ON a bitterly cold day, when the majority of sporting fixtures were called off, Driffield EI’s game went ahead on the new G4 surface at Wyke College against Bransholme Athletic.

The home side – needing to win their games in hand to go top – looked sharp from the off playing some nice football and EI keeper Grant Halder had to show a good pair of hands early on, forcing a drive round the post.

But EI were playing well and started to get on top, with the midfield duo of Matthew Jarvis and Steve Skinns were working hard and breaking play up.

And it was Skinns who scored the opening goal. After good work by Spencer Tate and Tom Ullyott, the latter’s cross was headed back across goal into the far corner by Skinns for an excellent goal.

It was well deserved, and on another day they could have been two up. Shane Johnson – replacing Mark Thompson up front – was played in by Dale Darling but his effort lacked power.

The front two were causing problems with their movement, but just as EI were getting on top, the home side hit back when a shot from distance took a wicked deflection and wrong footed Halder.

It stayed like this until the break and EI were right in the game. But 90 seconds into the second half they were facing an uphill battle as they conceded two goals in less than two minutes.

The first goal followed a scramble in the box, and the second after a slip in midfield by Skinns allowed them to score again seconds later.

EI were now up against it and Athletic started to get well on top. EI were starting to offer very little against a well organised side.

Athletic added a fourth before the final whistle, but EI will look back on a costly 90 seconds that cost them any chance of the points.

This Saturday they are on the road again when they travel to Howden, a side they drew 4-4 with earlier in the season before entertaining Bransholme again a week later – these games are of course weather permitting!

Bransholme look highly likely to finish in the promotion places, but they lack a couple of requirements to play in the Premier Division, including dugouts, while the centre circle, 18-yard and six yard box were marked out in orange and not white like the rest of the football pitch, though there was a white D for hockey games!

The pitch was also marked out in different colours for other sports – this didn’t make any difference to the result or decisions, but it’s very confusing.

Please note training is back in the old sports hall.

Thanks to EI main sponsors Dodds Solar, B & F Potatoes and J Scott Engineering Ltd.

Thanks also to the Mariners Arms for the excellent after match refreshments.

Driffield Rangers made the long journey to Easington for their quarter final match looking to perform well to progress to the semi finals of the Senior Country cup.

Manager Shaun Walker named an unchanged side and after a late pitch inspection the referee deemed the game playable with Rangers looking to get off to a good start and play at a high tempo.

They got the start they wanted as they nearly took the lead within the first five minutes as Jimmy Syme found himself clean through on goal but a nasty bobble made him over hit the ball and it rolled through to the keeper. It wasn’t long though before they did score, as a cross from Syme was headed clear only as far as Kev Woodcock whose cross shot was fumbled over the line to give Rangers a dream start.

This clearly shook the home side as Rangers were looking very threatening and enjoying plenty of the ball but gradually Easington got to grips with the game and forced a couple of corners and set pieces which came to nothing with the defence of Mark Woodcock, Les Johnstone and Rich Thompson looking very solid.

Rangers were forced into a change after 25 minutes when Josh MacKenzie was struggling to shake off an ankle injury and had to be replaced by Paul Wilkinson.

Not surprisingly, given the conditions, the game was becoming scrappy with neither side able to keep the ball for long but it was Rangers who were looking more threatening when going forward and with ten minutes to go before half time they increased their lead. A good passing move involving Damon Jenkinson, Josh Hopper and Syme saw the latter cross for Dave Brent to slot home to giving Rangers a deserving two goal lead.

With Rangers dominant skipper Dave Woodcock and Kev Woodcock were covering every blade of grass in the middle of the park not letting their midfielders settle on the ball and this was frustrating the home side who were lacking ideas and creativity to break down a determined Rangers side as half time approached.

Rangers started the second half knowing the next goal in the game was going to be crucial and it was so nearly the home side that got it as theirmidfielder found himself in space in the penalty box but just as he was about to shoot Thompson flung himself in front of the ball to put him off his strike and the chance went begging.

Rangers made them pay for that miss as within minutes they did take their chance when Brent reacted to a loose ball and calmly lobbed the keeper for his 12th goal of the season to put Rangers firmly in the driving seat.

Easington to their credit kept going and they did pull a goal back when a cross found their full back whose first time shot found the corner of the net for a great finish and gave them a glimmer of hope.

Rangers made another change with Alistair Mutch replacing Brent as they went to a 5-4-1 formation and this change disrupted them for a while as they struggled to adjust to it, which allowed Easington to put some pressure on their goal but like all game they were defending brilliantly and were sniffing out any danger.

With 25 minutes to go Rangers regained their three goal cushion as a cross from Mutch was not cleared and Dave Woodcock had time to pick his spot which he duly obliged giving the Easington keeper no chance.

It was nearly five minutes later when Mutch latched on to a great cross from Syme but his powerful shot hit the crossbar and went out for a goal kick.

Rangers made their final change of the game with Kevin Tate replacing the impressive Hopper and it was his free kick which set up Rangers fifth goal as he found Thompson in the box who controlled well and lashed home past a stranded keeper for his first goal of the season to put the gloss on an excellent team performance.

Team: Baker, Jenkinson, M Woodcock, Thompson, Johnstone, MacKenzie (Wilkinson), D Woodcock, Brent (Mutch), K Woodcock, Syme, Hopper (Tate).

Many thanks to Bob and his staff at the Rose and Crown for their after match refreshments.

It’s September 9th 2007 and student Jackson Meyer knows for sure that October 30th 2009 is going to be the worst day of his life.

His beautiful girlfriend Holly will be shot by two ruthless gunmen and it will all be his fault... unless he can go back to the future and save her.

This intriguing dilemma is the launch pad for Tempest, the first of a thrilling new young adult trilogy from debut novelist Julie Cross, and it comes as no surprise that readers are already chomping at the bit for the next instalment.

A complex and captivating mix of time-travel, romance, action, suspense and mystery form the basis of this amazing sci-fi epic which blends the love elements of Audrey Niffenegger’s The Time Traveller’s Wife with the computer-hacking antics of The Matrix.

Cross has a fresh and invigorating writing style which makes her dialogue fizz and enables an engaging cast of distinctive characters to become palpably real.

Coupled with a unique, morally and socially aware time-travel plot, fascinating science theories, ingenious twists and turns and plenty of tender and tear-jerking emotion, this is a book guaranteed to keep teens and adults alike on the edge of their seats.

Jackson Meyer is 19 years old – he’s clever, funny, has a tendency to step in where angels fear to tread and has a bad habit of saying the wrong thing, particularly to his long-suffering girlfriend Holly.

He also has a secret, one that he only shares with his unlikely friend Adam Silverman, a science geek who is also a ‘bad-boy-hacking-into-government-websites kinda geek.’

Jackson has discovered that he can travel backwards through time ... he can’t go into the future so he can’t do anything really exciting like find out who wins the big sporting occasions and the most he’s ever ‘jumped’ is about six hours into the past.

Adam is interested in all the hard-core science of time travelling while Jackson finds it useful for having fun with girls.

That is until his girlfriend Holly is shot when two men break into her college room in an attempt to kidnap Jackson. Before he knows what is happening, he has jumped back two years and this time there is no way to get back.

He’s back at high school and has to start courting Holly all over again ... with the complication of knowing that two years down the line she will be gunned down in cold blood unless he can find a way to rescue her.

As Jackson explores his time-travel powers, he discovers that his father has a secret involvement with a sinister government agency called Tempest and that there are evil forces who want to harness Jackson’s powers to alter the course of history.

The teenager has no idea who he can and cannot trust and if he makes the wrong decision, the repercussions will be too terrible to contemplate...

Tempest’s original plot allows a broad canvas on which Cross can paint a diverse and diverting story with plenty of room for pulsating action, wry humour and moments of heart-breaking pathos.

It’s a winning formula and one which is sure to make this series a reading sensation.

(Macmillan, hardback, £9.99)

ONE of the star lots of the first Antique and Fine Art Auction of 2012 at Driffield’s Saleroom is set to be a pair of early 19th century Scottish landscape scenes by William Wilson which are expected to reach between £3,000 and £4,000.

These are expected to be the highlight of the pictures section and carry the highest estimate in the sale at Dee, Atkinson and Harrison saleroom, on Exchange street on February 17.

The auction contains almost 500 lots and starts at 9.45am with a well-stocked silver section of 70 lots.

The larger, heavier items carry the highest estimates with a 1911 four piece tea set expected to make £400 - £450, a 1927 teapot £300 - £400, and an unusual Chinese bowl brightly enamelled with dragons £350 - £450.

A difficult to find set of six Victorian Cauldron salts is estimated at £250 - £350 and a Victorian sauce boat made in Dublin in 1879 £200 - £250.

There are a similar number of lots of jewellery and watches with a good selection of rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, cuff links, etc with estimates from £30 to £600. Amongst the pocket and wristwatches are examples by Rolex, Omega, Sibon, etc.

A cosmopolitan metals section contains items from Japan, India, Europe and the Middle East, including an Austrian cold painted bronze group of two hunting dogs at £80 - £120 and an interesting Art Nouveau copper cigarette box at £60 - £90. Fireside accessories include a cast iron dog grate and fender and brass fire curbs.

Miscellaneous items have a good selection of tribal carvings from Africa and Bali, various boxes and caddies in rosewood, walnut, olive wood, mahogany, tortoiseshell and cinnabar lacquer.

There is a substantial Edwardian oak three bottle tantalus at £200 - £250 and an unusually large pair of crystoleums expected to realise £150 – £200.

Two lots from the workshops of Robert “Mouseman” Thompson are a 6” bowl and six napkin rings and there is a swordstick walking cane estimated at £100 - £120. Textiles include three 19th Century samplers and a pair of Victorian bell pulls.

The highlights of the ceramics section are a large Royal Worcester pot pouri vase and cover painted by Edward Raby at £350 - £450 and an early 19th Century Toby jug at £200 - £300.

More modern ceramics include a boxed Royal Worcester demi-tasse coffee service of twelve cups, saucers and silver spoons expected to achieve £500 - £700, a number of lots by Charlotte Rhead and the usual selection of Moorcroft items.

Twenty nine lots of glassware contains one of the well known Whitefriars drunken bricklayer vases at £100 - £150 and a good selection of other modern art glass and Victorian coloured glassware.

Particularly interesting are two lots of over twenty Victorian different coloured patent fairy lights expected to realise £80 - £120 each.

The objets d’art section includes a Chinese carved ivory chess set each piece with concentric ball bases at £100 - £150, early 19th Century dated carved fruitwood knitting sheaths and a Fijian wooden club carved with a pineapple and turtle expected to make £150 - £200.

There are examples of longcase, wall and mantel clocks in the clock section, which also includes a small collection of brass carriage clocks and two 19th Century mercury barometers.

The furniture comprises 77 lots of Georgian and later tables and chairs, chests of drawers, bureaux, sideboards, display and side cabinets, dressers, corner cupboards, coffers, occasional furniture and stools, soft furnishings, Windsor chairs, etc Pictures conclude the sale with sets of hunting prints by Alken and Cecil Aldin, an interesting set of eight 1930’s watercolours of fairies in the Art Deco style by Edythe Bowyer estimated at £300 - £400 and two oil paintings by Fred Elwell, portrait of an unknown Red Cross nurse and a Spanish scene both expected to realise £700 - £1,000.

Powerful women are always irresistible ... think Elizabeth I, Cleopatra, Boudicca, Eleanor of Aquitaine and the ‘queen’ of them all, Catherine the Great of Russia.

Eva Stachniak knows only too well the magnetic pull of feisty females and her sizzling and sensuous novel set at the dangerous heart of the St Petersburg court features no less than three amazing women.

Two of them are real – the notoriously ruthless Russian empresses Elizabeth and Catherine the Great. The third is a fictional Polish girl who becomes a court spy for both rulers, their secret ‘eyes and ears.’

The other star of this 18th century thriller is the Winter Palace itself, the place where nothing is impossible but where every word you say may be repeated and used against you, where every friend you trust may betray you and where being invisible is the best possible virtue.

It’s an epic story and one that reaches far beyond the parameters of a standard historical novel. There’s fascinating political and social detail, the incredible revelations of how Catherine grabbed the throne from her husband, a recounting of the events that shaped Russia’s future and all seen through the eyes of a girl groomed to be a spy.

Indeed, the sexual mores, the scandals and the scheming which accompanies the claustrophobic monarchical rule we witness in The Winter Palace makes Elizabeth Tudor’s battles seem no more than playground spats.

When 16-year-old Varvara, an orphan girl from Warsaw, is brought to serve as a seamstress at Empress Elizabeth’s glittering court, it looks increasingly likely she will never be more than a ‘Polish stray.’

But her ability to read, to listen and to watch convinces the ‘slippery eel’ Count Bestuzhev, the Russian Chancellor, that she would serve well as the Empress’s ‘tongue,’ the ‘teller of the most important stories.’

To this end, she is schooled by the Chancellor himself in skills from lock-picking to love-making, learning above all else to stay silent. He shows her the palace’s hidden drawers, the spy-holes in the panelling, the hidden corners of chimneys, cushions and books, and the maze of secret corridors.

‘Spying,’ Bestuzhev tells her, ‘is the art of using people who do not believe in loyalty, whose appetites are enormous and unpredictable, and whose motives are always suspect.’

But Varvara’s own hitherto unquestionable loyalties are divided when Sophie, a vulnerable young princess, arrives from Prussia as a prospective bride for Peter, Elizabeth’s nephew and heir.

Set to spy on her by the Empress, Varvara soon becomes her friend and confidante, and helps her navigate the illicit seductions and the treacherous shifting allegiances of the court.

But Sophie’s destiny is to become the notorious Catherine the Great. Ambitious and sometimes cruel, she will she stop at nothing to achieve absolute power for herself, even if that means abandoning the friendships that have helped her rise to power...

Stachniak’s sensationally dramatic story is brimming with court detail from the foods and fashions of the empresses to life in the servants’ quarters where guile and cunning are as rampant as in the opulent salons above.

She fills the pages with the dramas of human relationships, the paranoia of subterfuge and the perils of absolute power.

Written with descriptive flair and a superb intensity, The Winter Palace is a dazzling display of historical novel writing and makes us hungry for the much-anticipated sequel.

(Doubleday, hardback, £12.99)

HUMBERSIDE police have been stamping bikes with residents postcodes in a bid to crack down on bike theft in the Driffield area.

Members of the local police force have held a bike stamping day in Cross Hill carpark, giving residents the chance to have their house number and postcode stamped onto their bikes in ink only detectable by the police.

Chris Webster, from Humberside Police said: “We did the bike stamping because there have been a lot of bike thefts in the area since September.

“If we find a bike when we’re out on patrol then we only have the description to go on when looking for the owner and some people may not be aware they’ve had a bike stolen. If the bike is postcoded then we can relate it back to the owner.”

Humberside Police also remind cyclists that bike security is of the utmost importance and urge all bike owners to ensure all bikes are fitted with a working bike lock.

Humberside Police will be holding a second bike stamping day in January at Cross Hill carpark as many people will receive bikes for Christmas. The date is yet to be arranged, however, if cyclists would like to have their bike stamped in the meantime stamping is available at Driffield Police Station.

Humberside police have put out an appeal to parents of children who are cycling on winter evenings without bike lights.

Chris Webster said: “It is an offence to ride a bike without lights during hours of darkness.

“We implore parents to check their child’s bikes as we will be proactively stopping youngsters on bikes with no lights and subsequently parents will receive a knock on the door.”

Driffield’s Millennium Green project has received a cash boost to maintain and improve the picturesque site for the benefit of people and wildlife.

The donation of £500 has been made by Driffield based Wolds Ecology is to ensure the ongoing maintenance of the site in order to enhance the Green’s ecological value while maintaining a pleasant environment for the people of Driffield to enjoy.

Wold Ecology Director and Senior Ecologist Chris Toohie has been a trustee of the Millennium Green since 2007 and has been heavily involved with previous grant applications including the Breathing Places grant awarded during 2009, which enabled access improvements, new display boards and habitat management.

Mr Toohie said: “The Driffield Millennium Green is a significant reserve for nature conservation in the town and as a local business.

“It is important that the site is enhanced.

“The current expenditure on site currently exceeds income and Wold Ecology is happy to plug the shortfall during 2012 and in the coming years.”

He added: “Because the site lies adjacent to the regionally important Keld and Elmswell Beck, riparian habitats such as the Millennium Green are becoming increasingly important for protected species that include bats and great crested newts.

“The rich floral diversity that once thrived on the Green has slowly been lost through previous grass cutting regimes and Wold Ecology’s donation ensures that specific grassland management regimes are undertaken and a rich grassland is encouraged.”

Claire Binnington, Millennium Green Trustee and Clerk to the Town Council said: “The Trustees were delighted to receive the donation from Wold Ecology, the Green is financed entirely on grants and donations so this will help us maintain the Green and ensure it continues to be a beautiful open space for the people of Driffield.”

Anyone who wants to know more about the work of Wold Ecology please ring Chris Toohie on 01377 200242 or 07795 071504.

Driffield Town Council has admitted that it is a “lion without teeth” over its inability to tackle eyesores which tarnish the image of the Capital of the Wolds.

Driffield resident Gordon Siddle, of Fawcett Gardens, criticised the council as he told members of the authority that he and his wife Audrey were both concerned over the derelict state of the old Cattle Market (pictured), the Sugar Mills, the old Post Office and the former Ivy House Glass building.

He said some buildings were not only unsightly but also dangerous.

“It is a sad reflection on human nature if you have to wait for some juvenile to fall off the Cattle Market or Sugar Mills and get fatally injured before something is done,” he said.

Councillors explained they shared the couple’s concerns and had made extensive but unsuccessful efforts to have the buildings made safe, cordoned off or demolished.

Mr Siddle said: “So you are saying you are a lion without teeth?”

Coun Paul Rounding admitted: “We are a lion without teeth”– although he stressed that the council was not complacent and kept “chivvying” away in order to get something done.

Mr Siddle said he arrived in town 11 years ago and the Cattle Market ceased operating shortly afterwards.

And he questioned why it should take so long for action.

The mayor, Coun Joyce Fletcher, said the town council felt the same way.

Referring to the Cattle Market, Coun Steve Poessl said: “We have put these complaints in to East Riding of Yorkshire Council on so many occasions.”

Coun Poessl said that when complaints were made about unsound buildings, ERYC responded with letters saying they were not a danger to anyone.

Mr Siddle asked about the possibility of compulsory purchase but Coun Poessl said: “That is not something we can do as a town council.”

Mr Siddle replied: “If someone climbs on a roof and falls and kills themselves sparks will start to fly.”

Coun Mark Blakeston said: “When you start to go through things like the Cattle Market and Ivy House and Queen Street it is a catalogue of disaster.”

He told Mr Siddle: “As a council, we have debated every point you have raised.”

And he suggested that the council should formulate a list of all the buildings in Driffield which had fallen into disrepair and put them in a document to ERYC posing the question: “Do you realise the state of the Capital of The Wolds?”

Coun Blakeston said the current situation was “just going to go from bad to worse” and said the town council should try to force a reaction from ERYC.

Mr Siddle also questioned the effectiveness of 20mph signs around the town which he understood were only “advisory”.

Coun Jolyon Lawson said he was pleased someone had raised the matter and said he would like the council to push for physical traffic-calming measures.

A community group is providing vital support for people with mental health issues in Driffield.

The group which is run as part of Hull and East Yorkshire Mind’s Reach Out Project, offers a social environment, support network and an opportunity for confidence building to those suffering from mental health issues ranging from depression to anxiety and stress.

The Reach Out Project is an open access service promoting good mental health and well being through one to one development, courses and group work.

The group, which takes place at Driffield Community Centre on three Monday’s each month is run by Maddi Masterson a development worker for Hull and East Yorkshire Mind and provides irreplaceable support to its ever growing membership with the help of volunteers.

Maddi, who came up with the groups slogan ‘Want to banish the blues?’ said: “People can come and join in with the social group, there’s tea, coffee and biscuits and we always have a laugh.

“I’m as much a part of the group as anyone.”

“We meet and talk and share information, play cards, try out the Wii games, use relaxation techniques. Just now I am running a small workshop for the group on Goal setting and action planning. It’s a really informal atmosphere with a mixed age range.”

“I’m so proud to have something like this in Driffield where there hasn’t been this kind of group before.” she added.

The group is open to anyone who suffer from mental health issues including loneliness and isolation aged 16 and upwards with the current oldest member being 90. Members can either join the group via referral from services such as G. P’s, social services and the Council or can refer themselves to the group by contacting Maddi and attending a meeting.

Maddi said: “It’s hugely beneficial from a social point of view, a lot of people wouldn’t go anywhere.

“It’s about social inclusion, about doing things they didn’t think they could do before.”

Barbara who has been a member of the group for a month, has realised these goals and is now an active and committed member of the group, she said: “I have got a lot of support from the group since my husband has been poorly.

“My husband is in Northfield Manor and I used to lock myself away, it’s a place to go where I can talk to somebody. I can talk to Maddi if anything is bothering me.”

Another member of the group added: “I was socially isolated for a lot of years but this gives you a reason to have to come out. There are a lot of reasons not to come out but this is a big reason to come out.”

Alan added: “It’s social- something to do on a Monday because I have nothing on on a Monday.”

Another member added: “I have a lot of problems at home, when I come here they seem to disappear. While I’m out my mind seems to less affected.”

The group have also begun to socialise outside of the Community Centre, during weeks in which the Reach Out session does not run the group have begun meeting as a self support group in Driffield’s Silks Cafe.

Between them the group have developed a set of group rules which allow members to talk confidentially and with freedom in a trusting environment.

Maddi said: “For many people this is the first time they might have talked.”

One group member said: “We can come and say what we want to say, it’s confidential.”

The next step for Driffield’s Reach Out Group is to allow members to take control of what the group does during meetings.

Maddi said: “The group is developing, I want the group to get to the stage where they’re making all the decisions about what we do.”

Maddi also runs a Reach Out Group in Bridlington along with volunteer Julie who invests a lot of time in helping with the Reach Out sessions.

Reach Out are also holding a free five week WEA art activities course beginning on Monday February 27 from 1pm - 3pm for beginners at Driffield Community Centre.

For those interested in joining the Reach Out social group an Open Day will be held on March 27 from 10am - 3pm at the Old Parcels Office, Bridlington Station where their will be an opportunity to meet the team, enjoy a free buffet and find out what Reach Out have to offer.

Those interested in joining a social group, attending the WEA art activities course or receiving one to one support for mental health issues can contact Maddi by phone: 07855226586 or email: mmasterson@mindhey.co.uk.

For further information on Reach Out and Mind call the information line on: 01482 240133.

ADULTS and children alike have been enjoying bespoke milkshake creations, traditional sweets and much more thanks to a new business on Scarborough Road.

The Snack Shack Deli which opened only four weeks ago on January 4 is the brain child of husband and wife team, Alice and Mike Corrigan which they hope will bring something a bit different to Driffield.

The Deli is divided into three sections, one selling sweets, both new and traditional, one providing hungry customers with sandwiches, paninis, soups and baked goods and another section offering milkshakes in flavours ranging from black jack sweets to apple pie and every chocolate bar imaginable in between and the Times & Post can confirm that these are surprisingly tasty.

Having been inspired by a friend’s business which sells numerous flavours of milkshake, the Deli boasts the title of being the first milkshake bar in the country to sell shakes flavoured with traditional sweets.

Having her own unique business has always been a dream of Alice’s and when the former Happy Shopper on Scarborough Road became available, husband Mike jumped at the chance to make this dream into a reality, in turn creating a treat heaven for people of all ages.

Mike, who also owns a recording studio in West Yorkshire said: “We talked about starting a business and I gave (Alice) the equipment to do it.”

The couple have designed and created the unique business themselves, with Mike building all of the counters and facilities.

“We are three shops in one which means we are getting trade from each corner and bringing something a bit different to Driffield,” said Mike.

And despite being new to Driffield the Deli has already become a big hit with youngsters and adults, surprising owners Alice and Mike who where well aware of the risk of starting up a new business in the current economic climate.

Mike, who met wife, Alice, in Driffield where she has lived for nine years, said: “We were a bit undecided about whether to do it due to the double dip recession but we decided to go for it and it’s paid off.”

The Corrigans are also keen to involve the community and local food producers in The Snack Shack Deli, recognising the importance of supporting the local business in the tough economic climate and giving something back to Driffield as a whole.

For more information about The Snack Shack Deli and news on the up and coming website visit Facebook- www.facebook.com/ssddriffield or search for Snack Shack Deli.

POLICE have appealed for information following a burglary at a semi-detached property on Skerne Road, Driffield.

Between 3pm on Saturday February 4 and 4.40pm on Monday February 6 thieves broke into the house through a rear ground floor window.

They searched the house, removing a key from the kitchen and selecting two games consoles, a Nintendo Wii and an Xbox from the living room.

The intruders left the house the same way they had entered it and, using the key they had taken from the kitchen, entered the shed in the back garden.

A quantity of tools were stolen from inside the shed. Anyone with information about this incident should contact Humberside Police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference number 1889281 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

CHILDREN at Driffield’s Northfield Infant School have said a big thank you to the town’s tidy team for helping to keep them safe.

As previously reported The Tidy Team has visited the school, on Southfield Close to give Year 2 pupils a demonstration on how they grit the footpaths.

The visit came after Year 2 School Councillors, Jessica and Will, wrote to Driffield Town Council on behalf of their classmates highlighting their concerns about the lack of grit on nearby footpaths and roads.

The class have now written to the Tidy Team to thank them for taking the time to visit.

The letter said: “Thank you for coming to talk to us about the work you do in Driffield. We think you are very busy.

“A really big thank you for putting some grit on the footpaths near our school and filling the grit box on Monday.”

A NAFFERTON man has been given a suspended prison sentence for drink driving.

David Burks, 36, of Cherry Way was more than three times the drink drive limit when he drove a Renault Clio on Bridlington Road, in Driffield on January 11.

A breath test showed Burks had 125 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - the legal limit being 35 microgrammes.

Burks pleaded guilty to drink driving when he appeared at Bridlington Magistrates Court on January 12 and was brought back before the court last Tuesday for sentencing.

Burks was given a 10 week prison sentence suspended for 12 months and was banned from driving for three years.

He must also carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and pay £85 court costs.

STUDENTs at Driffield School have preserved a little piece of our history for future generations.

A trio of time capsules, containing such artefacts as hand-made French knitting, a Blue Keld water bottle, British coins and a newspaper from the last day of 2010, have been placed into a specially built vault at the school’s new ACE centre.

Year 7 history students took part in a competition to create a time capsule using artefacts, photos and written materials with Jack Gibson and Cerys Rees being named the winners. Kira Hirst was the runner-up.

The spirit of the project was to mark the passing of the 21st Century by assembling personal items and public information which might be of interest when the capsules are opened again in 50 years time.

The vault is in one of the new building’s internal walls, with a plaque marking the spot, and a special key for it will be on display in the school’s reception area where it will stay until 2061.

Restoration London is a dangerous place for a former Parliamentarian spy, but who better to brazen it out than the wily Thomas Chaloner?

The Piccadilly Plot is Susanna Gregory’s seventh novel featuring Queen Katherine of Bragnaza’s trusty turncoat whose adventures and misadventures have become cult reading for fans of historical crime novels.

The books excel in their clever plotlines and the remarkable evocation of the teeming, malodorous and dangerous streets of 17th century London and the restless, factional court of Charles II.

Gregory always creates a cast of well-drawn characters, some real and some fictional, using a crisp, lively dialogue and an intriguing mystery to keep the pages turning.

Her understanding and knowledge of the Restoration period helps her to bring to life the capital city and its people as well as creating a story that is both exciting and authentic.

In 1664, the royal House of Stuart has been restored, Charles II is on the throne ... but all is not well behind the palace doors at White Hall.

Plots abound and when the resourceful ‘intelligencer’ Thomas Chaloner is summoned back to London from an investigation into corruption he is conducting in Tangier, he witnesses the assassination of the ship’s captain on the quayside in Queenhithe.

Still, he is relieved to be home and to be reunited with his new wife Hannah who is a lady-in-waiting to the king’s wife Queen Katherine.

The reason he has been summoned by his vain and selfish master, the Earl of Clarendon, seems annoyingly trivial – the theft of building materials from the site of Clarendon’s opulent new residence near Piccadilly.

But when death threats are made against Clarendon’s self-important architect Roger Pratt, it becomes increasingly likely that they may be linked to the thefts.

Chaloner finds himself thrown into investigations involving murder, a stolen corpse and a scheme to frame the Queen for treason. Yet, as he delves deeper into the mysteries, it seems there are connections from all of them which can be traced back to the unfinished Clarendon House and to events on the north African coast...

The Piccadilly Plot sees Gregory at her very best ... a nail-biting plot featuring codes, corpses and corruption is perfectly offset by moments of wry comedy.

The prickly relationship between Chaloner and Clarendon never fails to entertain ... the gentleman spy needs a job, and his master needs the former Cromwellian’s unorthodox skills which help to keep one step ahead of any rivals.

Plenty of laughs, suspense and surprises in this exciting new Chaloner chapter...

(Sphere, hardback, £19.99)

A funeral service was held at All Saints’ Church, North Dalton, on Friday, February 10 for Mr Christopher David Mitchell of Middleton on the Wolds (formerly of North Dalton) who died in the Alfred Bean Hospital on February 2. He was 60.

The service was conducted by the Rev David Fletcher and the organist was Mr Les Burtenshaw.

Chris was born in Dewsbury and attended Secondary School there and then the Nautical College in Hull.

After leaving the College he joined the Merchant Navy and worked his way up to Captain and Ships Pilot and was 40 years at sea.

He met his wife Andrea at Anchor House and they married in 1978. They went on to have 2 daughters and later two grandchildren Oscar and Freya.

He enjoyed clay pigeon shooting, playing his guitar and singing.

Chief mourners: Andrea Mitchell (wife), Amy Mitchell, Pippa Hodgson (daughters), Richard Teal (brother in law), Julie Stockley (sister in law), John Sleightholme.

Others present: Sally Nesfield, Betty Burks, Dawn & Philip Hindley, Joy & Neil Evison, Ian Staines, Malcolm Hodgson, Emma Tytek, Angela Tate, Judith Lovel, John Ogden. Anne Fisher, David Burks, Simon & Nicola Thompson, Roger & Betty Lowe, David Monk, Eric Pickering, Cathy & Dave Mappleforth, John & Jane Clancy, Fiona Dove, Louis & Kim Holmes, David Conner rep Mrs C M Rich, Lynn & Rowland Woolridge, Mave Prowse rep Pat Prowse & Chris & Steve Brent, Mr T Lazernby rep Mr & Mrs James Swallow, Caroline Jelley, Nicola Broadbent, Ghinbar Yehdego, Stephen & Jane Gray, John & Catherine Conner, Mr & Mrs John Beachell, Rose & Robin Horspool, Andrew Foxton rep Janet Foxton, Jackie Watton, Sue & Ian Sainty, Mike Johnson, George Robertson, Jarred & Liane Fisher, Philip Mitchell, Chelsea Mitchell, Tracy Mitchell, Cnris & Wendy Appleby, Hazel & Stephen Ellis, David & Sue Russell, Pat & Steve Mitchell, Paul & Claire Clayphen, Clementine Pethwick rep the family & Simon Walker, Dave Stockley (brother in law), Malcolm Johnson, Sarah Lyon, Ann Lyon, Nicole Lyon, John & Lynn Anstess, Jenny & Anthony Byass, Joyce & Paul Lawson, James Houston, Chris Wade.

Last weekend Driffield Swimming Club hosted a Friendly Gala at the sports centre, inviting Bridlington, South Holderness and South Hunsley clubs to compete.

This was a 13 and under gala with open and vice captains present to support and organise their younger swimmers.

Friendly galas give youngsters the chance to compete without any pressure of being in a league. It was a big day for the six Driffield children who had never swum in a gala before. Harris Bowman, Charlotte Hall, Craigie Jacques, Sophie Lawson, Max Morley and Lucy Rowe all overcame their nerves with their debut swims.

The first races of the afternoon were the medley relays, each team swimming firstly backstroke, followed by breaststroke, butterfly and finally freestyle.

The first win of the day went to the nine year and under girls. Kezia Cartwright, Charlotte Hall, Lucy Morley and Craigie Jacques gave it their all.

Amongst some other great swims here were the 11 and under boys who put in a cracking effort with nine year old Harvey Roberts showing a great confident backstroke, eight year old Charles Haynes swimming a lovely breaststroke in only his second gala, John Jacques showing his strong butterfly and newcomer Harris Bowman swimming a brilliant freestyle home.

There was a shortage of Driffield 11 year old boys so Harvey Roberts, William Hakner and Charles Haynes all swam up an age group in the relays.

Next came some of the individual events: Max Morley, in his first ever gala, won the nine year old boys freestyle race. After 18 races Driffield were in first place with 40 points followed closely by South Hunsley with 37 points.

The breaststroke relays were next with the 13 and Under boys team having a great win. Jack Emsley, junior captain George Sheader, Andy Rogers and James Haynes made up the winning team.

More individual events followed: Sarah Wade won the 11 and under butterfly showing a good strong stroke followed by Caitlin Muirhead winning the 11 and under breaststroke in style. Andy Rogers was so far ahead in the 13 and under backstroke he seemed to be swimming alone. Well done to you all!

Finally came the freestyle relays. These are always exciting to watch as this is the fastest stroke. The boys 13 and under team swam too fast and got a speeding ticket. Well done to Andy Rogers, Jack Emsley, Charlie Rice and George Sheader!

When the final results were announced, Driffield knew it would be a close-run gala. The winners were South Holderness with Driffield just one point behind in second place.

Team manager, Josie Clark, was happy saying: “Another great afternoon of swimming including some brilliant performances by all of our six newcomers to galas.

“They should be very proud of their achievements.

“Also a massive thank you to our poolside helpers who work tirelessly to ensure our home galas run smoothly. Special mention must go to Stewart Blackburn who did a great job in his new role as referee.”

Whether your children are tots or teens, there’s plenty of exciting titles available from Random House Children’s Books this month.

From colourful picture books to sophisticated suspense novels for young adults, there’s a book with your child’s name written all over it!

Top of the teenage selection must be the hard-hitting and mesmerising Desert Angel by US author Charlie Price (Corgi, paperback, £6.99), a brutal and heart-thumping tale of murder and abuse.

This is young adult fiction of the grown-up kind, portraying life in all its stark reality. We see humans at their worst and best as we travel across the Californian desert on a terrifying cat-and-mouse chase.

Fourteen-year-old Angel has had a tough start to life. Dragged around by her mother as she moves from one abusive relationship to the other, they have never stayed anywhere for very long.

But the latest boyfriend Scotty is in a different league to the others and when Angel discovers her mother murdered one morning, she becomes his next target.

Fleeing their trailer in the Californian desert, Angel embarks on a journey of survival. With no money, food or shelter and in harsh and unwelcoming surroundings, she must escape Scotty before he finds her and kills her too.

Scotty has one very big and devastating advantage – he’s an illegal hunter and Angel has become the prey. Her only chance of survival is to enlist the help of strangers but by doing so, she also brings danger on them.

Angel can only see one way out…get Scottie before he gets her first.

Price’s fast-paced thrilling story paints a bleak and depressing picture of American ‘trailer’ life set against an unforgiving landscape.

The relentlessness of an increasingly desperate Scotty contrasts with the emotional rollercoaster experienced by the teenage Angel as she finds friendship in the most unexpected places.

Desert Angel is revealing, raw and shocking but it’s also moving, uplifting and totally unmissable.

Sisters ...who’d have ’em?! Certainly not tomboy Marta whose older, frillier sister Melissa likes everything she doesn’t.

As always in Jacqueline Wilson’s brilliant books, she gets right to the heart of all those things that kids love and hate and The Worst Thing About My Sister (Doubleday, hardback, £12.99) is full of fun, frolics and little pearls of wisdom.

Here she focuses on that old family chestnut – sibling rivalry – and gives quarrelling sisters plenty of food for thought.

Marty and older sister Melissa couldn’t be more different. Marty loves her Converse trainers, playing football, hiding in her secret den and helping her dad with his DIY while Melissa loves Justin Bieber and all things pink, girly and pretty.

The sisters can manage to live together, despite their occasional scraps but then Mum tells them they have to share a room. Her dream of making dresses is at last going to come true and she needs another room – Marty’s Room.

Both sisters are thrown together and the arguments soon increase to horrid tricks. For Marty, having to share her bunk beds and lose her private sanctuary turns out to be the very worst thing about having a sister.

But the girls soon discover that being too close for comfort can have unexpected consequences, and when an accident happens, the sisters realise they are closer than they thought.

Wilson entertaining and yet thoughtful book is accompanied by reading notes ideal for children’s reading groups or classroom discussions and Nick Sharratt’s fantastic illustrations are the icing on the cake.

Perfect for young readers aged seven and over.

And what about a picture book that will have the youngest members of the household laughing their little socks off?

Award-winning children’s illustrator and author Nick Sharratt has teamed up with fellow author Elizabeth Lindsay to produce Socks (David Fickling Books, hardback, £10.99), a brilliantly clever picture book which celebrates the nation’s favourite footwear.

We’re talking big and bold here... big pictures, big writing and big, barmy adventures! There’s a smiling sockodile, a dozing hipposockamus, an eight-legged socktopus and even a Sock Ness Monster enjoying a summer holiday.

Pages of silly big words containing socks such as Socywockydoodah, Sockywockychoochoo train will enchant little ones who can work their way through a series of sock animals, storytime characters, objects, transport and even greedy-guts Goldisocks.

The rhyming story is full of sockywocky fun, socks of every design and colour and will keep kids (and grown-ups) in stocking stitches for hours on end!

Beautiful Belle – who can forget Lesley Pearse’s feisty young courtesan snatched from the streets of London and sold into prostitution?

Belle was the charismatic star of the best-selling book of the same name which captured the hearts and imaginations of Pearse’s army of avid fans last year.

And now Belle is back in this gripping follow-up which sees her heading off to the battlefields of First World War France and a haunting collision with her colourful past.

Pearse is one of the UK’s most popular authors of women’s fiction and it’s easy to see why. The Promise is her 20th novel and confirms her reputation for impeccably researched and beautifully written stories full of romance, humanity and high drama.

Whether she is portraying everyday life or extraordinary events, she has the power to get under the skin of her characters and pull tightly on our heartstrings.

In London, 1914, Belle Reilly has escaped the horrors of her virtual imprisonment in New Orleans and finally found the life she dreamed of. It’s all thanks to her devoted husband Jimmy who has given her love, stability and the hat shop she had wanted to own since she was a child.

Life is good at the home they share over the Railway pub with Belle’s aunt and surrogate mother Mog but sometimes events that took place in America and France affect her relationship with Jimmy. For Belle, it’s ‘like having a splinter in your finger which you can’t get out, yet you can’t help but prod it.’

As the storm clouds of war begin to gather, Belle’s already turbulent life is set to change in ways she never imagined possible.

When Jimmy enlists in the army and leaves for Ypres, her world is shattered and she realises she can no longer stand by and watch. Belle volunteers to help the wounded but her work as a Red Cross ambulance driver in France throws her into the path of Etienne, the enigmatic man who played a significant role in her childhood.

Soon she finds herself torn agonisingly between forbidden passion and loyalty to a good man. And as the past returns to haunt her present in other, more unpleasant ways, Belle’s character is put to the test like never before...

Belle is a gutsy and gregarious heroine, a born survivor who looks life in the face and never shrinks from the sorrows and disappointments it throws up. Her rollercoaster story is played out here with Pearse’s usual empathy, pace and pathos.

So who said romance was dead? Certainly not when it’s in the capable hands of Lesley Pearse!

(Michael Joseph, hardback, £18.99)

THE Neighbourhood Team have established new priority targets for each area for February. These priorities are reviewed at the end of every month.

The priority targets are made purely on the evidence of complaints and reported issues from members of the public about problems in their respective areas.

Each month the priorities are reviewed and usually up to three target areas are identified. This months priorities in the Driffield and rural areas as follows:

1. Priority issue: Criminal Damage – Driffield

During January we had three criminal damages reported.

Overnight New Years Eve into New Years Day an unknown substance was poured onto the paint work of two cars parked on a drive in Park Avenue, the substance caused the paint to bubble and has caused extensive damage to the vehicles.

Overnight between January 1 and 2 the Perspex glass in a notice board on Auchinleck Close was damaged.

About midnight on January 21 the glass in the front door of a house on Westgate was damaged.

2. Priority issue: Under age drinking

During January there was just one report of under age drinking and no alcohol seizures have been made.

About 9.15pm on January 13 a report was received of noisy youths congregating in the park, on checking the park a number of alcohol bottles were found in the area where the noise had been coming from.

We will be continuing with this priority for a further period to ensure we can maintain this level of calm.

3. Priority issue: Burglary – Dwellings and outbuildings

During January we had had just two burglaries reported.

Between December 24 and January 4 an out building containing a heating oil tank at premises on Kellythorpe Industrial Estate was entered, a quantity of oil was stolen.

Between January 13 and 16 an attempt was made to enter the old doctors surgery on Bridge Street, some boarding was removed from the windows and glass was broken, no entry was gained.

Offenders brought to justice

On January 5 a male was charged with a public order offence after an incident on Spencers Way.

On January 19 two females were issued with fixed penalty notices for theft after an incident in Lidl.

About 1.40pm on January 24 a male was detained after he was seen trying to remove lead from above a window of Albion House.

Meetings:

Type: Community and Young People

Venue: Boxing Club - Unit 2A, 35 Eastgate North, Driffield, YO25 6DG

Date: Every Tuesday and Thursday

Time: 6.30pm to 8.00pm for ages 14 to 19 (£1)

Type: Community and Young People

Venue: Boxing Club - Driffield School North Gym, Manorfield Road, Driffield, YO25HR

Date: Every Tuesday and Thursday

Time: 6pm to 7pm for ages eight to 13 (50p)

Type: Police Surgery

Venue: Driffield School, Manorfield Road, Driffield, YO25 5HR

Date: Every Tuesday

Time: 10am to 12pm

Type: Police surgery

Venue: The Children’s Centre, Beckside, Driffield, YO25 6QP

Date: Thursday March 8

Time: 3.15pm to 4.15pm

Type: Police surgery

Venue: Town Council Offices

Date: Last Thursday of the month

Time: 1pm to 3pm

News and Appeals

Other than the offences mentioned above we have had a further seven offences reported.

On January 4 and January 12 vehicles were broken into on the Skerne Road Industrial area, the offences occurred around 5pm and 5.30pm, the vehicles were only left unattended for a few minutes but there was still time to break a window and steal a handbag from inside, please don’t leave valuables in vehicles.

Between 1pm and 1.15pm on January 6 a purse was stolen from the top of a bag whilst the owner was shopping in the town, this is an opportunistic crime and people will take advantage if they can.

Between 10pm on January 12 and 12.30am on January 13 a hand bag was taken from a table in a public house in the town, the bag was later recovered but not before withdrawals from an ATM using a card from the bag had been made.

Please be careful with your bags and purses and do not give the criminals the opportunity to help themselves.

Overnight on January 2 and 3 milk was stolen from a doorstep on Fawcett Gardens.

Between 2am and 3am on New Years Day a male was assaulted in Cranwell Road whilst trying to help a drunken female, enquiries are continuing to identify the offenders.

Between midnight and 1am on New Years Eve a male juvenile was assaulted on Market Place, the same offender assaulted him again at 10.30pm on January 20 during a disturbance on Middle Street South; enquiries are ongoing to identify the offender.

Anti Social Behaviour

During January we have had five calls for service in relation to anti social behaviour.

At 9pm on January 13 and 19 reports were received of a group of rowdy youths in Adlephi Street.

At 7.30pm on January 19 a report was received that a group of youths were wrecking the play equipment in Northend Park, a patrol attended and although there were youths in the park they were orderly and the play equipment was found in good order.

At 7.50pm on January 20 a group of 15 youths entered Lidl and when approached by staff one in particular became abusive, he will be receiving a Fairway letter.

At 4.30pm on January 22 several youths were seen running about on the flat roof of the old doctors surgery on Bridge Street, when confronted by a resident they became abusive before making off.

Villages Update

Cottam: Overnight January 10 and 11 a fertiliser spreader was stolen from a barn in the Cottam area.

East Wolds and Coastal Update for January 2012

This month’s priorities in the East Wolds and Costal areas:

1. Priority issue: Hutton Cranswick – Anti-Social Behaviour

This month Hutton Cranswick has reported a number of issues in relation to a gate being removed from a property and found nearby as well as trellis being damaged, a group of youths were challenged in the early hours but ran off and no description obtained.

The school is still getting youths in the grounds and police have been in touch with the Head Master who will endeavour to replace the old warning signs. Trespassing is a civil offence and anyone found on the premises’ details will be obtained and passed onto the school to deal with as well as being dealt with appropriately by the police and East Riding Council.

2. Priority issue: Rural Crime – Poaching

Rural Crime is still an issue this month although there have been no issues on our patch in relation to coursing, there has been reports of wheeling’s in the Burton Agnes area.

There have been two poaching operations in the Kilham and Rudston area during January with no offences revealed. Anyone who sees anything suspicious in relation to poaching should call the police on 101.

3. Priority issue: Burton Fleming – Speeding

The issue of speeding still continues in Burton Fleming and police will still monitor the traffic dependent on resources available.

The local council have also offered assistance and will place a Golden River in the village – this monitors the speed of traffic over a 24 hour period providing information in relation to speed, time and quantity of traffic passing.

Offenders brought to justice

A male has been arrested and charged with two counts of theft following a party in Hutton Cranswick.

The victims had the contents taken out of a handbag and also a jacket. The suspect was found to have the items on his person when stopped by police.

Meetings:

Type: Surgery

Venue: Rudston Village Hall

Date: February 23

Time: 11am to 12pm

Type: Neighbourhood Watch

Venue: Kilham – The Bay Horse PH

Date: February 21

Time: 7.30pm

News and Appeals

PC Janet Bates is moving on after nearly four years in her post as Neighbourhood Officer for East Wolds and Coastal, her replacement will take over shortly.

Following the number of burglaries last December in Brandesburton police have targeted the area over January 2012 by attending the village a number of times each day.

The public are reminded to keep things out of view, valuables locked away and to keep their doors locked even whilst in the house.

Brandesburton/North Frodingham area: A handbag was stolen from a kitchen in Brandesburton between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on January 5. The handbag was later recovered in Leven and enquiries are continuing.

Damage to gates was caused at the Fosse Hill Jet Ski Centre, Brandesburton between December 24 and January 11 followed by the shutters being forced at the premises and equipment taken.

Beeford/Skipsea/Ulrome area: Double glazed doors were smashed at a property in Skipsea on January 19, the suspect entered the premises but it is still unsure as to what if anything had been taken. Forensic enquiries are ongoing.

Cranswick/Hutton Cranswick area: Hutton Cranswick has become a priority for the next month and police will pay particular attention following two reports between January 21 and 22 of a gate being lifted off its hinges and been found further down the road and garden trellis being damaged at a property. Youths were challenged in the early hours in the area by residents but ran off.

Nafferton area: A burglary occurred in Nafferton on January 22 whereby the offender entered via the rear entrance and stole a handbag and its contents.

Barmston/Fraisthorpe area: Nothing to report

Gransmoor/Kelk/Lissett area: Nothing to report

Burton Agnes/Carnaby area: Nothing to report

Burton Fleming/Wold Newton area: Nothing to report

Rudston/Kilham/Langtoft area: Two burglaries between January 15 and 16 occurred in Kilham one at Cranberry Foods and one to a shed lock at a premise.

HELP US HELP YOU

Your local police work to resolve issues that are affecting your quality of life where you live.

The Neighbourhood team regularly discuss problems in areas where you live and set target patrol hotspots for these identified areas.

This is purely done from receiving complaints from members of the public living in affected areas.

If you witness or experience crime or anti social behaviour where you live, let your local police know so that action can be taken.

If the police don’t know about problems, they can not resolve them. Report crime and Anti social behaviour on 101.