It sounds like the ideal job - travelling around Britain and Europe playing golf. Plenty of people would do anything to spend every hour of every working day on the fairways.

For the past deacde, Bridlington’s Alex Belt has been a professional golfer, earning a living from the sport he loves.

Once again in 2013, he will be travelling all around the UK and Ireland on the Europro Tour, playing at some of the best courses in the country.

It sounds great, and anyone who plays golf for a hobby will be jealous of his lifestyle.

He admitted: “The best thing about being a golfer is travelling the world and seeing all sorts of cultures.

“Also, I like the instability income-wise and the challenge of working towards something that isn’t guaranteed, such as the European Tour card.

“I think that’s the bit that drives me personally to leave no stone unturned.

“Then if it doesn’t work out I can say to myself that I did everything I could in my power to get better without kidding myself.”

Being a professional golfer doesn’t come cheap. Finding sponsorship to fund everything gets harder by the year, and the entry into some of the more prestigious tournaments open to the 27-year-old can run into several hundreds of pounds.

Throw in travel and accommodation costs on top of that and you realise it is not just a case of banking all the cash you are able to win.

Belt said: “The downside is the physical aspect of travelling, whether its driving up and down the country or sat in airports.

“It seems to wear me out if I’m not careful.

“I reckon I clock up around 30,000 miles in my own car on average in eight or nine months of the year, as I’m generally away for three.”

2013 started with a spell in Spain, playing tournaments over there. Again, it sounds a wonderful way of getting away from the awful British winter weather which had played havoc with all golfers’ training plans.

Now, Belt is getting ready for the start of his busiest time of year.

He said: “As I said before I have no golf achievement goals. I’m just going to aim to prepare and play my best in each tournament.

“My real goals for 2013 are to manage my time in a way that allows time to reflect on performances, nutrition and all-round golf improvement, also to maintain a schedule that allows productive practice and not get mentally tangled up through over playing tournaments.

This year I suppose you could say that my mantra is ‘less is more’.

That slogan is not quite true of Oulton Hall, Belt’s Yorkshire base, which is situated between Leeds and Wakefield.

It is a Grade II listed, 18th century converted family mansion, which has an 18-hole course, a nine-hole course, a hotel, state-of-the-art spa, gym, award-winning restaurants and surroundings which make it clear that things don’t come cheap there.

As part of his attachment to the De Vere club, which has courses and hotels up and down the UK, Belt can take advantage of all their facilities.

He said: “The base I have at Oulton is perfect for a few reasons, the practice facilities and fantastic gym are all on site.

“Also it’s location is just off the motorway so it’s great for stopping over while in between tournaments. “

Life isn’t just about competitive golf though. As a professional golfer, Belt has learnt all about breathing techniques, how eyesight works and the psychology needed to give yourself the best chance of being successful at the highest level.

There are technical aspects to pay the closest detail to as well.

He said: “I have my equipment checked regularly in terms of the loft and lie angle, so the swing and weight of the clubs are all exact to how I want them.

“I work closely with a psychologist, a physio and a putting manufacturer company called Zen based in Sheffield. We all get together a couple of times a year and look to see how we can keep moving onwards and upwards.

“When training the obvious side of golf - hitting balls and practising putting - I try to split it into different areas of structured practice and if its relevant to upcoming courses I’m about to play.

It’s this attention to detail which separates the pros from those who fall by the wayside, but Belt appreciates the chance he has been given.

“If I wasn’t a golfer, although you wouldn’t tell if you met me but I’d probably have hoped to be a neurologist or some kind of mathematical analyst as I really enjoyed science and maths at school.

“Failing that I would have liked to have gone into the family business at Nicholas Belt estate agency.”

But with no offence to estate agents, when you compare life in a nine-to-five office to a career on the fairways, you can see why golf won.

Elizabeth Loupas isn’t the first writer to be inspired by the marital mysteries surrounding the shadowy 16th century Duke of Ferrara... English poet Robert Browning got there first.

His darkly satirical poem, My Last Duchess, was born from popular rumour that Alfonso d’Este, grandson of the notorious Lucrezia Borgia no less, may well have murdered his flirtatious first wife.

But what of the Italian duke’s second wife, Archduchess Barbara of Austria, daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Ferdinand I, who was noted for her long, ‘horse-like’ Habsburg face rather than her youthful beauty?

Loupas makes a return visit to the magnificent splendours of the Italian Renaissance to bring us this sumptuous, wickedly entertaining and compelling reimagining of the woman who bravely, and some would say recklessly, stepped into the shoes of a duchess whose death created a storm of speculation.

Refusing to be sidetracked by Browning’s ‘Victorian sensibilities,’ Loupas places the duke and his Ferrarese court firmly back in the 16th century where pride and possessiveness were very recognisable traits in a Renaissance prince.

And in the midst of all this shining opulence, she conjures up the seductive story of a plain, pragmatic duchess – a far cry from the fairytale beautiful princess – as she is cast adrift in a scheming palace where a word or a smile out of place can spell the difference between life and death.

By her own admission, Barbara of Austria is neither young nor beautiful. But she is quick-witted and practical and, unmarried at the age of 26, she is also desperately in need of a husband.

Just as she is about to be packed off to a convent, like her sisters before her, she seizes what seems to be her last chance – a proposal of marriage from Alfonso d’Este, Duke of Ferrara. He is clever, handsome, powerful... and widely believed to have murdered his first wife, Lucrezia de’ Medici.

Despite the rumours, Barbara agrees to marry him because this is her last chance to have her own establishment away from her brother’s court and to escape the convent where she would be buried for the rest of her life.

She goes into her marriage clear-eyed and fascinated by her dangerous, enigmatic husband but she soon learns that the court of Ferrara is like ‘a love-apple, beautiful and rosy-red and alluring to the senses, but poisonous, so poisonous...’

Alfonso, proud, intelligent and cultured, admires Barbara’s poise and breeding, her self-assurance and her intellect but as he finds his new wife increasingly driven to discover what really happened to his first duchess, his courtly charms turn to menace and threats.

And watching over them all is his first wife Lucrezia, a restless spirit caught between life and death, whose past life is revealed as Barbara’s present life unfolds. Two women, two wives, both in search of the truth...

Time and place spring vividly to life in Loupas’s dazzling story which puts the complex relationship between Barbara and the enigmatic Alfonso at its core. The element of mystery over the death of the first duchess, and the use of a dual commentary by both wives, provide an extra layer of intrigue and suspense while making the plight of both women palpably real.

Loupas’s impressive and well-researched evocation of the 16th century’s overriding concern with religion and superstition also give authentic ballast to a delightfully entertaining story.

Rich, dazzling and dangerous, The Second Duchess is ideal for fans of historical romance.

(Preface, paperback, £12.99)

When Tanya Byrne’s debut novel Heart-Shaped Bruise was published last year, it didn’t so much break onto the scene as explode in a myriad of starry-eyed reviews.

Teenagers and young adults fell head over heels for her intriguing story of a troubled young girl, an edgy psychological thriller told with a fresh, original and compelling new literary voice.

And now the talented young author is back with her much-anticipated follow-up... a gripping, twisting and turning, backwards and forwards journey into the dark, scheming hearts of two rival teenage schoolgirls.

The secret of Byrne’s success is all in the mind... her ability to tap into the unfathomable, half-remembered world of the teenage psyche where jealousy, desire, love and hatred can become so all-consuming that they escalate into matters of life and death.

Sixteen-year-old Adamma Okomma, a Nigerian diplomat’s daughter, has lived in Lagos and New York so when her father takes up a post in London, she is understandably nervous, and not a little contemptuous, about being incarcerated in an English boarding school.

She is convinced that exclusive Crofton College in Wiltshire, ‘about ten miles south of No One Gives a Damn’ will be a dusty old school where nobody can pronounce her name.

But all is not lost as Crofton turns out to be a co-ed school and her new best friend is the beautiful, tempestuous, unpredictable Scarlett Chiltern who seems ‘to reflect off the panelled walls like a new penny.’

Before long Adamma and Scarlett are inseparable despite Scarlett’s propensity for a swaggering self-assurance that ensures she has enemies as well as friends.

And then obnoxiously forward schoolboy Dominic Sim arrives on the scene and what he lacks in humility he makes up for in wit... and Adamma has a weakness for ‘funny guys.’

Problem is that he’s just the boy that Scarlett fancies too and soon the battle lines are drawn between the two rivals with Adamma shunned by Scarlett and her privileged peers.

But then Scarlett goes missing and everything takes a darker turn. Adamma always knew that Scarlett had her secrets but some secrets are too big to keep, and this one will change all of their lives forever...

Byrne has certainly moved up a gear in Follow Me Down with a plot more complex, more psychologically astute and more emotionally mature than teen novel Heart-Shaped Bruise.

By alternating between events in the present and events which took place eight months earlier, she allows us to watch her characters and their relationships slowly unfold whilst plunging us deep into the story’s central mystery almost from the opening pages.

Cleverly structured, high on emotion and page-turning suspense but subtly nuanced and brimming with powerful themes like obsession, rivalry, relationships and the nature of friendship, this is a novel to read, enjoy... and then read all over again.

(Headline, hardback, £10.99)

A WANTED man has been flown back to Britain to face justice after being on the run for six years for crimes in Bridlington.

An international arrest warrant was issued for Conrad Sanderson, 50, of Beverley Road, Driffield, in December 2006 after fled the UK - first to Greece and then to Bulgaria.

He was wanted to be sentenced for a case of dangerous driving around the streets of Bridlington on February 5 2006. He had pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, dangerous driving, failing to stop after an accident and assault with intent to resist arrest on Pc James Gray.

Sanderson caused mayhem at the wheel of a Citroen Xantia around St Mary’s Walk, Queensgate and St Thomas’ Road, Bridlington, in a police chase. He crashed into a fence and when Pc Gray went to arrest him, Sanderson struck out.

He was convicted by magistrates and given bail to be sentenced at Hull Crown Court. Sanderson just did not turn up on December 19 2006 and began his quest to stay away from the police.

Sanderson initially lived in Bulgaria free from detection, but has sent Christmas cards home to East Yorkshire each year for six years celebrating his liberty. It is believed Bulgaria’s recent change in EU membership has led to the tightening up of the implementation of international arrest warrants.

Police officers and barristers crowded into the public gallery at Hull Crown Court, where Sanderson made his first appearance after stepping off a plane on Friday (May 10). They wanted to take a look at Sanderson – the longest escapee known to the Hull Courts in 10 years.

Crown barrister Philip Evans said there was little court paperwork for the case and time was needed to assemble records because of the passage of time and his unexpected arrival. The original judge who signed his arrest warrant Michael Mettyear is still in post. The circumstances of Sanderson’s arrest in Bulgaria were not explained to the courts – but it was not a result of Humberside officers going over to meet him.

Judge David Tremberg agreed to adjourn for a sentencing hearing at Hull Crown Court on May 24. Sanderson was remanded in custody at Hull Prison.

Over 300 concerned members of the public have acted against budget bakery Greggs coming onto the town’s high street.

360 Driffield residents and shoppers have put pen to paper and signed a petition reacting to news the large high street chain had submitted planning proposals at the site of Stead and Simpson, in Middle Street South.

Julie Leng, who manages the Driffield branch of Stead and Simpson, started the petition after hearing of the store’s potential closure on her return from holiday in Ireland.

“Obviously we are not happy about it. There is no point just standing there, I want to at least try to go to the council to see how many people are against it,” said Mrs Leng, who is heading the petition from a personal stance on behalf of herself and her colleagues.

She said: “We are the only middle of the road shoe shop in Driffield. People are going to have to go out of town, people do not want to travel to Hull or Bridlington.

“Why does Driffield need another bakery? We have at least 10 food outlets in a small market town, but only one shoe shop with a recognised name. What is happening in Driffield? A short while ago it was a pleasant market town in which to shop and visit.”

Six members of staff work in the Driffield Stead and Simpson, and could potentially face losing their jobs if the store was to close.

Mrs Leng, of Manorfield Road, Driffield will present the petition to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council before the Monday 27 May - the cut off date for appeals to be submitted.

East Riding Councillor Symon Fraser, who represents the Driffield and Rural ward, voiced his support of a Greggs coming to town.

“I think we should welcome new traders to the high street and particularly we should welcome national names to the high street,” said Coun Fraser.

He said: “I do not think any of our existing traders have anything to fear, because Driffield high street is populated with very good high quality existing traders.

“As long as they continue to deliver what Driffield residents want in terms of quality and value as they have in the past I am quite sure the Driffield people will continue to support the local trade.

“I am very regretful of course that there are people whose jobs may be under threat, but that is just real life.”

On Friday 26 April two planning applications were received by East Riding Council from Greggs, for 52B Middle Street South. The first was for an externally illuminated fascia sign and externally illuminated hanging sign, and the second for two air conditioning units and extractor grille.

However Greggs remain firm they cannot confirm their move to the town.

A spokesperson for Greggs said: “They do have an interest in opening a shop in Driffield. They are not in a position to confirm any further details at this stage.”

It is also thought Morrisons are to open an M Local store in the unit previously occupied by Blockbuster.

Julian Bailey, head of media relations at Morrisons, said: “I think we are in the position where we can’t make any confirmation on that at the moment. There are around 2,000 Blockbusters nationwide and we bought around 50 of them.”

Driffield Warriors U7

...continued from page 65

Charlie, Matthew, Jules and Jacob unfortunately didn’t get the finish deserving of such a quality move.

Millie was making her presence felt wading through tackle after tackle but it was Jules who squared the game with a fine solo effort beating numerous Hessle players and finishing superbly from a narrow angle.

Another Driffield victory looked likely, Matthew showed his silky skills, Jacob unsettled the Hessle midfield and Ollie and Millie piled on the pressure but the Hessle defence held out for a well deserved draw.

Players of the week were goalscorers Millie and Jules.

Thanks to Danny for refereeing and TA Roofing for their sponsorship.

This saw the Warriors first season come to a close and with only one defeat in 2013 and a long unbeaten run in 2012, the players and parents can look back with pride on a fine first season.

Driffield Jaguars U10

Driffield Jaguars entered their final two matches of the season knowing they had everything to play for.

A good result from them and a slip up from the current leaders Hessle would put them in the running for top spot in League One, and a set of poor results would drop the team to third place in this elite league.

Driffield Jaguars U10 2

Hessle Rangers Rockets 0

Game One

Driffield stated at a breath-taking pace and were soon ripping through the Hedon defence; with a minute on the clock after super passing from Harry Webster, Olly Green and Harvey Wilkes a hard running Harry Foulds latched onto a ball and drove it into the net – what a start for a team chasing goals.

This was nearly followed moments later with another when Harry narrowly failed to connect cleanly with the ball and scuffed it wide.

Driffield were playing some wonderful passing football and kept the pressure on, again this was rewarded almost immediately when from another inch perfect pass Harry Foulds tucked a second goal away. Less than five minutes in and two goals to the good, Driffield were on fire!

Hedon though had been league leaders for the early part of the season and to their credit fought back from this nightmare start and gamefully brought counterattacks back at Driffield wherever possible.These though were well contained by Jay Coleman, Liam Ward and Dan Aconley, anything dribbling through being readily collected by a top form Matt Pinder in goal.

However these attacks often left Hedon fatally exposed and this was ruthlessly exploited by Driffield with Harvey Wilkes, Ben Evans and Olly Green all having shots on goal. A brilliant first half of play.

The second half saw Hedon charge forward but a great save and quick kick by Matt Pinder put Olly Green on goal and he shot inches wide. Hedon again showed some spirit but good defending including some solid tackles from Olly Shaw saw Driffield weather the storm and then really crank up the pressure on the opposition. Shots were soon peppering the Hedon goal area and Driffield were just plain unlucky not to add to their tally with another three shots going wide, two hitting the post, one being headed over and two being saved.

It was a relieved Hedon team which heard the final whistle.

Driffield Jaguars U10 5

Hessle Rangers Rockets 1

Game Two

Driffield started the match strongly again winning an immediate corner which Harvey Wilkes narrowly missed converting, heading slightly over.

Hedon though counterattacked well forcing Matt Pinder to charge out and clear his lines with confidence. All the team showed great running with Harry Webster dominating the left wing and putting forward some lovely passes to Harry Foulds and Harvey Wilkes.

All this hard work again bore fruit and saw Olly Green twist and turn his way through the Hedon defence and nutmeg the keeper to give Driffield the lead.

This was swiftly followed by a free kick at the edge of the Hedon box which was just blasted wide.

Again the ebb and flow of football came into play with Hedon raising their game, however Jay Coleman made some crucial tackles and both Liam Ward and Olly Shaw made some good clearances up field.

And it was upfield where most of the action was, and with half time approaching Olly Green jinked through the Hedon defence again for his and Driffield’s second goal.

The second half started well for Driffield when in a melee in front of the Hedon net a ricocheted shot glanced off at least two Hedon players to go in to give Driffield a third goal.

The lead was soon extended when interlinking play from Harvey Wilkes, Ben Evans and Harry Webster saw Olly Green go one-on-one with the Hedon keeper and calmly slot the ball away for his hat-trick.

Hedon though continued to fight back and it needed some battling from Dan Aconley as left back to keep them from breaking though.

Driffield had their tails up, and after some sharp passing from Ben Evans and Olly Green midfielder Harvey Wilkes broke through to put in Driffield’s fifth. Again Hedon were down but not out and a last minute attack saw them snatch a consolation goal – well deserved for all their tireless work.

So two good wins, however Driffield Jaguars were sadly pipped to top spot as Hessle too claimed a pair of wins to secure the under 10s League One title.

Heartbreaking though this was, this was still a fantastic performance from this great young Driffield team and further success surely beckons – the results tell it all - played 20, won 16, drew 2, and lost 2, scored 46 and conceded only 16.

Lads you have played your hearts out all season and the manager, coaches, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and brothers and sisters who follow you think you are all the best.

Driffield Jaguars now face the move to nine-a-side football and therefore need at least two or three more players to strengthen the team.

Any current Year 5 lads or girls who would like to play top class football are asked to ring the manager Dave Pinder on 07979501413 for more details.

Town councillor Heather Venter was on Tuesday handed the official chains of office to mark the start of her year as the new mayor of Driffield.

Outgoing mayor Coun Joan Cooper relinquished the post during an official ceremony at the Community Centre council chamber on Mill Street.

Coun Venter nominated MacMillan East Yorkshire and the Driffield Stroke Club as her charities and will raise money for both worthy causes during her year of office.

The council chamber was packed with members of the authority, council staff and members of the public who watched as she was sworn in.

During her incoming address, Coun Venter said: “It is a great honour to wear these mayoral chains and I look forward to representing our town throughout the year.

“I would also like to thank our outgoing mayor, Coun Joan Cooper, and her consort, Coun Tony Cooper, for doing a great job in the past year.

“Driffield is a wonderful market town with a great community spirit and the town council work hard to make it an even better place.

“My colleagues on the council devote many voluntary hours to their work and, over the past year, we have, I think, made a real difference.

“Despite challenging times and financial constraints and considerations, I hope that we will continue to make great strides with improving all aspects of our town.

Coun Venter added: “While the council is made up of many different people with differing views and priorities, there is one common aim - to serve the people of Driffield and ensure its continuing success.

“It is particularly gratifying to see over the last couple of years the number of younger councillors joining us and it is clear that the future of grass roots democracy in the town is secure.

“I look forward to representing the town around the East Riding with several friends and colleagues who have kindly offered to be my consort when required.

“Finally, I would like to assure my fellow councillors of my great pride in the trust they have put in me to be their mayor and that I will do my best to represent the town and its people and hope that we can have a productive and successful council year.

Coun David Credland was appointed deputy mayor and wished Coun Venter every happiness and success during her year in office.

“For my part, I am conscious of the honour of being deputy mayor,”he said.

“I will do my upmost to carry out the duties connected with the role in a vigorous and proper manner.

“I shall be confident that councillors will work together in a positive manner and, in doing so, shall have correct regard for all council employees.

It is a privilege to serve the people of the town of Driffield.

The outgoing Mayor, Coun Joan Cooper, presentation of cheques to her Mayor’s Charities - The Salvation Army (Driffield) and the Second Driffield Scouts

Community Contribution Awards were also presented to Mr Peter Maw, The Driffield Community First Responders, Sgt John Robinson, Mrs Ann Knaggs and Mrs Margaret Killin.

Photographs of those presentations will appear in next week’s newspaper.

York Senior Cricket League Eastern Conference

Walkington 1 replaced Newport 1 at the top of Division One with a comfortable eight wicket win at home to Kirkella 11.

Adam Nicholson took 5 for 23 and James Dowson 3 for 27 as Kirkella were all out for 72. Mike Sharp with 36 not out guided Walkington to their third victory and maximum points.

Newport are just four points behind after a drawn game at Fenner 111. Newport recovered from 23-3 to 196-6 thanks to 62 from Mike Staves and 50 from Carl Wilson. Fenner held on at 138 for 8 based around 59 from Kitching with John Todd taking 5 for 32 and Mark Phillips 3 for 22 for Newport.

Middleton are third following a nine wicket win at home to Nafferton. The visitors could manage only 118 with Mark Fairburn top score with 39 and four wickets for Jason Hullah and Dale Bower was 71 not out for Middleton. Old Hymerians gained their first win of the season at Cherry Burton. Rob Lowe scored 91 and Steve Pudsey 44* as Hymerians made 180-4. Pudsey with 4 for 30 and Geoff Keen 3 for 24 bowled Cherry out for 82.

Leven conceded their game at North Dalton.

Walkington 1 P3 W3 Pts 90, Newport 1 3 3 86, Middleton 3 2 63, North Dalton 3 2 62, Kirkella 11 3 1 36, Fenner 111 2 1 36, Nafferton 3 1 34, Old Hymerians 3 1 31, Cherry Burton 3 0 7, Leven 2 0 0.

Division Two

South Holderness 11 remain top of Division Two but were beaten for the first time by 71 runs at Newport 11, who move up to second. Newport were put in and made 203 for 8 with Josh Chapman top-scoring with 46 and good support from Steve Collins 27* and Liam Farmer 26. Collins then took 6 for 25 as the visitors were all out for 132 with Chapman top score with 49.

Roos are up to third place following a comprehensive home win over Hornsea 111. The visitors were shot out for just 43 by John Dearing with 7 for 27 and D Hulme 3 for 15. Smith was 22 not out as Roos won by eight wickets.

Dalton Holme v Driffield V and Hessle 111 v Gilberdyke 1 – results not in.

South Holderness 11 P4 W2 Pts 91, Newport 11 4 2 72, Roos 3 2 64, Hull Zingari 111 2 2 60, Skidby 3 1 41, Driffield V 3 1 34, Dalton Holme 2 1 33, Gilberdyke 1 2 1 33, Hornesea 111 2 1 8, Hessle 111 1 0 3

Division Three

Three points separate the top three teams in Division Three.

Carlton Towers 111 lead with Beeford and Walkington 11 close behind. Hornsea gained their first win of the season at home to Cottingham 1V but it was close. Cottingham scored 158-6 with Parker making 48. Hornsea were nine wicket down when they won thanks to 77 not out by Lee Barwick with good support from Brown with 30.

Gilberdyke 11 v Walkington 11 and South Cave 11 v Carlton Towers 111 – results not in.

Carlton Towers 111 P2 W2 Pts 60, Beeford 2 1 57, Walkington 11 2 1 57, Welton & Brough 111 2 1 43, Hornsea 1V 3 1 41, Gilberdyke 11 2 0 28, Cottingham 1V 3 0 23, South Cave 11 2 0 2.

Important Change for East Yorkshire Cricket in 2014

In 2014 the East Yorkshire Cricket Alliance will join the York and District Senior Cricket League Eastern Conference en bloc.

This was decided at the end of April at special meetings of the clubs in both leagues. It will create a six division league managed by the York Senior League, but operating separately to the main League as well as uniting East Yorkshire cricket in one, stronger, more viable league.

Officials from both leagues are delighted with the decision and have already begun working together on the details of the amalgamation ready for the 2014 season.

Following EGM’s held by both the East Yorkshire Cricket Alliance and the York & District Senior League Eastern Conference, it was agreed by a very large majority of clubs that the Alliance would be absorbed into the Conference for the 2014 cricket season.

Whilst the Eastern Conference is in effect ‘managed’ by the Y&DSCL, it is operated independently from the main league with no promotion and relegation between the two, however the agreement will go some way in uniting many of the East Yorkshire clubs into one League.

Officials from the EYCA have already taken up official roles within the Conference to ensure a smooth amalgamation, and ongoing administration of the Conference.

Derwent Valley Cricket League Division A – Driffield U15 v Pickering U15

Driffield entertained a strong Pickering side on Sunday, who also won their first game of the Derwent Valley league season last weekend and this provide to be a fantastic game of cricket.

Driffield elected to bat first with the top six batsmen all making useful runs.

Top scorer of the day was Tom Foster who retired after making an elegant 28, with further contributions from Will Brigham 22, Mat Besford 14 and Rich Bannister with 11.

Some late hitting at the end of the innings by Maty Busfield 17no and Ed Medforth 15no ensured that Driffield made a respectable total of 112 for 3 in their 20 overs.

Pickering proved to be a strong batting side as they chased the Driffield total with opening bat J Bayes retiring on 25 and G Skelton’s hard hitting 27 before retiring would swing the game Pickering’s way.

With 26 runs needed off the last 6 overs and a man short in the field Driffield were up against it to gain the win, but some good bowling and fielding with a run out turned the game around to leave Pickering with 12 runs to win from the last over.

Driffield’s Tom Hudson was entrusted with the ball and produced a great last over by taking two wickets for only 5 runs to give Driffield the 6 run victory as Pickering finished on 106 for 7.

Other wicket takers were Andy Rogers, Curtis Robb, Brigham and Besford who all took a wicket each and thanks to Connor Robb for fielding as 12th man at the beginning of the Pickering innings.

East Yorkshire Junior Cricket League Division A – Hull U15 V Driffield U15

Driffield travelled to Hull cricket club on Monday evening full of confidence after Sunday’s victory over Pickering.

Driffield again batted first after losing the toss with opening bats Will Brigham 33 retired and Mat Besford 30 retired making a solid fifty plus partnership.

This good work was not wasted by Maty Busfield’s 18 and Isaac Wilkes 26 not out, which included the only six of the innings to give Driffield a total of 133 for 5 from their 20 overs.

After a rain delay the Hull innings got away to a slow start as Driffield kept things tight and claimed 2 wickets in the first 5 overs through Besford and Leon Raines.

Hull’s middle order batsmen picked up the run scoring, but lost wickets at vital times with some excellent Driffield fielding keeping them in check with three run outs by Raines, Curtis Robb and keeper Jack Gibson and Brigham plucking a catch in out of the gloomy sky.

Sam Pallant and Wilkes each shared the last two wickets to fall as Hull end their 20 overs on 99 for 7.

Beeford 1st v Welton – Sunday, May 12

Beeford 1st XI travelled to Welton on Sunday in the York Eastern Conference Division 3 game.

In a game affected by rain Beeford won the toss and elected to field, a tight start to the game saw them concede only 19 runs off the first 9 overs before rain stopped play.

An early tea was taken and the game was reduced to 31 overs per side.

Beeford continued to ensure welton posted a low total with Huby 3 for 19 and Dunning 2 for 15 the pick of the bowlers.

Welton completed their innings 99 for 9 off the 31 overs, Beeford unable to take the final wicket.

After a quick turnaround Beeford’s run chase started with Turner and Cook taking to the wicket, a good start saw the opening pair take the score to 36 before Turner was caught and bowled, this saw Dunning come to the crease.

Cook and Dunning saw Beeford home with a partnership of 67, Beeford finishing the game 103 for 1 with Cook scoring a unbeaten 62.

A good all round performance seeing Beeford to the top of the league.

Thanks goes to Yvonne Turner for scoring .

Driffield 1st XI recorded their second victory of the season when they saw off Yorkshire Academy’s latest set of scholars at Weetwood.

The home side elected to field after winning the toss, and Driffield made hay when given the opportunity to bat as they made 276-7 off their allotted 55 overs.

Driffield didn’t get off to the best of starts when they lost opener Mark Clarkson in the opening overs, and he was soon followed by Abid Ali who was forced to temporarily retire hurt after suffering a blow to the hand.

Ali’s injury allowed Sam Drury to enter the crease after missing the last two weeks with a knee injury. Along with opener Ben Kohler-Cadmore, Drury started to pile on the runs for the away side, as they hit the Academy bowlers to all parts of the ground.

Kohler-Cadmore departed for a valuable 57 runs, leaving Drury to continue his run-scoring with the fit-again Ali. When Drury was eventually dismissed for a brilliant 104 from 120 balls, an innings that included 15 fours and three sixes, Driffield were in a commanding position at 197-3.

Following Sam to the crease was his cousin George, and he continued the flow of runs, scoring a brisk 56 not out to propel Driffield to what they hoped would be a winning score.

Yorkshire Academy used a vast array of bowlers, with varied success, the pick of which was Jonathon Tattersall, who finished with 3-55.

The home side’s reply got off to a steady start, as they reached 37 without loss. However, just as it looked like a significant opening partnership was going to be formed, Driffield picked up three quick wickets. Tattersall was the first to fall to bowling of George Drury, before Alex Lees (25), who made his County Championship debut earlier in the season, and wicket-keeper Barney Gibson fell in successive balls to plunge Academy into danger at 40-3.

Joshua Shaw (78 not out) and Matthew Fisher (44) staged a middle-order recovery for Academy that gave them some hope of overhauling Driffield’s total. But they ultimately fell comfortably short of their target, finishing their innings on 201-7, ensuring an incomplete win for Driffield, taking them to 10th place in the Yorkshire League.

The 2nds played host to their Harrogate counterparts, where they were looking to maintain their decent start to the season under skipper Andrew Chapman.

With the rain preventing the game from starting for an hour, ten overs were lost meaning the game was reduced to 38 overs per side.

It was the visitors who batted first and they made 183-9, after some clean hitting lower down the order. Top-scorer for Harrogate was Nick Taylor with 49, whilst Will Hammond chipped in with a vital 30. The pick of Driffield’s bowlers was spinner Nick Johnson who finished with figures of 4-34.

A solid early partnership between Ricky Woodmansey (61) and Grant Halder (36) looked to have set Driffield on the road to a comfortable victory, but after losing a couple of wickets the home side suffered a wobble.

This brought Chapman and Johnson together at the crease and their respective unbeaten knocks of 31 and 26 saw Driffield over the line, thus propelling them into the second promotion place.

The 3rds were at home against Carlton Towers in York Senior League Division Three, and skipper James Richardson elected to field after winning the toss.

The away started their innings poorly and they were struggling at 8-2 after early strikes from Driffield opening bowlers Colin Suggitt and Sam Morris. However, Carlton rallied when captain Brian Howard, playing in his first game for the club, and former Durham Academy and Cambridge University player Grant Nicholson came to the crease.

When Nicholson was dismissed for 40 by Rob Woodcock, the pair had made 70 for the third wicket. Nicholson’s dismissal didn’t phase Howard and he started to take the game to the Driffield bowlers as he closed in on a deserved century.

However, just one run away from the milestone, Howard succumbed to the bowling of John Woolley to fall for 99.

A valuable unbeaten cameo from Oliver Lister helped Carlton reach 238, a total that Driffield felt confident of chasing at the half-way stage. The pick of the bowlers for the Woldsmen was Suggitt who finished with 3-48.

Driffield’s confidence soon disappeared when they were reduced 58-5, with only Damon Jenkinson being the only batsmen in the top order to survive Nicholson’s sharp spell of opening bowling. The bowler ended the game with figures of 4-26.

The fall of the fifth wicket brought Richardson to the crease, and he and Jenkinson managed to steady the ship with a 108 run partnership for the sixth wicket. Just as it looked like the pair were preparing to lead their team home, Richardson fell for 49, thanks to a brilliant caught and bowled from Howard.

With Jenkinson still at the crease, Driffield still believed that they had a chance of salvaging something from the game. But the in-form man could only watch on as wickets fell around him, as the 3rds were bowled out for 184, with Jenkinson left stranded on 93 not out.

The 4ths were on the road at Skirlaugh, and were made to field first by the hosts after they won the toss.

The Driffield bowlers made light work of the Skirlaugh batting line-up, dismissing them in just 22 overs. The bowling pair of Michael Nicholson and William Brigham did the damage for Matthew Cole’s side, picking up figures of 3-14 and 3-4 respectively, as only skipper Chris Dale (50) showed any application for the home side.

Driffield were in no mood to hang around and they finished the job with minimum fuss, knocking the total off in 11 overs for the loss of one wicket, with Neil Woodcock finishing unbeaten on 51.

Nick English’s 5ths made the short journey to Dalton Holme. Just 24 hours earlier, with only seven players available, it looked like they would have to concede. However, thanks to a sterling effort from English, they travelled with a full complement of players.

English’s decision to bowl after winning the toss looked to have paid off when his side dismissed the hosts for just 63.

The pick of the Driffield bowlers was Matthew Hopper who finished with career-best figures of 6-26, whilst Thomas McDougall followed up last weekend’s four-wicket haul with 3-18.

With such a low total to chase, the 5ths looked odds-on to secure back-to-back victories. But a disastrous batting display that saw only one player enter double figures left the final pair needing two runs to win.

The final pair were joined at the crease by a third party – a runner – who turned out to be a key figure in the outcome of the game. After the batsmen had run a two, the ball was returned into the Dalton Holme wicket-keeper’s hands. With the runner in his crease, but the injured batsman not, the wicket-keeper broke the wicket, appealing for a run-out. The appeal was given out, meaning an agonizing two run defeat for the 5ths.

New members of our club were ‘treated’ to a nine hole introductory playing lesson with Myself, Paul and Matt, this week – our first one of the year so far.

It takes an Am Am Stableford format with two to score from the four and is played over nine holes.

I had a thoroughly good time with my team of Ray Backhouse, Mark Harrison and Neil Williamson and we combined well to score 39 points.

Matt’s team featured Alistar Chadbourn, Alan Preece and Phil Clackstone who did not combine quite as well to shoot 34 points. In unbeatable form were Paul’s team of Gordon Whitman, Phil Thirtle and Rob Sugden who did not drop a shot to score 41 points. Well done guys.

This also means that Paul took £5 off me, but I prefer to look at this as a loan as I will be winning it back next time Paul!

If you joined the club in the last 12 months and have 
not been invited to a playing introduction then please contact us to get in on the next one which is Wednesday, June 12 at 6pm.

If you wish to join our club as a member please contact us as soon as possible as what few vacancies we have are being snapped up quickly.

Telephone 01964 542362 and speak to one of the team in The Performance Centre.

Finals Night tonight at Hainsworth Park

Come along to view our amazing golfing facility at Hainsworth Park this evening and watch a driving spectacular as 12 of our longest hitters slog it out.

Last years’ winner, Marc Beckett, faces tough competition as his qualifying drive of 314.12 yards sees him in qualify down in 6th place.

Phil Killeen is pre-tournament favourite having smashed his way into the final late on Saturday with a drive of 326.43 yards.

Also expecting to feature high on the prize board will be Mark Gore and Curtis Bartlett who both clocked up 320+ yard drives.

Distance is not the only factor as drives have to be on the fairway to count.

After two rounds of three balls each, the field will be cut to leave us with a top five who will battle it out to crowned Long Drive Champion and walk away with the amazing first prize worth £300!

The nearest the pin event is also taking place on the night which is on the 109 yard 7th hole at the Belfry (from the red tees).

Two qualifying days have been held over the last month to present us with the 12 finalists taking part.

Qualifying in top spot was Chris Holmes when he fired his iron in to just 1ft 9”. This was fractionally closer than Rich Warnes in 2nd with 2ft. You can view Chris’ shot on our YouTube channel: Peter Myers Golf.

Everyone is welcome to attend, including non-members, with snacks being provided in the bar and drinks available all night.

The evening begins with round one of the longest 
drive event at 7:30pm and we expect to finish at around 11pm.

The Golf Studio

The Golf Studio houses the GC2 launch monitor and simulation software from Foresight Sports.

It is the most advanced piece of kit on the market and is trusted by most of the World’s top manufacturers and players too!

Here is what Ian Poulter and Ricky Fowler had to say recently on Twitter:

“I’m using the new GC2 launch monitor, awesome kit. No more excuses”

@IanJamesPoulter: “Getting some testing in with my 
boy Grant from @ForesightSports & my new GC2 launch monitor ... crazy how accurate it is!!!”

@RickyFowlerPGA: “Play a competition at our course for less than HALF the normal green fee!”

Men’s Open Day

Enter our open weekend which is taking place on Saturday, July 27.

It costs just £25 a couple, so just £12.50 each to play our wonderful course and have the chance to win a great prize too.

This really is a bargain 
and a great opportunity for you and a friend to play together.

Please telephone Dorothy Welburn on 01964 542879 
to make enquiries for tee times.

The ex-drummer from the Beautiful South helped youngsters at Northfield Infants School to learn through music.

Gary Hammond visited the school, in Southfield Close, Driffield, and spent the day teaching the 118 pupils to learn about literature through percussion instruments.

He taught them to make sounds to accompany the stories, and also spent time with Foundation Year children.

Lynne Baarda, class teacher and music coordinator at Northfield School, said: “The children had a fabulous time. It is part of the creative curriculum, it appeal to their creative side and it is a good way to link with literature.

“It was really good, the children god a huge amount out of it and it gave out children a chance to use the instruments and to take part in performance which is quite a big deal for them.”

She said the staff members also got involved and tried out the instruments.

Gary now visits schools across the area to help bring to life children’s literature. For more information visit www.freewebs.com/garyhammond

Construction students at East Riding College have brightened up their campus with a summer display of bespoke garden furniture.

The joinery learners designed and built items including a gazebo, shed and dog kennel.

The activity was part of the College’s enterprise entitlement, which helps students develop skills to succeed in the workplace.

Head of construction Ian Frear said: “This project gave learners an insight into some of the skills essential to being a self-employed joiner.

“They had to design and cost up the projects themselves, building in an element of profit, and then assemble them to a very high standard.”

The majority of the items, with prices ranging from £5 to £700, have already been snapped up by members of staff at the College but a number are still available to buy.

Proceeds from the sales will be put towards extra-curricular activities and a proportion will go to charity.

For more information about products available to buy or to order an item, email alex.sheldon@eastridingcollege.ac.uk

Former Driffield mayor Coun Mrs Joan Cooper used her outgoing speech to take a side swipe at a handful of fellow councillors who she branded as petty.

During the annual mayor making ceremony, at which she relinquished her chains of office, Coun Mrs Cooper said several of her colleagues had done their best to be obstructive and had been sometimes rude.

The Community Centre Council chamber on Mill Street was packed with councillors, members of the public and council staff as Coun Cooper outlined the highlights of her year in office and thanked those who had supported her.

She added: “I would also like to thank the majority of the town councillors for their support.

“Obviuously, there are a small handful who have done their best to be obstructive and on occasions quite rude when things haven’t gone the way that they like.

“I do hope that these persons show more respect for the incoming mayor when she takes up her office and stop being petty.”

Coun Mrs Cooper said: “Once again the year has had its ups and downs - criticism from the public because the town council didn’t partake in the celebrations for the Queen’s Jubilee and again because the Olympic torch didn’t come through Driffield , which that in itself was nothing whatsoever to do with us, we couldn’t do anything about that. And the festival that never was, was also a contentious issue -bearing in mind, all these things cost ratepayers’ money and we have got to consider what we are spending on.

Coun Mrs Cooper said: “The civic year has been marvellous and my consort, Tony, and I have attended many and varied invitations, ranging from the traction engine rally to civic services. I haven’t listed everything because we would be sat here for ever and a day.

“But believe me, there were an awful lot of worthwehile causes and amusing events and things like that.

“The favourite actually was the trip day and trhe scrambling - I do enjoy those.”

Coun Mrs Cooper said there were many more event at which she was able to promote Driffield and its people and businesses.

“I would like to thank our staff in the office for their hard work and also the Tidy Team for everything they do for the town, because without the tidy team and the staff we would not have the Christmas lights and the hanging basket and the bonfire and of course the Thursday market, along with the unmentionable other jobs that they have to undertake throughout the year.

“I would like to thank my consort, Tony, for getting me to my destinations on time - sometimes maybe an hour or two early - and my deputy Heather Venter for her help and support over the year and I trust that she will have an enjoyable year in office and she can count on my support over the next year.

“Finally, I have raised £1,100 for my charities with the help of the public who have supported a lot of the tombolas, raffles etc and I would like to thank them wholeheartedly for that

“This will be divided betyween the salvation Army and 2nd Driffield Scout.

During the ceremony, Councillors were asked to approve the receipt of attendance figures by by members for the previous year.

They also passed a resolution for the formation of Standing Committee, naming the members who will sit on them and they approved the Mayors Civic Expenses Allowance for the Coming year of £1000

* Coun Heather Venter receives the chains of office - see page 7

POLICE received a call today at 9.13am today (Wednesday 15 May) reporting a single vehicle road traffic collision on the A614 in Kirkburn, Driffield.

A blue Ford S-Max Zetec is believed to have left the road on a sharp bend close to the Queen’s Head public house heading form Driffield to Kirkburn.

The woman driver of the vehicle was uninjured in the collision.

A hospice is inviting residents of the town to take part in a fund raising day in May.

Dove House Hospice will hold a special one-day fund raiser on Friday 24 May. Anyone can get involved and hold a charity event. Contact 01482 7857

A funeral service was held at Octon Crematorium on Friday May 10 for Mrs Edith May Waddington of Bessingby Hall Nursing Home, where she died on April 28 aged 94 years.

Edith was born in Cherry Burton and attended school there.

During the war she worked at Beverley Manor, where she became a Fire Warden and also served in a Land Army hospital in Ripon.

She met her late husband Ken, while he was working on a farm in Beswick. They married on 20th October 1945 in Lockington. Ken wouldn’t get married until after the war had finished because he did not want Edith to be left alone if anything happened to him.

They started married life at High Eske, later moving to Little Beswick where Edith worked for the Duggleby family for many years.

Edith was a member of the W.I. and British Legion. She attended various classes, sewing, cake decorating and soft furnishings to name but a few and later she enjoyed going to Bingo and became a member of the Monday Club on West Hill. She went to various concerts etc at Matson Court and attended St Mark’s Church on West Hill most Sundays where she made many good friends. Edith was also a big fan of Daniel O’Donnell and was a member of his fan club.

Edith and Ken enjoyed 57 happy years of marriage, during which time they enjoyed visiting family and friends each weekend and they loved going away each year on holiday and loved having their grandchildren to stay. They have two children Dennis and Carol, four grandchildren, Martyn, Helen, Debbie and Elaine, and two great grandchildren Ruth and William, she loved them all dearly. Edith will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

She moved into Bessingby Hall in April last year after being unable to live on her own.

Family mourners

Dennis and Denise Waddington (son and daughter-in-law), Carol and Howard Teal (daughter and son-in-law) representing Elaine, Martyn Waddington rep Karen, his wife and their children Ruth and William (great grandchildren), Helen and Debbie Waddington (grandchildren).

Other mourners

Janet Walker, Mike and Gail Wright, Dave and Gill Lound, Colin and Rosie Witty, Alan and Pauline Witty, Polly and Alan Bielby, Mr and Mrs John Nettleship rep Rachel and Victoria, Brenda Frear, Cheryl Dobson, Jacqueline Feeney, Pat and Charlotte Newsholme, Mr J Duggleby, Mrs J Feasby, Mr & Mrs D Thomas, Mr & Mrs M Hodgson, Mrs J Smith, Mrs S Hardisty, Mr & Mrs M Dodgson, Mr & Mrs H Berridge, Mrs S Mumby, Mrs Alison Thorn rep John Dosser and W.E.Naylor and Son, Katie Hogg, Jean Adkin, Paul and E Charlton, Teresa Belam, Elaine Bannister, Judi Kirven, Val Taylor.

A Beverley primary school has become the first school in the town to be awarded a prestigious e-safety award.

St Mary’s CE Primary School on Eden Road, Beverley, are also the second school in the whole of Yorkshire to receive the 360 degree e-safety mark after their provision was inspected by representatives from the South West Grid for Learning.

Assessors met with staff, parents and carers, governors and pupils and found that the school provides a high level of protection for users of technology.

To apply for the 360 degree e-safety mark, schools have to reach a series of benchmark levels when they complete the online self review and evidence is then verified by a visit from experienced assessors.

Lucy Jordan, head teacher at St Mary’s CE Primary School, said: “This is a nationally recognised accreditation awarded to schools which demonstrate high levels of e-safety provision and we are only the second school in the East Riding to be awarded it.

“Internet safety is still a relatively new area for schools and one which can at times feel very daunting because things are changing all the time, but the governors and staff made a firm commitment to being proactive right from the start.

“We are working with parents, children and the wider community to help keep children safe online.”
Councillor Julie Abraham, portfolio holder for children, young people and education at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The internet has become a major part of modern day life and it can be a very useful tool.

“But it can also be a dangerous place so it is important that schools equip children with the knowledge and skills to stay safe on the internet.”

Nearly 80 vergers from around the country will gather in Beverley Minster on Tuesday, May 21 for a special event.

Vergers, or ‘virgers’ are the people responsible behind-the-scenes for getting churches and cathedrals ready for services, concerts and other events as well as doing the 101 other duties that no one else can or will. No two vergers have an identical job, but all share a common desire to maintain the standards and traditions of their churches.

Beverley Minster is hosting this year’s day-long Northern Province Festival for the Church of England Guild of Vergers (CEGV). The festival includes a special celebratory communion service in the morning, a pastoral lunch prepared by the Minster’s own catering team, followed by special tours of the church and other relevant attractions in the town.

Neil Pickford, Area Leader for the Yorkshire branches of the CEGV and assistant virger at Beverley Minster said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this event – the first time we’ve done it for many years. For most of us it will be a rare opportunity to meet distant colleagues and friends, then share our experiences and stories.

“Our small team at Beverley Minster is proud to show off our beautiful church but I’m sure we’ll learn many useful tips for improving how we look after it.”

Attendees are travelling from as far as Carlisle, London, Surrey and Malvern as members of the CEGV, which is supported by the Archbishops of York and Canterbury.

A lively discussion at the recent Beverley and Holderness Liberal Democrat Association meeting was led by Ben Jones and colleague.

Ben chairs the national working party on Europe. Members were given a unique insight into policy making from grass roots to manifesto. The Liberal Democrat ministers and MPs are increasingly effective in actioning well thought out policies. In spite of being the smaller party in the coalition the Liberal Democrat MPs are punching above their weight. A big success is the raising of the tax threshold that has taken the lowest paid out of paying tax and many others paying less. Being in coalition means sometimes accepting some policies we don’t like as part of a deal to push through ones that are rooted in Liberal Democrat principles. Opinion polls suggest that the electorate is becoming used to coalition politics and appreciating the moderating impact the Liberal Democrats are having.

A wide ranging discussion on Europe considered a number of aspects including the position of Norway, the country that pays a high amount per capita but as a non-member has no say in EU decisions. While the EU clearly needs updating and reforming, the Norway solution is not the answer for the UK. Ben pointed out that one of the many advantages to being in the EU is the cross border cooperation on criminals- essential in these days of international terrorism.

Bridlington ABC are hosting their final show of the season this Friday at Hornsea Floral Hall. Doors open at 7.15pm and tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children and can be bought on the door.

Head coach Damien Grant said: “This show will feature a lot of our younger prospects, all of whom are keen to show everyone how far they have developed this season.”

Hoping to be in action are Tom Boyes, Adam Church, James Precious, Billy Gibson, Ben Malone, Leah Smith, Tom Hebden, Roan Stanley, Aaron Boyes, Paul Dean and Darren Boyes.

Meanwhile, last Sunday two Bridlington boxers competed in the Junior ABA national Quarter finals.

Aaron Boyes was boxing Patrick McCann of the Kettering School of Boxing.

Boyes was the more experienced of the two fighters but what McCann lacked in experience he made up for it guts, and he kept coming at the Bridlington boxer who didn’t look as sharp as he is used to being.

The two boxers traded some good shots throughout the contest but it was the Midlands-based boxer who got the nod from the judges.

Also in action was last season’s English champion Zac Stabler. He was boxing Zohaib Hanif of the Pleck ABC in Walsall.

Stabler looked a little ring rusty early on in the contest but after the first round was out the way, he soon got into his stride and Hanif began to struggle with Stabler’s strength and work rate.

Hanif was forced to hold on to Stabler in order to keep him from throwing and was given two warnings by the referee. Throughout the last round Stabler’s assault continued and at the close of the bout it was a rather comfortable decision from the judges.

Stabler will compete this Sunday in Birmingham for a place in the national final.