strikers reach the knockout stages of the Big Bash.

The Yorkshire leg-spinner – officially the No 1-ranked bowler in the Australian T20 tournament – is due in South Africa on January 23 along with those not involved in the ongoing Test series.

Yorkshire first-team coach Jason Gillespie, who doubles up as Strikers coach, has revealed that Adelaide plan to ask England to allow Rashid to stay on should they reach the last four.

Gillespie’s side will seal their semi-final spot if they win their penultimate group game at home to Hobart Hurricanes today, with the semi-finals taking place on January 21 and 22 and the final on January 24.

The five-match one-day series in South Africa starts on February 3, with a warm-up match against a South African Invitational XI on January 30.

“If we make the semi-finals and final, we’ll have to be extra nice to Mr Strauss (Andrew Strauss, the England director of cricket),” said Gillespie.

“We’ll have to ask Mr Strauss if Rash can stay on a bit longer.

“I think England will certainly be pleased with how Rash is going here in Australia.

“They wanted him to gain more white-ball experience, and it’s been a brilliant lead-in for him ahead of the one-dayers in South Africa and then the T20 World Cup.”

Rashid’s stint with Strikers is with England’s blessing after they overlooked the 27-year-old for the four-Test series.

England face a hectic period of white-ball cricket, with the South African series followed by two T20 internationals against the same opponents and then the T20 World Cup in India in March.

There is a growing recognition among the England management that players such as Rashid can only benefit from exposure to competitions like the Big Bash, which more accurately reflect the challenges of international cricket than our own NatWest T20 Blast.

Yorkshire’s new signing, David Willey, is another taking part in the Australian event, the left-arm pace bowler having taken eight wickets for table-toppers Perth Scorchers ahead of his own arrival in South Africa, which could also theoretically be delayed.

“It’s been a great move for Rash and he’s been the difference for us really,” said Gillespie, whose side have won five of their six games and will definitely top the eight-franchise group if they win their last two fixtures.

“He beats the bat on both sides and his variations have been absolute key.

“You can tell that opposition batsmen are pretty unsure about how to face him.

“They’re not picking him, that’s pretty obvious, so that’s been a real bonus for us.”

Gillespie’s knowledge of how to get the best out of Rashid has undoubtedly assisted a man who is the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker with 12 at 13.41.

The former Australia fast bowler knows that the wrist-spinner must be given freedom to express his talent.

“Our game plan for Rash could not be more simple,” said Gillespie. “It’s basically, ‘Just go out there and bowl, mate’.

“There’s no set formula. Rash has been drafted in to do exactly what he has been doing, and he’s fitted in really well and all the lads love him.”

Gillespie has helped to create a relaxed and positive environment at Yorkshire and it appears that a similar atmosphere prevails at the Strikers.

Few gave them hope of pulling up trees but they have statistically been the best side and no one would fancy facing them in the knockout stages.

“It’s been a lot of fun, and that’s really been the cornerstone of what we’ve done so far,” said Gillespie. “We’re just embracing the tournament and enjoying it for what it is.

“There’s a really good feel around the group; the lads get on well, there’s a real sense of belonging, and everyone has a voice. We’re very well led by Brad Hodge, our captain, and the lads have played some excellent cricket.”

England are not alone in recognising that exposure to competitions like the Big Bash can be helpful.

Gillespie’s own presence owes to Yorkshire’s appreciation of the fact he can broaden his coaching experience in a format in which the club are anxious to excel.

“It’s been really good for me and I’m learning a lot,” said Gillespie, who has a two-year deal with his home-town franchise.

“Just being in another cricketing environment, you pick up things along the way – how different players interact, how they go about their preparation, and so on.”

Racing pundit Tony McCormick from.irishbigracetrends.com presents his weekly column, this week Tony updates his Irish Horses To Follow column from November.

Bachasson, a French import has won all four hurdle starts including a Grade 3 Novice Hurdle at Tipperary in October. He was then seen finishing quarter-of-a-length down to stable-mate Long Dog on soft ground at the end of November, before bombing out in the Grade 1 Future Champions Hurdle at Leopardstown, finishing 10-and-a-half lengths behind the same stablemate on terribly heavy ground.

Unfortunately, being patient is a phrase you can never have sat beside the name Willie Mullins these days. Add to that, Ruby Walsh deserted him on both occasions, and it highlights the possibility the five-year-old has gone backwards since his last win.

If Bachasson does turn up at Cheltenham expect to see him in one of the Handicap Hurdles.

Petit Mouchoir won a point-to-point at Kirkistown in February prior to making an impressive win in a bumper at the Punchestown Festival. He was last seen in the aforementioned Grade 1 Future Champions Hurdle at Leopardstown, won by Long Dog. It doesn’t look good for these two winning anything of note at the Festival, as those who make the right noises at the Mullins stable do not rate Long Dog at all.

I originally wrote: ‘Free Expression 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.’ The seven-year-old has been very disappointing in his three chases since, but he has being running over shorter trips than the three miles. Watch this space.

Whistle Dixie didn’t settle at Galway when sent off a 2/7f and was subsequently beaten, but got her head in front for jockey Bryan Cooper at Navan in the middle of December. Trainer Gordon Elliott said there is improvement in her, saying the mare wanted two-and-a-half miles or further. Elliott was impressed with her end of race speed on the heavy ground.

Alisier D’Irlande for Henry De Bromhead was six lengths clear of 10 rivals at Fairyhouse on Sunday before coming down four out on chasing debut, something the six-year-old is sure to learn from.

Sizing John once again ran in to the mighty Douvan on Boxing Day at Leopardstown, finishing second, 18 lengths behind the odds-on favourite for the Arkle in March. Sizing John is best priced 20/1 for the race and could well grab a place behind the favourite.

Some punters had their fingers burnt, on the first day, of last year’s festival, when the mare, Annie Power, came down at the last, saving the layers a fortune.

This year’s ‘First Day Four’ look to be, Min in the Supreme Novices (6/4), Douvan (Arkle 8/13), The Champion Hurdle sees Faugheen at 4/7 and 4/5 is the best price you can get on Annie Power, which pays just over 10/1.

Welcome to Bronte House. My name is Mrs Tracey James and I am the proud Head of Bronte House. Also in the Leadership team are Mr Johnson and Miss Parkinson.

As a house team we are cohesive, have a collective identity, shared purpose, structured communication and valued relationships.

Along with the school ethos we believe in creating a house that truly ‘values each other’.

We have a fantastic set of form tutors with a mix of new and experienced staff. All work with students to ensure they are prepared for the day and start with a smile. During the week they check planners, equipment and uniform.

We are very proud of our achievements and give 100% effort to reach our potential. Rising to the challenges we face on a daily basis, we have had many successes over the year.

Bronte has reigned supreme over the last 12 years winning the house point league 11 times. We are currently in first place with a total 124 certificates but there is a long way to go!

We are also Sports Day champions 2015! Our success is due to the huge number of students who support the house and take part and give 100%, even if they finish last.

All forms take part in fun whole school challenges throughout the year to encourage team building and form identity. B5 won the Easter Egg Hunt, B4 were winners of the Chinese New Year task and B11 were winners of the skipping challenge.

Each form within Bronte has two form representatives who then make up the House Council.

It is here where school issues and ideas for the future are discussed. Several Bronte students are members of the school’s Junior Leadership Team.

Student ambassadors support the running of the house. We believe it is important for students to have the opportunity to represent their house and have an insight into how a team works together. They support Year 6 evenings, show prospective parents around and help with assemblies.

Attendance, positive behaviour, effort and achievement are rewarded each half term with a happy hour of fun, games and an ice cream!

There are also reward trips to Laser Quest in Hull and Dalby Forest.

Bronte has also supported SEWA day at The Limes in Driffield, clearing leaves, planting spring bulbs and spending time with residents.

We believe that everyone has a special talent or gift.

Students are encouraged, inspired informed and given a helping hand throughout their time in Bronte. Year 11 students are supported through exams and have one to one meetings with their form tutors as do Year 7 when they are settling in to Driffield School.

Interest in this year’s Remarkable East Yorkshire Tourism Awards (the REYTAs) is such that tourism bosses at organisers Visit Hull and East Yorkshire are confident of attracting a record number of entries this year.

Major backing, in the form of sponsorship, has come from businesses in the region and everything is now in place to make this year’s finals at the Spa in Bridlington a night to remember.

Andy Gray, Visit Hull and East Yorkshire’s (VHEY) tourism manager, said: “There is always a tremendous buzz around the REYTAs, not least because it’s a showcase for all that’s best about Hull and East Yorkshire. I would urge everyone to get their entries in as soon as possible ahead of the deadline of January 22.

“Previous winners tell us what a difference it makes, not only for staff morale, but for marketing themselves to a wider audience.

“They are a kite mark for quality.”

There are a total of 14 categories that businesses in our town can enter via www.visithullandeastyorkshire.com/reyta for free.

A shortlist of finalists in all categories will be drawn up after the closing date.

All entrants will then be invited to the final on March 17 at the Spa, where the winners – selected by a panel of independent experts – will be announced.

Winners will also be eligible to be shortlisted through to the finals of the national Visit England tourism awards.

The awards are free to enter and the process has been made even simpler this year.

“Individuals and businesses can just enter themselves by visiting our website – they don’t have to wait to be nominated,” said REYTAs organiser Paul Vinsen. “There really is nothing to lose and everything to gain –just being shortlisted, let alone winning, will put the spotlight firmly on their businesses.

“All those shortlisted will be featured at our prestigious awards dinner, with individual videos spotlighting what they have to offer being shown during the evening,” he said.

Categories include hotel accommodation, bed and breakfast, cafes, pubs, restaurants, tea rooms and more.

Voluntary and community groups are being encouraged to apply for the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Connecting Communities Grant scheme.

Any organisation, voluntary group or community group working or based within the East Riding of Yorkshire that wants to develop community based projects/activities for fifty year olds and over can apply for the grant.

Among the groups to benefit in the Driffield area include: Nafferton Methodist Church (Nafferton Activities Group); Harpham and Lowthorpe Village Hall (Connecting the Community IT project); Middleton Village Hall (Middleton Movers, a fun exercise group); and Hutton Cranswick Sports and Rec Association (Seniors Health – equipment).

Applications will be considered to fund projects and activities for older people that:

l Encourage participation and help to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

l Help to reduce isolation and loneliness in the community, especially among older people with emerging health and social care needs.

l Promote independence and help people to manage their lives and care for themselves.

The amount which groups can apply for is flexible and can be available for up to three years (as a yearly fund) but can also be accessed as a one-off sum. However, the grant does not fund salaries.

Applications will be assessed through the Connecting Communities grant panel which meets monthly.

The panel is made of representatives from: Adult Social Care; Public Health; Clinical Commissioning Group.

The panel score each application against a ‘set’ criteria.

Once the panel have made a decision they will contact the applicant as soon as possible to advise whether they have been successful or not.

For further information or an application form please contact the council’s Adult Social Care Transformation Team on:Email: connecttosupport@eastriding.gov.uk

Alternatively, interested parties can call the team on 01482 392226.

These children from Beeford C of E Primary School are enjoying showing Driffield Times and Post readers their animal costumes back in 1997. The reception pupils were appearing in a school production.

Pictured, from left, are Eleanor Kaye, Holly Hyde, Hanna Dean, Emma Huby and Natalie Aire, who will now be in their early 20s.

Do you recognise yourself or someone you know?

Get in touch via editorial@driffieldtoday.co.uk to share your memories.

The latest rumours from the newspapers and online:

The Daily Star is reporting that England striker HARRY KANE and Everton centre-half JOHN STONES are targets for Real Madrid.

According to The Sun, the Spanish giants are also targeting EDEN HAZARD, DAVID DE GEA and SERGIO AGUERO as they plan a £250million spending spree in the January transfer window.

The Daily Mirror writes that Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri is keen to bring wantaway West Brom striker SAIDO BERAHINO to the King Power Stadium.

The Daily Express reports that West Ham are keen to land Leeds right-back SAM BYRAM after Everton had a £3million offer accepted for the defender.

And finally, the Daily Mail writes that both Liverpool and Tottenham are keeping tabs on Lewes' 20-year-old winger YASIN BEN EL-MHANNI, who is on trial at Crystal Palace from the Ryman Premier League side.

Motorists are being urged to take extra care on the roads in the days ahead as icy conditions continue to grip the East Riding.

A combination of freezing temperatures, rain and sleet has led to slippery road conditions in many parts of the county, and even colder weather is forecast over the weekend and into next week.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s gritting lorries have been working around the clock over the past two days, treating the precautionary network of roads with rock salt.

Heavy rain has made the task more difficult, leading to repeated treatments on all the routes.

But the fleet will continue to make sure roads are well gritted ahead of possible snow showers, frost and ice.

Mike Featherby, the council’s head of streetscene services, said: “Our gritters have been treating the network almost continuously over the past 48 hours, and we’re expecting more widespread sub zero conditions over the weekend.

“So we would advise drivers to take extra care, plan their journey in advance and allow extra time for travel.”

The council is issuing the following advice to help residents drive safely during winter conditions:

Driving on ice and slush

Drive slowly using the highest gear possible to avoid wheel spin.

Manoeuvre gently, avoid sudden braking or acceleration.

When slowing down, get into a low gear as early as possible and allow your speed to reduce using the brake pedal gently.

Leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front. Remember, in these conditions it can take 10 times longer to stop than on a dry road.

Driving in winter sun

Dazzle from the winter sun is an underestimated hazard.

Carry sunglasses to help reduce the glare.

Driving in fog

Drive slowly using dipped headlights or fog lights.

Do not drive too closely to the vehicle in front.

Do not speed up if the fog suddenly lifts, it drifts rapidly and is often patchy.

In difficult conditions

Do not drive unless you absolutely need to.

Check weather forecasts and travel information.

If possible, tell someone when you expect to arrive.

Make sure you are equipped for your journey with warm clothing, food, a torch, a shovel, water, boots, a hazard warning triangle and a fully charged hands-free mobile phone.

A funeral service was held at St Mary’s Church, Little Driffield on Thursday January 7, for Mrs Audrey White of Little Driffield who died peacefully at home on December 20. She was aged 83 years.

The service was conducted by the Rev Stuart Grant and the organist was Chris Wynn.

Audrey was born in 1932 in Driffield to parents Hannah and Roger Smith. She attended the Driffield Council school and left at the age of 14 to become a nurse at Driffield Hospital.

After leaving Driffield Hospital she became a children’s nurse at the Keys Hotel. It was there she met Clifford White, they courted for five years before Cliff was called up to do his National Service for two years. In the first year of his National Service he came home from Ireland to marry Audrey.

They married in Bridlington on December 22, 1952.

After their marriage they lived with Cliff’s grandma for a while until they bought a derelict house on Adelphi Street for £150. They later moved to live in Eastgate. They went on to have two children Gary and Christine. In 1965 they sold their house and moved to Johannesburg, finally settling in Vereening which is where Cliff worked on a steel plant and Audrey looked after the children.

They finally moved back to England and stayed with Audrey’s parents until they found a plot of land to build a house, they found a lovely plot in Little Driffield right opposite the church, Cliff and her father Roger built the house and they shared the home for the rest of her life. Audrey started work at Dewhirst’s in Little Driffield as a seamstress and made many friends there.

In 1976, her first grandchild Rebecca was born, closely followed by Jody, Rachael, Peter and Carrie and she was proud of them all. They shared many lovely Christmases in the house together and another highlight for Audrey was the annual family holiday to Robin Hood’s Bay.

Audrey and Cliff had been married for 67 happy years and she will be greatly missed by all her family.

Family mourners: Clifford White (husband), Rebecca McMillan and Emanuele Pusceddu (granddaughter and partner), Ruth White (daughter in law), Jody White and Wayne (granddaughter and partner), Carrie White (granddaughter), Peter McMillan (grandson), Rachael McMillan (granddaughter), Jean Dinsdale rep John Dinsdale.

Others present: Avice Lowery rep Dawn Sullivan, Patricia Dean, Mrs B Nicholson, Richard Lamplough, Kath Edeson, Pam and Nigel Kelly, Gill and Ted Kikby, Tracy Wood, Peter and Berna Lawson rep Nicholas, Sue Blades rep Eric Blades, Mrs D Lacy rep Mr M Calam and Mrs V Calam, Mr and Mrs B Allgood, Mrs C Constable rep Richard Constable and Mr Martyn Constable, Anne Ibbitson, Kath Hodkinson, Ted Johnson, Mr and Mrs Stephen Calvert, Deborah Richmond rep Mrs B Richmond and Nicholas King, Terry Maughan, Ann Littlewood, Shirley Addy, Marilyn Jordan rep Stan Jordan, Chris and Liz Waites, Paul Gray rep James Gray, Keith Lowe, Josie and Des Teal, Dennis Bell rep Fred Dale, Mavis and Ken Hunsley, John and Gladys Forester, Les and Julia Jennison.

As temperatures plummeted over the weekend, parts of Yorkshire woke up Sunday morning to its first major snowfall of the year.

Parts of Yorkshire had a blanket up to 5cm deep as chilling temperatures and flurries swept across most of the country.

London and Manchester received a light dusting overnight on Saturday with the Met Office stating the corridor of snow swept down from Scotland, through the Pennines and Cumbria, the Midlands and across the capital and West Sussex.

The most snow seen in the south was 2cm in High Wycombe, while on higher ground near the Pennines as much as 15cm of snow fell.

Forecasters said few places in the east of the country experienced temperatures above zero last night, with residents of Kinbrace in the Highlands contending with jaw-dropping lows of -11.8C.

A Met Office spokesman said: “It was a cold night Saturday and for a few places down towards the Pennines, central East Midlands and passing over the south and east of England, there has been some snow as well.

“You can almost cut the UK in half along the Pennines, with temperatures in the South West reaching up to 10C, 8C in Northern Ireland and between 6C and 7C in the west of Scotland.”

Not everywhere in Yorkshire was hit by the white stuff, while Harrogate experienced a hefty flurry through the night, the York and Wetherby areas missed out with just a light dusting.

Tonight will see less snow fall across the country, with only Lincolnshire and Humberside expected to see any white coverage.

It didn’t take long for children of all ages to make their way out to Yorkshire’s parks, sledges in hand, to make the most of the conditions as our pictures here prove.

Your Yorkshire weather forecast...

Sunday evening and Tonight:

Mainly dry and cold with light winds. Some frost at first, especially in the east and hills, but cloud should thicken through the course of the night, perhaps with a little light rain or snow, especially in the west. Minimum Temperature -2°C.

Monday:

Cold with large amounts of cloud and some occasional light rain or snow in places. Drier and perhaps brighter during the afternoon as cloud starts to thin. Light winds. Maximum Temperature 3°C.

Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:

Remaining cold. Cloudy with some light rain or snow Tuesday morning, then becoming mainly dry and bright later and through Wednesday. Widespread overnight frost. Windier with some rain arriving Thursday.

{https://www.facebook.com/yorkshirepost.newspaper/|Send us your snow pictures on The Yorkshire Post’s Facebook page|YP Facebook page} or {https://twitter.com/yorkshirepost|follow us on Twitter|Follow Yorkshire Post}

The significant impact that loneliness can have on people’s health and wellbeing will be discussed by leading health and social care professionals, councillors and GPs in Withernsea today (Thurs).

Recent national estimates put the number of people aged over 65 who are often or always lonely at over one million – this equates to around 5,400 people in the East Riding.

The East Riding Health and Wellbeing Board will receive a briefing on Loneliness and Isolation from director of public health, Dr Tim Allison, when it meets at the South Holderness Resource Centre (SHoRes), Withernsea at 2pm.

The report outlines the scale of the loneliness and isolation problem nationally and locally, its impact on people’s health and wellbeing, what contributes to the problem, and examples of what is being done to tackle it.

Dr Allison said: “The effect of loneliness and isolation on mortality exceeds the impact of well-known risk factors such as obesity, and has a similar effect as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

“Lonely individuals are at higher risk of the onset of disability. Loneliness puts individuals at greater risk of cognitive decline, and one study concluded that lonely people have a 64 per cent increased chance of developing clinical dementia.”

The report highlights examples of what is already being done in the East Riding to tackle the problem.

The West Hill Connected Project, in Bridlington, aims to encourage local residents to use IT to keep in touch with family and friends, find information and do online shopping.

Withernsea is the final East Riding wide location before the board reconvenes at County Hall, in Beverley on March 3.

A full agenda is available to view online at www.eastriding.gov.uk

Racing pundit Tony McCormick from.irishbigracetrends.com presents his weekly column, this week Tony looks at three horses running under the wrong conditions recently, that will be worth a second look as the ground dries out.

Lucinda Russell’s Voyage A New York won at Newcastle in February of last year winning by a neck from Sue Smith’s Wakanda, over three miles. Since that race, the latter has gone on to finish fourth in the Grade 1 Mildmay at the Grand National meeting in April, before running up a hat-trick of wins this season.

The Westerner gelding has won Listed races at Wetherby, Newcastle and the Silver Cup at Ascot, taking home more than £100,000 for connections.

Voyage A New York, on the other hand, has being pulled up on two occasions on soft ground, finished last of eight, beaten 67 lengths at Haydock and finishing third of eight, last time out at Wetherby, both on heavy ground.

The key to the differing fortunes can be found in the ground conditions. While Wakanda has flourished in the soft and heavy ground, Voyage A New York has regressed in the horrid conditions.

The seven-year-old has fallen 15lbs since that win at Newcastle 12 months ago and is expected to come down again in the ratings following his defeat last weekend. The French bred has won both of his national hunt races in February and March on good to soft ground and, with his mark now at a career low, the Kapgarde gelding should be monitored when conditions are back in his favour.

The Venetia Williams-trained Vivaccio won a two-mile Handicap Novice Chase and a Handicap Chase over the same distance back in November and December of 2014. His last win came at Ludlow winning by five lengths under Aiden Coleman from a mark of 125.

The seven-year-old was then raised 14lb for that win, which basically put the geldings’ career on hold as he was forced to run in grades beyond his capabilities. In seven runs since, Vivaccio has unseated (twice), pulled up and being beaten a total of 133 lengths.

Add to that the French-bred has only run on his preferred good to soft just once, albeit over two mile four-and-a-half furlongs, plus he has even been forced to run in grades far above his talent. Vicaccio is back down to a winning mark following his turbulent year. Good to soft ground over two miles in Class 3 or below contests and possibly at Ludow, could see this horse back in the winners’ enclosure.

Fergal O’Brien’s Owen Na View has being running on soft and heavy in November and December on three occasions, eventually beaten a total of 65 lengths. The handicap chaser last won over the bigger obstacles in June last year from a mark of 135.

The Presenting gelding is down to being rated 122 currently and has enough in the locker to win again. Preferable conditions are good ground, racing between two miles and two miles one furlong, in class 3 or 4 contests and ridden by Paddy Brennan, who does get the best out of Owen Na View.

These are just three of around a dozen horses that will be ready to win when reappearing on suitable ground and back to an official rating advantageous to them.

Since November the three runners mentioned have run on soft or heavy ground with form of U34655P83 meaning, together, their record on such ground is now nought from 24. Add to those figures, the 20 times the runners have been beaten since their last win, dropping a total of 27lbs between them, you will see a lot of work has gone in to what may be a profitable couple of weeks when the ‘conditions’ change.

I’m well aware I’m not reinventing the wheel here, just merely highlighting a number of points that may benefit, you, the reader, in the coming weeks.

After five weeks without a game, Driffield under-15s were keen to start 2016 positively, but were beaten 19-5 at York in their first game of the New Year.

The match started slowly with both teams trying to get the measure of each other.

For the first quarter of the game, much of the play was in the visitors’ half with York having marginally the better of the attacking opportunities and Driffield fighting to get out of their own 22.

The young Woldsmen defended well though and absorbed the pressure until finally the home side managed to break through the defence and scored a try wide on the left wing, converted with a fine kick from their number eight.

Driffield then started to build their own attacks and pressed up the pitch more frequently.

Just before half-time they were inside the York half when an attacking pass was intercepted by the home fly-half, who ran a breakaway try in under the posts. It was converted to bring the score at the interval to 14-0.

The second period started very evenly with York dominating the scrum and Driffield faring better at the line-out.

The ball was spread around the park more and both sides looked threatening in attack.

York managed another try bringing the score to 19-0 but the Woldsmen kept fighting.

An attack, started within Driffield’s own 22, saw the ball moved swiftly through the phases up to the halfway line.

Team captain Tonks took possession and set off towards the line on a fine individual run, seeing off a number of attempted tackles.

The ball was recycled close to the try line and York’s desperate defence could not cope with the determined pressure from Driffield, Beachell eventually going over the line for a well deserved five points.

The final 10 minutes of the game saw the visitors play with renewed energy and aggression. They changed the whole pace of the game and dominated the ruck and scrum, but were unable to add to their tally.

Head coach Sam Beachell applauded the efforts of his entire team, giving special mention to Mason, Iveson, Napier and man of the match Harry Cowel.

The Michelin-starred Pipe and Glass Inn at South Dalton, near Driffield, is among the big-hitters featuring in a new book, Relish North East & Yorkshire Second Helping.

The 300-page publication profiles more than 30 highly acclaimed dining establishments, featuring the crème de la crème of the North East and Yorkshire’s restaurants.

Chef/owner of the Pipe and Glass Inn, James Mackenzie, said: “Yorkshire and the North East are both beautiful regions with some remarkably good produce and some passionate and talented producers.

“I’m delighted to contribute to this book which celebrates them.”

Filey-born Mackenzie attended Yorkshire Coast College and devised the menu at the recently-opened Plough, Scalby.

The book marks the milestone of 500 restaurants featured by Relish.

The official book launch takes place at Wynyard Hall Hotel, on the outskirts of Durham in the Tees Valley, on Monday (Jan 25).

Also featured in the book are The Feversham Arms Hotel in Helmley and Whitby fish and chips hotspot The Magpie Café.

Relish North East & Yorkshire Second Helping is on sale now at all the restaurants participating in the book, at leading Waterstones stores, Fenwick’s and online via Amazon and the Relish Publications website www.relishpublications.co.uk

A new scheme aiming to attract people back into playing sport and keeping active officially launched on Saturday

The Sport England-funded Active Coast & Country launched at the Brunswick Shopping Centre over the weekend.

Sports development officer Matt Hewison said: “Our launch event went really well and we were overwhelmed with the interest we received from community members.

“People liked the range of activities and also our relatively low pricing structure.

“This is a great new project that will provide so many new sporting opportunities for people to participate in and get involved in sport.”

For more information follow @SBCActiveCoast on Twitter, like their Facebook page at Active Coast & Country or visit www.activecoastandcountry.co.uk

A brother pinched his sibling’s car following a row before smashing it into a lamppost.

Coke-snorting computer whizzkid Daniel James came to Scarborough to spend New Year with his dad.

But he ended up behind bars after crashing the Corsa in Sandybed Crescent on December 30.

He’d downed eight pints the night before and was still over the limit when he crashed the car, while there was also cannabis in the vehicle.

The IT worker pleaded guilty at Scarborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday to five charges, including drink driving and taking the brother’s vehicle.

He is now been banned from the road – even though his brother didn’t want to prosecute.

And James, who earns over £2,000 a month at just 22, has used the crash to try and curb his substance abuse issues.

The court heard prior to the crash he smoked a gram of cannabis a day, dabbled in Tramadol and snorted cocaine as recently as Christmas Eve.

But it was booze in his system following the crash, the catalyst of which was a bizarre brotherly argument.

“The argument was about the fact that this young man was late getting up,” said Robert Vining, mitigating, who said the pair rowed for hours.

He added: “It is totally and utterly out of character – his family are devastated.”

He has now sought independent help to stop using drugs. And banning him from the road for the next year, the bench told him: “Your substance abuse needs to be looked at and also your behaviour that day.”

A study of black box data by insurers Direct Line has shown the South East, South West and Yorkshire in the bottom three when it comes to careful motorists, with the North East and Scotland at the top.

The insurance firm analysed the locations of 10,000 DrivePlus policyholders who scored highest for safety factors such as speed, smooth acceleration and braking.

Once each region’s driving population was taken into account it was found that the North East has the highest proportion of the safest drivers, followed by Scotland and the East of England.

Paul Felton of Direct Line said safer drivers with telematics devices in their vehicles are given lower renewal prices for insurance.

He added: “This will be music to the ears of many young drivers across Britain, particularly those in the North East.”

But Neil Greig, the Institute of Advanced Motorists’ director of policy and research, claimed black boxes could be used for “so much more” than premium adjustment.

“The IAM would like to work with insurers to tailor training courses based on each drivers’ individual failings,” he said.

The top 10 of safest drivers by region reads:

North East

Scotland

East of England

North West

Midlands

London

Wales and the West

Yorkshire

South West

South East

Football officials in Bolton and Bury have announced plans to move their junior leagues to summer seasons.

Almost all of the clubs in their league have backed the idea, after becoming frustrated by seeing games frustrated because of waterlogged or frozen pitches.

So it is something which should be looked at in this area?

The leagues in Manchester will run from March to October with a six-week break for the summer holidays, if the proposal is formally accepted.

Officials say it will give juniors the opportunity to play on better pitches with fewer games postponed.

Critics are worried it could have a negative effect on the number of children playing cricket and other traditional summer sports.

What do you think? Would summer games benefit our area’s young footballers?

Leave your comments below, or email your thoughts to daniel.gregory@jpress.co.uk or contact us on Twitter @SN_Sport

You can also vote in our Twitter poll here: https://twitter.com/SN_Sport/status/690501630370942977

Les Pinkey, a retired fireman and well known Driffield resident, has just become the town’s latest radio amateur.

Les, who is currently a gas engineer and planning to retire later this year, is an active member of Hornsea amateur radio club and decided after over 30 years of serious short wave listening it was high time he got his amateur transmitting licence.

Les has got his foot on the ladder with passing the amateur radio foundation examination. Les has also helped fellow radio amateur Melvin Knaggs to install a special event station at Driffield parish church to take part in Churches on the Air – an annual event in September.

For more details about the radio club visit www.Hornseaarc.co.uk