If you like your romance novels to have a little injection of the supernatural, the latest in Lisa Kleypas’s sexy, sparkling Friday Harbour books is sure to work some special magic.

The American author’s popular series has won thousands of readers with its charming, contemporary stories featuring a picturesque town where the friendly residents know everything about everyone and always look out for each other.

It’s like meeting a group of exciting new friends and here she puts a provocative, paranormal spin on Friday Harbour’s everyday life with the tale of a young woman who is struggling to break a spell cast on her by her ‘white witch’ mother.

After a nomadic childhood with her restless mother Marigold, Justine Hoffman has made a safe and comfortable life for herself on the island of Friday Harbour but there is still something missing from her life.

She has caring friends and owns Artist’s Point, a thriving bed and breakfast business, but love – that emotion which is both ‘extraordinary, and yet entirely normal’ – still eludes her.

It’s all because her disillusioned mother, a hereditary witch, cast a spell on her, making it almost impossible for Justine to ever find her soul mate.

But now, after years of wishing on stars, throwing coins into fountains and blowing dandelion seeds on their feathered parachutes, she is willing to do whatever it takes to change her destiny.

Justine, raised in the pagan tradition, knows that she too has magical powers in her DNA so she casts a spell over herself to break her mother’s jinx.

But she could never have dreamt of the dangerous complications that follow. The elusive and mysterious Jason Black, a successful video game developer who scrupulously avoids the public spotlight, arrives at her B&B and when Justine meets Jason for the first time, the atmosphere is electric.

Jason unleashes a storm of desire and danger that threatens everything Justine holds dear because this handsome, soulless man has secrets of his own ... and he wants more from her than fate will ever allow.

Kleypas is a gifted storyteller, and in Crystal Cove she brings us a hint of the supernatural to add sparks and sparkle to a beguiling love story which packs in some complex relationships and passion-fuelled surprises.

Love with a deliciously dark twist...

(Piatkus, paperback, £7.99)

A GOVERNMENT planning inspector has blocked proposals to extend a house which stands within a Drifield Conservation area.

Mr Stuart Elvidge lodged an appeal after the East Riding of Yorkshire Council turned down a planning application to build a two-storey extension following removal of car port and outside toilet at 4 Skerne Road.

But the appeal has been dismissed following a planning inquiry.

A planning inspectors report said the main issue in this case was the impact of the proposal on the appearance and character of the South Driffield Conservation Area.

The proposed two-storey side extension would be added to No 4, one half of a pair of semi-detached, brick-built Victorian houses.

The inspector said: “I acknowledge that care has been taken to provide an extension that would attempt to harmonise with the existing. Through the use of matching materials and the continuation of the hipped-roof treatment this would be largely achieved.

“Furthermore, by continuing the roof and hiding from view within Skerne Road the current rather unfortunate flat-roofed rear addition of modern brickwork, the proposal would to some degree improve the appearance and character of the dwelling when seen in isolation.

“However, the character of this part of the conservation area derives from the rhythm of the three pairs of early semi-detached houses fronting Skerne Road which, as the Council notes, are separated by generous gaps between the pairs. By continuing the frontage of No. 4 and extending to the side of the house with what would be a sizeable addition having a long flank elevation this would serve to visually unbalance this particular pair of dwellings.

The inspector added: “I accept that the proposal would not have any materially detrimental effect on the living conditions of occupiers of the adjacent dwellings. I also acknowledge the appellant’s wish to extend the property for his growing family’s needs although such personal circumstances carry little weight when the impact of the proposal would persist long after such circumstances apply.”

“Having regard to the National Planning Policy Framework, the proposal would result in less than substantial harm to the significance of the designated heritage asset of the conservation area. Nonetheless, for the reasons outlined I do not consider that any public benefits of the scheme outweigh the harmful impact that it would have on the appearance and character of the conservation area. The proposal would conflict with planning policies. “These seek to ensure the protection or enhancement of the appearance and/or character of conservation areas. Accordingly, the proposal is unacceptable and the appeal must fail.”

Students Matthew Neal, Matthew Gelsthorpe and James Webb will be undertaking a mammoth Land’s End to John O’Groats bike ride from June 24 to July 5 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Matthew Neal said: “We are all students completing Bsc (Hons) Sports Coaching, Development and Fitness degrees at Bishop Burton College in Beverley - all participants within the last year of the degree.”

Matthew Neal’s grandfather was diagnosed with stomach cancer in July.

He said: “It took a while for us to get a confirmation from doctors about what he was suffering from.”

After being passed onto Macmillan Caner Support, his grandfather and Nan had many questions as they were unhappy with a perceived lack of feedback from doctors and with cancelled medical appointments.

The Macmillan nurses who took care of him intervened immediately and made sure Matthew’s grandfather’s voice was heard.

Matthew said: “Sadly, he passed away a few weeks after been diagnosed which hit the family hard, including close friends.

“Macmillan nurses did not stop there. Immediately after he passed away, they were comforting and listened to any questions the family had, answering to the best of their ability.

“The boys would like to thank the nurses and make it their chosen charity to raise money for”

The charity bike ride will take place on the June 24 and hopefully finishing on the of July 5.

“We will be using fundraisers to raise money for these incredible people, however due to costs of equipment, bikes, travel etc we need to raise money through companies interested in sponsoring us to complete this charity bike ride.

“We of course will thank companies in return by having their company logo on our team Macmillan cycle wear and we would be happy to listen to other requests.”

Matthew can be contacted by emailing matthewneal2@msn.com or by Calling Bishop Burton College on Tel: 01522 895490

In 1937, two years before war broke out in Europe, hundreds of thousands of Chinese people died in one of the worst atrocities in their history.

The ‘Nanking Massacre’ has become synonymous with rampant brutality ... it is claimed Japanese soldiers ran amok in the ancient Chinese city, killing and raping, shoring up the roads with corpses and setting buildings alight.

This six-week reign of terror followed the Japanese capture of the city during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Historians and witnesses have estimated that up to 300,000 people were killed.

Geling Yan’s masterful novel, The Flowers of War, first published seven years ago and brought to the big screen in 2011 by Zhang Yimou and starring Christian Bale, transports us back to the horrors of Nanking in a relatively short but poignant and subtle translation from the Chinese by Nicky Harman.

Using spare, beautifully understated prose, a rich cast of diverse characters and a plotline that crackles with simmering tensions, Geling Yan’s story has the power to shock, to inspire and to speak loudly about the triumph of humanity in human life’s darkest moments.

The action centres on a group of 16 terrified Chinese girls who are forced to hide in the compound of an American mission church next to their school after being unable to return to their homes and orphanages.

Among them is 13-year-old Shujuan and through her eyes we witness a series of devastating events unfolding. Run by Father Engelmann, an ageing and austere American priest and his young deacon Fabio Adornato, the church is supposedly neutral ground in the war between China and Japan.

But it becomes clear that the Japanese are not obeying international rules of engagement and as they pour through the streets of Nanking, raping and pillaging the civilian population, the girls are placed in increasing danger.

And their safety is further compromised when a ‘gaudy tidal wave’ of worldly, wisecracking prostitutes from the nearby brothel climbs over the wall into the compound seeking refuge and ‘a good death.’

And more unwelcome guests soon arrive... three Chinese soldiers, two of them wounded, who have escaped a skirmish with the Japanese and whose presence puts the neutrality of the compound at risk.

With food and water in short supply, tensions at boiling point between the disparate groups and the Japanese invaders edging ever closer, compassion, resolve and shared understanding are the only weapons left...

The Flowers of War, so effective in its blunt reality and so moving in its sensitive depiction of the loss of innocence, is a lesson in how war upsets prejudice and how love and immense bravery can flourish amidst death.

A vivid and compelling novel that speaks to us all...

(Vintage, paperback, £7.99)

THE FINALISTS of a county-wide competition are set to be announced next week.

Six candidates who entered the competition to design the East Riding flag have been selected and will be announced on Monday February 25.

The chief vexillologist of the Flag Institute will announce the finalists.

See next week’s Beverley Guardian for a round-up of the selected designs.

A DECISION to refuse permission for six wind turbines to be built near Burton Agnes is to be appealed.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council had turned down the application to build the 330 foot turbines at Thornholme Field, on Rudston Road, but an appeal by the applicant Catherine Taggart now means that the matter will be decided by a planning inspector at a public inquiry.

Last week, inspector Ken Barton decided to overturn the council’s decision to refuse permission for nine wind turbines at Fraisthorpe, after a public inquiry in November.

Now, another inquiry looks set to be held to determine whether the six at Thornholme should go ahead.

Councillors sitting on East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s planning committee voted unanimously in December to reject the application because of the Ministry of Defence’s objection to the proposal - because of its impact on radar at RAF Staxton Wold.

In addition, councillors included in their reasons for refusing the application the turbine’s likely impact on the heritage and landscape of the area, and the harm the turbines would do to views of the Grade 1 listed buildings at historic Burton Agnes Hall.

The plan – which would see the nearest turbine lie approximately 900m from the closest property in Thornholme and 1.5 kilometres away from Burton Agnes Hall – had already been opposed by parish councils in Burton Agnes, Carnaby, Rudston and Boynton as well as Bridlington Town Council.

The applicant, renewable energy company Wind Prospect, took the decision in September 2012 to reduce the number of turbines by a third – from nine to six – following public consultations.

The council received 189 letters of objection from members of the public over the plans, with two from Bridlington MP Greg Knight.

However, 369 letters of support had been sent to the council, with many stressing that the government must reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and produce more green energy.

Any comments already made following the original application will be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate and will be taken into account by the inspector who decides the appeal.

Any new comments - or amendments to existing representations - can be sent to The Planning Inspectorate, 3/02 Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN.

Three copies should be sent of any correspondence, and they must reach the Planning Inspectorate by March 19.

• Meanwhile, plans could be put in for two more 330 foot turbines on land north of The Coach House, Temple Lane, Carnaby.

Developer Livos Energy has submitted a screening application to find out if an assessment of the generators’ environmental impact needs to be carried out.

These tests are then usually followed by the developer seeking planning permission.

PARKING charges are set to increase in Driffield next month as part of a council move to boost funding for transport development.

From Thursday March 28 East Riding of Yorkshire Council-run on-street and off-street car parks will cost an extra 10p per hour to use.

The increase forms part of the budget announced earlier this month and will allow investment in the area’s transport infrastructure.

Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of East Riding Council, said: “As part of the budget setting process, all of the council’s business operations were reviewed and to ensure a balanced budget was set it was decided that car parking charges should be increased.

“Car parking charges are never popular, but serve an important purpose in providing safe and sensible parking for motorists and allow for a regular turnover of spaces to support local commerce.

“Contrary to popular myth, car parking charges are not a means for councils to ‘make money’, as all of what the council receives goes back into the area’s transport infrastructure.”

When the changes are implemented it will cost £5.40 to park all day at council-run on-street and off-street car parks.

For the full report see next week’s Times and Post, out on Thursday February 28.

A Crown Court judge has laid out a timetable for the prosecution of Graham Richardson, the 26-year-old Norton man charged with the murder of Full Sutton antique dealer Peter Battle.

Wearing a grey partly unbuttoned shirt, Mr Richardson appeared via a live video link from HM Hull Prison on Wednesday, only to confirm his name during the preliminary hearing at Hull Crown Court.

Mr Richardson was ordered to appear before the court again on May 10, and was remanded in custody until that date.

In addition to the murder charge Mr Richardson also faces a charge of theft from a dwelling but has yet to enter a plea for either offence.

56-year-old Peter Battle was discovered dead at his home, Whisker Cottage in Full Sutton, on 7 February when police forced entry to the property after a friend of Mr Battle contacted the authorities saying they had not heard from him for some time.

A post mortem confirmed Mr Battle had died following blunt force trauma to the head and had been dead for some time.

Police believe a number of items including gold, silver, sovereigns, coins and a silver vase may have been taken from the house and are also keen to trace a silver and black Advent 2000 laptop which they think is missing from Mr Battle’s home.

If you have any information about any of the items listed above contact the Major Incident Room on 01377 208989 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Pat Brooker was never cut out to be a pub landlady – a woman who is quiet, shy, naive, prefers family to strangers and doesn’t drink shouldn’t go anywhere near the ‘other’ side of the bar.

So how did Pat, better known as Nanny Pat and one of the much-loved stars of the popular ITV reality series The Only Way is Essex, find herself queen of the Rising Sun in the tough East End of 1960s London?

All is revealed in the second down-to-earth instalment of the Cockney nan’s eventful journey from a cash-strapped childhood in Bow to matriarch of the Wright clan and shining star of the fly-on-the-wall TV series known affectionately to viewers as TOWIE.

Pat became the darling of the show when she called round at the flat of her grandson Mark with his weekly ‘food drops,’ including her now famous sausage plaits, a family recipe which is included in her new book as a special bonus for readers.

Pat, who has five children, fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, began her life story in her first book, Penny Sweets and Cobbled Streets, and now she transports us back to the Swinging Sixties when, together with husband Charlie and their five young children aged between four and eleven, they took over the Rising Sun in Bromley-by-Bow.

They had no experience of the pub trade but Charlie, a jack of all trades, could turn his hand to anything and owning a pub was one of long-cherished dreams. So, on a wing and a prayer, the family upped sticks from Canning Town and began a new adventure.

In between working shifts at Tate & Lyle’s sugar factory, Pat got to grips with dispensing their staple drinks – beers and spirits (no wine or cocktails at the Rising Sun!) – stocking up on extras like cigarettes, crisps and arrowroot biscuits (an East End favourite) and using a till that didn’t ‘do maths.’

As Pat became accustomed to the daily running of the pub downstairs and caring for her children who slept 30 steep steps away on the top floor, she also learned to cope with troubled and troublesome customers, and even the occasional visit from the Krays’ henchmen seeking a bit of protection money.

Her only real ‘free’ time was a weekly visit to the hairdressers where she had her famously red hair wound and pinned into a fashionable ‘beehive’ making her a distinctive figure in the Bow area.

In this charming and revealing memoir, Pat vividly evokes the East End community she served in the 1960s, the extraordinary characters she encountered along the way and the changes that swept through 1960s and 70s society.

She also reveals why she and Charlie eventually moved to Essex, and just what it felt like to become a star of The Only Way is Essex in her seventies.

A widow since 2007, Pat has been supported by her large, close-knit family and with their encouragement and the arrival of TOWIE, she hasn’t just got on with life... ‘I have really lived it!’

(Pan, paperback, £7.99)

A funeral service was held at the Parish Church, Nafferton on Saturday, 16th February for Mrs Enid Louisa Rodger of Howe Lane, Nafferton who died peacefully at home on 7th February. She was 74.

The service was conducted by the Rev Brian Lees and the organist was Mr Steven Westaway.

Enid was born on 2nd January, 1939 and lived with parents Roland and Doris Massey, along with brother Grahame in Priestgate in Nafferton. She had a very happy childhood, spending many hours with her friend Nina who lived next door and Di and Margo and associated dogs, cats, rabbits and ducks.

After leaving school she worked for The Scottish Knitwear Company in Driffield for 15 years.

Peter and Enid married on 30th September, 1961 at Nafferton Church and went on to have two sons Jonathan and Anthony, living in Howe lane for nearly 50 years. They celebrated their Golden Wedding in 2011.

Enid loved dancing and for many years went with her friend Christine ballroom and sequence dancing, for the last 16 years Peter joined them Line Dancing in Beverley, meeting up with Beryl and friends every Tuesday. They also went to many Country Music Festivals in different parts of the country, attending socials in Driffield, Scarborough, Hessle, Malton and Hornsea which they enjoyed very much and made many friends.

Peter and Enid loved dogs and kept Cavalier King Charles Spaniels for 30 years with the names Danny and Robbie repeated several times. Jonathan and Grahame showed their dogs at country shows and game fairs and Enid loved to be there to see them compete.

She loved holidays and had many enjoyable times in The Lakes, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Norfolk, travelling in their camper van. They travelled to Switzerland on six different occasions which was certainly a highlight with lovely views and great memories.

Enid was a loving wife and mother, much loved by all her family and friends and was courageous and brave until the end. She will be greatly missed.

Chief mourners: Peter Rodger (husband), Jonathan Rodger, Anthony Rodger (sons), Grahame Massey (brother), Lynn Atkin & John Lawton (sister in law & partner), Alistair Massey & Pip Betts (nephew & partner), Daniel Massey, Alec Massey (great nephews), Katherine Ayre (cousin), Anne Trimmer (cousin).

Others present: Mike & Irene Anderson, Mervyn & Elma Frost rep Mr & Mrs R Horsley, Eileen Schofield rep Kath Tate, Marjorie Woodmansey, Anne Mawer, Margaret Wardell, Carol Moore, Keith & Margaret Preston, Shirley Crosswaite, Eric Hatfield, Mary Seager, Mrs D Coleman, Mr D Plowman, Trevor Calvard, Mary Taylor rep the Hall family, Win Cooper rep Geoff & Helen, Joan Gurney, Ivan & Bron Marshall, Audrey Rogerson, Maureen Dales rep Becky Dales,Ruth Murray, Kevin Murray, Hazel Hornsey rep Shirley Barron & Mr & Mrs A Greenlaw, Audrey Raines, June Binnington, Val Clixby, Margaret & Geoff Gleadow, Shirley & Ralph Saynor, Hilary & Bill Lyons, Audrey Rent, Norman Parkin, Rose Angell, Sandra Williamson, Gillian & David Johnson rep Richard Johnson, Mr L T Hughes, Bunty Appleby, Betty Jakin rep Line Dancing, Ted Marriner, Rose Newlove, Mavis Bulmer, Elizabeth Ward, Anne Greaves, Caroline Lees, Sandra & Edward Jackson, George Walker, Geoff & Joan Appleby rep Les Cockerill, Diana Gardner, Karen Whatling, Pauline Ward, Mr & Mrs John Pickering rep Peter & Margaret Rounding, Chris Sharp, Ray Richardson rep the family, Peter Buxton, George & Jane Dixon rep Bernard Crozier, Peter Hammond rep Mrs R Hammond, Dave & May Woollas, Joan & Peter Firth, Steve & Mildred Watson, Georgina Robson, Angela Prescott (choir), Pat Pottage, Margaret Edmond rep Barbara Pickering, Audrey Hudson, Kath Sharman rep Audrey Pickering, David Milner rep Don Colley, Alan & Lorraine Claxton rep Maurice & Lynn Hardy, Ian & Catherine Kitching rep Audrey Jackson, Edna Turner, Nigel Turner, Mary Slater, Keith Rounding, Philip Walker, John Ellis rep Brenda & Phil Davison, Pam Towse rep Ian & Pat Hubbard, Ray & Christine Seward rep Gary, Jen & Julie, Marilyn Kitching rep Peter, Martin Kitching, Sarah Fleming,Anne Pudsey, Margaret Johnson, Mr & Mrs C Rodger rep the family, Karl Barron, Simon Barron, Philip Barron, Joan Merritt, Mr & Mrs Geoff Found, Wendy Jameson, Sue & Brian Mellonby rep Derek Atkin, Daphne Shaw, Colin Buckton, Dorothy Edmond, Janet Dunn, Doreen & Terry Parkes,Margaret & Clive Bowes, John Vince (choir), Dave Shaw, Maureen Heckman, Peter Johnson, John & Beryl Burnett, Janice Walker (choir), Kate Snowden (choir), Barbara Dixon, Peter Coupland, Mike & Mavis Hodgson, Alwyn Baron rep the family, Richard Flack rep Felly, Katie Taylor, Steve Brown, John & Jill Seaton, Terry Burton, Mr & Mrs D Edgerton, Alan Child rep Mrs Liz Smith, Gail Smith rep Mrs P Horner, Mr Terry Horner & Mr Andrew Horner, Adrian Cooper, Sam Jackson & Susan Davison, Stephen Byass (choir), Stuart Brown (choir).

A funeral service was held at The Parish Church, Driffield on Monday, 11th February for Mrs Ethel Macalister Stather who died peacefully on February 3 at The Whitehouse, Driffield (formerly of Manorfield Road). She was 104.

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

Ethel was born in Port Glasgow, Scotland on 17th January, 1909. She had three brothers and two sisters. Her father was the manager of the then thriving ship yard. She had a full and happy childhood and attended school at Greenock Academy. On leaving school at the age of seventeen she came down to Driffield to help her uncle who owned the Keys Hotel. It was there that she met Austin, her future husband, and she soon got involved with the family, socialising, playing tennis and holidays.

Austin and Ethel were married in Port Glasgow in March, 1932, and then they settled into their home in Manorfield Road, where Ethel lived until December last year.

Austin had the motor engineers business Southall and Stather, and Ethel helped out in the shop two days a week.

They had two daughters Sheila and Pat, and during the war they also had two evacuees Audrey and Helen from Hull. Helen has kept in touch regularly and sent a bouquet of flowers on her birthday in January. Ethel helped out with the war effort, raising funds and knitting socks and hats for the soldiers. She had letters from Winston Churchill and the Duke of Gloucester thanking her for all the money she raised. She was involved with the WRVS, doing meals on wheels and the trolley shop at The Limes. She was interested at an early age with Guiding, helping where she could and being a tester for badges.

Austin died in 1974, and Ethel continued to enjoy her garden and loved being with the grandchildren and later great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She had a full social life and belonged to the Townswomen’s Guild and played bridge with her friends.

Laterly, Ethel needed help in the house, and she had a team of very kind and helpful carers which enabled her to stay at Manorfield Road. Without them it would have been very difficult and thanks go to them for the special way they cared for her and also the dedicated district nurses, nothing was too much trouble for them Her last few weeks were spent at The White House where she was looked after very well. She spent her 104th birthday there.

Mum, granny, great gran, great great gran, auntie and friend – a very special lady.

Family Mourners: Sheila & Wally Simpkin (daughter & son in law), Pat Blades (daughter), Karen & Alan McGill (granddaughter & husband), David & Heather Blades (grandson & wife), Alan & Deb Simpkin (grandson & wife), Michael & Carol Simpkin (grandson & wife), Julie Butler (granddaughter), great grandchildren Gary, Mark, Steven, Ryan, Michael McGill, Danny & Leoni, Jordan, Sheridan, Blaise Simpkin, Michelle Poole rep Iain, Christian & Lynn, Alex, Emily, Lily Simpkin, Jack Butler, Emily & Grace Paterson, great great grandchildren Sophia, Roman, William, Freya, Callum, Ella (represented by their parents)

Others present: Gordon & Margaret Shiach (nephew & wife), Margaret Stather (niece), Joan Tice (niece),Val Griffin (niece), Jill Ellis (niece), Eileen Maw (niece), Ann & Trevor Redhead (niece & husband), Ronald & Christine Wilson (nephew & wife), Allan & Kiran & Natalyia Wilson, Margaret & Gerry Ash, Annabel Lock, Mr Barry Stabler, Jenny Sanderson, Joan & Tony Straker, Rita & Alan Marson, Lynn Hodgson (carer), Nicola Brough rep Karen Brough, Les Pinkney, Cath Sanders rep Karl, Tim & Rachel, Sylvia Jackson rep Doreen-Hopper Jackson, Mr & Mrs Rod Dukes & Mrs Marjorie Spencer, Wendy Hall, Phil Curson rep Jenny & William, Hazel Senior rep Mrs Olga Ewbank, Joan Naylor rep Trefoil Guild, Joan Heslington rep Peter, Gwynneth Southall, Hilary Walker, Maureen Moore rep Rev Hilary Boon, Dee Horner, Shirley Clark,June Wilson rep Trefoil Guild, Mrs Pam Beachell & Mrs Madge Limburn, Sue Barnett rep Audrey Ringrose & Trefoil Guild, Mavis Hunsley rep Ken & Family, Dallas Lacy rep Mr M Lacy & Mrs M Kent, Chris Megginson, Ann Bennett rep Beryl Ringrose, John & May Clark, Janet Proudlock rep the family, Gill Cooper, Paul & Jo Stabler rep Sara & Darren Nicholson, Dave & Sheila Lawson, Audrey Hudson rep the family, Diana Thompson,Richard Megginson rep Elizabeth, Tom & Marjorie Langdale, Susan Hamminga, Rita & George Riggs, Mrs Faith Barron rep Judy Douglas, Angela & Charles Wiles, Margaret Dodds rep Ivan, Robert & Susan Blades, Gillian Patrick rep Eric & Sue Blades, Susan Lane (ex carer), Mr & Mrs F Dean rep Mr Reg Ramsey, Edwin Hill, Mike Kennie rep Mrs Kennie, Mr & Mrs A Padgett, Sandra Hood rep Jayne, Ann Knaggs rep Friends of Guiding, Mr & Mrs D Chaplin rep L/ C Samuel Chaplin (great grandson), Andy Stabler rep Richard, Simon & Vicky, Ross & Liz Weekes, Barbara Wilson rep Jessie & Jim Morris, Judy Wilson,Keith & Mary Harrison rep Charlotte Towse, Carol & Barry Skelton, Mary Fothergill, Susan Skelton, Sheila Sanderson, Phil Jones, Graham Turner rep Tracy Worsley.Angus Maxwell.

The festive season may be over, but it’s still not too late to think of a New Year resolution. For anyone still thinking of what theirs might be, they might like to consider getting involved with a community project that will help brighten up an East Riding town.

Beverley in Bloom is seeking volunteers who want to put something back into the community – and that doesn’t just mean planting bulbs and flower!

As the voluntary group make plans for the coming months, it has plans to revamp its corporate image, work on some innovative new projects and aim towards achieving gold in the next Yorkshire in Bloom competition.

Jim Whitfield, the group’s chairman, explained: “Beverley in Bloom has been working hard to brighten up the town with floral displays for fifteen years or more. We work with local businesses, community groups and residents to achieve this and were thrilled to be awarded silver gilt at this year’s Yorkshire in Bloom awards, which has inspired us to go for gold. To accomplish this there are a wide range of tasks we need to complete, ranging from planting more displays and looking at local conservation, to environmental work and community engagement.”

To help with this endeavour, the group has restructured itself, going from one large committee doing little bits of everything, to a smaller, focused management committee, with a range of subgroups working on specific areas.

Beverley in Bloom’s Coordinator, Peter Tomkys, said one of the aims of this is to enable people to give as much or as little time as they can afford: “In the past, everyone was doing a bit of everything, from planting bulbs to raising funds. With this new format we have divided things up a bit. For example, we now have a group that is focusing on floral displays around the Minster and another taking responsibility for fundraising. We appreciate that not everyone enjoys gardening and time is precious, but a lot of people will have vital skills that can help the organisation, which is why we are seeking a wide range of volunteers. You can give as much or as little time as you can afford – that could be once a week, once a month or even once a year. All support is valued. ”

The group is now appealing for anyone with skills in desk top publishing, corporate design and marketing to join the Publicity and Recruitment Subgroup. No gardening skills are required whatsoever and the aim will be to give Beverley in Bloom a dynamic new image and raise its profile. This could be a great opportunity for a graduate to gain vital experience for their CV, for someone retired who is looking for a new challenge or for anyone who just wants to meet new people and give something back to the community.

A minute taker is also being sought, to support the central Management Committee. Mr Tomkys added: “We need someone who is willing to keep us on track and become a vital member of the team.”

Over coming months, businesses will also be approached, not just see what they can do for In Bloom, but see what In Bloom can do for them!

Over recent years, many businesses have agreed to have a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). As a group that is always seeking support, both financial and ‘in kind’, Beverley Bloom is perfectly placed to help businesses fulfil their CSR goals.

Mr Whitfield said this sort of support is about partnership working: “We are viewing this as more than us just seeking a few quid from shops for hanging baskets. Whilst that sort of work is still a key part of Beverley in Bloom’s success, we want to reach out to businesses that can assist us by letting their staff help us plant up communal floral areas near their premises or can give us advice on how to raise funds rather than giving us money. These sorts of partnerships not only benefit the wider community, but also assist businesses to fulfil their Corporate Social Responsibilities and give them some good publicity.”

Margaret Pinder, the Mayor of Beverley, echoed these comments: “Beverley Town Council has had a long and fruitful relationship with Beverley in Bloom.  They are one of our closest community partners and I urge the business community to throw their full support behind their endeavours.  It would be wonderful for Beverley to be awarded gold – not only does entering the competition create a beautiful environment for our residents, but it is also another accolade for Beverley that will encourage even more people to visit our town.  Let’s get the whole town working together to go for gold in 2013.”

Anyone individuals or businesses interested in getting involved with Beverley in Bloom can contact the group via Beverley Town Council on 01482 874096 or by emailing clerk@beverley.gov.uk. You can also visit the “Do-It” volunteering database at do-it.org.uk for more details about these volunteering opportunities.

Hold onto your hats, Joseph Delaney’s Lancashire Spook is back and he’s sharing the limelight with a feisty schoolgirl and a multi-tasking mum.

Random House Children’s Books have some exciting new books out to mark a new term and the imminent approach of Mother’s Day.

Here are three of the best:

The Spook’s Blood by Joseph Delaney

The sweeping countryside and rich folklore of Lancashire’s Ribble Valley has never been so memorably and darkly portrayed than in retired Preston teacher Joseph Delaney’s thrilling Spook books.

It’s hard to believe but The Spook’s Blood is the tenth instalment of his Wardstone Chronicles children’s series which has become a runaway success with its scary stories inspired by real Lancashire places and legends.

The notoriously spine-chilling, blood-curdling tales feature master magician John Gregory and his apprentice Tom Ward who battle supernatural forces in a landscape based on rural Lancashire. His cast of grisly witches, grave-wreckers, hall-knockers, rippers and all kinds of other nasty creatures are instantly recognisable to local children who have fun guessing the real locations.

In the latest dark and dangerous adventure, time is running out for Tom Ward. His final battle against the Fiend is drawing near and the Spook’s apprentice has never felt more alone in his task. The Fiend is set to send the greatest of his servants against him – Siscoi, a Vampire God more ferocious than anything he has yet faced.

Isolated and afraid, Tom must risk his life to prevent the evil beast from entering this world, even as he learns that the final destruction of the Fiend may involve a sacrifice more terrible than he can imagine.

With the Spook’s powers on the wane and Tom’s in the ascendancy, could Delaney’s epic series be nearing its final showdown?

As always, Delaney captures the terror of witch country with his haunting plotlines and pulsating prose. The Dark just got even darker...

Suitable for children aged eleven and over.

(Red Fox, paperback, £6.99)

Alice-Miranda Takes the Lead by Jacqueline Harvey

Welcome to Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale boarding school and its star pupil, the irrepressible, irreverent and ‘top-hole’ Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones whose adventures make Malory Towers seem a million light years away.

Alice-Miranda is the lively, lovable creation of Jacqueline Harvey who has spent her working life teaching in girls’ boarding schools and met many young girls in the mould of the marvellous Alice-Miranda.

In this sparkling new series of books, we grow to love Alice-Miranda, the perfect best friend for girls aged seven and over who want a heroine who is feisty, funny and has the happy knack of getting caught up in all sorts of dramas and mysteries.

Here we find her thrilled to be back at school where the girls are preparing a play with the neighbouring boys’ school. But it’s not all glitter and stage lights because there are rumours of a witch in the woods.

Meanwhile, her friends Jacinta and Millie are clashing with a rude new student, Sloane Sykes, and her pushy mother, September, who is plotting to steal the fortune she has always dreamed of. It’s up to Alice-Miranda to set things right!

The Alice-Miranda series looks set to go to the top of the class with its appealing and time-honoured mix of fun, mystery and boarding school antics.

(Red Fox, paperback, £5.99)

My Mum by Anthony Browne

As Mother’s Day draws near, Anthony Browne’s enchanting picture book is just the job for mums and their little ones to share together. With a free matching Mother’s Day card inside, this is the ideal gift for mums everywhere. The quirky, funny story, featuring a mum who’s a fantastic cook, sings like an angel and can do everything from painting (her face!) and carrying bags of shopping to roaring like a lion, growing plants and making people happy, captures the essence of being a mother. The lovely, lively illustrations are witty, warm and full of home wisdom and will appeal to any child aged over two. A heartwarming and heartfelt tribute to motherhood by a brilliant author and illustrator.

(Doubleday, hardback, £5.99)

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

Erection of two storey extension to rear - 46 Main Street, North Frodingham.

Erection of single storey extension to rear - 7 Park Avenue, Driffield.

Listed Building Consent for the construction of timber decking with pergola and covered area to rear courtyard - The Buck, 1 Market Place, Driffield.

Erection of a grain store - Potters Lodge Carr Lane Nafferton

Variation of condition 6 (landscaping) 7 (wall) and 19 (submitted drawings) on 09/02180/PLF to allow the retention of the bike/bin store as constructed with variation to references to landscaping/boundary treatment to reflect current arrangement - Cricketers Court, Lockwood Street, Driffield.

Variation of Condition 5 of planning permission 07/01257/STPLF to allow access to approved passageway between the hours of 06.30 and 22.30 Monday to Saturday and 08.30 to 17.30 on Sundays and Bank Holidays (Renewal of planning permission 10/00309/STVAR) - 37 Middle Street South, Driffield.

Outline - Erection of 6 dwellings (Access and Layout to be considered) - Former Nightingales Garage, Main Street, Beeford.

Installation of ground mounted solar photovoltaic panels - Kilham Westfield Farm, York Road, Kilham.

Display of an internally illuminated fascia sign and a non-illuminated fascia sign - Unit 2, Scotchburn Garth, Driffield.

Fell conifer located in rear garden due to overshadowing the house - 5 Hornsea Road, Aldbrough.

Crown lift Yew tree (T1) off archway, balance canopy and crown clean. Remove patch of Lilac and Elder scrub (T2). Crown lift Prunus (T3) to 2 metres. Coppice over mature mock orange (T4). Remove small suppressed Yew (T5) and slightly crown lift and crown clean Weeping Ash (T6) - Church Of All Saints, Church Lane, Bishop Burton.

Erection of a lean-to extension to existing livestock shed - Land East Of Stable On Land Chapel Lane, Aike.

Fell two Poplar trees (P1 and P2) due to bad decay to the lower part of the trunk and a wide spread in close proximity to building and busy thoroughfare - Molescroft Mews, Driffield.

Erection of a dwelling (Re-submission of 12/03266/PLF) - Land North West Of 36 Main Street, Cherry Burton.

Fell Aesculus hippocastanum (T1) and Fagus sylvatica (T2) due to being over mature and high risk of failure resulting in damage to either property, sturctures or life. - The Woodlands River Head Driffield

PARISH councillors at Bishop Burton have “strongly objected” against proposals to extend a property in the village.

Mr and Mrs Trevor Thomas want to build single storey and first floor extensions and convert an existing attached garage and store to additional living accommodation at Stable Cottage, The Green.

A planning application has been submitted to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council and has been referred to the Eastern area planning sub committee for decision on Monday because of the parish council objection.

Parish councillors claim the development would be out of proportion with the area, creating an imposing building which would severely affect neighbouring properties.

Neighbouring property owners have also lodged objections.

But ERYC officers are recommending approval.

They say in a report: “The extensions and alterations as proposed to Stable Cottage are considered to have been sympathetically designed to the traditional character and appearance of the existing dwelling and its surroundings and have taken into account neighbouring properties.

BLOOD can be donated at the next session held in Driffield by the NHS blood and transplant unit.

Donations can be made at the Methodist School Rooms, Westgate, Driffield on Monday March 25 from 2.15pm until 4pm and again from 5pm until 7.30pm.

The NHS is asking people to donate blood in March with a view to helping mothers and babies who require transfusions.

NHS Blood and Transplant’s Lead Donor Relations Manager for Yorkshire and the North, Donna Batty, said: “As one donation can help three adults or seven babies, donors really can make a difference and help to save a life.”

For more information call 0300 123 23 23 or visit www.blood.co.uk

ORGANISERS of the country’s oldest horse race are facing increasing costs through extra health and safety requirements.

For the first time, temporary traffic lights will replace police stopping motorists as horses dash across the busy A614 to the finish line in the Kiplingcotes Derby.

Organisers are also having to spend £370 on an ambulance and are having to kit out stewards in high-visability jackets.

This year the firm supplying the lights is picking up the £1,200 tab, but trustee Guy Stephenson is unsure what will happen next year.

Mr Stephenson said they didn’t have a problem with the ambulance, but increasing costs were a concern, adding: “It is a bit of a worry whether we can keep this thing going on or not. I hope we can and at least get to our 600 year (anniversary).”

Market Weighton town council is helping by giving the race £200 this year and £500 next.

East Riding Council’s head of streetscene John Skidmore said: “In 2010, in line with guidance from Humberside Police, who historically have handled traffic management for the event, the police requested the council work with the organisers to improve traffic and crowd management, stewarding and marshalling and ensure public safety at the same time as enjoying this terrific event.

“The council is keen to see major events like the Kiplingcotes Derby, which attracts a significant turnout of spectators, continue to be enjoyed, but that this is done so in a safe manner.”

Freedom from anger - Drop-in Meditation classes are held in Driffield on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8.30pm, starting February 20, at District Access Group, Market House, Exchange Street, Driffield, YO25 6LL with Buddhist teacher Ann Harland

These classes will look at Buddha’s profound methods for practising patience. Costs £5 per class or £20 for five classes.

Phone 01759 304832 email: info@madhyamaka.org

A BINGO session is set to take place in Nafferton.

Nafferton Recreational Club Pavilion will play host to the event which takes place this Saturday (February 23).

Eyes down at 7.30pm.

For information about further local events including bingo turn to our listings on page 22.

If you would like to advertise your even in the Times & Post please call James Hunter on 01377 249819.

A by-election to fill a vacancy on Langtoft Parish Council 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 Thursday, 28 February 28.

If the chief executive does not receive such a request, the parish council will be informed that it may fill vacancies by co-option, which means that the council members will elect a new member from those who have expressed an interest in joining the council.