Huttons Ambo Flooding 2015

After days of rain the Low Lane to Malton is closed to ordinary vehicles after the Derwent broke its banks and flooded the adjacent fields.

Water levels were high yesterday and rose another half a meter but thankfully now are subsiding.

As before in 2012 the water reached the viaduct at the bottom of Water Lane.

Once again we can be thankful that no homes have been flooded in Huttons Ambo and our thoughts go out to all those who have lost their homes and livelihoods elsewhere in our county and across the country.

You can check on the levels of the River Derwent in real time here at the Environment Agency website.

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Report on Youth Club Meeting, November 27th

Report on Youth Club Meeting, November 27th

There were 26 children at the last youth club meeting which included a few newcomers.

We enjoyed pottery painting with Peagreen Pottery. Many of the children had chosen what they wanted to paint in the previous meeting and they got to do the fun bit with the decorating this time.

There were also other activities including a surprise visit from Father Christmas who gave out presents to the children.

The next youth club meeting will be on Friday, January 8th where Andy Clarke and Vince Castleton will come along to talk to us about hedgehog husbandry and making bird feeders and boxes for bats and birds.

The following meeting on Friday, February 5th will be a disco where I will be spinning the discs and lighting up the village hall with my lighting set.

We also want to get some ideas from you about the types of things you would like to see for children’s categories in the village show. Although this isn’t until August, the schedules will be drawn up soon so if there is something you would like to see can you let us know at the next couple of youth club meetings.

All those aged 5-17 are welcome at the youth club. Subs are £2.50 per child. Email info@huttonsambo.com to get on the list.

Have a very Happy Christmas and see you at the next youth club meeting in January!

Joseph Banks








© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Christmas Dinner Dance - report

November 28th Christmas Dinner Dance

45 villagers and friends enjoyed an evening of cabaret from Man Banned with special guest Jayne O'Ehley  followed by dinner of Fletchers Turkey Roast with all the trimmings, mince pies and coffee. Then it was dancing to local band Ground Level.

As you can see everyone had a terrific time and special thanks to:

• Sarah Clark for the food
• Steve Dunning for the bar
• Joseph Banks for the lights
• Charlotte Mummery for the star raffle prize
• Man Banned and Jayne
• Ground Level

All those who helped serve and clear up but especially to everyone who came and made it such a great night.

Thanks
 Liz

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Defibrillator - Thankyou

At last our public access defibrillator is installed and will be commissioned by Yorkshire Ambulance Service next week.



  Thanks to all who have donated and supported this project and to everyone who attended the training.











It sits proudly on the front external wall of the village hall and in the event of an emergency once you have called 999 (which is always the first thing to do) you will then be given the code to access the unit.








 
Let’s hope it is never used but it’s great to have it near us and available.


 Liz  Ellis


© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Meeting Point

Another lovely social and a welcome bowl of home - made soup and paninis  plus the usual cakes and the chance for a chat and a catch up.

 


]
Thanks to Sarah Clark and Sara Swindells for all their hard work and lovely food.

Next Meeting Point will be January 30th from 12 to 2

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

PARISH COUNCIL MINUTES - NOVEMBER 2015

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HUTTONS AMBO PARISH COUNCIL

DRAFT MINUTES OF MEETING ON

24^th NOVEMBER 2015 

1.         Welcome, Councillors present & Apologies

Cllrs. Andy Dorman, Richard Green and Simon Lealman, and Clerk, Jem Charles were present.  Cllrs Jessie Garnett and David Banks had sent apologies.  Ryedale District Councillor Michael Cleary attended the meeting.  No member of the public was present.

2.         Minutes of the September meeting were approved and signed as being a true record.

            Additional Item

Ryedale District Councillor Michael Cleary gave a brief description of his role, primarily as a member of the Planning Committee.  Current issues include fracking, solar farms and land at Musley Bank House.  Further topics included:

·        the perceived disconnect between forward planning of infrastructure and development management

·        the low esteem in which the planning process is widely held

·        Wentworth Street car park

·        A64 and its junctions

The Chairman thanked Cllr. Cleary for an interesting and frank exchange.

3.         Matters Arising

a)  Verge Cutting

Assurance has been given that cutting will start before weed growth becomes a problem and that the footpath along the railed off section above the Hall will be included.

b)  Copper beech

Andy & Jem will carry out what work they can to raise the crown and reduce branches overhanging the road.

c) A64 junctions

Jem had discussed with Highways England.  Junction improvement is only undertaken to reduce serious accidents or improve traffic flow along the trunk road.  He had sent data relating to accidents at the junctions for Huttons Ambo and explained that their nature and number did not warrant investment.  It was agreed that his offer to undertake a further review would not be taken up.  A copy of the data is held by the Council and can be made available to residents of the Parish on request.

d)  Superfast Broadband

NYNET had confirmed that current plans for Phase III of Superfast Yorkshire will not include connecting High or Low Hutton.  LN Communications, now trading as Boundless Communications Ltd., can provide up to 30mB/s by wireless connection to most properties in the village.  Jem will contact them to offer support in promoting awareness of the service.  The Council would support the invitation made to Boundless Communications Ltd by Huttons Ambo Community Collective to come to the village and present further information on the service they might be able to provide and its cost

Some concern was expressed over the size of receiver each property would need and Jem will convey this to the company.

e)  Village website

     Photographs of Councillors along with short introductory texts have been posted.

f)   Transparency Code for Smaller Councils

It was agreed that  a new dedicated PC and printer would not be helpful but Jem will purchase an hard drive for Council use.

g)  Potholes at Barneygate Lane/A64 junction

These were filled promptly on request.

4.         New Matters

a)  Good neighbours scheme

The Council welcomed an initial meeting set up by Liz Ellis for January 13^th.

b)  Highways Asset Sponsorship

There are no Highway Assets in the Parish appropriate for sponsorship.

c)  Local Transport Plan consultation

No change of consequence to the Parish was identified.  Councillors will look at the relevant NYCC website as they might see fit and inform the clerk of any comments.  Jem will respond.

d)  Joint Minerals & Waste Plan consultation

All Councillors will study the documents in more detail particularly in regard to fracking so that a considered response can be drafted.  Given that shale gas is a mineral within the definitions provided in the documents, Councillors were surprised that the proposed fracking at Kirby Misperton was not stated to be a “preferred” site, as defined in the documents.  Jem will write to NYCC.

e)  Rural Action Yorkshire membership

In light of the assistance RAY have been giving Jem will apply for membership.

f)   Kirkham Weir & Sluice engagement group

Rona Charles has agreed to represent the village once agreement has been given by her employer, the National Park that this would not create any conflict of interest.

5.         Planning

a)  Low Farm Cottage

The application for extension, conversion and renovation has been approved

b)  Musley Bank House

            The application for a new house in the grounds is to be determined by committee on December 1st with a recommendation for refusal.    The Parish Council supported the application and would be happy to see it approved.  Having reviewed all of the documents available on the public record, the Council could not see any factual or reasonable grounds whatsoever for refusal.  Jem will write to Cllr. Cleary to explain the Council’s position and ask him to support the application.

c)  The Redings

The application to extend has been approved.

d)  Land at Cherry Farm

The council regretted that the application for this prominent piece of land was for characterless industrial units but did not consider an objection to be worthwhile at this stage.  Councillors expressed concern about creeping encroachment of such industrial developments into land within the Parish.  Jem will write to RDC to this effect.

6.         Finance

a)  Budget Progress

Jem presented income/expenditure data to date and the position is satisfactory.

b)  Precept

A decision on the level of the precept will be made once a new contractor for grass cutting and village maintenance has been found and the price determined.

7.         Any Other Business

a)  Grass cutting and Village maintenance

Curlew Conservation has indicated that they can no longer carry out this work.  Andy will approach another potential contractor within the village to obtain a quote.

b)  Finger Post

The finger post at the foot of Buck Lane has been broken.  It was felt that this should be repaired rather than replaced.  Jem will contact the AONB office to enquire whether assistance is available or if they know of a suitable firm or craftsman.

c)  Ryedale Plan

Ryedale District Council is consulting on preferred sites in the Service Villages and potential option sites in the Market Towns. The consultation is running to 14 December.  Councillors will study the documents, and listen to residents, and pass any comments to Jem to prepare a response.

d)  d) Road markings at the bottom of Netherby Lane

Simon stated that these had virtually disappeared and were badly in need of renewing, particularly following a recent minor accident between two vehicles and the ensuing dispute as to who had the right of way. Jem reported that he had contacted NYCC Highways. (Councillors note that these were renewed Thursday 26^th.)

8.         Date of Next meeting(s)

14th January at 7.30 and, provisionally, 9^th of March 2016 at 7.30.

Jem Charles, Clerk to the Parish Council

parishclerk@huttonsambo.com

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

YOUTH CLUB MEETING Friday November 6th - Report

YOUTH CLUB MEETING Friday November 6th

18 members of the youth club attended the session.

Sarah and Sara led baking activities and there was a quiz and all the usual games and activities.

The club has been able to purchase equipment for indoor hockey, soft balls and a parachute silk for other physical activities.

All sessions start at 7pm and anyone aged 5-17 can join in – even if you are not usually a residents of the village and just visiting or staying with family.

Future sessions include : 

• kids quiz night, 
• chocolate bingo, 
• taster session in mechanics, 
• Raspberry Pi, 
• Map Reading with The Mountain Rescue, 
• an art project led by Lesley Seeger and many other fun things……

If anyone would like to volunteer to run a session for an hour with one of the regular leaders get in touch – we are always looking for ideas

Email info@huttonsambo.com to get on mailing list

Subs £2.50 per session. The club is open to anyone 5 to 17. 

Insurance is in place for regular activities and there will always be a leader present with DBS clearance. The club is overseen by North Yorkshire Youth.

NEXT SESSIONS

Friday December 4th

Pottery painting & making chocolate peppermints for Christmas & maybe a special guest

Plus usual games and activities led by Anne and Liz

Friday January 8th

Hedgehog husbandry and taster session – making bird feeders and boxes for birds and bats

Plus usual games and activities led by Vince and Andy

Friday February 5th

Disco and Party Night

Plus usual games and activities.

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Apple Day Report

Apple Day

The weather was kind, much fun was had and some money was raised.

Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the even with their time and energy - from furniture movement, tents, culinary skills to apple pressing and  bunting hanging.

THANK YOU

The Tree walk curated by Hilary from The Northern Fruit Group , the apple crafts led by Kathryn from The Yorkshire Arboretum and the Minster Strays Morris Side all helped us deliver a really good afternoon.

Thanks all

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 23rd SEPT - DRAFT MINUTES

1.         Welcome, Councillors present & Apologies

Cllrs. Andy Dorman, Jessie Garnett, David Banks, Richard Green and Simon Lealman, and Clerk, Jem Charles were present.  No member of the public was present.

2.         Minutes of the July meeting were approved and signed as being a true record.

3.         Matters Arising

 

a)  Verge Cutting

Jem had written to NYCC Highways seeking assurance that cutting would begin more promptly in 2016 and requesting that the section of raised pavement near the Village Hall be included in the contract.  The letter had been forwarded to Area 4 for attention but no response received.  Jem will send a reminder asking that these points be addressed.

b)  Copper beech

Andy reported that the cost of high pruning would be £700 and that work to maintain the crown and prevent overhanging the road would be required every 5 years.  This was considered excessive for the Council’s budget.  Andy will obtain a further quotation.  Andy will also discuss with Alan Cavannagh to see whether he, along with Jem and himself, could undertake the minimum work necessary to raise the crown and remove/cut back overhanging branches as volunteers.

c) Giant hogweed

Andy and Jem had taken John Shannon of the East Yorkshire Rivers Trust to the site by boat on 2 occasions and the infestation has been treated.  At least one follow up visit earlier in 2016 will be needed to ensure eradication.  An article has been posted on the village website.

d)  A64 junctions

Jem had managed to make contact with the DfT (Jeff Gilmore, Policy Advisor, Young Drivers Policy and Casework) who said that he would try to find someone who could address the issue.  Despite two reminders nothing further has been heard.  Simon will try to identify a more appropriate contact for Jem to try again.

e)  Superfast Broadband

No further progress has been made.  LN Communications have been experiencing delays with the Repeater host agreement at Birdsall Bank and the direct link from the inbound repeater.  Jem will contact NYNET to ascertain whether they can help with providing a superfast connection to the village.

f)   Village website

Photographs and text about Councillors had not yet been given to Jem.  All Councillors agreed to do this soon. 

4.         New Matters

a)  Fire & Rescue service consultation

It was agreed that, though responses from larger Councils would be more pressing for the Authority, responses from small rural Councils should help ensure that the service is maintained for their, different, issues.  Councillors will study the proposals and pass comments to Jem.  Jem will compile a response and submit it to the Fire & Rescue Authority before 16^th October.

b)  Good neighbours scheme

The Council supports the work being undertaken by the Village Hall project group in providing community support and recognised that a great deal of support is currently provided informally.  Jessie will speak to Ruth Hannah to learn how the scheme is progressing and the Council would review at the next meeting.

c)  District Councillor (Phil Evans)

Councillors would welcome Mr Evans to the next meeting.  Jem will re-issue the invitation. 

5.         Planning

 

a)  Low Farm Cottage

The application for an equestrian arena for private use was supported but

has not yet been determined.

An application for extension conversion and change of use has been submitted.

b)  Musley Bank House

Mr Ian Brisby has notified the Council of his proposal to submit an application for the building of a new dwelling in the grounds of his current property.  Councillors agreed that an artist’s impression provided by Mr Brisby suggested that the proposal should not be contentious. 

6.         Finance

a)  Budget Progress

Jem presented income/expenditure data to date and the position is satisfactory.

b)  External Audit

Jem reported that PKF Littlejohn had completed the audit and approved the accounts.

7.         Any Other Business

a) Road Signs

NYCC Highways have agreed to erect triangular warning signs depicting children either side of the bus stops.

b) Transparency Code for Smaller Councils

Jem has learnt that grant aid is available for the purchase of computer equipment and training to assist Councils meet the demands of this Code.  Councillors considered that a dedicated computer for Council business would be worthwhile. Jem will investigate further and submit recommendations.

c)  Potholes at Barneygate Lane/A64 junction

Simon drew attention to this problem.  Jem will contact AOne+ or NYCC Highways as appropriate. 

8.         Date of Next meeting(s)

24^th November at 7.30 and, provisionally, 13 January at 7.30.

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

My sponsored bike ride from Dalby Forest via Whitby to Scarborough - by Joseph Banks

My sponsored bike ride from Dalby Forest via Whitby to Scarborough

My Dad and I set out on a 70-mile bike ride to raise money for the village defibrillator fund this week.

We started out from Dalby Forest and the ride took us through Dalby Forest, Langdale Forest and over the Moors.

We stopped near the Illa Cross (a standing stone which might be an ancient stone cross or a more recent boundary marker) for our lunch.

The moors looked spectacular as the heather is in bloom at the moment. It was hard work cycling over all the hills on the moors and the tracks were pretty rough.

Once we were over the moors we headed to Hawsker where we joined the coastal cycle path which used to be a railway line built there in 1855.

We stayed in Whitby overnight. I was very tired and after something to eat I couldn’t keep my eyes open.


We woke up the next morning to a cold, rainy day. What a contrast from the day before!
After a good breakfast we set off on day two. We headed out of Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay. There were some great views of the sea looking dramatic from our cycle path.

After Robin Hood’s Bay we climbed slowly up to Ravenscar. This is where the weather was worst because the wind blew the rain off the sea horizontally.

Fortunately after that it was a long descend down to Scarborough. By the end of the trail we were wet, tired but happy to have finished.

We would like to thank everyone who sponsored us to do the ride. Once we have collected the donations we will let everyone know how much we raised.


by
Joseph Banks, age 12





© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

'Man Banned' debuts at 2015 Produce Show Party

At the 2015 Produce Show 'post show party' four of our very own home grown musical talent combined to entertain and amuse a rapt, appreciative and very supportive audience.

'Man Banned' has further appearances planned in the coming months including support act at The Village Christmas Dinner Dance November 28th


© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Produce Show 2015 - Pictures

The 61st Huttons Ambo Flower & Produce Show took place in the Village Hall on Saturday 15th August

There were 356 entries – a fantastic effort from our village of only 130 households.
34 adult entrants showed 322 entries and 11 under 16s showed 34 entries.

 As usual there was a great array of fruit and veg – large marrows and amusingly shaped vegetables.
Despite the poor weather in show week the flower section looked a picture and our ‘flower arrangement in an unusual container’ class let our florists be truly inspired.

There were a record  54 entries into the photographic classes and the cup- cakes and paper mache monsters from the under 16s were particularly colourful and imaginative.

Rector Taff Morgan presented the prizes followed by a fantastic tea and post show party.

A great day for the village – thanks to everyone who entered, supported, attended and to the committee and volunteers on the day.

 
© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Huttons Ambo Parish Council helps combat alien invaders!

Huttons Ambo Parish Council helps combat alien invaders!

The Chairman and Clerk to Huttons Ambo Parish Council, Andy Dorman and Jem Charles, have enabled one of the worst infestations of Giant Hogweed on the River Derwent to be controlled. By helping the East Yorkshire Rivers Trust’s Derwent Restoration Officer, John Shannon, find and then treat the plants with herbicide, it is hoped that this invader will have been halted in its tracks.

Giant Hogweed is a native of the Caucasus Mountains, introduced into Western Europe in the nineteenth century as a garden plant. It really is a giant, reaching over 3 metres/ten feet in height and doubtless made a very impressive addition to Victorian gardens. (See pictures) Unfortunately it has escaped and in the wild has three major drawbacks: its sap can cause serious skin burns by making it very sensitive to sunlight, its seeds enable it to spread rapidly and its huge leaves smother native plants. The plant has become a serious invader of riversides and canals, damaging the native flora, and stories of burns to people encountering the plant are common every summer.

John Shannon & Giant Hogweed (c)

In Huttons Ambo parish there is a large patch of Giant Hogweed growing next to the River Derwent.  It is down river of the low village and well beyond easy access, which is fortunate as far as public safety is concerned, but has enabled the colony to spread apparently unnoticed for several years and makes its control difficult.  Enter the Parish Council!  Last month Andy and Jem alerted John and were able to take him to the precise spot by boat, loaned by kind permission of the owner, Richard Hopkinson.  After struggling through dense riverside vegetation, the party reached the first of the offending hogweeds and John got to work with his specialist equipment – a stem injection kit that ensures no weedkiller can reach any other plants or the river itself. 

Treating Giant Hogweed (c)

This would be important on any river, but is particularly vital here where the Derwent is so valuable for nature conservation. This classic lowland river with its diverse flora and fauna is not only a site of Special Scientific Interest (national importance) but also a Special Area of Conservation (European importance).

 A second visit a week later confirmed that most of the injected plants were clearly affected by the herbicide and any that had been missed could be tackled.  Next year the team plans to return to ensure that any new recruits are also killed before they can set seed and infect another stretch of this beautiful river.  John commented  "All credit to yourselves for alerting me to the problem and the partnership working has ensured that this potentially dangerous plant is now on our radar and will be addressed until we eradicate it even if this takes several years."

Giant Hogweed one week after treatment (c)

 Finally, the importance of vigilance by everyone who lives and works in the parish was highlighted when Andy was told of three more Giant Hogweed plants in a remote spot some distance from the river. There was no time to lose, as mature plants are setting seed now, but quick action by the Parish Council meant that within twenty four hours the plants had been injected by John. Another potential colony stopped in its tracks!

Jem Charles

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com