A MOTORIST stopped by police during a seasonal spot check on the Driffield by-pass was found to have been banned from driving, a court has heard.

A check by officers on December 16 also showed that George Brankin, 58, of Worthington Street, Bradford had been driving a Renault Master van along the A164 without the correct insurance.

Brankin pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and using a motor vehicle without third party insurance when he appeared at Bridlington Magistrates Court last Wednesday.

Victoria Mills, prosecuting, said Brankin’s details were checked by a police officer on the national computer but the details given differed slightly to those on the system.

“As the officer began to walk away the defendant called after the officer and admitted the details he had given weren’t correct and he was a banned driver,” Mrs Mills said.

Mrs Mills said Brankin had been banned from driving last year for failing to provide police with a specimen of breath for analysis.

Dave Robson, mitigating, described the incident as “unusual” and “bizarre”. Mr Robson said Brankin’s son had a severe medical condition, Chrohn’s disease, which had worsened.

Mr Robson said Brankin’s son, George, had been living with his mother until she died. George then moved to Bridlington but had become more and more hospitalised.

“His son needed support, there was nothing that could be done from the hospital or social services and it more or less left the defendant to work everything out.

“His son was desperate to have that support, he was desperate to provide that support and couldn’t get anybody to drive him back to Bradford so he borrowed a friend’s vehicle,” Mr Robson said.

The court heard that Brankin, who has to walk with the help of a stick because of problems with his spine and legs, now has his son living with him in Bradford.

The case was adjourned for an all options report to be prepared by the Probation Service before sentencing on January 25.

“The reasons for this are your previous record and the seriousness of the offence,” Mrs Farnsworth said.

AN UNEMPLOYED builder who turned to drink and drugs after suffering a mental breakdown funded his habit by stealing push bikes, a court has heard.

Steven Johnson, 27, of Eastgate North, in Driffield pleaded guilty to two charges of theft of a pedal cycle when he appeared at Bridlington Magistrates Court last Wednesday.

Prosecutor Victoria Mills told the court that after Amy Louise Potter had her bike, worth £50, stolen from her back garden on October 12 last year she went to Driffield Police Station to identify a bike which officers had recovered from Greenways.

CCTV footage showed the defendant, identified as Johnson, on the bike.

“He couldn’t recall the incident because he was too intoxicated. He has seen the footage and accepts he stole the bike,” Mrs Mills said.

On October 5 last year a bike, worth £120, belonging to Daniel Foley was stolen from Driffield Train Station. Once again CCTV footage showed Johnson stealing the bike.

In mitigation the court heard that Johnson had been doing well in life until he found himself homeless and unemployed.

Dave Robson, mitigating, said: “He tells me that he was doing well in life generally. He was a self employed builder and was living at his brother’s address for some time.

“His brother then moved but he couldn’t move with him so he was homeless.

“He then lost his contract as a self employed builder. He had a mental breakdown and started drinking and taking drugs. He then started to feed his habit by stealing cycles,” Mr Robson said.

Mr Robson said since then Johnson had “pulled himself around”, had found accommodation and hoped to find a job in the future.

Johnson was given a 12 month conditional discharge and must pay £120 compensation to Mr Foley for his bike which was never recovered. Johnson was also ordered to pay £40 court costs.

A DRUNKEN argument that broke out between a couple on a residential street landed an off-shore fisherman in hot water.

The argument between Christopher Clinton Bycroft, 35, of Council Houses, Foston-on-the-Wolds and his girlfriend was so loud it caught the attention of residents along Fairfield Road, in Bridlington at around 8.30pm on December 20.

Bycroft pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress when he appeared before magistrates in Bridlington last Wednesday (January 4).

He also pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled drug of class B, cannabis at the time.

Prosecutor Victoria Mills told the court that Bycroft, who was already on a four month prison sentence suspended for two years, was heard shouting outside houses causing residents to look outside.

“He was shouting and swearing at them, making threats. The police were called and the defendant left the street but was found nearby and arrested,” Mrs Mills said.

When searched at the police station Bycroft was found to have some cannabis in his pocket.

In mitigation Dave Robson said: “He accepts he was in a very loud and volatile argument with his partner at the time. He was in drink.

“It was right that people were looking because it was very loud and he apologises for his behaviour.

“He does accept that he shouted at the neighbours and it’s right to say that on arrest the police found cannabis in his pocket. He uses it recreationally.”

Magistrates decided not to activate the suspended sentence but instead gave Bycroft a 12 month conditional discharge for each offence.

The cannabis was also ordered to be destroyed and Bycroft was ordered to pay £85 court costs.

A MAN who committed a spate of break-ins at sheds on allotments in three East Riding towns last summer has appeared in court.

Mark Richard Ferriby, 48, of Colescliffe Road, Scarborough broke into six sheds at allotments in Driffield, Pocklington and Bridlington.

Ferriby pleaded guilty to five charges of burglary when he appeared before magistrates in Bridlington last Wednesday.

Ferriby admitted burgling two sheds at the allotments on the Mile, in Pocklington between August 3 and 6 last year; one shed on the Mile, in Pocklington between July 15 and 18; one shed at Mill Lane, Bridlington between June 23 and 26; one shed at allotments on Bessingby Road, in Bridlington between June 5 and 7; and one shed at allotments in Spellowgate, Driffield between May 31 and June 3 last year.

Prosecutor Victoria Mills said that early last summer the East Riding experienced a large number of allotment burglaries, in the Driffield, Pocklington and Bridlington areas.

“Sheds were entered and various properties stolen from within.

“Inquiries have been ongoing in relation to that,” Mrs Mills said.

Mrs Mills told the court that police officers spoke to Ferriby and on searching his home found gardening and cultivation equipment identified as that from the burgled sheds.

“In relation to the first charge the defendant accepts that he entered one of the sheds and stole an item and the second shed he broke the padlock, entered the shed but didn’t steal anything.

“In relation to other charges he accepts he took items. All the items have been recovered. There are a number still outstanding and inquiries are still to be made in relation to other stolen items,” Mrs Mills added.

In mitigation John Evans said: “We are looking at six different sheds, not a dwelling and the property has been recovered and value unknown, I would suggest it’s a low value.”

Presiding magistrate Ann Farnsworth adjourned the case for an all options pre-sentence report to be prepared by the Probation Service.

Ferriby will re-appear at Bridlington Magistrates Court on January 25.

In the meantime he has bail on the condition that he observes a curfew at the address given in court from 11pm to 5.30am and reports to his doorstep if requested by a police officer.

Tourism-based businesses around Driffield are being advised to get ready for a surge of interest as a major new exhibition by artist David Hockney gets underway.

From Saturday January 21, the Royal Academy of Arts in London will be showcasing the first major exhibition of new landscape works by the Bridlington-based artist who has produced a number of canvasses depicting the green and verdant countryside around Driffield.

According to the CLA, the range of vivid paintings, inspired by the East Yorkshire landscape, will make the Wolds a popular holiday destination this summer.

CLA Yorkshire Regional Director Dorothy Fairburn said: “David Hockney is widely known as the godfather of modern British art and it is expected that this new exhibition will result in an influx of people to the Wolds.

“Tourism businesses operating in and around sites that feature in the new exhibition, such as Garrowby Hill, Sledmere, Warter, Thixendale and Kilham, would be well advised to make sure they are prepared for a surge of interest this summer.”

David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture will span a 50 year period to demonstrate the artist’s long exploration and fascination with the depiction of landscape.

The exhibition will include a display of his iPad drawings and a series of new films. Hockney is also working with tourism agency Welcome to Yorkshire to create an official tourist trail.

l New Year honour for Hockney - see also page 12

THIS month we’ve been battered by severe Atlantic winds that have caused a great deal of damage.

Though hardly to be welcomed, it’s probably better to have this kind of weather now rather than later.

Several old folklore sayings warn of the consequences of a mild, bright month.

This one speaks for all: “In January, if the sun appear, March and April will pay full dear. If January calends be summerly gay, it will be winterly until May.”

Notice that there’s no mention of February. That month’s weather is foretold by the previous October, which last year was wet and mild. The old weather prophets say that this means a cold February, so don’t rush to pack away the winter woollies.

Another saying warns us to be wary: “As the days lengthen, the cold strengthens.”

This is true, because January sunlight is too weak to do much good. And by now the seas around Britain have lost their stored warmth, which normally takes the sting out of any cold winds passing over them.

The coldest time of all the year was said to be St Hilary’s Day on January 13. This probably came about because of an unusually severe frost across England in 1205.

In those times they were using the Julian calendar.

So if we allow for the 11 days that were skipped in 1752 when we adopted the Gregorian calendar, the old St Hilary’s Day would equate to our January 24.

Whether that reasoning is correct or not, it explains why those curiosities, the “old” festive days, turn up in the calendar of customs.

Foula, a small island west of Shetland, still celebrates Old Yule on January 6. So New Year’s Eve falls on January 12, as it does for the communities of Cwm Gwaun, near Fishguard in Wales.

In England January 17 is Old Twelfth Day. This gives us another chance to clear away the decorations, if we haven’t got round to it yet. But some say that greenery should be left up right through the season of Christmas, which means picking up fallen holly leaves until Candlemas on February 2.

WAKE THE TREES

Old Twelfth Day is the last of several days for wassailing apple trees, a custom that almost died out early in the last century. In the last 50 years there have been many successful revivals.

Today we think of wassailing as belonging only to cider-apple orchards in the West Country. It used to be carried out elsewhere in England, and with other trees such as pear, plum, or cobnut.

Cows and oxen used to be wassailed too for the same reason, to bring luck and encourage good health in the coming year. Typically the wassailers enter the orchard after dark, and gather around the oldest tree. After a blast from a horn there’s a short speech and the traditional song, of which there are many local variations:

“Old apple tree, we wassail thee, and we hope that thou wilt bear. For the Lord doth know where we shall be, come apples another year.

“If you bloom well and you bear well, it’s merry we shall be. Let every man take off his hat, and shout out to the old apple tree.”

After the singer has finished the first verse, everyone shouts: “Old apple tree, we wassail thee, and we hope that thou wilt bear hatfuls, capfuls, three bushel bagfuls, and a little heap under the stair.”

The crowd cheers and makes a great noise by banging pans or firing shotguns to wake up the trees, and scare away anything that might blight the fruit.

A bucket of mulled cider or ale is produced and shared with the tree by pouring some over its roots.

Toast soaked in cider is hung in the branches. This is for the birds that help the trees by searching for harmful insects and their eggs.

The toast floating in the wassail bowl explains how we came to “toast” someone with a drink.

Drinking the old year’s ale while looking forward to the months to come celebrates the turning of the year.

If you’re lucky enough to have a fruit tree, take a glass into the garden and sing the old song to your tree.

The neighbours will love it, and your reward will be a fine crop come autumn.

Driffield U8s (pictured below) travelled to hosts Beverley to play in a three way mini matrix against Beverley and Bridlington, each team played four matches.

The Christmas break had certainly refreshed the mini Woldsmen. They played with determination, commitment and flare.

The 1st match started with Bridlington kicking off scoring almost immediately. Driffield levelled the score with a good combination of passing and support play through Barnie Woodmansey, Oliver Frost, and Jacob Farr.

Bridlington responded and were making ground but Driffield closed them down with some precision tagging from Sam Thompson, Louie Edge and Johnny Stabler forcing the turnover and to score nudging them in front. The match was an even contest with the whole game hinging on one score. The Driffield boys showed great commitment and held out for a narrow win.

Game two against Beverley showed how well both teams have improved since starting to play rugby.

Some good defence and moving the ball quickly were key to the Driffield victory. Lewis Forrester, Charlie Hogg, Thomas Gilson, Leon Kirby and man of the match Reece Goatley all showed what speed, running straight and quick thinking could do. This allowed them to have a two point cushion helping boost their confidence. The defence was worked well with George Walster and Grant Gammon who were as solid and reliable as ever keeping the team in a straight defensive line. A well worked and deserved win.

The third and second game against Bridlington was not going to be a push over. Bridlington wanted to prove a point.

Driffield went into an early lead assisted by some great sniping runs from Jacob Farr and Oliver Frost. Driffield were comfortably in front, but then lost Johnny Stabler and Bridlington lost a player through an injury. They brought on their secret weapon who managed to pull back three tries to bring the score within one point.

Thomas Gilson came on for Johnny and with Louie Edge holding their nerve in defence allowed Reece Goatley a couple of well worked tries and another for Barnie Woodmansey who showed how to run and jink for fun, brilliant! Another close game won again by good team play.

The last match and second against Beverley was very different to the first, Beverley wanted to get even, Driffield had a game on their hands. The contest was full of passion from both sides.

No one would get past Charlie Hogg who dived to save tries. George Walster using his quick thinking and working the space to support helped Leon Kirby and later man of the match Thomas Gilson in for well worked tries. An exchange of errors saw Beverley finally in possession putting pressure on the Driffield line, but Driffield responded to keep them from scoring. Always just keeping in front with the little magic from Lewis Forrester.

Driffield finally came out winners in a hard fought match which could have gone either way.

Game One. Bridlington 7, Driffield 8. - Game Two. Beverley 2, Driffield 4. - Game Three Bridlington 5, Driffield 6. - Game Four. Beverley 4, Driffield 5.

Fantastic team spirit, confidence and enjoyment helped the young Woldsmen win all four of their games. Well done boys a super display of rugby. The squad: Louie Edge, Jacob Farr, Lewis Forrester, Oliver Frost, Grant Gammon, Thomas Gilson, Reece Goatley, Charlie Hogg, Leon Kirby, Jonathan Stabler, Sam Thompson, George Walster, Barnie Woodmansey.

A nice sunny, but cold, morning saw the under 9’s travel to Beverley for a matrix with Beverley and Bridlington – the first meeting of 2012.

The long training session on New Year’s Eve morning for the boys definately paid off over the Christmas holidays as Driffield were on fine form against the opposition of Bridlington and Beverley. Driffield played two matches (alternating) against both teams, starting with Bridlington.

With the speed and swerving technique from Cain, Jamie and Edward, the tackling and driving over from Jack, Will, Callum, Owen and Kydan, and the skills of the scrum (Harry, Will and Matt) with the reactions from James and Jacob, the Driffield side showed the opposition and strode on to win the first match of 2012.

The second match against Bridlington was slightly different, as the Bridlington side had had time to reflect after the first match.

The opposition were determined to put up a fight with tackles galore and defending the try line. The Driff side persevered and pushed on with the skills they are all learning week in week out.

Second and fourth matches were against the hosting team of Beverley. Once again, another team Driffield have met on a number of occasions which encourages the boys to keep the standard of play high.

Beverley defended well and pushed forward into their half on a number of occasions throughout the matches, however, the speed and strength of the Driff side proved too much with the tackling and fantastic team work they now have built up between them all this season. Well done to you all.

Driffield v Bridlington 1st Match 25-0, Cain Robb (2), Edward Lockwood (2), James Naylor (1). 2nd match 15-5, Cain Robb (2), Jack Gunning (1).

Driffield v Beverley 1st Match 20-0, Edward Lockwood (1), Cain Robb (2). 2nd match 15-0, Edward Lockwood (3).

Pictured right are the U9s.

As war approaches, the toughest battles ahead are often those fought in the mind...

And so it is for 14-year-old orphan boy and Crusader spy Benedict who has already witnessed the wounded, the slain, the shrieking and the despair at the destruction of the city of Tripoli in 1289.

Ahead lies a new battle for the royal port city of Acre, the last Christian enclave in the Holy Land ... for Benedict, it will involve hard choices between boyhood and manhood, Crusader and Arab, remaining and departure, light and darkness, life and death.

Perdition is Jackson’s second novel set in the killing grounds of the Holy Land but moves forward to the decisive year of 1290 when the Saracen forces, under the leadership of the resplendent Sultan Qalawun, are determined to finally ‘swallow up’ the Christian invaders.

Jackson’s epic story is not so much a blood-and-guts adventure as a stirring and yet thoughtful recreation of the conflicting ideals, motives and cultures that underpinned the Crusader missions, so dominant in the Middle Ages.

His characters, drawn from all walks of life and from opposing camps, reveal the complexities at the heart of the warring factions as well as the sense of history that drives them all forward.

There is so much to lose and so much to gain as the siege of Acre ... the Saracens seek revenge for the 200 years that have elapsed since the Crusader armies took Jerusalem and the European Templar Knights are aware that too much blood has been shed and too many brethren sacrificed to contemplate the ignominy of failure.

Acre is a jewelled prize, a city that moves in a frenetic flow and where goods are traded and bartered, vessels are unloaded and a tumult of different tongues are heard.

Looming above is the moated Lion Fortress where William of Beaujeu, Grand Master of the Templars, will stop at little to secure the city and keep alive the scared flame and mystery of his legendary military order. He knows that final judgement is approaching and that time is running out.

He has allies at the garrison – the Italian adventurer Roger de Flor, as brave as he is reckless, Theobald, the young Hospitaller Knight Theobald of Alzey who sets bones and binds wounds, the court dwarf and jester Amethyst and the fierce and flinty camel master Selim – but there are also hidden enemies.

And in their midst, ducking and diving between the lines, is young Benedict who must stay alive in the chaos to be unleashed and learn who is friend and who is foe.

And so the defenders await their fate. All will be tested and all may perish for this is the endgame. No quarter will be given and no mercy shown. Deserted by the pope and the princes of Europe, it seems as if Acre faces annihilation, but perhaps something can still be salvaged from perdition...

Brimming with action, conspiracy and burning ambitions, Perdition brings history to life in all its bloody technicolour.

(John Murray, hardback, £12.99)

A PENSIONER has been banned from driving for 20 months after getting behind the wheel while more than twice the legal drink drive limit.

Christopher Alan Ireland, 66, of Star Hill Road, Driffield pleaded guilty to driving a motor vehicle while over the prescribed alcohol limit at Bridlington Magistrates Court last Wednesday.

Prosecutor Victoria Mills said that at 1.30pm on December 13 the police stopped a Ford Ka on North Street, Driffield.

Mrs Mills said the driver gave the officer his details and was identified as Ireland.

“The police smelled alcohol on his breath and he was required to provide a specimen of breath but was unable to do so at the road side,” Mrs Mills said.

At the police station Ireland’s lowest reading was 74 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit being 35 micrograms.

In mitigation Dave Robson said Ireland had met up with friends in a pub for a social drink, and had no more than two or three.

“It’s the case that he can’t drink too much because he’s had two recent heart attacks,” Mr Robson said.

“He was surprised to learn that when he gave a sample he was over the limit,” Mr Robson added.

Mr Robson said Ireland was on medication, taking 13 tablets a day and did not know if that had affected the reading.

Mr Robson added that Ireland used his car to take his mother to and from hospital, and received a pension and invalidity benefit.

“His lifestyle will be severely restricted due to not having a licence,” Mr Robson added.

Ireland was offered the chance to complete a drink driver rehabilitation course which could reduce the overall ban by five months.

He was fined £100, ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £15.

Kind-hearted staff and customers of the M&Co store in Driffield have helped the company to raise an astonishing £850,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Staff at M&Co, one of the UK’s largest independent fashion retailers, have been working tirelessly to fundraise for the cancer charity since 2008.

The store in Driffield raised a fantastic £2,439 since M&Co began its support of the charity.

A variety of fundraising activities have taken place and included the high street retailer becoming a donation station for the month of October in 2011.

This saw customers donating their quality unwanted clothes in M&Co stores for Cancer Research UK and receiving a £5 voucher in return to spend in any M&Co store or online on purchases over £35.

More than £50,000 was raised through the donation station activity.

Additional fundraising that has taken place includes 222 M&Co staff taking part in the Cancer Research UK Race for Life, fashion shows run by all M&Co stores, staff raffles, sponsored walks and skydives.

All funds raised for Cancer Research UK will help to fund vital life saving research.

Andy McGeoch, Director of Marketing and Business Development at M&Co, said: “It is really fantastic that everyone has worked together to raise so much for Cancer Research UK. We have given ourselves a target of raising a total of £1m for Cancer Research UK before July 2012 and we will strive to achieve this.

“Employees throughout the company, both in our stores and head office, have championed our fundraising and made a real difference to the amount we raised. I’d also like to thank our customers in the local community for getting involved and helping us in our efforts.

“M&Co is dedicated to helping the fight against cancer and supporting Cancer Research UK. Over the past three years our staff and customers have raised £850,000 for the charity and we’re positive that it will help in some way with the fight against cancer.”

Claire Rowney, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Cancer Research UK, said: “We’re really grateful for the generosity and hard work of M&Co’s staff and customers.

“The £850,000 raised will help pay for the world-class scientists, doctors and nurses at the centre of our life saving research. Together with partners like M&Co and our supporters, our vision is to continue to save lives and beat cancer.”

Cancer Research UK is the world’s leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.

North Yorkshire Police will be carrying out mobile safety camera enforcement on the following roads between Wednesday 18 January and Tuesday 24 January 2012.

· A64 east-bound carriageway Bowbridge Farm Tadcaster

· A1237 Monks Cross, York

· The Village, Stockton-on-the-Forest, York

· A1036 Malton Road, York

· A1237 Monks Cross, York

· York Road, Haxby, York

· B1222 Naburn lane, York

· B1228 Main Street, Elvington, York

· B1228 Dunnington Lodge, Elvington, York

· A64 west-bound carriageway, Bowbridge Farm, Tadcaster

· Broadway, Fulford, York

· Murton Way, Murton, York

· Fordlands Road, Fulford, York

· A61, Green Lane, Brearton

· A59, Beamsley Hill, Harrogate

· Jennyfields Drive, Harrogate

· Skipton Road, Harrogate

· King Edward’s Drive, Harrogate

· A61 Leeds Road, Harrogate

· A59, High Street, Starbeck

· Silver Street, Barton

· Leeming Lane, Catterick Village

· A6108, Darlington Road, Richmond

· A66, Gilling West

· A684, Aysgarth

· A6108, Middleham

· Gatherley Road, Brompton

· B1257 Newgate Bank, Hawnby

· A19 Crathorne

· A170 Scawton Moor

· Station Road, Thirsk

· B6271 Great Langton

· B1264 Low Worsall

· Guisborough Road, Great Ayton

· B1257 Great Broughton

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

Conservation Area Consent for the erection of a lean-to glasshouse to rear - Orchard Garth, 82 Main Street, Skidby.

Erection of a two storey extension for use as plant room and revision of previously approved scheme 10/03444/STPLF - Sam Browne Foods Limited, Unit 20, Kelleythorpe Industrial Estate, Wadsworth Road, Kelleythorpe.

Non-material amendment to planning application 10/04697/STPLF - Normandy Barracks, Dray Drive, Leconfield.

Non Material Amendment - Church Farm Outbuildings, Front Street, Burton Fleming.

Erection of single storey store building following demolition of dilapidated two storey barn - 7 High Stile, Leven.

Erection of a wind turbine (height of 50m to hub and 78m to blade tip) and associated infrastructure - Elm Tree Farm, Main Street, Brigham.

Erection of conservatory to rear - 11 St Catherines Drive, Leconfield.

Erection of replacement detached garage with solar panels, following demolition of existing garage - Lark Cottage, 3 West End, Lund.

Mixed use within Class C1 of the Town and Country Planning Use Classes Order 1987 (Hotels, Boarding and Guest Houses), use as a cafe, use for beauty therapy, use for the holding of weddings, use for the holding of functions - The Barn House, 18 East End, Walkington.

NAFFERTON CONSERVATION AREA - T1 - Fell Ash, T2 - Fell twin stemmed Ash, T3 - Fell Ash, T4 - Fell Ash, T5 - Fell Ash, T6 Fell Horse Chestnut, T7 - Fell dying Pear, T8 - Fell Ash, T9 - 40% Crown reduction to Yew tree, T10 - Fell Ash. All trees located in rear garden. - Springfield House, 8 Station Road, Nafferton.

Submission of details required by condition 2 (archaeological work) of planning reference 11/04775/PLF - Octon Lodge, Farm Seamer Road, Octon.

Removal of Apple tree uprooted during high winds - 11 Church Street, Hutton.

Fell and remove storm damaged Beech tree and plant replacement Beech - Street Record, Pump Lane, Garton.

Submission of details required by Condition 9 (highway improvement details) of planning reference 07/05701/STPLF – Farfields, Warter Road, Middleton On The Wolds.

Demolition of existing garage structure - White Horse Inn, 51 Main Street, Hutton Cranswick.

Erection of 2 x 24.6M high (to hub) wind turbines - Glebe Farm, Huggate.

Alterations and change of use from fitness club to form additional B&B letting bedrooms and a storage facility, erection of timber fencing to form compound to new loading bay following demolition of existing garage structure and extension of smokers shelter - White Horse Inn, 51 Main Street, Hutton Cranswick.

A woman has been given an absolute discharge from court after failing to stop her car for a school crossing patrol.

Karen Wanda Butterfield, of Back Street, Langtoft, pleaded guilty to failing to stop her car for a lollipop lady on Wansford Road in Driffield, at 8.40am on June 22 last year.

Magistrates heard that at the time of the incident, the lollipop lady was stood in the centre of the road and had just helped six school pupils cross safely.

She was about to help three further members of the public cross when Mrs Butterfield, 46, drove past the crossing patrol.

One lady who had already stepped on the road ready to cross took the registration number of Mrs Butterfield’s black Vauxhall car.

Mrs Butterfield, who was not represented in court, told magistrates that on the morning of the incident she had already stopped for one school crossing patrol, and when approaching the next one, she believed the lollipop lady had waved her through.

She accepted that in the bright weather, she may have misunderstood the signal and apologised for her mistake.

Mrs Butterfield also said that the driver of another car which was very close behind her had flashed their lights for her to move on.

She told magistrates that she knew immediately that she had made a mistake, and stopped a little further down the road to call her husband.

Presiding magistrate at last Wednesday’s hearing at Bridlington Magistrates Court, Linda Hall, accepted Mrs Butterfield’s version of events and decided not to endorse her driving licence, giving her an absolute discharge.

Does anyone have a match?

And I don’t mean the “Yeah, my bum, your face” variety.

I mean a Swan Vesta, a Lucifer, a chemically treated stick that bursts into flames when you rub it against an abrasive surface such as my bum or your face.

The world’s largest Bryant and May is set to pass through East Yorkshire in a couple of months, on its way to an obscure athletics competition in London

Local councils have ruled that it is too dangerous to take the Olympic torch by car, plane or train – large naked flames are banned on all these modes of transport.

So, in a bid to avoid breaching health and safety regulations, the organisers have arranged a countrywide game of tig and have persuaded a few people to run the length of Britain carrying the flame, followed by a posse of asthmatic muggers trying to quit fags.

Apparently, it is a major honour to be chosen to carry the world’s biggest match on part of the journey.

I don’t know why.

Personally, I think I would feel a bit of a plonker carrying the torch as I know everyone would be staring at my lunchbox.

In any event, what does the torch relay achieve, apart from gaining publicity for the organisers of the games – something they don’t need, as surely everyone in the world already knows that London is hosting the Olympic games this summer.

So, I think the fact the Olympic torch passes through East Yorkshire is at best irrelevant and at worst a blatant taunt. Because even those who are interested in the games cannot get tickets.

I know dozens of people who applied for tickets. Not one of them was successful. Well not for any of the “proper” events.

Let’s face it, most people who enjoy athletics and want to go to the Olympics would choose in an ideal world to be present for one of three pivotal moments – the opening ceremony, the closing ceremony and the final of the 100 metres when Usain Bolt runs 100 metres in under seven seconds while painting a mural and eating some crisps.

Of the people I know who applied for tickets – including those events I have just mentioned – only two were lucky enough to secure tickets at all ... one chap is now looking forward to the three-legged equestrian donkey derby, the other will be watching the women’s weightlifting under 10kg category which takes place at 4am on a Tuesday.

Having said all that, if anyone is interested in seeing the Olympic lighter as it passes through East Yorkshire they will need to make some travel arrangements.

Because it isn’t passing through Driffield.

To be considered as part of the flaming route, someone was supposed to ask the Olympic organisers to include their town or hamlet and no-one from Driffield bothered (well not until after the deadline at any rate).

So, instead, the torch is going through Beeford, where there is a chip shop and a pub (maybe two) and at least one person who needs a light for their roll up at a specific time on a specific day.

On that day, I imagine the route through Beeford will be thronged with locals cheering on someone they don’t know as they carry a smouldering baton in the pouring rain, while imploring: “Has anyone got a light?”

Interesting point actually – if the Olympic torch does become extinguished en route, what happens, do they cancel the games?

Talking of important dates, the internet seems to be the place to go these days when one wants to meet a new partner.

Such websites have no place in my life as I am married and the wife would break both my noses if she caught me chatting to other women online.

In any event, I am old school. If I wanted a new woman, I would pop down the pub. Most single women in Driffield are absolutely desperate, so it would probably take me about 17 minutes before I was on my way home again – rucksack bulging with birds, their bingo wings flapping like Canada geese as they fought over who had the most teeth, most evenly-sized boobs and the smallest thong.

Face to face dating seems a great deal more sensible than scoring via email and webcam. For the price of a Babycham, you can look into each other’s eyes to make sure they are both there, check for missing limbs and smell each other. And, if things don’t work out, you can always take your date back to the pub the following day and leave her there for someone else to have a go.

With the internet, you have no idea who you are talkking to.

One lad I know met a Russian girl on the internet, fell for her and decided to pay for her to come over to Driff. I told him, John it’s a con. You are not in love with the blonde girl whose photo you showed me.

The person sending you emails is a fat Nigerian trucker called Desmond Ubanthu.

John wouldn’t be told and sent the woman £400 for her air fare to England. Surprise, surprise, he never heard from her again.

It’s the old addage ... if it sounds too good to be true then it is. Every time.

Decent dating sites cost money to join. They vet customers and try to match people who will be compatible.

Free dating websites are for dead people. If you are having a dinner party and the conversation starts to flag, switch on the computer and show one of them to your guests. Pretty soon, they will be rolling on the floor and howling with laughter.

Such websites are populated almost entirely by rejects from the Jeremy Kyle show and those who arrived too late at the Hull Royal Infirmary accident and emergency department. Have fun and don’t forget the lip gloss.

What is the famous riddle of the enigmatic Sphinx and why did the powerhouse known as Hercules have to perform those twelve superhuman labours?

The answers, and much more, lie within the pages of a magnificent new book which explains and retells some of the most thrilling, romantic and unforgettable stories in human history.

From Achilles rampant on the fields of Troy to the gods at sport on Mount Olympus and from Icarus flying too close to the sun to Theseus and the wily Odysseus, these timeless Greek myths exert a fascination that has endured for 3,000 years and influenced cultures far and wide.

Beginning at the dawn of human civilization, when the Titan Prometheus stole fire from Zeus and offered mankind hope, The Greek Myths transports readers to the majestic, magical and mythical world of gods and heroes.

Renowned classicist Robin Waterfield and his wife, writer Kathryn Waterfield, use some of the world’s greatest paintings, sculpture and literature to create a sweeping panorama of the romance, intrigues, heroism, humour, sensuality and brutality of ancient myths and legends.

Art, books, poetry, plays and films have all been influenced and inspired by these epic tales of war and adventure, love, jealousy, murder, rape and revenge. It’s as if the legends have the ability to tap into some deep layer of the human mind.

The ancient Greeks illustrated their walls, tableware, armour and even their furniture with artwork that told stories and within these tales were lessons for their children about how to behave, religious rituals, the origins of the universe and the power of emotions.

Many were breathtakingly brutal ... Cronus, leader of the first generation of Titans, devoured his own children to prevent them usurping him, Thyestes, son of the King of Olympia, was served up his dead sons to eat and Acrisius, King of Argos, locked up his daughter and grandson in a wooden chest and threw them into the sea.

Sacrifice and superstition were at the heart of everyday life for the ancient Greeks; animals would be slaughtered on a domestic altar to please the gods and grain tossed onto the household hearth with a prayer for the coming day.

Oracles, the mouthpiece of the gods, were consulted by both individuals and states. At Delphi, the diviner was a woman who sat in the temple of Apollo, entered a trance and relayed messages from the god.

The Greek mythological heroes emphasised to the populace the need ‘to strive always to be the best,’ as Homer put it. This meant not just defeating opponents but giving advice in council and shining in every field of endeavour.

Ancient Greek dramatists drew on the myths and legends for the plots of their plays which were performed in theatres that could accommodate thousands of spectators and featured actors who wore masks and trained as athletes.

There they would act out stories like the terrible curse that plagued the royal houses of Mycenae and Thebes, Jason and the Golden Fleece, Perseus and the terrifying Gorgon, the wooden horse and the sacking of Troy.

The Greek Myths is not just a treasure trove of amazing tales but a catalogue of Greek myth in art through the ages. Packed with 120 vivid illustrations of remarkable variety and beauty, and brimming with fascinating facts, this is a book to read and treasure.

(Quercus, hardback, £20)

THE Rev DAVID E Fletcher has been welcomed as the new Priest-in-Charge for churches within the Waggoners and Woldsburn benefices.

Mr Fletcher 58, moved to Pulham Lane in Wetwang with his wife Pat from Halifax on November 18 last year, and was licensed on Novemeber 28, just in time for the advent period.

Before becoming ordained as a priest in 2002, Mr Fletcher served as a primary school teacher for 23 years.

He has also served as Head Teacher at schools in Calderdale and Bradford. The priest and his wife, Pat, who met at teacher training college in the 1970s, decided to move to East Yorkshire following Pat’s retirement from teaching science in secondary schools in 2011.

Mr Fletcher said: “East Yorkshire is always somewhere we’ve wanted to go, so when I saw this job was available I applied and was accepted.”

After spending 10 years as both a curate and a vicar in his previous parish in Halifax, Mr Flethcher is relishing the challenge of taking on a rural parish.

He said: “Taking on a rural parish as opposed to an urban parish is a challenge but very exciting.”

He will be ministering to 12 parishes within The Waggoners and Woldsburn Benefices - Fridaythorpe, Thixendale, Fimber, Sledmere, Cowlam and Wetwang, Garton, Bainton, North Dalton, Middleton, Kilwick and Kirkburn.

He said: “Twelve parishes is daunting, but then I feel a sense of excitement.

“As a youngster I collected stamps, my mother always taught me to go for the best and biggest collection but I never thought as an adult I would be collecting church wardens”.

With two retired ministers, two self supporting ministers, three lay readers and a host of church wardens to aid him in tending to all 12 of his parishes, Mr Fletcher has plans to expand congregations and reach out into the wide communities of his parishes.

Mr Fletcher said: “One of the reasons I applied, although 12 churches sounds daunting, is that the profiles noted that each congregation was looking to grow and reach out into the local community - I want to bring new ideas to enable that to happen and to support things that are going well and to build on that.”

Mr Fletcher has one grown up daughter, Emma, a son-in-law, Dan, and three grandchildren, Jacob 13, Molly 11 and Charlotte 7.

MORE than 4,000 motorists in the Humberside area were breathalysed by police over the festive period as part of a casualty reduction campaign targeting drivers who drove whilst under the influence of drink or drugs.

Humberside Police took part in the nationwide campaign for a two month period, from November 1 to January 1, with officers stopping drivers at all times of the day and night.

Party goers were warned to think before they drove the morning after a big night out with the key message and focus being particularly aimed at drivers under the age of 25.

During the campaign period 4,441 motorists were breathalysed in the Humberside Police area, with 5.4 per cent (239) either failing or refusing to provide a breath test or being over the legal alcohol limit.

Of the 1,032 drivers under the age of 25 who were breathalysed, five per cent (52) either failed or refused to provide a specimen of breath, or were found to be over the legal alcohol limit.

Superintendent Darren Downs, head of the Roads Policing Unit for Humberside Police said: “This is an encouraging reduction in offending rates in the under 25s age group compared to results from similar, previous drink and drug driving campaigns throughout 2010 and 2011.

“Since the summer of 2010, offending rates in the under 25s have ranged from 5.2 percent to 10.8 per cent at its highest, in the summer of 2011, so the results this year make us hopeful that the Don’t Drink and Drive message is being heard by this group of drivers.”

He added: “The vast majority of motorists travelling on the roads throughout the Humberside Police area are to be congratulated for their considerate and responsible driving attitude and behaviour during the campaign period.

“However, for those few irresponsible and selfish individuals who decide not to heed all the warnings and continue to drink and drive, be warned that Humberside Police is looking out for you and there is a very high probability that you will be caught and dealt with by the criminal justice process. Not only will you face a heavy fine and a driving ban, but you may also have to face more serious consequences, such as a prison sentence or even losing your livelihood.

“People should remember that alcohol stays in the system for many hours after they stop drinking and following a night out they could still be over the limit the next morning when they get in their car to drive to work or drop the children off at school.”

A CONSULTATION event into specific sites for housing and employment development takes place in Worksop on 24th January.

The Bassetlaw Council event at the town hall from 6.30pm-8pm will give people the chance to talk to planners about possible development sites.

PARISH councillors have called on East Riding of Yorkshire Council to speed up plans to remove a gypsy from a site in Nafferton after he lost his appeal to stay there permanently over five months ago.

Last August Irish traveller Anthony Quinn lost his planning appeal to site a caravan permanently and build a stable block on his own land on Back Carr Lane.

Mr Quinn was told by East Riding of Yorkshire Council planners that the development would harm the appearance of the countryside and the site was unsuitable for its proposed use, while the area’s need for gypsy sites was low.

But several villagers have now contacted the Parish Council and the ERYC, concerned that Mr Quinn is still occupying the site despite having been given three months notice to leave.

In a letter sent to the Parish Council, which was read out at their latest meeting, John and Christopher Wresdell claimed that Mr Quinn is using nearby waterways to dispose of the contents of his chemical toilet.

“For the record the latest misdemeanour committed by Mr Quinn and his family is that they are now tipping the contents of their chemical toilet into any convenient dyke on the roadside between Back Carr Lane and Outgates Farm.

“There is also a dog howling regularly most nights and the generator noise appears erratic at the moment,” they said.

The meeting also heard Paul Burkinshaw, of Lowthorpe Lane, contacted ERYC to ask why the enforcement process had not begun and was told by Graham Carver, planning enforcement officer, the matter was being dealt with.

But Mr Burkinshaw is concerned that once an enforcement notice is issued it could take up to a year before the site is vacated.

“What is of concern is Mr Carver indicated that the time scale that could be given can be up to a year which I am sure you will agree would be totally unacceptable and agree that the shortest time scale possible should be given.

“I am not sure exactly how long Mr Quinn has unlawfully been living in the field but it must be a few years now and it is about time that the matter was dealt with and done so promptly,” Mr Burkinshaw said.

In response to Mr Burkinshaw’s concerns Mr Carver said they had sought advice from the council’s legal section and were awaiting welfare checks on the occupants of the caravans before any action can be taken.

Mr Carver said such checks had to be carried out otherwise the council could “fall foul if an appeal is raised by Mr Quinn and possibly a public enquiry.”

“I have asked our housing section to make the necessary checks and I am waiting for their response. As soon as we are able, we will continue with the notice which is now with the planners,” Mr Carver added.

Nafferton Parish Council will contact the Environment agency about the alleged use of waterways for the disposal of toilet waste.

It will also send all the correspondence from villagers to ERYC and Couns Jane Evison and Jonathan Owen to ask them to put pressure on council officers to resolve the issue quickly.