Cold Harbour Farm used to be busy with the sounds of cows being milked and pigs being fed.

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

The artists at Calf House Studios, Cold Harbour Farm, in Bishop Burton are holding an open day on Sunday November 25 between 11 am and 3pm. It will be well signed from the village of Bishop Burton.

The resident artists are: Tracey Spurgin who designs and runs classes on silver and bronze jewellery; John Denton a master portrait photographer; Peter Brown who is a stone carver and abstract artist; Debbie March glass artist who makes bowls, pictures, coasters and birds in coloured glass; Alison Brice who creates amazing shapes on her potter’s wheel; Graham Chambers who paints rural scenes in watercolours and oils; Lynnda Worsnop a stamp designer who also sells craft supplies; and Rob Porter who makes items from recycled wooden wine boxes.

It will also be a first chance at Calf House Studios to see the work of Claire West who will be joining the artists at the farm in the New Year. Claire is known for her happy and colourful pictures and prints

The open day on Sunday 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. Many of the artists run courses from their studios so it will be a chance to book places for the New Year.

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

A funeral service was held at the Parish Church, Driffield on Friday, November 16 for Jamie Peter Knott, who died in the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital on November 4. He was 15.

The service was conducted by the Rev Malcolm Exley & the organist was Mr Peter Maw.

Jamie, who was a student at Driffield School, suffered from methylmalonic acidemia, an inherited disorder in which the body is unable to process proteins and fats properly.

Long term complications can include feeding problems and chronic kidney disease.

The illness was diagnosed when he was just six months old and his condition was closely monitored by the hospital, where he went several times a week for tests.

Last year Jamie underwent a kidney transplant.

He had used a wheelchair at times for the last few years, and even when he started losing his sight, his illness never got him down.

Jamie went to school when he was well enough, and loved ICT, woodwork and cookery.

Family Mourners: Tracey & Les Knott (parents), Andrew Knott (brother),Peter & Mary Addy (grandma & granddad), James Knott (granddad), Karen & Richard, Susan & John (aunties & uncles), David & Georgia (cousins), Freda (grandmother), Jane Turner, Philip & Wendy (great auntie & uncle), Denise, Jo-Ann, Caroline, Emma, Neal, Amy, Rachel, Louise, Mia, Vera, Sara, Mayrose & Wendy (aunties), James & Caroline (cousins).

Others present: Rachel Crofts, Karin Lusby, Heather Veal, Fiona Waudby, James Kerridge (all rep Huckleberry House), Marjie Wright, Connor Hugh, Judy Kilvington rep Lucy, Natalie & Emily, Donna Benson rep Lee Benson, Tom Armstrong, Sara Holderness, Gareth Wood-Townend, Polly Edmond, Christopher Smith, Martin Calam, Lauren Sunderland,Amy Johnstone, Janine Lovel rep Nigel, Katie & Nicholas, Richard Thomas, Misca Stark, Linda & Lauren Stark, Joe Myers, Tam Sarr, Shane Webster.Georgia Mills, Anne Stainsby rep Driffield School & F7 (Jamie’s form), Cassie Coles, Sarah Godwin, Grant Sellars, Simon Jones, Nick Scholes, Laura Farnell, Bryone Haynes, Andrea Ward rep Driffield Junior School Lunchtime Supervisors & Stephanie Holmes, Julie-Anne Barron rep Driffield School student Services, Holly Corkwell, Caroline Beet, Claire Douce, Mr & Mrs J Hildreth, Jessica & Joe Hildreth, Karen McNicholas, Ann Conner, Katie Elvidge, Vicky Grainger, Andy Harland, Harry White, Cobain Hubbard, Liam Jones, Daniel Hill, Robert Jorna, Gary Hollingsworth, Ben Hullah, Mrs S Myles, Alison Honur & Nigel Lyon rep Martin House, Will Hardeman, Joe Cooke, Harry Lomas, Jake Mackintosh, Kelly Bollingham rep Kirsty Kirkup, Chloe Bollingham, Shannon Mason,Jayne Duke rep Kingsmill School & Residence, Denise Roberts, Sandra Donachie, Jill Buckley, Denise Greenway, Joanne Scott, Natalie Nunn, Jessica Hill, Lucy Peryer, Paige & Aiden Peryer, Anja Harrand, Tony & Diane Hughes, Bethany & Sian Hughes, Debbie & Alice Gibson rep Amy & Jack Gibson, Jessie Boycott, Marc Bradbury, Anne Bolton, Katie Sim, Mrs Diane Cuthbertson, Mrs Nicola Shortman rep Tot Stop, Catherine Robson, Raven Hebden, Emma Silversides, Lucy Shand, Rose Kennedy, Samantha Kitching, Poppy Tate, Sophie Elliott, Cameron Wright, Jenna Burnett, Alison Lyons, Christa Calam, Sharon Brady rep Gerry Brady, Val Wood-Townend, Kimberley Hanson, Joanne Smith, Lucy Horsley, Alisha Smith, Toni Wright, Lauren Henry, Joe Mills, Cam Yarker, Mitchell Mills, Ros Pudsey, Jenny Thurlow, Brandon Dixon, Jean Philipson, Sandra & Richard Ambler, Tracy Horsfield, Hollie-Jo Horsfield, Ann & Chris Prout (grandparents), Mary & Godwin Prout (auntie & partner), Nicola Davey, Alexandra Amers, Michael Clark, Shirley Bond, Alice Pudsey, Josh Young, Rosie Silversides, Kate Hammond, Amanda Collinson, Tia-mae Ward, Trina Lowe, Annie Lowe rep Angus, Mrs M Harsley, Mrs L Macrae & Mrs J Savage all rep Driffield School, Ken & Pam Hollingsworth, Tina Potter rep Cheryl Foster & FL Group, Catherine Greenwood, Nicky Wilkinson, Hannah Turner-Bone, Mark Fisher & Ros Hawley (music group), Al Gibson, James Stedman, Judy English, Stephen Joyce, Georgina Bowes, Janet Jefferson, Frank Milner, Ciaran Kenny, Ryan Sygrove, James Joyce, Dan Sutcliffe, Bryan Tanthorpe, Lynne Kneeshaw rep Driffield Junior School, Sharon Pallett rep Driffield Junior School, Michelle Harrop, Mr & Mrs T Tuck, Toni Cousins, Shauna Cousins, Callum Pierce, Zoe Peters, Connor Peters, Steve Sheard (Teacher), Joan Fletcher, Ruth Lanihan, Eleanor Pollard, Justine Orford, Gillian White rep Andrew & family, Nikki Slater, Georgia Harris, Kerry Shepherd, Jane Peryer, Chelsea Whatling, Hannah Smith, Joanne Hiscocks, Helena Cassidy, Alban Cassidy, Nicci Watts, Emily Boycott, Laura Sugden, Michelle Fotheringham, Alice Corrigan, Michael Alus, Adrian & Gill O’Connor rep Heather O’Connor, Sally Horner, Sarah Gwilliam, Natasha Fawcett rep Kev, Shannon & Sandy & Gavin & Lindsey Rookes, Lewis Riley, Karen & Andrew Harrington (Will’s mum & dad), Petros (Cross Keys, Nafferton), Barrington Powell rep Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Christine Taylor, Hazel Wardle, Michael Noteyoung, Heather Averton, Jessica Hardman, Stephen King, Pauline Smith, Geraldine Ball, Evie Morley & Lisa Ward (all rep Ward 77, Royal Manchester Children’s hospital).

It’s 50 years since that intrepid and inimitable British hero James Bond first hit our cinema screens and since then there have been six incarnations of everybody’s favourite spy.

First off the celluloid production line was the dark and desirable Sean Connery who seemed to have made the role his own ... until a certain Mr Roger Moore stepped into the breach and stole our hearts with his twinkling eyes, charismatic charm and sardonic humour.

And now he’s back... not as 007, of course, but in his new persona as Sir Roger Moore, KBE, Bond observer, Bond aficionado, and author. He may be 85 now and at the age where ‘it’s my pacemaker that keeps my pulse racing’ but Moore has lost none of his trademark wit.

And to celebrate the film franchise’s wonderful heritage, he has written Bond on Bond, a pictorial extravaganza that features brilliant photographs and trivia from all the Bond movies, along with a characteristically self-deprecating account of his own involvement in them. And nobody does it better!

From the girls to the villains, from the cars to the cocktails, from the gadgets to the locations, this amazing book features iconic images from the films as well as many previously unseen shots.

Every chapter covers a different aspect of the Bond films production, including the beginnings, the villains, the girls, the gadgets, the cars, the locations and behind the scenes.

As always, Moore presents his account of the Bond phenomenon with laugh-out-loud comic asides and plenty of acute observations on his fellow Bonds.

Connery, he admits, was the best Bond ... ‘he was rough, tough, mean and witty,’ Pierce Brosnan was ‘cool, calculated and too damn handsome!’ and as for Daniel Craig, he’s ‘terrific, and I hope he’ll reign for many years to come.’

The ‘escapism, entertainment, fun, beauty and thrills that so encapsulate each and every film,’ Moore also reveals, was set down in the original blueprint designed by producers Albert R, ‘Cubby’ Broccoli and Harry Salzman.

And that early vision has never faded, earning the films a huge loyalty in the world of 007 fans who not only collect the films but also the memorabilia, the posters and, it hardly needs saying, the books!

So if there is a Bond fan in your family, the hunt for a gift is over... the ultimate book on 50 years of the cult movies written by one of the ultimate James Bonds has to be the perfect solution.

(Michael O’Mara Books, hardback, £25)

Driffield resident Martin McKalroy has received an 18-month community punishment order, to include 150 hours of unpaid work, after admitting benefit fraud.

McKalroy, 56, of Eastfield Road, Driffield, appeared before Bridlington Magistrates on Monday, and was sentenced after admitting to dishonestly making false statements to East Riding of Yorkshire Council in order to obtain housing and council tax benefit.

An investigation by East Riding of Yorkshire Council investigators established that Mr McKalroy had under-declared his self-employed earnings and had also failed to declare that his wife was also working.

Mr McKalroy fraudulently obtained housing and council tax benefit totalling £5,352.73 between the period July 2009 to August 2011. He will have to repay the overpayment together with the £750 costs he was ordered pay.

McKalroy was prosecuted under Section 111A(1)(a) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

Jeff Taylor, principal fraud investigation and enforcement officer, said: “The council does not tolerate abuse of the benefit system. We are determined to safeguard the funds available for genuine claimants.

Anyone found to be fraudulently claiming benefit face being brought before the courts and, if convicted, receiving a criminal record.”This prosecution was taken after consideration of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s prosecution policy.

Anyone who suspects benefit fraud in the East Riding area can call the 24-hour benefit fraud hotline in confidence on 01482 394949, text 07786 200 850, or email benefit.fraud@eastriding.gov.uk

CHILDREN at Leven CE Primary School have made a special presentation to Mrs Joyce Taft, who has retired after 25 years as the village postmistress.

Mrs Taft was presented with flowers and a giant card at an assembly attended by school governors and villagers as well as pupils and staff.

Headteacher Andy Dolman said that Mrs Taft had always supported the school, and everyone knew her as a familiar face behind the counter at Leven Post Office.

“Like all Post Offices, it is the glue that holds the village together and she has been at the centre of that,” he said.

A BEVERLEY charity shop has received an unexpected windfall after three old dresses turned out to be vintage pieces worth hundreds of pounds.

The dresses, turned up at the town’s Oxfam shop, where they were thought to be too old and damaged to be offered for sale.

But one of the charity’s volunteers sought the advice of a friend who has studied fashion and recognised them as genuine vintage garments dating back to the 1930s and 40s.

The dresses were sent to auction at Kerry Taylor Auctions in London, where instead of the estimate of £200 to £300 they sold for £550.

Now staff at the charity shop are hoping that other people who have vintage clothing that they may have considered to be in too poor a condition to give away may be encouraged to donate it to Oxfam.

Shop manager Helen Benstead said no-one at the shop in Toll Gavel is sure where the three vintage dresses came from, or even if they came in together. They were all in a damaged condition and would not have sold in the shop.

“At Oxfam we take great time and care to ensure that we get the best price possible for donations that our supporters have very kindly donated and will seek professional advice and help where needed,” she said.

“We have a very good team of experts called Valued at Oxfam who will help us to identify potentially valuable items.

“If anybody has any vintage dresses, even in a poor condition, my advice is do not throw them away - donate them to Oxfam and you may be surprised at what they can bring.”

The three vintage dresses are described in the auction catalogue as a couture silk tulle court presentation/bridal gown from the early 1930s; a green velvet evening gown from the late 1930s and a Cresta silk magenta wool crepe gown from around 1940.

Mrs Benstead said that the £550 raised from the sale is an unexpected boost. “It is absolutely brilliant,” she said.

.

A MAN has been given a conditional discharge by a court after assaulting his ex-girlfriend and causing criminal damage at her home in Driffield.

Thomas Ward, 26, of Pulham Lane, Wetwang pleaded guilty to common assault and to causing criminal damage when he appeared before magistrates in Bridlington last Wednesday.

Prosecutor Jayne Wilson told the court that Ward and Stacie Barwick had been in a relationship for six months.

Ms Wilson said the couple had spent the day together in Driffield on November 4 but during the day Ward had been “quite spiteful” towards Miss Barwick and was calling her names.

At the end of the day Miss Barwick agreed to let Ward return to her flat that evening but after he left she made arrangements for a friend to visit her and stay overnight.

The court heard that Miss Barwick sent a message to Ward asking him not to return that evening but at 6.45pm he returned to the flat and let himself in.

He then left to get some cans of lager before returning and sitting in a chair by the window drinking.

“Miss Barwick asked if he was going to start and he told her he was going to smash her face in and would beat her up,” Ms Wilson said.

Ms Wilson told the court that Miss Barwick asked Ward to leave and said the relationship was over. She then sent a text message to a friend asking them to call the police.

When the police arrived Barwick was angry and aggressive and said he would return the next day to collect his belongings. But officers asked him to collect his things while they were present.

Ward pulled out a cabinet drawer in the kitchen area and threw it onto the floor causing it to smash. The damage was estimated at £60.

The court also heard that during an argument prior to this incident, sometime between July 31 and November 4, Ward assaulted Miss Barwick by pushing her in the face with an open hand.

In mitigation Nick Clay, acting as duty solicitor, said: “He shouldn’t have behaved in that way, it’s a stupid thing to do.”

“He says it was out of frustration that he pushed her away.”

That matter went no further, it was only when the police spoke to them about this matter that it was reported,” he added.

Mr Clay said Ward was hopeful he could re-start the relationship once the court case was over.

Ward was given a 12 month conditional discharge, ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15.

A DRIFFIELD man is to appear at Hull Crown Court charged with grievous bodily harm.

Christopher Johnson, 28, of Fieldfare appeared at Bridlington Magistrates Court last Wednesday accused of unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm to Marchin Gawron in Driffield on August 27 this year.

Mr Johnson, who was represented by Vicky Lancaster, did not enter a plea. The case was committed to Hull Crown Court for November 28. Mr Johnson was granted bail on condition that he doe not contact named prosecution witnesses.

The following planning applications have been submitted to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council which relate to the Driffield area:

Alterations to existing stables including the erection of a covered way, following demolition of existing lean-to extension and bird/pet enclosure, the construction of a riding arena following the demolition of chicken shed and lean-to, erection of a hay and straw store, alterations to existing driveway and access, erection of paddock fencing, and siting of a mobile field horse shelter - Lund House, 18 North Road, Lund.

Alterations to existing stables including the erection of a covered way following the demolition of existing lean-to extension and bird/pet enclosure - Lund House, 18 North Road Lund.

Erection of pig finishing house - Warren Farm Garton Road, Sledmere.

Erection of 6 dwellings (plots 3-8) following outline approval 08/04481/OUT (appearance, layout, landscaping and scale to be considered) - Ivy House Farm, 14 Station Road, Hutton Cranswick.

Conversion of existing dwelling to four apartments – Sunnyside, Wansford Road, Nafferton.

Fell 3 Beech trees and 1 Conifer tree located in rear garden as they are very close to the house, block out natural light and fears of falling - 28 Highwood, Driffield.

Erection of 4 no. dwellings - Dacre Arms Car Park Boardman Lane, Brandesburton.

Variation of Condition 2, relating to the demolition of the existing dwelling, of approved application 08/02530/PLF - Green Close Cottage Gembling Lane. Gembling.

Fell Sycamore (T1) due to size and proximity to property raising concerns about potential structural implications. - 5 Church Lane, Hutton.

ALDBROUGH CONSERVATION AREA - Fell Tulip tree (T1) due to being in a dangerous state with rotting branches and a danger to pedestrians and neighbouring property - 7 Church Street, Aldbrough.

Reduce limbs of Pine (T1) overhanging property back to suitable growth points and major dead wood to balance the crown and reduce falling debris. Crown lift 5m Lime (T2) to 5m to allow more light to garden and space for garden shed. Fell Oak (T3) with extensive dieback around base and leans. - 4 Willow Close, Brandesburton.

Crown lift mature Ash trees (T1-T5) to 5m from base removing epicormic growth and remove major deadwood. Crown lift two small unknown boundary trees (T6&T7) to 2m from base. - Highfield 12 Kilnwick Lane, Lockington.

Erection of 4 no. dwellings - Dacre Arms, Car Park, Boardman Lane, Brandesburton.

Minor amendment to planning application 09/00874/PLF relating to alterations to internal layout, removal of 2. wc’s repostioning and removal of fire escapes - Primepak Foods Ltd Unit 86 Kelleythorpe Industrial Estate, The Embankment, Kelleythorpe.

Fell a dangerous Sycamore tree - Manor House, Main Street, North Dalton.

Outline application for residential development of up to 21 dwellings (All Matters Reserved) - Field House, Bridlington Road, Driffield.

CONTROVERSIAL proposals to build a 25 metre high wind turbine on the outskirts of Driffield have been given the green light in the wake of a planning inquiry.

The East Riding of Yorkshire Council refused permission for scheme amid fears that it would harm the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside.

But the decision was overturned on appeal, despite an acknowledgement by a Government planning inspector that the development would result in “modest harm” to the landscape.

Zoe Hill,appointed by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, said: “While some modest harm has been identified in terms of the landscape, this is outweighed by the benefits derived from the provision of renewable energy.”

The appeal site stands in open agricultural land.

“As an objector notes, this attractive and interesting landscape has also gained attention because of David Hockney’s paintings,” explained Mrs Hill.

“This is a special landscape, as recognised in the Joint Structure Plan for Kingston Upon Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.”

The proposed wind turbine would be sited close to an existing turbine.

It would be screen in many views.

The inspector said: “A general objection has been made by members of the public and an action group on grounds of noise disturbance but this does not related to specific living condition issues. Noise impact on the character of the area would not be significant.”

There are a significant number of other wind turbines in the wider area.

TWO offenders were brought to justice in Driffield in the between October 31 and November 6.

A man has been summoned to court after being caught in possession of cannabis in Driffield.

At around 2.45pm on Wednesday October 31 a male was detained on New Road.

During an authorised search a police officer discovered the male was carrying a tin containing a small amount of cannabis in his jacket pocket.

Other drugs paraphernalia, including needles and anti-septic swabs, were also found on his person.

During a police interview the male admitted the drug found was cannabis and was for his own use.

He has been summoned to court for the possession of a controlled drug.

At 3.30pm on Tuesday November 6 an elderly woman was spotted by staff at the Tesco Store in Driffield taking items from the display and secreting them into her shopping bags.

The lady then passed through the checkout, paying for some items but neglecting to pay for others.

She was followed outside by Tesco staff who detained her and retrieved the stolen items.

The offender was dealt with at the store by attending police officers and was issued an £80 penalty notice for the offence.

Members of the Midlands and Yorkshire Classic Car Club are getting ready for their last classic car meet of 2012.

Owners of cars from a bygone age will be getting together on Sunday December 2 for their last full meet of the year.

Anyone who has a classic car that is pre-1985 is welcome to come along, even if they are not a member of the club.

No pre-booking is needed, and there is no entrance fee.

The event is being held on the car park of the Black Swan public house in Brandesburton, just off the A1035 and starts at 11.30am.

The event is organised by the Midlands and East Yorkshire Classic Car Club, which holds regular meets in the region.

Club Secretary John Langham said: “We hope as many local classic car owners as possible will come along and make 2012 go out on a high note, historically speaking.”

Although this is the last event of 2012, the club intends to welcome in the New Year bright and early by holding the first UK 2013 classic car meet.

This will be on New Year’s Day at the same venue, starting at Noon.

WORRIED town councillors are urging East Riding Council to think again over the future of Beverley’s Grovehill site, fearing planned development will cause major traffic problems and harm the town centre.

East Riding Council has selected a preferred bidder for the sale and development of the 4.9 hectare former council depot site at the edge of the town.

Maple Grove Developments Ltd fought off competition from 10 other bidders for the council-owned site, with the majority of proposals centring around plans for retail developments, including a supermarket.

The authority is now proposing to hold in-depth discussions with the developer over plans for the site, with an application for planning consent potentially lodged in spring 2013.

But members of Beverley Town Council agreed at their meeting this week to express ‘serious concerns’ about the East Riding Council Cabinet proposal to sell the site to the highest bidder.

The town council is calling instead for consideration to be given to developing the site for light industry, small business units and social housing.

Town councillors also agreed to express concern about the potential for traffic congestion on roads near the site.

Former Mayor of Beverley Councillor Pete Astell said he was worried that it looked as though the land would be developed with a supermarket or retail park.

He warned that traffic in neighbouring Swinemoor Lane is already ‘horrendous’ at peak times, and said that when the new bypass opens there would be a lot more traffic in the area.

He said the East Riding Council should be urged to re-think the proposals, and consider instead developing the land with social housing, light industry and a science park, which could lead to apprenticeships.

Coun Astell said that the land at Grovehill was one of the last available sites in the town that could provide future jobs.

“When you look at areas of land available for industrial use they are very limited and if all that area is taken up with a supermarket or retail park it is limiting this town’s future employment in industry,” he warned.

Coun Astell said that following the approval given for the Flemingate site, which also includes retail use, he feared that retail development at Grovehill would damage the town centre.

He pointed out that there are already plans for an Aldi supermarket in Swinemoor Lane and said he would like to see consultations taking place on a proper traffic management plan for the area.

Coun Bryan Pearson, who serves on both councils, said he also had some concerns about the site, but if it was sold to the highest bidder the buyer would have to submit a planning application on which the town council would have an opportunity to give its views.

He said there was speculation, or ‘kite flying’, over what would go on the site. “At the end of the day there is not one inch of planning permission given to anyone yet,” he said.

The Mayor, Councillor Margaret Pinder, said it was not unreasonable for the town council to take a view on what it would like to see on the land. “I think it would be remiss as a council, given that these kites are flying, not to fly our own with our views,” she said.

Coun Martin Cox said he was concerned at the ‘short sightedness’ of the Cabinet in deciding to sell to the highest bidder, which might not always be the best approach.

“It is more important to consider what would be best for the people of Beverley,” he said.

Coun Jim Whitfield said that any other council that had an opportunity to control development of a site which belonged to it would not be selling it but would contribute to the whole of the region by using it to create jobs.

Although a report by planning consultants England and Lyle had concluded that the vitality and viability of the town centre would not be harmed by retail development at Grovehill, Coun Pearson said he still had fears that it might do just that.

Coun Astell said it would be in the best interests of Beverley to build social housing as the town had no other land readily available for that purpose.

I write to express my concern for the damage being done to our wonderful pasture, the Westwood.

I walk my dog around the Westwood most days of the week. On the morning after the Lions’ bonfire I was horrified to discover the damage caused by mindless, arrogant moron motorists who had quite clearly been taking short cuts across the pasture to presumably gain a more advantageous position to view the display. There are deep ruts visible from many areas where ‘hand-brake turns’ etc have been carried out. The most popular route has been from Newbald Road to Westwood Road, via Hill 60, where various tyre tread patters are visible.

In addition, I also personally gathered a full black bin liner full of glass and plastic bottles, folding polystyrene take away boxes, triangular sandwich containers and various other items of trash from the side of the main York Road and Newbald Road. None of this rubbish was apparent on the day previous, as I would have noticed it.

Whilst congratulating the Lions on their successful and record-breaking bonfire, and also the rest of their magnificent charity work, we cannot go on having our wonderful pasture land abused by what appears to be a growing mindless minority. I am also making my concerns known to the Pasture Masters.

Chris Walker

Pasture Freeman

Beverley

I have been living in this area for some 23 years, so I still count as a new-comer in the eyes of many local residents. Perhaps, therefore, your readers and local politicians will be able to help me resolve a few questions in relation to the proposed Longcroft ‘development’ and other proposals.

The mysteries:

Graham Stuart MP was recently pictured with local football teams bemoaning the shortage of pitches. Longcroft currently has eight such pitches. Where will the developers build the replacement pitches and what will be the fate of the school’s sports centre?

Eight hundred new homes equates to approximately 1500 additional cars. More depending on the wealth and ages of the new inhabitants. The parking and additional roads will be where?

There is talk of a ring road, but national and international experience is that new roads almost immediately gridlock and this does not resolve the use of cars entering the town centre. This might be less of an issue if Beverley and district had a truly efficient, integrated public transport network, but it does not.

Eight hundred new homes = approximately 2,500 new inhabitants. On top of existing proposals, this is enough to swamp existing facilities such as the leisure centre, doctors etc. I assume that the developers will also be paying for such additional facilities?

Having built a hospital and hundreds of other houses on the local flood plains, the Longcroft proposals at least have the intelligence to build on one of the few secure sites in the longer term. These are going to be ‘quality homes’ so the quality people will be safe and dry at least. And the new school? Pushed into the wetlands as were our poorer, medieval ancestors?

There is a huge amount of derelict land in and around Beverley. So why do we have to consume more green-field sites for a science park, petrol station etc?

A small hotel? In addition to the one already proposed? Is this to encourage visitors to the historic town of Beverley whose historic features - such as the market square cobbles - are going to be torn up and the town’s shopping centre gutted by out-of-town development. A visit to Gloucester or many other towns and cities will quickly reveal what the future holds.

And the final mystery? So Britain is really so poor that it is incapable of building decent schools and other facilities through the state. We are then really in a worse state than during the 1940’s and 50’s when schools and hospitals could be built and rebuilt despite the austerity of the post-war era? Perhaps Mr Stuart and the council should push for the re-introduction of rationing?

If this is coherent planning, then it is a true mystery.

C McPherson

Canada Drive

Cherry Burton.

How many more Bradley Wiggins? How many more kids? How many more “Sorry, I didn’t see you!”s? How many more times do cycle helmets and fluorescent lycra have to not protect cyclists? How many more hit and runs? How many more broken ribs? How many more Olympic cyclists and head coaches? How many more teachers, builders, council staff? How many more kids?

How many more before people realise that it doesn’t have to be like this? How many more before cyclists and county councils realise that there is another way of doing things? How many more before the highways agency realises there is another system and infrastructure? A system that is demonstrated to work safely every day of the year. A system that allows a million cycling journeys to be made safely each day, every day? Safely. A way that allows the nation with the highest cycling rate in the world, to be the safest cycling place in the world, for cyclists and pedestrians. A system that segregates bicycles and motor vehicles whenever and wherever it needs to. A system that segregates car bumpers and lorry wheels from cyclists’ limbs and heads.

How many more before they realise that Holland in the 1970s had a similar road structure and accident rate that Britain has today? How many more before they realise that the Dutch people knew how many was enough? How many more before they realise that the Dutch government and councils listened, and acted. How many more before they realise that the Dutch government and councils developed good quality cycle lanes and cycle paths, with junctions and roundabouts that work, that give priority to cyclists, that cyclists use. Everyday. Safely. A system where cycling isn’t just a sport, it’s every day transport for millions of people for work, shopping and leisure.

Please see :- http://www.dutchcycling.nl/; http://www.aviewfromthecyclepath.com/; http://www.cycling-embassy.org.uk/

Please don’t say “Sorry, I didn’t see you!”

Mike Akester

Bielby Drive

Beverley.

From the heart:

I write this letter as someone who went to school in Beverley as a lad and as somebody who feels great affection for our wonderfully historic town. However I’m concerned that gradually the very features that make this town unique are being lost.

Of late I include the loss of The Picture Playhouse (as an Arts Centre), the York stone pavers in Toll Gavel and the Flemingate project.

The latter scheme will simply suck out the trade from the centre of the town resulting in empty, mostly independent, shops.

The latest scandalous scheme is to “improve” Saturday market which will involve the removal of the cobble setts. These historic setts are another feature that makes Beverley unique and are about to be lost forever. Does nobody care when the philistines on the East Riding council take these arbitrary decisions? The council claim to have so called consultations with its citizens; who, when, where, how many? In reality these are rubber stamping exercises and change nothing. We have such august bodies as the Chamber of Trade and the Civic Society who are clearly ineffective and unable to stop the juggernaut. Whatever happened to the government’s Big Society?

There is no point in the chuntering over a cup of coffee, me included; now is the time for action.

The latest loss of land to the developers is up at Longcroft School; where we have another scheme wrapped up as altruism; here we go again! This is nonsense, the raison d’etre of developers (and to some extent the Council), as with Flemingate, is greed and financial gain.

As a local resident, I urge everyone who cares for this town to write to the council, councillors and your local MP and kick up a fuss before it is too late. We need action now and in a world of so called “people power” I hope the people of Beverley get together and take the steps necessary to prevent such schemes destroying the very features that make Beverley the beautiful town it is today.

Richard Armstrong

North Bar Within

Beverley.

DOES Driffield need its own mayor?

This was the key question raised during a town council debate to consider a resolution to form working group to review civic expenses and to report back to the Budget Working Group.

Coun David Credland said certain aspects of civic life should be reviewed and felt that mayoral visits to places such as Broughton and Bottesford bore no relevance to Driffield.

And he said that he would like at least to look at the Mayors Allowance and review its perimeters, perhaps with a view to reducing the annual mayoral honorarium which currently stands at £1,000 – already reduced from its past level of £1,500.

A further £1,500 is also set aside each year to cover the cost of civic functions such as mayor making, the civic service and Christmas.

The current Mayor, Coun Joan Cooper, insisted that a working group could not be formed to report back to a separate working group and therefore motion could not be considered.

Former mayor, Coun Joyce Fletcher acknowledged the legitimacy of such a review, although she felt it was imperative that the role of Mayor be open to all councillors and not just those who could afford it.

She said that the Mayoral Allowance and the Civic Function allowance had been originally proposed to ensure this did not happen.

Coun Tony Cooper, also a past mayor, said that Coun Credland’s suggestions for a review should go right back to the basic question of civic activities – did the council want to take part in civic functions?

“From there you are looking the whole civic picture - do we need a mayor? If we say no, we have solved the problem.”

Coun Phil Stocker said: “My income is small and I would have to look at whether I could afford to be mayor. I would need that fund.”

Coun Credland said he had no desire to be the mayor but acknowledged that if he was he would also need the fund.

Coun Steve Poessl echoed Coun Fletcher’s sentiments that the role of Mayor must remain inclusive and that the Civic Allowances ensured this. “Until you have been the mayor or mayoress, you do not know what it entails - it’s an expensive role.”

Coun Mrs Cooper assured Coun Credland that the issue of the honorarium and other aspects of council business would be discussed at the Budget Working Group meetings. “We have to do,” she said.”We cannot do anything else - it’s public money.”

READERS - tell us what you think. Send an email to editorial@driffieldtoday.co.uk, write to Times House, Mill Street, Driffield, YO25 6TN, post on the Driffield Times & Post Facebook page, Tweet us @driffieldnews, or send a text starting DTP (space) EDITOR (space) and then your comments, name and address to 61500. Texts 25p plus network charge.

Driffield’s Bonfire and Firework event raised more than £6600 in donations and admissions - £727 up on the previous year.

Town council clerk Claire Binnington thanked councillors Joyce Fletcher, Paul Rounding, Joan Cooper, Matthew Garrard, Mark Blakeston, John Pougher, Heather Venter, Phil Stocker and Kevin Stack for their sterling efforts and also helpers Charlotte Pougher and Emma Starratt.

Proposals to site a 45m high wind turbine on land at Kilham are facing a welter of opposition.

The village parish council say the height of the proposed turbine on land north of the allotments at Back Lane will make it overly dominant and the visual impact will be out of keeping so close to the village.

Councillors also fear that allowing a turbine so close to the village would set an unacceptable precedent for other applications.

Planning officials on the East Riding of Yorkshire Council are also against the scheme.

They have recommended that a planning application should be refused when it goes for decision to the eastern area planning sub committee next Monday.

A report to the committee said: “As a result of the proposed turbine’s scale and location, it will have a dominant and unacceptable impact upon the sensitive landscape associated with the Wolds.

“The surrounding landscape is considered to be of high landscape value and its special character has added significance as a result of historic context.”

Harrison Farmers Ltd have applied to build a wind turbine 30m high to the hub and 45m high to the blade tip. The blade diameter would be 29m.

It would be close to the edge of the village and within 600m of development limits, and there are a number of homes closer to the turbine site, which stands in open countryside on the south facing slope of a hill.

The applicants said that they proposed to provide a community fund from the profits of the turbine for the benefit of the Kilham Playing Field Association, providing a contribution towards the running costs of the playing field. This would be a private agreement and was not part of the planning application.

The Ministry of Defence has also objected to the scheme as the turbine would cause “unacceptable interference to the AD radar at Staxton Wold.”

The MoD said: “Trials carried out in 2005 concluded that wind turbines can have detrimental effects on the operation of radar in the vicinity of the turbines and the creation of false aircraft returns. The probability of the radar detecting aircraft flying over of in the vicinity of the turbines would be reduced and the RAF would be unable to provide full air surveillance in the area of the proposed wind farm.”

* Driffield turbine plan approved - see also page 11