Clouds of cigarette smoke, battered old typewriters hammering away, piles of old newspapers and phones constantly ringing for attention...

Semi-retired national and regional newspaper journalist Terry Hamilton conjures up the world of a 1960s local newspaper office in this funny, nostalgic novel based on his own experiences as a junior reporter half a century ago.

This humorous and at times poignant book evokes the vibrant atmosphere of a busy newsroom where reporters would dash around to `jobs’ ranging from covering church fairs and village fetes to court sessions, council meetings, weather stories and the inevitable fatal accidents.

The title, If Wet In Church Hall, is a phrase that young reporters often saw on notices advertising fetes and other outdoor events in towns and villages up and down the country.

Our young hero sets off innocently and enthusiastically on a series of adventures and misadventures as he begins his journalistic career on an imaginary evening newspaper somewhere in northern England, and tries in vain to savour for himself the delights – imaginary or otherwise – of the Swinging Sixties.

Much of its appeal lies in the rich array of characters who populate the novel, and anyone who has ever worked in a newspaper office will recognise people like Puffing Billy, who is never without his disgusting smelly pipe, and Jimmy the boozy photographer, who has an ‘arrangement’ with the buxom landlady of the pub opposite the newspaper’s office.

This delightfully entertaining story is pure nostalgia for those who remember newspaper offices and many other workplaces in the not-always-Swinging Sixties – and an eye-opener for those who don’t!

(York Place Media ebook, £2.02 Amazon download)

Councillor Margaret Pinder, Mayor of Beverley, will be lighting up Tesco Beverley’s Light Up a Life Christmas tree on Saturday December 22.

Throughout December, Tesco customers have been making a £1 donation to Cancer Research UK (Tesco’s Charity of the Year) and hanging a bauble on the tree to make a wish in memory to a loved one.

At midday this Saturday, the Mayor will be lighting up their wishes and Tesco would like to welcome all families to the Morton Lane store to remember their loved ones.

Dave Ryley, the store’s community champion, said: “We would like to thank everyone for your support and kind donations. Merry Christmas from everyone at your Beverley store.”

Cancer Research UK is Tesco’s Charity of the Year 2012 and together we hope to raise £10million to fund 32 early diagnosis and detection research projects across the UK. This will help more people survive cancer and keep more families together.

Drama and romance prove a compelling combination in Lizzie Lane’s novel set in Bristol in the lean years after the Second World War.

Warm and wise, funny and heartbreaking, Lane’s stirring stories never fail to capture the spirit of times gone by, and Wartime Brides takes us to the hardships and dilemmas faced by many families in the aftermath of a long conflict.

Post-war Bristol comes to vivid life as three women from very different backgrounds meet on Bristol’s Temple Meads station where peeling paint and shabby waiting rooms bear testament to years of neglect.

But despite the privations and queues, there is an air of bright expectancy on the faces of the young women who are waiting for the return of their loved ones.

Shy and troubled, Edna Burbage is watching out for her fiancé Colin Smith who has come home crippled and in a wheelchair. Life will never again be the same for either of them.

Vivacious Charlotte Hennessey-White can’t wait to be reunited with her doctor husband David but the once loving and gentle father returns a violent, disturbed man with no love for her, and even less for their two children.

And as for tough nut Polly, her Canadian airman boyfriend Gavin doesn’t come back at all, leaving her pregnant, alone and facing a scandal.

Adjusting to men who have changed beyond recognition and, in Polly’s case, to no man at all is at the heart of this nostalgic and gritty story.

For six years these women had to cope with what life threw at them and, in that turbulent time, they also changed. And all is not as it seems because they harbour secrets that would be best kept hidden...

Lane weaves an enthralling story with sensitivity, authenticity and a big helping of her trademark compassion.

A warm and engrossing read for those cold winter nights.

(Ebury, paperback, £5.99)

A service of celebration for the life of Hilda Storey of Beeford took place at St Leonard’s Church, on 29th November. She died peacefully on November 21, aged 99.

The service was conducted by the Rev James Grainger-Smith, with Nick Tanton on the organ. Great granddaughter Ella sang an anthem and granddaughter Hannah gave a reading.

Hilda was born in the village of Norton near Malton, the daughter of a tailor and a teacher. She attended the local primary school and then the grammar school in Malton where she passed her matriculation exams towards the end of the 1920s. Hilda enjoyed her schooling so much that she chose to be a teacher.

She began her teaching career in her own primary school of Norton where at the end of her first year she had become a non-certified teacher. In 1932 she moved to Londesborough School in the East Riding where the school had seven pupils. She then moved to Beeford School in the mid 1930’s to take up a temporary position, which lasted for five and half years. It was through the village drama group and tennis club that Hilda met Jack Storey and in 1938 they were married in the chapel at Norton, and set up home in Eastfield Farm at North Frodingham.

The couple had three daughters, Gill, Judy and Angela. Hilda had an active life in those days, she enjoyed tennis, dancing, sewing, knitting and cooking and baking. Her chocolate cakes and teacakes were always popular at local fetes. She was a member of North Frodingham Women’s Institute, and a high spot in her life was attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace through the WI.

Eventually the three girls grew up and left home and Hilda and Jack were blessed with firstly grandchildren and then great grandchildren. She enjoyed the company of the children cooking, talking, reading and playing games with them. She was never too old to learn and in her 60s passed her driving test and at 90 mastered emailing.

In the 1980’s Hilda and Jack moved to Dringhoe Lea for retirement and they started going on coach holidays travelling all over Europe with old friends from Beeford. In 1997 they lost their daughter Judy and in 2002 Jack passed away. Hilda decided to move into Beeford for her final years. She enjoyed reading, crosswords, TV quiz programmes and attending the Afternoon Tea and Social Group in the village.

Hilda was a strong, industrious and determined person she was also generous, considerate, and very caring. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Donations in Hilda’s memory were for Cancer Research UK and St Leonard’s Church.

The passing bell was rung by Mrs. Anne Smith.

Chief Mourners: Angela & Geoff Sims (daughter and son-in-law), Dave Light (son-in-law) Nicola & Martin Wilson (granddaughter and husband) Tess and Sasha Wilson (great granddaughters), Carolyn & Stephen Christian (granddaughter and husband) Ella & Jack Christian (great grandchildren), Robert & Naomi Light (grandson and wife), Hannah & Andrew Murphy (granddaughter and husband), Anne and Les Smith, Claire Adkins, Philip Laird, Mrs Bette Storey, Mrs Linda Taylor, Also rep Mr P G Taylor, Mrs Margaret Storey also rep Martin Storey, Canon Michael Storey, Ken Tate also rep Gill Storey,

Others Present: Mr & Mrs I Crabtree, Mr C Robson Also rep Sandra Robson, Mr & Mrs T Sowersby also rep family, Margaret Duggleby also rep Joan Marwood, Gill Butler also rep Ullyott’s of Driffield, Don & Ros Watson, Mrs A Mckie also rep North Frodingham YCA, Sandra Coates, Mr & Mrs P Blanchard, Pippa Robinson also rep Nigel and family, Sylvia Berry, Sheila Norris, Mr A Dixon also rep Mr K Watson and Mr & Mrs A Hillyard, Mr & Mrs David Kell, Jean & Trevor Pickering also rep Helen & Gill Woodall, Wilf Norman, B Jordan, Mr & Mrs J Gillies, Shirley Hebden, Flora Twiddle, Cliff Warkup, Nev Hobson, Neil Clixby also rep Diane Clixby, Mrs G Shepherdson, Mrs K Fitzpatrick, Christine Jackson, Mrs E Barraclough, Roger & Joyce Parkin, also rep Mr & Mrs Robson, Jennifer Chaudry, Karen Jordan also rep Girls from Proactive, Mrs Heather Beard, Mr & Mrs M Warkup also rep Mrs Louise Muirhead, Mr & Mrs A Duggleby also rep Mrs I Benson and Mrs B Kirkwood, Mrs Helen Foreman, Mrs M Kirkwood also rep Mr G Kirkwood, Mrs Ann Aconley, Mr Phil Warkup, Mr & Mrs S Oxtoby, Sheila Robinson also rep family, Verna Shouler, Robert Kirbitson, Ernie Perry, Mrs M Warkup, Faye and Sherree (carers).

A funeral service was held at the East Riding Crematorium on Friday, December 14 for Mr William Towse, of church Rest Houses, Westgate, Driffield, who died peacefully in The Limes on December 6. He was 86.

The service was conducted by the Rev Malcolm Exley .

Billy was born in Driffield and attended school there. He was a mobile grocer delivering to farms before going to work at New Road Garage as a filling station attendant where he worked for over 25 years.

He married Joyce and they were married for 35 years before she died, they lived in Downe Street and Orchard Close during their married life.

He enjoyed going dancing with Joyce to the Spa in Bridlington and the Floral Hall at Hornsea. He followed local football teams, especially Little Driffield and he played pool for the Bay Horse in Driffield.

Chief mourners: Andrew & Michelle Towse, Brenton Towse, Jacky Robson, Georgina Towse, Elizabeth Towse, Abbiegail Towse, Charlotte Towse, Ben Withers.

Others present: Linda Towse, Jeff Cleminson, Mr & Mrs H Arnell, Barry & Lesley Greenlaw, Peter Hammond, Richard & Dorothy Pinder, Evelyn Pinder, Paul & Mandy Blakeston rep Marlene Atkinson, Ray Herbert, Peter & Margaret Sowersby, Maureen & Terry Stapley.

A funeral service was held at the East Riding Crematorium on Wednesday, December 12 for Mr Derek John Pryor of Angus Drive, Driffield, who died peacefully at home on December 5. He was 77.

The service was conducted by the Rev Robert Amos & the organist was Mr Peter Maw.

Derek was born in Hull, the eldest son of Jack & Elsie Pryor. He was brother to Geoff & Chris & the late David. He was evacuated to Kilham during the war and started school in Kilham. He performed in the local concert party with his friends. He loved cricket and football and he had a trial for Hull City. After leaving school he went on to become a joiner for Maurice Harrison in Kilham. He later moved to Twydale Turkeys to build turkey sheds, he stayed there for 29 years and went on to become Agricultural Director. He took early retirement after having a heart bypass operation.

Derek married Wendy in 1965. They went on to have one son Simon, later two grandsons James and Jack who he adored.

He enjoyed playing golf and was a member of the Driffield Golf Club, he loved being with his friends and enjoyed the camaraderie that went on at the club. He loved wildlife and bird watching.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Chief mourners: Wendy Pryor (wife), Simon & Maria Pryor (son & daughter in law), James & Jack (grandsons), Barbara & Rob Ellis (sister in law & husband), Mark & Lee Burley (nephews), David & Muriel Ake (brother in law & wife), Tina Ellis (niece),Darren Ake & Wendy (nephew & partner), Geoff Pryor (brother), Gill Pryor (sister in law), Helen Clark, Joanne Richardson (nieces), Chris Pryor (brother), Katie Pryor (niece), Maureen Emmanuelle (sister in law), Sarah Watson (niece), Stewart Pryor (nephew).

Others present: Mr & Mrs H Towse, John & Irene Mallory, Mr & Mrs C R Lupton, Mrs Gwen Bradley, Rose Crawford rep Mrs S Hepworth & Mr & Mrs M Phillips, Jill Ellis rep Mr & Mrs D Peacock Mrs K Warkup, Mrs L Watson, Mr & Mrs B Chubb, Mrs J Welburn, Mr J Dossor, Mr & Mrs McCewan, Paul, Vigo & Edwina Jensen, Tony & Margaret Mullineaux rep Mark Binnington & Stuart Morley, Brian Swann. Isobel & Geoff Drewery, Brian & Lesley Muir rep Charlie & Angela Wiles, Peter Boyes rep Frank Wilson, David Nicholson, Ross Nielson rep Keith & Marie Robinson, The Trout Inn, Gill & David Johnson, Trevor & Carol Thomas, Raymond Twiddle OBE, Mr & Mrs C Pickard rep Mrs F Brown, Mrs P Butler rep Mr Butler, Mr & Mrs Tony Potter, Mr & Mrs A Brigham, Mr & Mrs A Carlton,Mr & Mrs M Richardson, Blanche Cooper, Mrs C Fothergill, Mr C Sharp rep David Searby, Gordon Roebuck rep Richard Tennant & Richard Hornby, Susan Garwood rep Christopher Garwood, Dave Parker, Mark & Christine Beasley, Mike Clark rep Mrs Yates & John Robson, Dave Hornshaw, Brian Seville rep Gwen Seville & Driffield Golf Club, Barry Dixon rep Audrey Dixon, Mrs Christine Jackson, Janet Robinson, Robert Megginson, John Warcup, Eileen Naylor rep Gordon, Geoff Hall, Bob Bratten, John Smith, Derrick Blundell, Bob Ireland, John Newland rep Margaret Newland, David Gilliat rep Barbara Gilliat,Mr & Mrs C Sansome, John Hakner, Geoff Hakner rep Chris Hakner, Keith Abel, Lynne Rushworth rep Dean Rushworth & Liz Curtis, Janet Woodcock rep Phil Woodcock & Angela & Eugene Maher, Gwen Byass rep Mrs Kirkwood, Mr & Mrs D Brown, Tim & Christine Beachell, Mike Peacock rep Jenny, Nick Bristow rep Lynn, Peter Bradbury rep Irene & Simon Bradbury, Cliff & Lynn Duggleby, Denise Shepherdson, Mr & Mrs M Goulding, Gary Johnson, John Emmett, Michael & Carol Gray, Moira Waites, Barry Ellis rep Irene Ellis, Pauline Everatt rep Angela Belt, Jenny Watson rep Henry Watson, Jim Sampson rep Mary Sampson, Mr & Mrs J Poynton, John Clancy, John Addison, Mandy & Steve Watson,Albert & Brenda Hallett, David Cawthorn, Barbara Vincent,Miss B Baird rep Alan Jefferson, Mrs Y Beachell rep David, Ann, Richard & Jill, Mr J Beachell rep Mrs Pam Beachell , Mr & Mrs B Jordas, Mrs H Morley, Mr R Charter, Mr Mal Wynn rep Maureen, Mr C License rep Betty, Brian & Sheila Young, Mr & Mrs D Hepworth rep Christine Harrison, Mr G Middlewood rep Mr & Mrs R Dukes, Mr & Mrs R Windrass, Mr C Stephenson rep Mrs V Stephenson, Mr & Mrs P Burdis rep Mrs P Burdis, Keith & Angela Lidster, Robert & Joyce Ward, Mr & Mrs H L Middlewood, Mr & Mrs J Middlewood, Mr L Thackery, Mr R Weightman, Mr J Finch rep Mrs L Finch, Mr & Mrs J White, Mr S Anderson, Tim Brown, Mr Nigel Horrox, Mr Brian Taylor, Mr David Roberts, Mr Robin Langhamer rep Mrs E Langhamer, Mrs Barbara Stephenson rep Mr A Stephenson, Mrs M Skinner, Mrs Cynthia Milne, Mr Peter Milne, David Jewitt, Jimmy Mills rep John Mills.

After the inquest, Jessica’s dad Dave Blake, speaking on behalf of himself and wife Alison, said in a statement:

“Whilst the pain is still raw, I have had what has felt like a long time to dwell on that loss.

“It seems now that there were two very different sides to Jess. There was the sad and depressed teenager she felt inside, who was so far from the Jess we knew, who was happy and playful, loving and full of life.

“I’ve had time to stare at the empty space on the sofa and listen to the silence, to watch the now spare chair at the table and feel the forlorn shudder

as I remember her in my arms and know I’ll never feel another hug from her again.”

He told how he ironed the cadet uniform she was buried in and bulled the boots she wore before helping to carry her coffin at her funeral.

He added: “I visit her grave twice a week and light a candle for her every day. I watch her photograph on the side more than the television these days and many nights I cry myself to sleep, when I do sleep.

“As a family we packed all her things away and stored them in the loft. Our friends helped redecorate her bedroom so that her sister could finally get some sleep, though she still has sleepless nights. We have created a memory box from her favourite things, the ones that bring back treasured moments that we know we’ll never recapture.

“Every quiet moment reminds us that Jess is gone. Yet still, at every sound outside, every shadow passing the window and each creak of the door, my heart leaps because I’m still expecting my little girl to come back to me. Pain twists in my stomach whenever I think of her and I burst into tears without warning. I know my wife is the same. This is the effect that Jess’ death has had upon us.

“The Jess we know was a wonderful daughter, niece and granddaughter and a loving sister to her elder sister and younger brother. She was loved so very much and her memory will live with us always, but so will the pain.

“Lastly, I would like to say to anyone who reads about Jess and perhaps sees themselves, you are not alone, there is always someone to talk to. Seek help, don’t suffer in silence and if you have a friend like Jess, don’t think ‘it’s only Jess being Jess’, because she might mean it, even if you know half the things she says aren’t true. You’re not being a bad friend by speaking to someone; you’re being the best friend she needs.”

A SERIAL burglar armed with a crowbar was tied to a fence after being caught red-handed trying to break into a rural home.

Dean Harris, 42, never expected to see Glen Joyce return to his house in Main Street, Burton Agnes, as he was jamming a crow bar and screw driver in to the top of his foyer door.

Mr Joyce initially thought it was a postman struggling with a delivery. When he realised it was a burglar he confronted Harris to ask him what was going on. Harris tried to push past Mr Joyce, but was chased down the garden by Mr Joyce and a work colleague. They who were able to overpower him. Harris was caught and then tied to a fence while the police were called to the scene, Hull Crown Court heard on Monday December 17.

Harris of Cranbeck Close, Bridlington, appeared in custody via video link from Hull Prison for sentence for a charge of attempted burglary. He caused £1,350 worth of damage and Mr Joyce had to take time off work because of an injured ankle.

The court heard Harris had five convictions for burglary between 1987 and 1994. He was jailed in 2003 for two and a half years for three separate burglaries.

Defence barrister Steven Garth admitted Harris had an awful record. “The root cause of these offences is drugs,” said Mr Garth. “He has always had a struggle with drugs through-out his adult life. At the time of this offence, every waking moment was spent either consuming drugs or trying to find drugs.”

Judge Michael Mettyear told Harris his claim to have stumbled on the home during a country drive showed his lies. “He either lies to himself, or thinks we are fools,” said Judge Mettyear. “You have a record of previous convictions that go back a long way. You were spending a great deal of money on drugs and were attempting to burgle this house to get money for drugs.”

He jailed Harris for nine-months warning him his next burglary would see him jailed for a minimum of three years.

Works to construct the A164 Humber Bridge to Beverley Route Improvement Scheme continue to progress swiftly in the Cottingham/Willerby area, at Skidby and along the A164 towards Beverley despite the onset of the winter period.

At Willerby roundabout and in the vicinity of Castle Hill roundabout, kerbing, bitumin surfacing works have taken place allowing traffic to be diverted onto the new carriageway, which has opened up new work areas.

To the north of Castle Hill roundabout and between Willerby and Castle Hill roundabouts, following road surfacing works, traffic will be diverted onto new sections of carriageway as they become available to open up further work areas.

Vehicle restraint barriers, fencing and street lighting columns have been installed at various locations with stoning up followed by kerbing also still taking place in the vicinity of Castle Hill and at Skidby roundabouts.

In addition the surfacing of new sections of carriageway at Skidby roundabout is due to take place.

THOUSANDS of pounds have been generated from parking tickets issued in Driffield during East Riding Council’s first year of civil parking enforcement.

From November 2011 to October 2012 562 penalty charge notices (PCN) were given out in Driffield which typically carry a £50 or £70 charge, unless they are paid within a 14-day ‘discount’ period during which the price is halved.

The period is the first in which East Riding of Yorkshire Council has been in charge of civil parking enforcement (CPE), after taking-over from Humberside Police in 2011.

The council issued 15,259 PCNs in its first year, meaning 4.6% of the East Riding’s 338,700 population received a ticket.

This compares to 18.6% for Scarborough’s 108,600 population and 11.1% of Harrogate’s populace of 158,700.

John Skidmore, head of streetscene services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “From the start, our aim was to support safe and sensible parking across the East Riding, as the vast majority of motorists’ park properly and pay for the time they use. 
“We still get daily requests from our residents to tackle parking problems and send out enforcement officers who invariably find that it is another example of a badly parked vehicle blocking someone’s access. 
“If a PCN is issued in error, we have robust statutory appeals procedures in place.” 
Income made from Civil Parking Enforcement can only be spent on traffic-related items, such as the maintenance of street signs and lines and improvements to parking facilities provided by the council.

The expenditure from the first year of operation, between November 2011 and October 2012, was £1,177,256 and income from the period totalled £1,046,095, which leaves a net deficit of £131,161 which was anticipated by the council in its first year of operating the new service.

The Youth Support Service is keen to develop and expand the amount of positive activity available to young people in the East Riding.

Following a one-off donation by arvato government services, the Youth Support Service is able to offer small grants to voluntary, not-for-profit organisations who want to provide more activities for young people aged five to 19 years of age.

Applicants could be established clubs or a new group needing funds to buy new equipment, help with running costs and staffing etc.

There is £63,000 available to two bands of applicant. Band A is up to £2,500 for individual organisations, and Band B is up to £5,000 for organisations that operate countywide, or in more than one location.

It is hoped the fund will be able to support a variety of organisations that must be able to spend the grant by March 31 2014.

Application packs are now available and the deadline for completed application forms to be received is February 1. Late bids will not be accepted. All applications will be considered by a panel on February 8.

Please note that funding will not be available to voluntary organisations that are in receipt of grant aid through the ERVAS sports club scheme.

For further details please contact Lynda Harris (Lynda.harris@eastriding.gov.uk, tel 01482 392806), or William Vodden (William.vodden@eastriding.gov.uk, tel 01482 392803), development officers with the Youth Support Service, or for an application form contact inclusion.access@eastriding.gov.uk, tel 01482 392824.

HUMBERSIDE Police have issued a warning to festive revellers who may consider driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol this Christmas.

A spokesperson from Humberside Police said: “Intent on getting behind the wheel whilst under the influence of drink or drugs? Well if you are, the message from Humberside Police is simple: We will catch you!

“Year after year police deal with people who get behind the wheel of a car, whilst under the influence of either drink or drugs, and sometimes both, during the festive period. Those people, don’t have any consideration for other road users and, do not realise that they are putting their lives and the lives of others in their own hands.

“This festive period will see Humberside Police working across the region to target those individuals and send a warning that drink and drug driving is not acceptable and police will be arresting people who break the law.”

The first weekends of December have seen police, supported by a specially trained drugs dog, target drink and drug drivers across East Yorkshire and Humberside. Vehicles were stopped and drivers were breathalysed and in some cases field impairment tests were conducted.

Roads Policing officers PC Barry Gardner and PC Keith Ward, who conducted the operation said: “Police are once again sending out a clear message that getting behind the wheel of a vehicle, after drinking alcohol and/or taking drugs will not be tolerated and police will be catching up with you.

“It is quite surprising that people don’t think about the risks they are putting themselves under and that they are quite literally putting the lives of others in their hands. An innocent driver, a cyclist or a pedestrian could be killed by those people who think its ok to drive whilst drunk or on drugs. Do you really fancy spending Christmas locked up?

“Drivers also need to think about the next morning when they get behind the wheel, and not just at the time of drinking. Alcohol can take time to leave your system and at this time of year, when festivities are taking place, think about what you drank the night before as you might not be legal to drive.

“The use of the drugs dog helps police to search vehicles and people more effectively. The dog can sniff out those who carry drugs in their vehicles and people who may have been in contact with drugs, within a matter of minutes. This simply will not be tolerated in this force area.

“Across the Humberside area, the issue of drink and drug driving applies to the minority and despite the high number of breath tests that are conducted across the force, the number of those who are arrested is relatively low. In the campaign for 2011, which ran from 01 November 2011 to 01 January 2012 police administered 3621 breath tests and 178 of them were positive. 10 field impairment tests were carried out and not one person was arrested as a result of these. The figures for this years campaign will not be available until early January.”

The operation has been endorsed by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove who said: “Driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs is totally unacceptable. Over the years we have seen only too well how lives can be ruined by people who decide to get behind the wheel when intoxicated.

“If you get stopped by the police and are found to be over the limit, not only will you face a driving ban, the possible loss of your job if you drive for a living and the effect that will have on your life, you will also have a criminal record which could stop you getting another job. But if that happens consider yourself lucky, your actions could kill someone, and I would welcome a long custodial sentence for anyone convicted.

“The message is simple, the only safe drink-drive limit is not to drink at all.”

Last month, following a Freedom of Information request to the Yorkshire Ambulance Service that showed only 48% of emergency calls in Mid Holderness being met under the eight-minute guideline, Graham Stuart MP visited all of the ambulance stations in the constituency.

Mr Stuart said, “I wanted to see the ambulance service in action and hear from front-line staff about how they feel the service could improve its response times in the constituency.

“I was very impressed with the skills, experience and dedication of the Yorkshire Ambulance Service staff I met during my visit.

“I came away with a strong message that ambulances could be better used and managed by both the service and service users to produce faster response times. It is worrying to hear that 60% of ambulance call outs are not life threatening emergencies and could be dealt with by a call to the GP or NHS Direct.

“If an ambulance is called to a non-emergency situation then it is unavailable for real emergencies. This means that ambulances could be held up and off-area while they deliver the non-emergency patient and hand them over to the hospital.

“It is good to hear that calls are prioritised and that the service does have the ability to divert an ambulance to a higher priority call en route if needed, but this is not possible once the ambulance is engaged with a patient.”

Macmillan Cancer Support is looking for local groups and businesses in Driffield to host a quiz on February 22 to raise vital funds for the cancer charity.

The Mammoth Quiz is Macmillan’s nationwide quiz, which has raised £68,000 for Macmillan since 2009 and holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s largest simultaneous quiz. In 2013, Macmillan wants the quiz to be their biggest ever and so needs lots of Driffield locals to register for the event.

Macmillan fundraising manager for North Yorkshire Sally Millington, said: “We are really excited about our Mammoth Quiz and we are hopeful lots of people will take part to help us make 2013’s quiz the biggest ever for Macmillan.

“The quizzes can be held anywhere, from the local pub or bowling club to a local factory, office or school.

“It’s a really nice way of raising some money while having fun with friends, family or work colleagues. And let’s face it – most of us like the chance to show off our general knowledge skills.”

It costs £10 to register with the money going to Macmillan to help fund vital cancer services. Every person that signs up to host a Mammoth Quiz will be sent a 2013 quiz, fundraising materials, tips for organising a quiz and information about Macmillan.

The Mammoth Quiz takes place on February22, but Macmillan says organisations can still hold a Mammoth Quiz after the date. They are encouraging as many people as possible to enjoy a great evening at the same time as doing something worthwhile for a fantastic cause.

Sally added: “It would be great to get as many quizzes as possible happening on February 22. However we know not everyone who wants to take part in a quiz to raise money for us will be able to make that time so quiz packs are still available to groups that want to hold their event at a later date.

“The main thing is to help make the quiz bigger and better than ever before and to raise funds to help support people living with cancer.”

To find register for your 2013 quiz pack or to find out more about the Mammoth Quiz, please contact Quiz Master Anna Webb on 01832 274075 or email anna@webboundle.co.uk

To get support from Macmillan, visit www.macmillan.org.uk or call 0808 808 0000.

POLICE are probing the fheft of a charity box from the Golden River Chinese Take Away, Driffield

The offence happened at around 9pm on Sunday December 9 when the Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity Box was stolen from the front counter.

The box had been on open display. The front counter is usually covered by a member of staff but they were distracted by the chef and left the counter for a few moments.

There were several people inside the takeaway who appeared to be together, waiting for their order, at the time. It is believed one of them hid it and then left the shop when they collected their order. It is not known how much money was in the collection box. Police are seeeking witnesses, call 101 quoting crime reference 1946521.

A Beverley school is celebrating after being named as the tenth most improved in England.

Swinemoor Primary School has been hailed for its ‘fantastic achievement’ in attaining its position in the primary school league tables.

In 2009, the percentage of Swinemoor Primary School pupils attaining Level 4+ in both English and maths was 43, but this had soared to 87 per cent by this year, representing a 44 per cent improvement.

Level 4+ is the level the Government recommends pupils should be able to reach in their final year at primary school.

Under new rules introduced last year, schools are expected to ensure that 60 per cent of pupils achieve this standard.

Alison Michalska, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s director of children, family and adult services, said Swinemoor Primary School had delivered ‘tremendous results.’

She said: “This is a fantastic achievement and is a testament to the hard work of the staff and pupils at Swinemoor School, who have blossomed under the impressive leadership of Leon Myers, the head teacher, and the governing body, who, working alongside the local authority school improvement service, have delivered tremendous results.”

Helen Ross, Principal Adviser (Primary) Improvement and Learning Service, said: “These are a fantastic set of results for the school and for all the Year 6 pupils. They show that the school is not only meeting national expectations but exceeding them.

“The Level 5 performance in reading and overall English is exceptional, and among the best in the county. When these results are compared to outcomes in 2009, Swinemoor is the most improved school in the East Riding over a three year period.”

Mr Myers, who has led the school for the past three years, said: “We have got absolute faith in our children – we know they are outstanding. This accolade only proves what we knew all along, that our children are as good if not better than any other children and we are very, very proud of them. This is thoroughly well deserved because they work incredibly hard.”

Mr Myers added: “For our children to realise that they can compete nationally and win this sort of accolade is going to make a real difference to their life chances. They can get a job, they can get university places. This is what education is about – improving those chances.”

Councillor Julie Abraham, portfolio holder for children, young people and local authority schools at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “This improvement is testament to good leadership and management and we are all extremely proud of what has been achieved at Swinemoor Primary School.”

POLICE are probing the theft of diesel fuel from on Carnaby Industrial Estate which happened overnight on Monday December 10 when someone approached an unattended coach parked securely in a car park and siphoned off all the diesel.

The complainant is a travel company which park and store their vehicles in the rear yard of another company.

A police spokeswoman said: “Someone approached at the rear of business premises where the coaches are stored and using physical force prise two metal slats apart from the perimeter fence and enter the yard.

“Once inside they approached a Volvo coach and snapped the locked fuel cap from diesel tank.

“They then siphoned an unknown amount of diesel from the tank, spilling some in the process.

“They then left the yard the same way and made off in unknown direction.

“The company manager said this is the second time this has happened, the first time was in summer this year.”

If you know anything about this crime please contact the police and quote crime reference 1946907.

criminalS escaped with specialist falconry equipment after breaking into a van at Sledmere.

The theft happened between 8.30am and 10am on Saturday December 15, when a white Citroën Belingo van was parked secure and unattended in a lay by just outside the village.

Someone smashed the passenger side window and entered the van.

A police spokeswoman said: “They stole Hawking tracking equipment for falcons, a box with four transmitters for birds of prey, a surf board in black and white with red strips in a bag, surf wear and a mobile phone.

“The victim was walking his dog at the time of the incident.

“Some of the equipment stolen is very specialised.”

Anyone who comes across it or witnessed anything suspicious around this time at the location please contact the police and quote crime number 1947408.

Officers are also investigating the theft of a Christmas Tree from the front of a property on Main Street, North Frodingham.

Thieves struck overnight on Saturday December 16 unknown, when they entered the front garden of a house and stolen an artificial Christmas tree which was housed in a gold bucket with ribbons and lights on it.

The tree was secured to the wall with thick wire, the wire was cut in order to steal the tree.

If anyone heard or saw anything suspicious around this time please inform the police and quote crime reference 1947700.

BEVERLEY’S annual folk festival is set to hit a high note for its 30th anniversary - by celebrating an important change of venue.

The June 21 to 23 event re-locates to the racecourse for 2013 and with the line-up for the weekend nearly completed organisers are promising a broad mix of artists and attractions.

There will be traditional English music from the Oysterband, popular music from the The Proclaimers, and a mixture of exciting songwriters, including Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes, plus Gretchen Peters, Henry Priestman and Lau.

In between, the festival also features a thriving Comedy Club and Film Club, plus a range of literature events featuring top authors, story tellers and poets.

Recent years have seen a great increase in interest from the younger generation, and there will be a full programme of events organised and performed by some of the best young artists in the country today.

Included are winners of the UK’s national ‘Live and Unsigned’ 2012 competition Co-Co and the Butterfields.

Having been nominated for the third time in 2012 for the Best Family Festival Award in the UK Festival Awards and having twice reached the short-list of top 10 festivals countrywide, the event will have its biggest programme ever of activities for children and families with story-tellers, open mic sessions, making workshops and lots more.

As well as the festival’s traditional “Festival Village” which will be held in the centre of the racecourse with a range of marquees for concerts, craft fair and food stalls, the range of buildings also available enables a mix of activities to take place that are best suited to an indoor environment.

To provide easy accessibility for everyone, the festival is laying on a special shuttle bus service between the racecourse and the town, where it will drop off at the popular spots hosting the regular festival sessions.

Artists already confirmed for 2013: The Proclaimers, Show of Hands with Miranda Sykes, Oysterband, Lau, Gretchen Peters (USA), Steve Forbert (USA), Eduardo Niebla, Sam Carter, Megson, Henry Priestman, Lucy Ward, Allan Yn Y Fan, Blackbeard’s Tea Party, The Young ‘uns, Eric Brace & Peter Cooper (USA), Coco and the Butterfields, Edwina Hayes, Farino, The Whiskey Dogs, Circus Envy, The Duncan McFarlane Band and Folkestra, plus more still to be announced.

* For information go to the festival’s website www.beverleyfestival.com or call the office on 01377 217569.

Single Event and Weekend Tickets are already selling fast and can be obtained on-line from.beverleyfestival.com

A special ‘Winter Warmer’ Weekend Deal is also available until December 31 for all ages plus Families.

Day tickets will go on sale early January.

POLICE issuesd a cannabis warning given to a male who was caught with the illegal drug in North Street, Driffield.

During the evening of Saturday December 8, a suspicious male was detained and searched by a police officer in the memorial gardens near North End Park.

He was found to be concealing a clear plastic bag containing herbal cannabis underneath his left bum cheek as he was sat on the park bench.

The bag was given over to officers and the male was dealt with for possession of cannabis at the local police station.