Beverley gallery Creation Fine Arts and artist Nick Matson joined forces to help raise money for Dove House Hospice.

An original drawing and canvas copy of the painting “Love Boat” from the recent Travelling Riverside Hues exhibition were offered as prizes.

The winning tickets for a Mr J Triveley and Mr and Mrs Hedges were drawn.

The raffle contributed £250 to the hospice and Creations owner, Nigel Walker, said “Nick and I are grateful to all who took part and supported this important local cause. We hope to be able to work on behalf of the hospice again in the future to support their invaluable work with people at the end of their lives”.

Becky Baynes of Dove House Hospice said: “Dove House has a yearly running cost of £5.6 million and is funded for the equivalent of just 48 days per year, the funds for the other 317 days we raise through the wonderful support of people like Nick Matson and Creation Fine Arts.”

“Nick has been incredibly generous in donating his beautiful artwork and, as art therapy is an important aspect of the work we do with patients at the hospice, it’s great to be supported by those in the art community. I encourage everyone to pick up a draw ticket at Creation Fine Arts to support our local hospice and possibly win a piece of original art too! Thank you to Nick and Nigel, of Creation Fine Arts, for helping us to provide much needed care to people in Hull and East Yorkshire with life limiting illnesses.”

ONE young Nafferton couple have started the New Year in a new home.

Josh Barker and Liana Ebrahimzadeh have taken the next step on the property ladder, purchasing their second home at Beal Homes’ development The Nunings in Nafferton.

Having bought their first home on the development two years ago, the couple were not planning on a move, but when they saw Beal Homes’ new Bedale show home, which opened in the summer, they decided it was their ideal next step up the property ladder.

Josh and Liana, who is from Driffield, moved in just before Christmas and so were able to celebrate the holiday season in their new Bedale. Working in Driffield and Beverley respectively, Josh and Liana have found Nafferton to be a good location for their jobs.

Beal Homes helped the couple to sell their Rosedale property at The Nunings through its Smooth Move scheme and Josh and Liana were able to take advantage of Beal’s free, mortgage matchmaker service.

Graham Stuart, the MP for Beverley and Holderness, has welcomed the Government’s announcement of more support for small businesses and disabled entrepreneurs that will pay for specialised equipment and cover the costs stopping disabled people from getting into work.

Businesses with up to 49 employees will no longer pay towards the extra costs faced by disabled people in work – saving businesses up to £2,300 for every employee who uses the Access to Work fund.

Disabled jobseekers who want to set up their own business using the New Enterprise Allowance will now be eligible for Access to Work funding from day one of claiming Jobseekers Allowance.

Graham said: “Under this Government, the number of disabled people in work is steadily increasing. There are now 123,000 more in employment than before the general election.

“I have seen first-hand the work being done locally by the Caseworks charity in Hull and the East Riding to help people with disabilities gets into employment. It is great that the Government is also playing its part by breaking down the barriers facing disabled people who want to work.”

Details of the Access to Work scheme can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work

A Beverley resident has received a criminal record after admitting benefit fraud.

Deborah Westmorland, aged 47, of Rosedale Walk, Beverley, appeared before Beverley Magistrates.

She pleaded guilty to failing to give a prompt notification of a change in circumstances affecting her entitlement to both housing and council tax benefit, contrary to Section 112 (1A) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992.

Investigators from East Riding of Yorkshire Council received information via the confidential national anti-fraud hotline indicating that Miss Westmorland may have undeclared capital.

A subsequent investigation established that Miss Westmorland had received inheritance in excess of £16,000.

Miss Westmorland received an 18-month order of conditional discharge and was ordered to pay £532.50 towards legal costs.

She will also have to repay the £4,972.42 housing and council tax benefit she fraudulently received during the period December 2010 to May 2012.

Richard Johnson, sanctions officer, said: “Those who choose to deliberately commit benefit fraud should be aware that it is only a matter of time before they are brought before the courts. Taxpayers are the victims of benefit fraud and I urge East Riding residents to report their suspicions to us, providing as much information as possible.

This prosecution was taken after consideration of 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

Beverley Round Table is looking forward to welcoming new members as people look to make changes to their lives in 2013.

It’s not just shops with sales that experience a January rush. As the tinsel and trees come down, blokes across the UK start looking to their plans for the New Year, and an increasing amount of men want to join their local Round Table.

Whether it’s finding a better social life, improved health and fitness, or the feel good factor of helping the local community, Round Table provides the perfect opportunity for men in Beverley to make a resolution they will want to keep.

Jason Thomson of Round Table, said: “For many guys, the new year provides an opportunity to look at life and make some changes. We know to expect a busy time for our clubs, welcoming local men who want to make a difference to their life and the lives of others.

“Round Table is always open to new members and it’s interesting that we tick more than a few boxes for those looking to keep this year’s resolution. The secret to a good resolution includes; be specific, be realistic, and make it fun and rewarding – something I can guarantee they’ll get out of Round Table.”

To make it easier for men to find out more about getting involved with their local table, the organisation has a dedicated new members’ contact to help with the process, join@roundtable.org.uk

Jason said: “Round Table is all about providing a fun and relaxed environment where men from all walks of life can get involved in a huge range of team activities, boost their skills and help their local community.

“We’re welcoming anyone who’s interested to go along to their local Table, try it for free, and see what it’s all about.”

To find out more about Beverley Round Table, including how to join, email join@roundtable.org.uk or visit www.roundtable.co.uk/findoutmore.

CROWDS gathered in Beverley on Boxing Day to enjoy the Holderness Hunt Boxing Day meet.

The Hunt, which draws in the crowds annually on December 26, saw around 20 huntsmen take part.

Charles Clark lead the event which takes place on Beverley Westwood.

The Middleton Hunt Boxing Day meet also took place on Driffield Showground and another group of Middleton Hunt Supporters met in Malton to carry out the annual tradition.

All pictures supplied by Terry Carrott.

Scourge of the NYPD, an enigma to his own family, Detective Callum Doyle lives life on the edge...

Obsessive, hot-headed, rude and abrasive, he broods, snarls and glowers, but the violence that bubbles beneath his prickly Irish immigrant skin is threatening to erupt with devastating effect.

Marked is Wirral-based David Jackson’s third book featuring maverick New York cop Doyle and this new chapter in what has become the single-minded detective’s ruthless, relentless pursuit of justice makes its own show-stopping mark.

For a writer who must surely be more familiar with the beat of a British bobby, Jackson has become masterful at immersing himself in the seamy side of Manhattan’s Eighth Precinct.

His superb crime thrillers crackle with the tension that exudes from every pore of a detective whose nose for trouble, fine line in making enemies and penchant for black humour have made him an irresistible anti-hero.

As Doyle’s erratic behaviour becomes more unpredictable, so the cases he is assigned to become more gruesome, more baffling, more compromising ... and more deadly.

In New York’s downtown East Village, 16-year-old Megan Hamlyn, who lives with her parents in a pretty tree-lined road in middle class Forest Hills, is brutally raped, tortured and murdered. Her body parts are put in garbage bags and left for others to discover.

Detective Callum Doyle is put on the case even though only a few months ago he thought his police career was all but over. His last assignment turned him into something of a hero and since then he’s ‘become a cop again.’

But his colleagues, including his new partner Detective Tommy LeBlanc, are suspicious of him, not least because his rapier-sharp mind is allied to a nasty temper and a vicious tongue. Working with him, LeBlanc is warned, is ‘like walking through a minefield... just make sure he doesn’t make you go first.’

Meanwhile, Doyle has seen the victim’s remains, he’s visited the distraught family, he wants justice at all costs, and a distinctive tattoo on the girl’s body leaves him convinced he knows who the killer is.

The only problem is that he can’t prove it and the more he pushes his prime suspect, the more he learns that the man is capable of pushing back in ways more devious and twisted than Doyle could ever have imagined.

Throw in the appearance of an old adversary who has a mission for Doyle and won’t take no for an answer, and soon the detective finds himself at risk of losing everything he holds dear, including his life.

Marked is a deftly executed thriller with a fascinating cop as lead player. Journeying with Doyle through the immoral maze of downtown New York is a walk on the wild side, but one you wouldn’t certainly want to miss.

(Macmillan, paperback, £12.99)

A funeral service was held at the East Riding Crematorium on Monday January 7 for the late Mr George Edwin ‘Ted’ Grey-Nicholson of Great Kelk who died suddenly at home on 22nd December. He was 66.

The service was conducted by the Rev James Anderson & the organist was Mr Peter Maw.

Ted was born and lived in Lockington at the Rockingham Arms Pub which was a family business. He was a garage proprietor in Driffield for 32 years. He moved to live in Great Kelk in 1979.

He enjoyed playing golf at Driffield and had played for 35 years.

He loved gardening and was a great family man, he loved spending time with them especially his grandchildren and will be greatly missed.

Family mourners: Anne Grey-Nicholson (wife), William Edward Grey-Nicholson (son), Richard Edward Grey-Nicholson (son), Sarah Grey-Nicholson & Des Tyler (daughter & partner), Chloe & George Grey-Nicholson (grandchildren), Mary Hollingsworth (sister), David & Jenny Nicholson (brother & sister in law), Sandra Cuthbert (friend).

Others present: Jessie Trafford (sister), John & Hilary Nicholson (brother & sister in law) rep Tony Swann & Mr C H Stephenson, Dennis King rep Audrey King, Marion & Sidney Palmer, Mr Norman Woodall, Ted Atkinson, Sharon Fell, Robert Megginson, John, Allan & Debbie Gardener rep Darren Walker, Mrs Gwen Bradley, Brian Muir rep Tony Potter, Alec Taylor rep Mabel, Sara Brown, John Finch rep Jim Sampson, Mr J White, Mr & Mrs B Edwards, Sharon Nicholson, Carl Malster, Colin Farnaby, Charlie Buckton, Robin Langhamer rep Elizabeth, David Gilliat rep Barbara & Mr & Mrs Ian Gilliat, Tim Beachell, Gavin Dalton, Karen Dalton, Kelly Dalton, Antony Hollis, Sophie Clark, Kate Dalton, Howard & Pam Dalton, Phil Wrigglesworth rep Julia wrigglesworth & Boyes Garage, Kilham, Mr & Mrs Graham Megginson, Roy Fisher rep Jenny, Diane Hudman, Cavan Grey- Nicholson, Ted Hutchinson rep Ann Hutchinson & Anthony & Jane Kitching, Susie & Neil Allerston, Malcolm Milne, Mr & Mrs A Carlton, Harry Leech, Christine Waind, Mrs M Kirkwood, Neil Smith, Roland Boynton rep Ann, Andrew Atkin, Dennis Cooper,John Parkinson, Mr & Mrs M Dalton, Hilary & Dave Slack,Mr & Mrs T Horsley. John Nicholson, Colin Buckton, Bob Crabtree, Phil Van-Wijk, Peter Fishpool, Andrew Middlewood rep Mike & Georgina Middlewood, John & Jill Seaton, Mark & Carol Dalton, Leila Cooper, Lily Slater, Richard Charter, Max Horncastle, Mrs C Milne, Jonathan & Joanna Bielby, Mr & Mrs Keith Bradley, Barrie Foreman rep J H Foreman Ltd & Chris Whitehouse, Peter Dove, Peter Casey, Mr P Owen rep the Owen family & Steve Stubbings, Bernard Jordan, Wilf Norman rep Jim & Rachael Norman, Frank & Sue Bertie, Isobel & Geoff Drewery, Dick & June Atkinson, Rod Townend, Wendy Lambert, John & June Lea, Japp Vermejden, Duncan Lambert, David Hornshaw, Anne Tyler rep the family. Christine Brown, Jan Allen, Dave Brown,Mrs Anderson rep Alison King & Keith Gray, Mr & Mrs I E Ramsey, Steve Rookes, Mr & Mrs F Naylor rep Mr & Mrs C Gordon,Mr & Mrs W J Grey-Nicholson, Helen & Len Gisbourne, Peter & Greer Montgomery, Mr & Mrs Gary Spence rep Mr & Mrs Gerald Spence, Andrew & Jill Palmer, Simon Spence rep Mrs C Spence, Mike Markham, Janet Robinson rep John Robinson, Don Oxtoby rep Audrey Oxtoby & Jackson, Robson & License, Adele Currie, Susan & Jeff Appleyard, T Sterriker, Chris Clark rep Janette Clark, Melissa Clark, Charlotte Smith, James Bielby, Mr & Mrs B Etherington, Mr & Mrs S B Speck, Mike Kellingham, John Kenington, Richard Hornby, Jane Smith, Nick Pearce, John & Mary Allenby, Kevin Walker, Kate Lawty, Pat Lawty, Gwen Byass, James Nicholson,Peter Easterby, John & Val Eastbrook, Philip Warkup, Mr & Mrs P Thompson, Richard Burt, Tony Dean rep TD Plastics, Mr & Mrs S King, Pat Middlewood rep Mrs T Middlewood & Claire Nellist, Nigel & Maureen Lunn rep Norman & Barbara Colley, Peter Bradbury rep Irene & Simon Bradbury, George Snowden, G Leason rep Mike & Linda Hartley, Neil Nicholson, Peter Bedford .

Staff at Southburn-based JSR are celebrating after the company was awarded the prestigious Investors in People Gold Standard.

Investors in People (IIP) Gold is a demanding standard that sets out a framework for evaluating how well a company connects strategy and operational planning with its people policy, and JSR are believed to be one of the first agricultural companies in the UK to be awarded the Standard.

SR Chairman Tim Rymer said: “We are delighted to be awarded Investors in People Gold in an Olympic year. We have held the Investor in People Standard since 1993 and three years ago set ourselves a goal to achieve gold in 2012.

“I believe a well-thought out strategy implemented by well-trained and motivated people is the key to success. What we have done is make sure that it happens consistently in practice and it’s down to the commitment and hard work of the staff that we are celebrating this achievement.”

Investors in People Specialist Anne Stockdale was impressed by the way JSR had incorporated people management best practice into their business, leading them to meeting the Gold standard.

HEAVY snowfall has caused disruption for schools this morning with several in the area closed.

Kilham Primary School has announced it is closed today due to the weather, as well as Driffield Junior School and Driffield’s Kings Mill Special School.

Bridlington School has said it will be open from 10am this morning.

Chase away those January blues with Scholastic’s colourful collection of children’s books which includes an exciting new series based on real-life animal rescues.

Whether it’s a little lost hedgehog, a dog biscuit-sized girl or a seafaring adventure in Cornwall, there’s a story to warm hearts, tickle ribs and set hearts pounding.

Fresh from the printers this month is a brilliant new series of books which have been produced by Scholastic in tandem with the RSPCA, the leading UK animal welfare charity. The books feature fictional characters but tell the real-life story of the RSPCA’s part in an animal rescue.

Each book, priced at only £4.99 and suitable for children aged over three, has a separate theme – wildlife, pets and farm – and includes heart-warming stories that families can enjoy together as well helping little ones to become aware of the important role of the RSPCA in saving animal lives. The beautifully-produced books, with a foiled cover and full of adorable illustrations, also promote responsible pet ownership. There are facts about animal care, an interview with a real RSPCA inspector and information about the RSPCA children’s club. And for every book sold, 15p will be donated to the RSPCA.

In Puppy Gets Stuck by Sue Mongredien, Emily’s family has a new puppy. Pickle is naughty and loves exploring but one day, when out for a walk, Pickle goes missing. Emily’s family and the whole village search everywhere but Pickle can’t be found. Then Emily hears a tiny yap and discovers Pickle is in a pickle. He has fallen into an old mineshaft. The RSPCA and fire brigade come to help and with the help of a special harness, Pickle is pulled to safety!

In Little Lost Hedgehog by Jill Hucklesby, we meet Grace who is out in the garden feeding her rabbits when she hears a rustle in the flower bed. She sits very still by the kitchen door, peering out into the dark and then spots some little paws, two shiny eyes and a twitching nose. It’s a tiny hedgehog but where is its family because he looks lost and hungry? Grace’s mum calls the RSPCA who take it back to their centre and nurse it back to health.

And in the topical Lamb All Alone by Katie Davies, Ben’s school is closed due to a flood warning. At home, Ben and his family secure the house against the rising water but what about the sheep in the field at the end of his garden? The farmer is stuck on his farm and can’t rescue them. Luckily, the RSPCA are on hand to help. Together Ben’s family and the RSPCA Inspector herd the animals to safety – through Ben’s garden! But one little lamb has been left behind. How will they get the animal across the deep water?

These eye-catching and informative books are set to be a real winner with children who love animals, fun and adventure.

Meanwhile, Jumblebum (paperback, £6.99), a brilliant new picture book from top team Chae Strathie and Ben Cort , will have children aged three to six laughing along to the rhyming text and enjoying the big, bright, colourful illustrations. Little Johnny thinks that his room has its own special style but mum thinks his room is a mess. Johnny doesn’t care… until the chaos attracts the terrible Jumblebum Beast. Is Johnny about to end up in the mess-loving monster’s tummy, or can his secret plan save the day? This hilarious tale about the importance of tidying up has a moral that won’t be lost on little ones. It’s for sure there’ll be a new broom sweeping clean when Jumblebum gets to work! And it’s not only little ones who are going to have all the fun this January. The amazing Shrinking Violet Potts (paperback, £5.99), the brainchild of the talented Lou Kuenzler, is a fresh and quirky character and her madcap adventures are jam packed with thrills, spills and laughter.

A must for all eight-year-olds and over with bags of attitude, Violet’s escapades guarantee guffaws on every page. In Shrinking Violet Definitely Needs a Dog, we meet Violet who is normal size one minute and dog biscuit-size the next. Her startling transformation takes place when she gets very excited or nervous and that could happen at any time.

Here we find Violet desperate for a dog, but she’s not allowed one – well, not unless she can prove she’s really, really responsible. Luckily there’s a dog walking scheme that she and her friend Nisha can join and where they love playing with their designated puppy, Chip. Violet and Nisha really want Chip to win the dog show and not mean Ratty-Riley and his dog. But on the big day, Violet surprises Nisha by shrinking to the size of a dog biscuit, and sometimes being tiny is terrifying! However, Violet discovers that her small size might yet win her a prize...

An eye-catching text and warm, witty illustrations by Kirsten Collier add to the entertainment while a special foiled cover and chunky, square shaped design ensure these books will become collectible classics.

Younger readers will also be hooked on Midnight Pirates (paperback, £6.99), Ally Kennan’s second standalone book which is brimming over with excitement, intrigue, tension and wit.

The beautiful (and supposedly haunted) Dodo Hotel sits proudly on the edge of the beautiful Cornish coast. To 13-year-old Miranda and her brothers Jackie, 10, (and his dog Fester) and Cal, 16, whose parents own the 300-year-old hotel, it is the best place in the world.

But the hotel is leaking money with a constant need for repairs and, apart from a few ghost hunters, it isn’t attracting enough guests to make ends meet. It has to be sold and the children must go away to boarding school.

Determined not to lose their beloved home and to stop the Dodo Hotel becoming extinct, Miranda and her brothers hatch a plan. Whilst their parents are away at a wedding, they will escape from school and go back to run the hotel themselves. After all, how difficult can it be?

But one day a strange man checks into the hotel and Miranda is immediately suspicious. And when a ship runs aground in the bay, it seems her worst fears are coming true. This man has something to do with it, and the children are in even more trouble than they could possibly have imagined.

This is a book full of knockabout fun that will appeal to the over ten age group with its irreverent humour, crazy adventures, busy, buzzing dialogue, a charismatic cast of kids (and adults!) and a mystery to keep readers guessing.

Couple all this with its fantastic Cornish setting and seafaring skulduggery, and you have a brilliantly conceived 21st century take on the adventures of Enid Blyton’s Famous Five.

A VACANCY has arisen on Nafferton Parish Council.

A by-election to fill the vacancy will be held if 10 electors of the parish write to the chief executive of East Riding of Yorkshire Council at County Hall, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 9BA, by Tuesday, 22 January 2013 claiming an election.

If the chief executive does not receive such a request, the parish council will be informed that it may fill vacancies by co-option.

The dazzling but brutal world of 12th century Japan springs into glorious life through the bizarre destiny of one young peasant girl in Barbara Lazar’s sumptuous new novel.

Kozaishō is Fifth Daughter of a large family, sold by her father to a cruel master in exchange for a plot of land and exiled to the dark and shadowy Village of Outcasts where she will become a Woman-For-Play.

In a story told through Kozaishō’s diary, or pillow book, we journey with her through thrilling twists of fate and fortune which will see her as a woman of the night, a wife, a lover, a teller of fantastical stories, a wise woman and a female samurai warrior.

Kozaishō’s brothers and sisters laughed when she told them she had dreamt that she ate from lacquered bowls and wore glittering kimonos. She’s Fifth Daughter, the youngest child of the family and is destined to always live off the land.

But Kozaishō possesses a special gift – her beauty – and it is one that gets her noticed by Proprietor Chiba, the ‘Above-the Clouds’ person who owns the fields where her father works.

Sold to Proprietor Chiba for extra land which her family has long coveted, little Kozaishō asks her father how many days she will be away. ‘A lifetime,’ he replies.

With her father’s last words ringing in her ears, ‘Keep our honour. Do your duty,’ the child is whisked away to Lesser House where she learns about the trappings of wealth, how to dance and the meaning of loneliness.

Marked out by two auspicious omens, she is also allowed to train in the ancient arts of the samurai and befriends the warrior Akio who teachers her to be the Pink Flower samurai, to wield a bow and arrow, to fight with a sword, to use the energy of anger for her weapons, and to cry at beauty but not at pain.

But she also make a powerful enemy in the ruthless priest Goro and when she crosses him, she is banished to the notorious Village of Outcasts, a small, stinking town of prostitutes, tanneries and ‘unclean activities.’

But through the power of storytelling, she learns to fight her fate, twisting her life onto a path that even she could not have imagined...

Lazar’s painstaking research and self-proclaimed obsession with Japanese culture ensures that Kozaishō’s epic story is played out with plenty of historical authenticity, accuracy, atmosphere and an abundance of helpful notes.

But it is also a gripping, cleverly conceived and heart-wrenching love story threaded through with the art, culture and storytelling traditions of Japan. At its heart is one woman’s determination to forge her own destiny, to guard the honour of her family and to stay true to herself.

The beauty of Kozaishō’s imaginative storytelling and poetry, which forms the kernel of her own life story, creates a magical, vivid and fable-like quality to the action and the narrative.

The Pillow Book of the Flower Samurai is a formidable Far Eastern feast served up in the best traditions of Japanese storytelling... full of rich, exciting flavours, gritty realities, saucy side dishes and unexpected surprises to tickle the taste buds.

Truly a story to savour...

(Headline Review, paperback, £7.99)

As a new term begins at a tiny North Yorkshire primary school in September 1983, headmaster Jack Sheffield feels that familiar mix of excitement and trepidation.

There’s a fresh intake to settle in, a new teacher to be appointed and at home, Jack and wife Beth are getting used to being parents to baby John.

But nothing has prepared him for the tragedies, triumphs and scandals that will test his skills and endurance in the months that lie ahead...

For those who haven’t already met Jack Sheffield and his amazing, multi-faceted cast of characters, welcome to Ragley-on-the-Forest, a fictional village which forms the backcloth for some of the headmaster-turned-author’s hilarious and heart-breaking real-life experiences at two North Yorkshire schools in the 1970s and 1980s.

School’s Out! is the seventh instalment of the ever-popular Teacher series, and memories of the brave new world of the Eighties, Sheffield’s wry Yorkshire humour and moments of childhood magic are still flowing with the same irresistible exuberance, charm and affection.

For Jack and his cohorts, it’s the era of the new CD player, Microsoft adverts featuring something called Word, the McDonald’s McNugget, a range of strange dolls called Cabbage Patch, the threat of miners’ strikes and a final farewell to the halfpenny piece.

And at Ragley CE School, Jack gets ready for an even more eventful year than usual, including a bizarre introduction to new girl, four-year-old Madonna Fazackerly, who is sporting a Wham! t-shirt, black stone-washed jeans and red pixie boots.

Her ‘sensitivity’ has got her mum and dad ‘proper flummoxed’ and they are eager she should continue a family tradition and ‘mek ’er mark’ on the school. By the end of the first day, some unfortunate graffiti, a wall decorated with handprints and the near death experience of two goldfish will ensure her parents’ fears were groundless.

And there are tests ahead for the village’s adults. School caretaker Ruby’s nostalgia, as the last of her six children gets ready to leave Ragley Primary, is overtaken by a shocking event, and at the village Coffee Shop, assistant Dorothy Humpleby is planning a ‘dirty weekend’ with boyfriend Malcolm in pursuit of a marriage proposal.

But the appointment of a new teacher sets tongues wagging and a scandal brews that is uncomfortably close to home for headmaster Jack.

The joy of Sheffield’s laugh-out-loud books is his attention to period detail, his ability to tap into the fun and foibles of both school and village life and a gentle touch which adds poignancy and pathos to sensitive plotlines.

Top marks again to everyone’s favourite headmaster!

(Bantam, paperback, £12.99)

A funeral service was held at the East Riding Crematorium on Friday January 11 for Mrs Betty Weekes of the Glenfield Residential Home who died peacefully in Glenfield on 6th January. She was aged 91.

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

Betty was born in Ystradgynlais, Swansea Valley, South Wales. After leaving school she went nursing in London under the aegis of her sister, she came home as war broke out to marry her husband to be Dick who was in a reserved occupation - mining. They had two sons Ross and Ceri, sadly Ceri died as a baby.

She had a very happy married life, she created a warm, cheerful home which was open all hours to friends and neighbours.

She participated in a number of chapel activities (Tabernacl, Ystradgynlais, where, of course, Archbishop Rowan Williams was baptised). She was a member of the Light Opera Society and was also an active member of the Ystrad Labour Women’s Club, they raised a fortune for charity.

After Dick’s pit closed they went to live and work in London.

After their grandchildren Sally and Owain were born they came to live in Driffield to share in their growing up. Dick worked part time at several jobs in Driffield whilst Betty worked in Joe Butler’s clothes shop before eventually doing voluntary work with Barnardo’s.

Betty and Dick enjoyed returning to Wales to see family and bought a cottage there where they made lasting friendships, they also loved travelling all over the UK and the Med, their favourite being trips to Crete and Oberamagau. Most of the year was spent very happily in Driffield spending time with their family.

Betty soon got involved with activities at the Methodist Church and the Driffield Light Opera Society.

After Dick died in 1998 Betty went to live at Taylor’s Field, she made many friends there.

She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Family mourners: Ross & Liz Weekes (son & daughter in law), Sally & Jon (granddaughter & fiancé), Owain (grandson), Wyn Jones (nephew), Anne & John Anderson (niece & husband), Drew & Gail Anderson (nephew & wife), Mark & John Anderson (great nephews), Ann & Paul Coultass (niece & husband), Cliff & Rosalie Jones (nephew & wife).

Others present: Mr & Mrs J Burrell, Jane Burdass, Ramona Holt, Maureen Wright rep Mrs Joy Ewbank, Sheila Watson & Audrey Dale, Hilda Oxtoby, Olga Ewbank rep Jennifer Garner. Georgina Dean, Malcolm & Marjorie Clubley rep Ted & Bev Atkinson & Mrs M Atkinson, Jim & Janet Clark rep Mildred Galtry & Mary Dean, Geoff Hughes, Grace & Malcolm Craggs rep Yvonne Smith & Mark Oxtoby, Richard & Christine Pollard, Brian Kitt, Clive Hill, Rob & Elaine Leason, Rob & Jenny Youd rep Flora Anderson, Pip & Dave Matthews, Angela Goacher, Betty Wilson, Pauline Hullah, John Hall rep Sandie, Michael & Edna Parker rep Mrs Barbara Wilson, Mary Hanson, Judith & Ian Douglas, Sian Mundey rep Susan Couttes & Carewatch, Sue Mundey rep Marie Perrin & Carewatch, Lauren Paton rep Kerry Beedham & Natalie Davis-Holmes, Debbie Gibson rep Sue Bielby & Carewatch, Mr & Mrs Norman Ellis, Mick Foster, Robert Fenton rep Melanie Fenton & Michael & Andrew Fenton

A funeral service was held at the East Riding Crematorium on Friday January 4 for Mr Ian Sinton of Watton who died on December 20. He was aged 44 years.

The service was conducted by Mr David Keating.

Ian was born in Beverley Westwood on November 18 1968. He attended Cross Hill School and then the Secondary School in Driffield. He married Jaqueline in August, 1998 and they went on to have two children. He settled into engineering, working for the family business, Harrison Hire and Sales from 1994 to 2011, unfortunately he was enforced to retire due to illness.

Family mourners: Mrs Jaqueline Sarah Sinton (wife), Master Lewis Morgan Sinton (son), Miss Ysobella Jaqueline Sarah Sinton (daughter), Mrs Patricia Ann Sinton (mother), Janet & Paul Nichols (sister & brother in law), Denise & Tony Williams (sister & brother in law), Graham Sinton & Elaine Tate (brother & partner), Mark & Jeanette Sinton (brother & sister in law), Jonathan Hood & Natalie Woolhead (nephew & fiancé), Jennifer Hood & Sebestiano Secci (niece & fiance) also rep Robert Hood, Rebecca Hood & Ben Cooper (niece), Michael Nichols (nephew), Mrs June & Mr Trevor Harrison (mother in law & father in law), Tina & Warwick Ivel (sister in law & husband), Daisy Ivel & Angus Ivel (niece & nephew).

Others present: Nigel Thomas rep Clare Hanley, Richard Ireland, James Grice, Joan & Malcolm Medley, Louise Lowe, Marie Alison, Pete Fisher, Kerry Hara, Mr & Mrs Gordon Hunter, Tom Harrison, John & Mary Fothergill, Judy Ward rep John, Jane Daniels, Gary & Carol Botterill rep H & A Bell Motorcycles, Kerry Stych rep Helen Hoggard, John & Beryl Kinsella, Celia Wheaton, Ben & Douglas Noble,David Sheader, Sue Ward, Christine Shaw,Joy Waite, Vicky Waite, John & Penny Garnham, Trudy & Andrew Berriman, Liz Pexton rep Tony Pexton, Wendy Ashworth (nee Eccles), Mr & Mrs P Foster rep Jackie & Stuart Neish & family, Janet Woodcock, Jon & Ann Foster rep Lynn & Anita, Barbara & Brian Harrison, Keith & Sue Harrison, Darren Harrison, Kirsty Wall, Enid Wilks, Sharon Tomlinson, Christine Whitehouse, Peter Earle, Julie Ringrose, Janet Bates, Jason Storry, Mr & Mrs C & M Bryan rep Beswick School, Wayne Bratley, John Bateman, Tony Dale, Phil Dunn, John & Susan Harrison, Stephanie Leason rep Helen Pooley, Paul Newlove rep Joan Towse & David Lundy & staff, Mrs J Hughes rep Mr G Hughes, Pam Padam, John Hood, Sue Hildreth, Rose Shaw, Megan Cooper, Hannah Thurlow, Valerie Sharpe, Steph Bolton, Annie Corner, Mark Harrison rep Leila Fahey, Nigel & Joseph Hara, Debbie Handley, Mr G Warwick, Mr R Darley, Mark Foster, Cynthia & John Dawson rep the family, Samantha Lowey, Dawn Smith, Jill Barratt rep Beswick & Watton School, Andrew Anderson, Jason Schofield rep Dale Smith, Steph Harrison (Stish) rep Katheryn Harrison & Dan Harrison, Mike Robinson, Steve & Samuel Pickering rep Helen, Bethany & Millie Pickering & Angela & Tony Jones, Stan & Jean Burrell, Ruth Butler rep Geoff Butler & Terry & Marjorie Jackson, Simon & Anne Malster rep Chloe & Libby Malster, Bridget Conroy, Gill Powell, Vicky & Natasha Svenson, Stuart Barker rep Vanessa Barker, Sean & Kerry Booth rep Chuck, Mrs Joan Warkup rep Mr Keith Warkup, Andrew Warkup rep Mr & Mrs R White, Judy & Mick English rep Simon English, Susan Nichols, Kevin Gowlett, Mike Hood rep Sandra Cooper, Angela Goodwin & Craig Kelly, Simon Spence, Elizabeth & Alan Wall, Jeremy Dixon,Mr & Mrs S Cowton, Wendy Simpson rep Jim Sterriker, Mr Ian Mountain rep all the family, Ruth Russell, Richard McCann, Paul & Jane Leason, Beryl Leason rep Derrick Leason, Jane Kneeshaw, Julie Ashton, Stuart & Hester Hood, Nick & Sarah English, Diane Solonyna, Helen McNair, Lynne Smith, Belinda, Matthew & Andrew Watson, Mrs J Harrand, Mr W Malcolmson, Mr & Mrs R Kirk.

A funeral service was held at the East Riding Crematorium, Octon on Wednesday January 9 for Mr Robert Gladstone of Northfield Avenue, Driffield who died in The Limes Residential Home in Driffield on December 27. He was aged 88 years.

The service was conducted by the Rev Malcolm Exley and the organist was Mr Steven Westaway.

Bob was born in 1924 in Hull and attended school there. After leaving school he joined his father as a street vendor selling fish, fruit and veg from handcarts and covered all areas of Hull. He also worked as a butcher’s boy and delivery lad. In 1942 he worked at the Royal Station Hotel and over the years met many famous stars of stage and screen, including Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy who gave him a white fiver as a tip, a memory he always recalled. He also met royalty during his time there. He left there in June 1942 to join the Royal Navy, progressing to rank of Torpedo/Depth charge engineer, during this time he saw action in Malta, Cyprus and Gibralter. He was discharged in 1945 due to an accident when he fell overboard during the loading of depth charges. He returned to Hull and returned to the Royal Hotel until 1956. He moved to Driffield that year. His early years in Driffield were spent in the building trade, working at Elvington and other major building sites in the Driffield area. He also worked at the Driffield Aerodrome with his brother Frank alongside the Americans stationed at Driffield. After some years he went to work at the Brandesburton Hospital, again with his brother Frank. He transferred to the East Riding General Hospital to take work as a ward porter and telephonist where he stayed until retirement in 1988 and he left with many happy memories.

He was married to Brenda and they went on to have four children.

He loved to play his accordion and for many years played at the Pegasus Club in Driffield alongside his lifelong friend Mr Robin Frazer. He was part of the family that brought music to Driffield and played in the Black Swan, Red Lion, The Buck and The Tiger.

Bob loved his garden and DIY, he loved music of any kind, he loved his family and the family pets, among his favourite was Shep and the family have many happy memories of him.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Chief mourners: Brenda Gladstone (wife), David Gladstone (son), Barry & Janet Gladstone, Paul & Elizabeth Gladstone (sons & daughters in law), Amanda Gladstone (daughter) & Mr John Caley, Leanne & Andrew Sansome (granddaughter & husband), Gary & Zoe Gladstone (grandson & wife), Darren Gladstone, Richard Gladstone, Jonathan Gladstone, Benjamin Gladstone, Sam Gladstone (grandsons), Ellie Addinall, Morgan Addinall, Josh Sansome, Alfie Sansome (great grandchildren), Arthur & Ann Gladstone (brother & sister in law), Mrs Dot Sweaton (sister), Ivy & Brian Race (sister & brother in law), Eric & Dawn Gladstone (brother & sister in law), Frank Gladstone & Joy Brown (brother & partner), Mr Nick Gladstone & Dianne Akroyde (nephew), Daniel & Corey Gladstone (great nephews), Alan & Monica Davies (cousin & wife), Phil & Jan Bennett (cousin & Wife),

Others present: Peter Gladstone. Beryl Gladstone (sister in law), Elaine Gladstone, Robert Gladstone & Dawn Shepherdson, Martin Gladstone rep Amanda Gladstone, Jean Gladstone rep Mrs D Foster, Frank Gladstone (nephew), Stephen Briggs rep David Briggs & Emma Hodgson, Kathleen Briggs rep Margaret & Barbara Birkett, Terence Pallant, Julian Noble, Mr M Dale, Mr & Mrs B Rugg rep Karen Atkinson, Andrew Rugg, Julie Bowes rep Michelle, Amy & Connor, David Stork rep Christine Stork, Michael Wright, Tracey Hyde, Kelsie Wright,John Pilmoor, Madge Newman, Leigh Norman rep Mark Gladstone & Shane Gladstone, Catherine Parker rep Carole Kember, Dave Parker rep Andrew, Malcolm & Teresa Parker, Terry & Pauline Barker rep Andrew & Michael Gladstone, Mr H Gibson, Mr A Gibson, Jane Westbrook rep Wendy Palmer, Ian & Jo Proudlock, William Proudlock, James Edmond, Ashley Morris, Lee Walton rep Red Lion, Linda Newton, Philip James, Clare Wray, David James, Rob McNeil rep family, Viv & Jeff West, David Burnett, Gary Burnett, Joanne Burnett,Linda Jackson, Robin & Carol Fraser rep Chris & Tony Ward, Mr A Fraser rep Linda, Gordon & Doreen Evans, Mark Linklater, Mike Fenton, Mr P Jackson rep Mrs A Jackson, Jill Sissons-Hood rep Mr M Hood, Paul Woodmansey, Susan & Rod Greenwood (niece & husband), Malcolm Kennedy, Jim Barron, Phil Barron, Miss M Pearson, Jo & Paul Elstob.

DRIFFIELD town council has set its budget for the next financial year and decided that there should be no rise in the amount of precept it asks people to pay as part of their overall council tax bill.

Councillors had been faced with the prospect of raising the amount of money they levy on households in Driffield following changes in the tax base imposed by the Government.

Driffield’s tax base will reduce for 2013/14, which meant the cost per household would rise even if the council set the same precept as in 2012/13

However, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council received council tax support funding from the Government to pass down to parish and town councils to partially offset the impact of such changes.

The clerk, Mrs Claire Binnington, told a full town council meeting that £32,194.42 would be received from the EYRC to lessen the impact of a reduced tax base.

This would allow the town council to peg the precept at £248,000. Without the support funding, the precept would have been £282,000 – equivalent to more than a 13% rise.

The town council agreed, with 10 in favour and two against, that the precept should be set at £248,000.

Mrs Binnington said: “As the tax base has reduced, an original unchanged precept of £282,000 would have meant the cost to a band D household would have risen by £8.58 a year, due to the support from ERYC, the council have successfully managed to maintain their budget plans, reduce the precept to £248,000, which in real terms means the cost per band D household has reduced to £63.93.”

The town council could have reduced its spending further by axing from the budget a number of items which it supports financially.

This would have removed £500 set aside for the Driffield show, £5,000 for town centre projects, £5,000 for a WW1 commemoration scheme, £1,000 for late night shopping, £10,000 for canal restoration, and £3,000 small grant fund.

However, town councillors agreed to leave those items in the budget.

Mrs Binnington said: “ “The budget working group met several times and put together a budget. The general idea was, before we got notification of this tax base cut, that we would set everything so that there was no change and the working group would recommend to full council that the precept would remain as last year at £282,000.

“Then it could be argued out and fine tuned as usual. This was before we were told that the tax base had been cut dramatically which meant that if we kept the same precept of £282,000 there would be less households paying it and the band D payment would go up by 13.4%

“In order for us to maintain a non change on the Band D our precept would have to reduce to £248,000.

“The East Riding said that to lessen the impact they would give us £32,000 which means that theoretically we can keep to our spending plan and kept the precept at £248,000, so the band D will not change.”

Coun Steve Poessl spoke in favour of the budget freeze.

“There are a lot of things going up at the moment. The cost of living is going up, the cost of fuel is going up. People are living on a knife edge. Those few quid make all that difference between debt and staying afloat. I for one will be voting for it to stay the same and next year I will be looking at all these figures again.”

Coun Kevin Stack said: “ I agree with Coun Poessl. Keep it as it is.”

Coun Tony Cooper had proposed that the budget discussions should be held in confidential but failed to get a seconder and so the matter was discussed in open council.

On a weekday evening in September 1974, 46 enthusiastic young men lined up at Mission Bay, a saltwater lagoon near San Diego in California, to test their endurance in a new athletic event.

The Mission Bay triathlon was a world first and it was well after dark when the last of the exhausted triathletes made their way across the finishing line.

In the great spirit of sport and adventure, they had come along after a day at work to swim, cycle and run until their legs felt like they didn’t belong to their bodies any more.

Since that autumn evening nearly 39 years ago, the triathlon has become a prestigious world and Olympic sport with Britain’s own brilliant sibling team, Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, winning gold and bronze respectively in the London 2012 games.

The official distances for each element are now a 1,500m swim, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run although other triathlon distances do exist and are used in some races.

The arrival of a whole new breed of professional athletes who have trained specifically for the triathlon has seen the sport’s popularity rocket to new heights and triathlon is now one of the UK’s favourite routes to getting fit.

And there could be no better introduction to the benefits of the sport than Haynes’ new and definitive Triathlon Manual, written by ex-Marine Commando PT instructor Sean Lerwill, who reveals that with its three distinct elements, triathlon training offers more variety and less risk injury.

This accessible and fully illustrated guide is aimed at both newcomers who have decided to give triathlon a go and those who have already taken part and are eager to improve their performance.

As well as information and advice on training and the individual events, Lerwill provides invaluable tips on health, injuries, nutrition, motivation, psychology, supplements, conditioning training and specially focused advice for women and children.

Most people approach the sport with experience of one discipline and then master the other two over time. This superbly produced and easy-to-read manual looks at each sport separately before combining all three in preparation for competitions, such as the gruelling Ironman, considered by many to be the ultimate endurance test.

Ironman was the brainchild of U.S. Navy Commander John Collins who finished a lowly 35th in that original Mission Bay race and involves a much-expanded triathlon consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride and a marathon 26.2-mile run, raced in that order and without a break.

With a Foreword by Jack Johnstone, founder of that first triathlon back in 1974, this comprehensive and fascinating manual will inspire readers to follow a unique training routine, gain a real sense of achievement and maybe even take that first step to becoming a top triathlete!

(Haynes Publishing, hardback, £21.99)

Valuable equipment owned by a tree surgeon has been stolen from a property on Main Street, Ulrome.

The crime happened between Friday, December 29 and Friday January 4, when someone walked into the rear garden of a property and approached a storage shed.

The shed lock was broken by an implement believed to be crowbar and the shed was entered. Five of owner’s chainsaws and two hedge strimmers were taken.

All other equipment in the shed was left untouched.

The victim has made enquiries with other tree surgeons to see if anybody has been approached with equipment for sale.

Two of the saws require a licence and all details are held on a database at the place from which they were bought.

If you have any information about the missing equipment please contact the police on 101 and quote crime reference 1950678.