AN all-star line up of local musicians will join forces next month to play a spectacular one-off gig for charity.

Inspired by Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer TV event last Friday night, Driffield musician Steve Dodds, aka ‘Dogfinger,’ decided he wanted to put on a live music event in the town to help raise funds for the cause.

Steve said: “My late father survived cancer, but unfortunately my mum didn’t, so it is a cause very dear to me.

“One in three of us will be affected by cancer in our lifetime and I think those statistics are alarming.

“Cancer Research do an amazing job finding many cures for different types of cancer and have saved millions of lives by discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.

“However, they still need vital funds to help beat this for good. That’s why I am holding an evening of music called East coast musicians Stand Up To Cancer.

“I have been in touch with lots of local performers that I know and have yet to get details of who will be performing, but it will be an eclectic mix, so something for everyone.’

East coast musicians Stand Up To Cancer is on Saturday November 3 at The Old Town Hall.

Sponsorship is needed and also raffle prize donations-please contact Shirley on 07999 371611. Anyone wishing to perform or who can help on the night contact Steve on 07594658697.

Musicians confirmed so far include Ben Parcell-singer songwriter from Bridlington; Mike Gledhill and Ash Keld, acoustic duo from Pocklington; Stevie Mould, awesome 15 year old singer songwriter from Beverley; Dogfinger, local stomping cigar box guitar swamp rattler who is also playing Beverley Blues Festival this Saturday; LS3, an alternative rock outfit from Driffield; Ollie ‘pop’ Smith, Aaron Thurlow and Neil Barron; Gordon Shannon, a low down country acoustic singer songwriter, and Edwina Hayes, an internationally renowned country singer and balladeer; and John Avery, guitarist from Driffield.

Marking the 67th Anniversary of the departure of Elvington’s unique French Air Force Squadron’s back to France, the new Chief of the French Air Force, General Denis Mercier, will take on the role of Vice President of the Allied Air Forces Memorial and Yorkshire Air Museum.

His predecessor, General Jean-Paul Paloméros, now promoted to NATO Supreme Allied Commander, remains as a Vice President, along with the head of the Royal Air Force and Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Stephen Dalton.

Museum Director, Ian Reed, said, “We are delighted that the new Chief of the French Air Force has been appointed our Vice President, further establishing the Anglo French credentials of Elvington as the Allied Air Forces Memorial”.

During World War Two over 2,500 French airmen were stationed at Elvington, leading to the area being known as “Petit France”. Over 50% of their aircrews were killed in action whilst based there.

On October 20 1945, the official ceremony at Elvington for the departure of the French to Bordeaux was attended by Air Chief Marshal Bottomley, Chief of RAF Bomber Command. He took the Salute and addressed squadrons in French, acknowledging the contribution of the air and ground crews in the Liberation of Europe.

With the words “Au revoir! Vive la France!” the airmen of 346 Guyenne Squadron guided their Halifax bombers, packed with the bicycles they had used to get around their base and the Yorkshire countryside, into the skies over York for the last time.

Shortly after, on October 29, with scarcely any ceremony at all and in poor weather conditions, 347 Tunisie Squadron took to the skies.

Then came the final, ironic tragedy - at 11.56am, the Halifax RG561 of Sous Lieutenant Wellard came into difficulties, lost altitude and crashed in a field near Escrick, just 15 miles from Elvington. German and Italian prisoners of war, working in the fields rushed to help. Six survived, but Wellard and Sergent Prades were killed in the impact. So, it was with heavy hearts that the Squadrons finally returned to France.

The French veterans formed an association, to preserve the bonds formed during the time spent together in Yorkshire and the first job of Les Amicale des Anciens des Groupes Lourds was to build a Memorial in Elvington village itself.

In 1947 the idea initially came up against considerable bureaucracy until former Elvington Commander Puget was appointed as French Air Attaché in London, whereupon he took control of the project which was unveiled on September 28 1957.

The annual Act of Remembrance has taken place at this Memorial on Remembrance Sunday and this year will be the 57th such ceremony. The Service takes place at 11am on Sunday November 11.

Two fantastic bands are to visit The Baths Hall in Scunthorpe early next year.

Bellowhead, currently at number 16 in the UK album chart with their new record ‘Broadside’, will visit the venue on 19 February. The 11-piece band embark on their biggest UK tour to date next month and follow that up with a visit to Scunthorpe in early 2013.

Then, on 12 March, Irish legends Clannad will visit the same venue. The Grammy award-winning act have chalked up album sales in excess of 15-million with their haunting songs, mesmerizing vocals, and captivating sound.

Bellowhead have been described by The Independent as ‘with the exception of The Who, Bellowhead are surely the best live act in the country’. With the popularity of fellow folk band Mumford & Sons catapulting the genre into the mainstream, Bellowhead take some of the wildest, most joyous and iconic songs in the richly colourful canon of the folk song tradition and turn them upside down and inside out with the unique sense of drama and theatre, instrumental virtuosity, verve, humour and blind cheek that has seen them spearhead the new folk boom. The band manage to incorporate top-notch jazz, world, folk and classical musicians in a swathe of brass, strings, squeezebox, percussion and anything else that seemed like a good idea at the time. And it clearly works, judging by a glut of awards, sell-out tours and a long trail of thunderous festival appearances down the line.

d’s “World Song of the Year” in 1992, a Grammy for “Best New Age Album” in 1999, and they have been the recipients of two “Lifetime Achievement Awards” at home in Ireland. “Theme from Harry’s Game” was their first big break, topping the charts in Europe. They also created the music for the highly popular television series ‘Robin Of Sherwood’, had music featured in movies such as ‘Last of The Mohicans’ and ‘Patriot Games’, and recorded ‘In A Lifetime’ which features a duet with U2’s Bono. Tickets are £28.50 and go on sale Friday at 10.30am.

“World Song of the Year” in 1992, a Grammy for “Best New Age Album” in 1999, and they have been the recipients of two “Lifetime Achievement Awards” at home in Ireland. “Theme from Harry’s Game” was their first big break, topping the charts in Europe. They also created the music for the highly popular television series ‘Robin Of Sherwood’, had music featured in movies such as ‘Last of The Mohicans’ and ‘Patriot Games’, and recorded ‘In A Lifetime’ which features a duet with U2’s Bono. Tickets are £28.50 and go on sale Friday at 10.30am.In a career spanning four decades, Clannad have made music that entwines the traditional

and the modern, the past and the future. Clannad has won many prestigious awards over the years, including Billboard’s “World Song of the Year” in 1992, a Grammy for “Best New Age Album” in 1999, and they have been the recipients of two “Lifetime Achievement Awards” at home in Ireland. The acclaimed Irish group consists of family members who began by drawing inspiration from their home in the remote northwest coast of Ireland. Sister Enya Brennan played keyboards for two of their early albums before leaving to pursue her own highly successful solo career. “Theme from Harry’s Game” was their first big break, topping the charts in Europe and also being used in an American advertising campaign for Volkswagen. They also created the music for the highly popular television series ‘Robin Of Sherwood’, had music featured in movies such as ‘Last of The Mohicans’ and ‘Patriot Games’, and recorded ‘In A Lifetime’ which features a duet with U2’s Bono.

Tickets for Bellowhead on 19 February 2013 cost £22.50 and are on sale now.

Tickets for Clannad on 12 March 2013 cost £28.50 and go on sale at 10.30am on Friday, 26 October. Tickets for both will be available from The Box Office, telephone 0844 8542776 or visit www.bathshall.co.uk

Follow The Baths Hall on Twitter @TheBathsHall and www.facebook.com/thebathshall

LOCAL charities were donated £100 by a building society as part of their annual charity giveaway.

Four Driffield organisations received money during Yorkshire Building Society’s Make a Difference Week.

The charities were: Driffield Friends of Girl Guiding, First Steps Pre-School, Yorkshire Wolds Railway Restoration Project and Royal British Legion Driffield.

Over a week during the summer, Yorkshire Building Society invited customers and the Driffield community to call into its agency at Jackson Robson Licence, Exchange Street, to nominate a charity they would like to see receive the donation.

Pat Dean, of the Driffield agency, said: “Make A Difference Week has been a fantastic success, with some of our wonderful local charities and good causes receiving a nomination for support.

“As a building society we try and support the charities in the areas where our members live and work and I hope that these donations will truly make a difference in Driffield.”

The Society’s Charitable Foundation have run the Make Difference Week giveaway for five years and in that time have given away more than £500,000 to charities across the country.

NINE children were caught skiving in a one day truancy clampdown in Driffield.

The sweep took place last week and is set to be the first of several surprise visits to the town by education welfare officers.

Mike Furbank, head of achievement and inclusion at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “There is a direct correlation between educational outcomes and the number of days spent in school.

“Children need to be in school to learn and we will work vigorously to make this happen.

“My thanks go to the education welfare service for their persistence and hard work in bringing about these improvements.”

Across the East Riding, more than 50 children have been stopped during a number of truancy sweeps by East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Thirteen were caught in neighbouring BEverley.

Working alongside Humberside Police, officers spoke to 56 youngsters, aged between five and 16 in Beverley, Goole, Bridlington and Driffield to find out why they were not in school.

Those stopped included children with parents and groups of young people while some of those spoken to were found to be from another local authority and officers will be making contact with the relevant schools to confirm their absence.

Overall school attendance in the East Riding is continuing to improve.

The number of holidays taken during term time has reduced by 38 per cent from 52,551 days lost in 2007/08 to 19,934 days lost during 2011/12.

Recent figures released by the Department for Education shows East Riding of Yorkshire Council are ranked 22nd out of 152 local authorities for overall attendance for primary schools – which is above the national average.

Secondary schools in the East Riding are ranked 77th out of 152 local authorities and is on a par with the national average.

Councillor Julie Abraham, portfolio holder for children, young people and local authority schools and East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The improved attendance figures are good news for our children and young people as they can only benefit from a good education if they are in school.

“It is still concerning though, that some children are missing many days of their schooling and do not even attempt to hide their absence from the authorities.

“The message about the importance of a good education needs to be constantly reinforced and I give my full support to the efforts of the education welfare service and Humberside Police in tracking down and following up on those pupils not in school.”

A BLOGGER and journalist is claiming a victory for free speech after a 10-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) barring him from contacting community leaders near his home was quashed by the High Court.

Christopher Perry, 66, was handed the order at Hull Magistrates’ Court in January, when District Judge Frederick Rutherford condemned his “obvious anti-social behaviour”, although Mr Perry claimed that in publishing articles on his former website, Wolds Eye View, he was “doing the job any decent citizen would do”.

The order prevented him from contacting a number of people in the Driffield and Wetwang areas, including the Rev Robert Amos, Driffield town clerk Richard Wood and former Driffield Mayor Steve Poessl.

Mr Amos had said that as well as falsely claiming he was a major property dealer who stood to make millions out of a new church building in the centre of Driffield, Mr Perry started posting comments and pictures of him as he went about his business, snapping him as he picked up his lunch and even popping up in his back garden. He claimed that when challenged Mr Perry told him: “I am going to bring you down with my journalism.”

Commenting on the granting of the ASBO, which was applied for by Humberside Police and East Riding Council, Mr Wood, a former police inspector, said he and his wife felt “immense” relief at the end of a “two-year tirade of harassment”.

But overturning the order the High Court found that the district judge had been “perfunctory and dismissive” in his consideration of Mr Perry’s right of freedom of expression under Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

Reacting to the ruling, Mr Perry, of Southfield Close, Wetwang, near Driffield, said: “They said the police were extremely wrong to try and substitute civil defamation proceedings with ASBOs to stop people expressing their right to free speech. I think this has serious implications with poor legal advice for the police and poor legal advice for East Riding Council.”

He added: “I had to find £20,000 - money set aside for retirement - and had to go to London in order to get justice.

“I think it’s surreal and as a journalist I know how the police like to cover things up and not give you the full version of events, and I’ve had bucketfuls of that. All I was doing was my job of legitimate public inquiry.”

A spokeswoman for Humberside Police said: “Humberside Police have been made aware of the decision made by the court of appeal in connection with the ASBO given to Christopher Perry. The force will now take time to consider the ruling.”

East Riding of Yorkshire Council will again be running its popular scheme which gives shoppers free parking in the run up to Christmas.

For the past three years, those preparing for Christmas by shopping in the East Riding have benefited as the council suspended parking charges at its car parks during the three weekends leading up to Christmas.

Once again, pay and display machines in the council’s car-parks and on-street parking locations will be clearly marked to let shoppers know there is no charge for these weekends leading up to Christmas.

Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “For the past three years this initiative has helped to bring shoppers to the East Riding in the run up to Christmas.

“The council is still happy to promote schemes like this which have a real and tangible benefit to local businesses.”

The free parking will apply on Saturday 8, 15 and 22 and Sunday 9, 16 and 23 December.

All council car parks will be free from 8am on Saturday until 8am on Monday.

Around 1,000 homes and businesses in the Hutton Cranswick area are seto to benefit from a faster broadband internet connection.

This follows updating of the Watton telephone exchange by BT

Watton and Hutton Cranswick are the latest East Riding communities to benefit from upgrades as part of the roll-out of BT’s next generation broadband service delivered over copper lines.

The BT investment will make available download speeds of up to 20 megabits per second (Mbps) – more than double the fastest speed previously available from BT.

The faster broadband is already available to more than 1.6 million premises across Yorkshire and the Humber and, by next Spring, 90 per cent of homes and businesses in the region will be served by an exchange which has been upgraded to deliver these higher speeds. The new service is available on an open, wholesale basis to all companies providing broadband*.

Liz Needleman, area director for Business in the Community, said: “This announcement from BT is very welcome. Small businesses in particular will benefit from faster speeds of connectivity that will help them compete more effectively with larger organisations. Individuals in the local communities will also benefit, from more efficient job hunting to keeping in contact with friends and loved ones and helping to combat isolation.”

John Anderson, BT’s regional director for Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Faster broadband will deliver important benefits for people in Watton, whether they are running a business, working or studying from home, doing the weekly shop online, downloading films and TV programmes or keeping in touch with friends and family around the world. It can all be done better using faster broadband.

“That’s why BT is determined to bring faster speeds to as many homes and businesses as possible, and we are keen to work with the public sector to find solutions for even the most challenging locations.”

This investment in the copper network is in addition to BT’s £2.5 billion roll-out of fibre-based broadband, which will bring even faster speeds to around two-thirds of UK premises by the end of 2014.

A disqualified motorist from Great Kelk who was caught driving with no MOT or insurance and in possession of cannabis was ordered to complete 130 hour of unpaid work and given a further nine month driving disqualification by Bridlington magistrates last Wednesday.

William Edward Grey Nicholson, 38, pleaded guilty to driving whilst disqualified, driving without insurance, driving without a test certificate and possessing a Class B drug.

The court heard that just before 8pm on September 8, Nicholson was observed by police driving erratically in a Ford Fiesta on Bessingby Road in Bridlington.

Officers followed the vehicle through the town centre, observing Nicholson driving against traffic lights and not showing care on the road, before stopping him.

Police realised that Nicholson was a disqualified driver and after searching the vehicle, found a quantity of herbal cannabis, which the defendant admitted to buying that evening.

Nicholson, who was unrepresented in court, said: “I apologise, it was a silly mistake.

“I have recently got my life back on track after being evicted, I have been working for the past six months and I am opium free. It was just a very silly thing to do.”

In addition to the 130 hours of unpaid work, further nine month driving disqualification, and a one year community order, presiding magistrate Lesley Mole told Nicholson to pay a fine of £150 and £15 victim surcharge, and ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the drug.

Mrs Mole said: “If you commit another driving disqualification offence you could well see the inside of a prison cell.”

Driffield politics student Hattie Turner has joined East Yorkshire MP Greg Knight at his Westminster Office for a period of work experience.

Driffield resident Hattie is in her final year studying Politics at the University of Sheffield. During her time at Westminster Hattie watched a House of Commons debate and assisted with the day-to-day running of Mr Knight’s office. The visit was primarily to show Hattie what is involved in the running of a MPs office.

Hattie said: “It is surprising how fast-paced the work is and how many things are going on, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Westminster and appreciate the insight into what it takes to be an MP.”

Although Hattie has no plans to become an MP herself, she is considering the possibility of a career within the civil service.

Mr Knight added: “It is important to see young people become interested and involved in politics. I am happy to have provided this experience for Hattie.”

On Sunday November 4 at 10.30am, Driffield in Bloom will hold the annual Children’s Armistice Service at Driffield cemetery.

The service is for children of all ages and invitations will go out to schools and young people’s organisations in Driffield who are invited to take part in a short service of remembrance, accompanied by members from the Driffield Silver Band.

After the service each Child is given a remembrance cross and is asked to take it to one of the many war graves in the cemetery,

Driffield in Bloom have held this service for several years everyone is very welcome. If wet, the service will be held in the chapel at the cemetery.

DRIFFIELD played host this week to one of the most successful business events in recent memory.

So many firms and their representatives tried to sign up that the organisers were forced to turn people away.

Around 150 firms or their representatives flocked to the showground at Kelleythorpe for the event, hosted by the East Ridingt of Yorkshire Council with business entrepreneur mentor Mike Southon as a guest speaker.

And because of its success, organisers say it is likely that similar gatherings will be arranged in the future.

The event was a collaborative effort between the council’s business services team and the Federation of Small Businesses, in association with Visit Hull and East Yorkshire (VHEY) and the Yorkshire Enterprise Club. The free event will get underway from 5.30pm and is aimed at inspiring business growth and development.

The event was aimed at anyone thinking about starting a business or expanding their existing business and was be attended by Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and Councillor Jane Evison, portfolio holder for economic development, tourism and rural issues.

Councillor Parnaby said: “The uncertain financial climate is proving to be a challenge for both the public and private sector but can also provide great opportunity.

“This council is making every effort to support and assist our local business community and is delighted to have an entrepreneur of Mike’s calibre attending an event to share his insight and experience.

“His presentation will show how, without spending money on expensive marketing campaigns, businesses can generate more profitable sales and increase revenue, helping the East Riding to develop a more vibrant business economy.”

* A full report of the event, along with more photos, will feature in next week’s Driffield Times and Post.

DRIFFIELD Rugby Club’s Gary Shipley is in good spirits two weeks on from breaking his leg in training.

Gary, who turned 26 on Monday, said: “I am feeling good, very good.”

Gary’s injury happened on Tuesday, October 9 when he was protecting the ball over a ruck and 25 stone of front row fell on him, he landed funny and then another front row fell on Gary. “It cracked and when I was the only one who couldn’t stand up I knew it was me,” said the flanker.

Gary went to Hull Royal Infirmary (HRI) where he spent two days in traction before having a pin inserted through key hole surgery before being allowed home on the Saturday evening. “I was glad to be home but I was a bit gutted I didn’t get out a bit sooner to watch the game,” added Gary, who made it down to last week’s second team home game with Bradford and will be down at this Saturday’s first team derby with Bridlington cheering on his team mates.

Gary has six weeks of non weight-baring before going back to HRI to check all is going well. The farmer, who lives between Skerne and Hutton Cranswick, added: “I have been doing nothing, just catching up on sleep from harvest. The Monday before I had just finished working away for someone else, and had just finished with that and my dad was happy I was going to be home again, to help on the farm!”

Gary has played for Driffield since he was seven and played a couple of games for the first team last season and was hoping to be a regular part of this season’s team having already played for the first XV until his injury happened, which Gary admitted was one of the main disappointments and said it will be next season before he plays again.

Gary said: “I have had a lot of visitors, and a lot of the players came to see me.

“The club have been brilliant and have really supported me and I would like to thank them and all the get well wishes I have received.”

Following on from the success of Driffield’s U18 Boxing Club they are now setting up an adult training session within the club for men and women of ages 16+, of all abilities.

This will run from 6pm to 7.30pm every Wednesday starting November 7 in the North Gym at Driffield Secondary School, cost per session is £2,

PCSO Chris Webster from the club said: “The aim is to improve general fitness through circuits and activities. If desired there is also scope to learn the art of boxing trained by ABA Instructors with a view to engage in either contact sparing or non contact.

“All abilities are catered for. If anyone is interested either turn up on the evening or call 07722505448 for further details.”

The leaves of autumn are colouring up nicely now – but this is by no means the end of their value.

They become a food source for a plethora of fungi which are at their peak just at the moment during the wet and mild October days. Here at Yorkshire Water’s Tophill Low Nature Reserve there are nearly 300 species which have so far been identified. Working out the differences between species takes a lot of skill and sometimes some very specialist facilities, our volunteers often consulting national experts and their labs to determine fine details through chemical reactions and microscopic spore analysis. We are often asked ‘which species are safe to eat?’; and our answer is always ‘we wouldn’t!’. Some species like the deadly destroying angel are easily confusable with field mushrooms, with even experts being caught out, such as the case with two recent fatalities in Australia. One recent species we discovered growing at the Reserve was ergot, a fungus which causes a deformity or ‘gall’ in its host plant of rye grass. The insignificant looking black pods can be deadly, with ergot poisoning cropping up regularly through history on cereal crops. Stories like the norse Beowulf tale and the Salem witch trials have all been linked with ergot, and the ancient greeks used it in the hallucinogenic drink kykeon, before it was synthesised into LSD by Albert Hoffman in 1938. One unfortunate side effect is the poisoning and death it causes, known as ‘St. Anthony’s Fire’ after the monastic order who used to treat its victims. Convulsions and constriction of blood vessels leading to gangrene and limb loss are but one additional aspect. Interestingly our ergot was also in turn infected with another fungi Gibberella gordonii turning it purple showing the delicate links in nature.

In recent years many celebrity chef programmes advocate foraying for these wild treats, which in some cases has led to mass collecting which is being considered a threat to many species, as when the fruiting bodies are repeatedly picked the fungi cannot reproduce. Our advice? Best to enjoy their beauty and stick to the supermarket aisle…

Tophill Low Nature Reserve is located 4 miles from the A164 at Watton and is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Admission £2.80 adults and £1.20 concessions. Sorry no dogs. For more information visit www.tophilllow.blogspot.com.

As the nights draw in and the days grow shorter, Macmillan Children’s Books are spreading some welcome rays of forgotten sunshine onto a new season of reading.

Forget the TV and the Xbox, find a comfy chair and get lost in a world of seafaring cats, street-wise rodents, fiery dragons, knockabout history, alien adventures and dark, dangerous teen adventures.

Macmillan seek out the best authors and illustrators to bring kids some of the most exciting and innovative books around so get set and go for a winter of wonders.

Early years:

Poppy Cat: All Aboard! by Lara Jones

This superbly visual and fantastically colourful first picture book is sure to catch the eye of the very youngest children and become a firm favourite. Poppy Cat’s extraordinary adventures are a fun and funny way to introduce books. Featuring simple layouts and eye-catching artwork, tiny tots will enjoy sharing these stories again and again. Poppy Cat is a brilliant TV series based on the original books by Lara Jones who sadly died aged only 34 two years ago. In each episode, Lara, a little girl, invents extraordinary adventures for her beloved Poppy Cat and then the colourful characters spring to life in stories of friendship and fantasy play. A small, easy-to-handle picture book ideal for babies.

(board book, £4.99)

Zoe and Beans: Hello Oscar! by Chloë and Mick Inkpen

The Inkpens, a talented father and daughter duo, deliver another stunningly beautiful picture book in the adorable Zoe and Beans series for tots aged three and over. Chloë and Mick are proving a top team with their unique and exciting picture book partnership. Meet Oscar, the new next-door neighbour and a brand new friend for Zoe and Beans! Zoe has found a guinea pig at the bottom of the garden. And a tortoise, and a chameleon, and now there’s a noisy parrot! Where have they all come from? The hole in the fence could be a clue, but who lives on the other side? Exquisite drawings, the cutest little heroine and a fun story are sure to cast a warm glow over bedtime reading.

(hardback, £10.99)

Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

In his most enigmatic and beautiful work to date, Lane Smith explores the importance of grandparents and their role in family life. Enter into Grandpa Green’s garden where the trees tell the story. Grandpa Green wasn’t always a gardener. He was a boy who lived on a farm and a child who had chickenpox. He was a soldier, a husband and, most of all, an artist. Follow his grandson through a garden where memories are handed down through the shapes of topiary trees and imagination recreates things forgotten. Charming, original and whimsical, Grandpa Green is book for every generation of the family to enjoy with its touching themes of family ties, shared memories and that special bond between the oldest and youngest in a family. A wonderful story that has all the ingredients to become a family favourite and a timeless classic.

(hardback, £11.99)

Again! by Emily Gravett

Enter the magical world of Emily Gravett and you’ll never want to return! Her award-winning stories are written and illustrated with flair, affection and a freewheeling sense of fun which tumbles out of every page. Here she brings us a stubborn little dragon with a favourite book... and a fiery temper! It’s nearly Cedric the dragon’s bedtime. He’s brushed his teeth and had his bath and there’s just time for his mum to read him his favourite book. Unfortunately for her, Cedric likes the story so much that he wants to hear it again and again with flame-filled consequences! There’s a red-hot surprise in the closing pages which will leave pre-schoolers burning to read this again and again, just like Cedric! Gravett’s imagination goes into overdrive in this funny, endearing and perceptive take on the whole concept of a book at bedtime.

(paperback, £6.99)

Rastamouse: Da Monstrous Fib by Genevieve Webster and Michael de Souza

The coolest rodent in town is back with his crazy crew of breakdancin’ pals to take pre-school dudes on more rappin’ and rhyming adventures. Join Da Easy Crew in Da Monstrous Fib, a lift-the-flap, pop-up adventure! (Campbell Books, paperback, £6.99) The ‘likkle’ orphan mice are having a great time camping in the forest until they are spooked by some monstrous noises in the middle of the night. Everyone is amazed when Bagga T’s cousin Mixy Mouse scares away the monster. But wait a minute, there’s no such thing as monsters, right? With flaps to lift on every page and a brilliant pop-up ending, children will love joining in the hunt for the truth as Rastamouse, Scratchy and Zoomer solve another puzzling mystery. Upbeat entertainment for young movers and shakers!

And don’t miss Rastamouse and the Double-Crossin’ Diva (Macmillan, paperback, £6.99). Missy D is causing Trouble with a capital T! Back-flippin’ Missy D is desperate to get to Mousetego Bay to win the grand prize in the Nuff Song Talent Show – so desperate that she’ll even steal the orphanage bus to get there. With the poor little mice stranded and missing all the fun, it’s an Easy Crew emergency!

Also, Rastamouse: Wicked Sticker Fun! (Campbell Books, paperback, £3.99) is bursting with games, puzzles and Mouseland mysteries to solve. Featuring Da Easy Crew and all their friends, it comes with over 60 glossy stickers and is the perfect companion for rainy days, journeys and holidays.

Age 5-7:

Gobbolino, The Witch’s Cat by Ursula Moray Williams

On the 70th anniversary of the publication of one of Britain’s best-loved children’s books, Gobbolino is ready to work his special brand of magic on a new generation of youngsters. Ursula Moray Williams, who died in 2006 aged 95, wrote nearly 70 books for children. This special edition has been lovingly brought to life for a modern audience by award-winning illustrator Catherine Rayner. No one could mistake Gobbolino for a simple kitchen cat, with his sparkling whiskers and magic tricks, but that’s just what the witch’s kitten wants to be. Instead of learning how to turn mice into toads for the witch’s brew, Gobbolino sets out on an adventure to find a family and a home of his own. This beautiful hardback edition has a retro appeal which makes it irresistible for both adults and youngsters.

(Macmillan, hardback, £9.99)

A First Poetry Book by Pie Corbett and Gaby Morgan

The early school years are the ideal time to get children interested in poetry and there could be no better introduction than this bright and beautiful book packed with verses to amaze, entertain and excite. Aimed at five to seven-year-olds, it includes hundreds of brand new poems from the very best poets around, and some timeless gems as well. The first in a new series of poetry books created with Key Stage One teachers and pupils in mind, it packs in some glorious poems that will appeal to a wide audience. The topic-based collection features poems about fairies, mermaids, princesses, monsters, mythical creatures, dinosaurs, pets, families, seasons, school, pirates, the senses, space, feelings, holidays, food, friends, the past and lots more.

(Macmillan, paperback, £6.99)

Age 7 plus:

Tony Robinson’s Weird World of Wonders: British

Using all the comic wit that he harnessed so memorably in the BBC Blackadder series, Tony Robinson brings us a history lesson with all the funny, strange, smelly and disgusting bits which teachers leave out but kids can’t get enough of! Here he sets his sardonic sights on the eccentric Brits and it’s a heady, hilarious headlong gallop through our country’s fascinating and sometimes foul history. Youngsters can find out everything they ever wanted to know in this brilliant, action-packed, fact-filled book, including how to avoid scurvy, why bright red isn’t the best colour for a soldier’s uniform, why not being able to swim was considered an advantage and how to cure the most gruesome tropical diseases. If only all lessons could be this much fun!

(paperback, £5.99)

Alienography 2: Tips for Tiny Tyrants by Chris Riddell

So you want to rule the universe? Join Chris Riddell, one of the best illustrators around, and Colin the alien as they explain their tips for intergalactic domination in this exciting, irreverent and colourful journey into space. Learn how to select a simpering sidekick, how to choose an evil outfit (a good vest is a must!) and how to buy the best battle cruiser ... you’ll be a butt-kicking baddy before you can blink! Impressively illustrated and full of out-of-this world laughs, this big, bold book has some brilliant novelty elements including a mini comic, a fold-out cross-section of the Centennial Turkey spaceship and a Top Chumps card game. Riddell’s books combine a wonderful originality with quirky humour tone to create something totally irresistible for keen readers. There’s never a dull moment in Riddell’s marvellously madcap world! Clever, funny and with an imagination as big as the universe, Riddell is the perfect choice for kids who love slime, silliness and geeky heroes!

(Macmillan, hardback, £14.99)

Teenage:

Rage Within by Jeyn Roberts

Jeyn Roberts’ mind-blowing teen novel Dark Inside was always going to be a hard act to follow but Rage Within features the same winning formula with its edgy darkness and white-knuckle excitement. The heart-stopping, page-turning saga of rage, hope and survival continues in Rage Within as a group of young earthquake survivors battle deadly, powerful forces. After the earthquakes came the infectious rage, turning friends into deadly enemies. For survivors Michael, Aries, Mason and Clementine, who have gained determination and resilience in their post-apocalyptic world, the battle to stay alive is about to get even tougher. The new world is organising itself, with camps that promise protection for the uninfected. But the reality of the sites is far more sinister. Besides, nobody is safe from the rage within their own soul... Chilling and truly terrifying, Rage Within is a tale of friends and enemies, hope and hopelessness, strength and weakness. A must-read for all young horror fans.

(Macmillan, paperback, £6.99)

Forget Me Never by Gina Blaxill

Teens will love Gina Blaxill’s fast-paced novel which thrills with its true-to-life characters, gentle romance, gritty plotline and gripping finale. Did she jump or was she pushed? When Sophie’s cousin Danielle dies after a fall from her balcony, the police dismiss her death as suicide. She had broken up with her boyfriend and had suffered from depression in the past. Sophie isn’t so sure, however, and when she finds a computer memory stick in a pair of Dani’s old jeans, some new photos and information come to light that point to something more sinister. Sophie and her friend Reece investigate further and soon find out that Dani was involved with something very dark and very dangerous. As Sophie and Reece become more and more deeply involved, they put themselves in enormous danger too as they access secret data, face kidnap attempts and worse. And as they uncover the terrible truth about what really happened to Dani, Sophie and Reece must also face their feelings for each other... A brilliant and sensitively crafted exploration of the nature of friendship wrapped up in an intriguing, heart-searching mystery.

(Macmillan, paperback, £6.99)

THE DARK nights are well and truly upon us and Halloween and mischief night are just around the corner. During this time, householders may experience the seasonal problems associated with these events which may be perceived as anti-social behaviour.

Officers across the East Riding are committed to making sure communities stay safe and have been working closely with retailers and schools giving out advice on how families and local residents can have a safe and fun Halloween.

‘Sorry no trick or treat’ posters have been distributed to residents who do not wish to be disturbed, which can be displayed in a prominent position by their front door. With these events landing during the school holidays, these posters and a variety of information on keeping safe this season have also been sent to local schools in the East Riding to be distributed to parents and students.

A second poster has been created for local food retailers who do not wish to sell the usual mischief night ingredients to young children. The poster advises customers that no eggs or flour will be sold to anyone under the age of 18 years old.

The darker nights are already seeing an increase in anti-social behaviour incidents in Bridlington. One incident involved a coach being targeted by people throwing large stones off a bridge in the Well Lane bypass area of Bridlington. Luckily in this instance no-one was injured.

PC Christopher Prendergast of the Bridlington Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) said: “The typical anti-social behaviour we experience in Bridlington at this time of the year is throwing stones, rocks and bricks at people and property including cars, and also bin fires which are obviously extremely dangerous.

“We want to ensure residents of Bridlington remain safe over the Halloween period and will have teams working proactively around Bridlington on evenings dealing with any anti-social behaviour issues including those mentioned.

“Bridlington will also be distributing the ‘sorry no trick or treat’ at the copshop on Quay Road, Bridlington. This will also provide an opportunity for any residents to ask our staff any questions about any concerns they may have.”

Sergeant Peter Rogers from the NPT in Goole, Howden and Pocklington will also be ensuring residents from his area remain safe over Halloween and mischief night. He said: “Goole, Howden and Pocklington NPT have been conducting high visibility patrols from October and will carry on through November.

“The distress and misery caused by anti social behaviour and minor damage around Mischief Night can be traumatic for those targeted and very often the most vulnerable people in our communities are the victims.

“This is not about fun. Very often these acts are openly malicious and property is permanently damaged. If offences are committed those responsible will be dealt with and our patrols will be out and about ensuring that we are around to do this.”

As well as taking on the spot action, officers in the East Riding will working closely with the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to stamp out anti-social behaviour over the Halloween period and will be taking action accordingly.

This could be in the form of a fairway letter which is sent to parents to allow them the opportunity to deal with their children’s behaviour. Worse still this could progress to an Anti-social Behaviour Contract (ABC) which is a voluntary agreement which stipulates a set of rules a child must agree to. Finally an Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) could be imposed which is a civil order imposed by the court’s and can be granted for anyone over 10 years old prohibiting them from engaging in specified activities.

Humberside would like all residents to have an enjoyable and safe Halloween. If you witness any anti-social behaviour please report it to Humberside police immediately using the non-emergency number 101 or in an emergency call 999.

A VILLAGE school has made strong links with it’s past at a 140 year anniversary celebration.

Gembling School celebrated 140 years of existance on October 25 at a celebration for staff and pupils, past and present.

Between 60 and 70 guests attended the event, including four former head teachers and one former teacher.

The day saw pupils take part in a variety of activies including writing with quills and saw guests enjoy a display of old photographs of the school.

Gemblings elder pupils dressed in Victorian fancy dress and worked in pairs to make films about the celebration and the memories of those who had attended.

The younger pupils organised a modern day celebration.

Grant Morrison, senior teacher at Gembling School said: “It was very very well attended.

“There was a real ‘then and now’ spirit and the children loved hearing stories of days gone by at the school - it was a very touching event.

“A particular highlight was receiving a letter from a lady in her 90s who was a padt pupil of the school - she apologises for not being able to make it and shares with us her experiences of being at the school.”

Driffield Times & Post photographer, Pam Stanforth, went along to photograph some of those who enjoyed the celebration.

If you would like copies of any of these pictures, please telephone 01377 249800.

A Bonfire and Firework Display will take place on Saturday November 3 at Driffield Rugby Club.

The fire will be lit at 7pm and the fireworks will begin at 7.15pm.

There is free parking, refreshments. including a bar, and there will be fairground rides.

Organisers say there should be streictly no sparkler. Admission is Adults £2, Children five 16 £1, and Under 5s Free. More information phone 01377 254160. The event has been sponsored by The Fireworkers.

a CHRISTMAS buffet and dance will be held at the Bell Hotel.

The event, which will raise funds for The Whitehouse residential home, will take place on Saturday December 8 in the Maple Room at the Bell Hotel.

There will be live music provided by Dark Moon. Fancy dress with a pantomime theme is optional with a prize for best fancy dress. A tombola and raffle will also feature on the night.

Tickets cost £16 and are available from either Ann on 01377 232361; Chrissie on 267644; Alan on 200318 or Rachel on 01377 257560.