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

Don't forget - Huttons Ambo Produce Show - Saturday 15 August 2015

Don't forget, it's the 61st Flower & Produce Show on Saturday 15th August 2015

Download the 2015 Schedule and Entry Form

Visit the 2015 Show Page

Or read judges comments here:

 

Judges Comments

Judges Drinks Comments 2012/2013

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Parish Council Finances - Update to Audit Information

The audit data now includes items of expenditure > £100, you can see all the audit data on the village website by following this link.

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Grants and Funding Update

Grants and Funding Update
We have been lucky enough to receive funding from Ryedale Stronger Communities and Rural Action Yorkshire to purchase a large professional hot cabinet, a microwave and a dishwasher for the village hall – for use at the Meeting Point and also be integrated into the new kitchen refurbishment plan. The Meeting Point has also received some funding to subsidise their hall rental for 2 year to keep the activity financially viable.

THE BIG LOTTERY BID for the full refurbishment of the Village Hall is now submitted. Extensive quotations have been collected and reams of appropriate words spun to complete the first stage application. Clare Jenyns and Liz Ellis are leading this with the support of a mentor from Coast & Vale Community Action in Scarborough tasked by The Lottery to find village hall projects to fast track. So, fingers crossed our application will get through to the next stage.

The funding is hoped to cover a complete new heating system, a sustainable energy solution, new kitchen, new doors and windows throughout, new window and serving hatch in the kitchen, damp proofing, dimmable lighting in the large room, full insulation, re-plastering, some re-pointing and a complete re-wire of the hall plus additions to generally bring the building up to date and future proof it too. It is anticipated that the work would take between 6-8 weeks when the hall will be out of action and we will then need community support to finish off the painting and final tasks.  Currently we have no idea on dates for this but watch this space.



© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

HUTTONS AMBO PARISH COUNCIL

DRAFT MINUTES OF MEETING ON 8^th JULY 2015

1.         Welcome, Councillors present & Apologies

Cllrs. Andy Dorman, Jessie Garnett, David Banks & Richard Green, and Clerk, Jem Charles were present.  Cllr. Simon Lealman sent apologies.  One member of the public was also present.

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

3.         Matters Arising

a)  Verge Cutting

Concern was expressed about road safety arising from the reduction in cutting by NYCC and, particularly, the late timing of the first cut.  The Council thanked Bob Mansell and Richard Wainwright for the swiping they had carried out.

It was not considered appropriate to seek to raise the precept to allow the Parish Council to undertake verge cutting but Jem will write to NYCC Highways:

1.     To express dissatisfaction at the timing of the first cut and seek assurance that this will be done earlier from 2016 and

2.     To explain the serious threat to pedestrian safety posed by vegetation blocking footpaths in front of Grange Farm and along Back Lane.

b)  Salt Bins

Andy reiterated that NYCC will only replenish 4 bins/heaps in the Parish.  Andy will seek clarification as to the location of the 2 bins on Water Lane to be filled by NYCC.  Jem will order 1 Tonne at a cost of £157.20 to be delivered to Bob Mansell’s yard so that other bins can be filled.

c) YLCA membership

This has been allowed for a £43 subscription but will be reviewed next year.  The Council’s suggestion regarding subscription rate bands is to be discussed at the YLCA September meeting.

d)  N. Yorkshire Police – Community Grants

Road signs are not eligible for these but Andy has learnt that NYCC might be willing to erect school warning signs for the bus stops.  Andy will indicate to NYCC appropriate locations.

e)  Parish Community Plan

Has been distributed.

f)   Village Hall refurbishment

The Lottery Bid has been lodged.  Andy outlined the extent of the work planned if the bid is successful and adequate funds are available.

g)  Copper beech on the Green

The tree was planted by Arthur Milsom on the direction of Col. Starkey and is of no discernible memorial significance.  Andy has asked a tree surgeon to advise on likely costs of crown reduction and frequency of likely necessary work to maintain the crown.

h)  Giant Hogweed by the River Derwent

Jem has arranged all necessary permissions to allow access to the affected stretch from The Alders.  The East Yorkshire Rivers Trust will be carrying out control soon.

i)   A64 junctions

Jem has corresponded with both the Highways Agency’s contractor and NYCC Highways.  It is now clear that the lack of drainage at the Barneygate lane end is the responsibility of NYCC.  A response from them regarding remedial work is awaited.

A response is also awaited from the Highways Agency regarding possible road safety improvements at both the Barneygate and Low Lane End junctions.

j)   Broadband

Andy and Jem had met with the marketing director of LN Communications to discuss possible wireless superfast broadband provision.  A mast at Birdsall Brow will be operational in the next few weeks which will allow coverage of both High and Low Hutton.  LNC are to supply further information and detail, as well as Declaration of Interest forms, for distribution with the monthly Bulletin.

4.         New Matters

a)  Parish Council website page

Philip Stone has requested that Councillors provide a photograph of themselves and a couple of sentences of description for inclusion on the PC Home page of the Village website.  This was unanimously agreed as being worthwhile.  Each Councillor will forward to Jem a photograph and text which could include; length of time as a Councillor and interests/plans/aspirations as a Councillor.

b)  Petanque Court

The Council supports the idea of provision of a court if there is sufficient interest and a suitable location can be identified.  If a group was formed to carry this forward the Council would assist where possible.

c)  Community Awards

At present there is no candidate meeting the criteria.  It was agreed that the Village Hall refurbishment project would be considered a very worthy candidate next year if work progresses according to plan.

d)  Community Friendly Buildings event

Ruth Hannah gave the Council a very useful summary of the event she had attended.  The Council strongly supports the Village Hall refurbishment project in making the Hall as welcoming to all as possible.

e)  YLCA Joint Annual meeting

To be held on the 18^th July.  Any Councillor intending to attend please inform Jem by Wednesday 15^th

5.         Planning

a)  4 Station Cottages

This application had been discussed at a previous meeting. It has now been approved subject to a condition concerning screening.

6.         Finance

a)  Budget Progress

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

7.         Any Other Business

a) Grit salt bin at Farmanby Close

Andy had received a request that the bin at Farmanby Close be moved.  Andy will liaise with residents and move the bin accordingly.

b) Transparency Code for Smaller Councils

Jem has learnt that the financial data already made available on the Village website is insufficient.  Jem will add a further table of data to ensure compliance with the Code.

8.         Date of Next meeting(s)

23^rd September at 7.30 and, provisionally, 18^th November at 7.30.

Jem Charles, Clerk to the Parish Council

parishclerk@huttonsambo.com

Signed:…………………………………………….(Andy Dorman, Chairman)

Date: ……………………………..

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 8th JULY 2015 - AGENDA

NOTICE OF  MEETING

         A   Meeting   of   Huttons Ambo   Parish   Council

 will take  place  in  the  Village  Hall

 on Wednesday,  8^th July  2015 at 7.30.

Local residents are invited to attend all Parish Council Meetings.

Copies of the (unadopted) Minutes of Meetings will be posted on the Parish Notice Boards and the Village Website.

Agenda:

1        Welcome, Councillors present, Apologies for Absence

2        Approval of Minutes

3        Matters Arising

a)   Verge cutting

b)   Salt Bins

c)   YLCA membership

d)   N. Yorkshire Police – Community Grants

e)   Parish Community Plan

f)    Village Hall refurbishment

g)   Copper beech opposite Herbie’s

h)   Giant Hogweed

i)    A64 junctions

j)    Broadband

4        New matters:

a)   Parish Council website page

b)   Petanque court

c)   Community Awards

d)   Community Friendly Buildings event

e)   YLCA Joint Annual meeting

5        Planning:

a)   4 Station Cottages

6        Finance:      

a)    Report to 31 June 2015

7        Any Other Business:

8        Date of next Meeting

          Provisionally 16th September 2015 at 7.30pm

Jem Charles, Clerk to Huttons Ambo Parish Council, parishclerk@huttonsambo.com

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Parish Council Finances

PARISH COUNCIL FINANCES

The end of year report has now been prepared and audited by the internal auditor.

The new "Transparency Code for Smaller Authorities" requires that this information is made publicly available on a free to use website.

The documents can be viewed by following these links:

Income and Expenditure

Items of expenditure >£100

Accounting Statement

Governance Statement

Internal Audit Report

Bank Reconciliation 

Explanation of Variances from 2013/14

The Councillors during the year were:

Andy Dorman (Chairman)

Jessie Garnett

Richard Green

Simon Lealman

Maggie Stone

Jem Charles, Clerk to Huttons Ambo Parish Council

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Village Defibrillator - Update

Anita Topp has very kindly donated £1000 towards the Defibrillator Fund in Memory of her late husband Malcolm which is wonderful news and so a big thank you to Anita.

David and Joseph Banks will also be doing a sponsored 70 mile bike ride on 18/19 August.

Using the National Parks Moors & Coast bike route they will ride from Pickering to Whitby on the first day and then from Whitby down the coast to Scarborough on day 2. This will be Joseph's first epic ride !!

Sponsorship sign up at Herbies and also via a Justgiving page – details to follow.

If we are lucky enough to be successful with our two grant funding applications (we will hear in September) then we are on track to make the purchase of a public access Defibrillator Unit to be sited in our village and plenty of trained operatives too – all arranged through a scheme organised via the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

The unit will be logged on the database of the 999 call handling service so anyone local, calling in to report an emergency will be given the code to access the unit and details of how to use it. We will make sure everyone in the village has full details of the system and of the trained operators on hand to support.

So far 16 of the 20 training places have been filled so fingers crossed – by Christmas we will be up and running.


© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Lesley Seeger - 2

This is the second of our posts featuring Lesley Seeger's work. Don't forget that you can see the real thing at Lesley's Exhibition in Gillamoor this coming weekend.

 Remember you can click on any of the pictures to see a large version

Bridal Garden

 Helmsley Walled Garden

Symphonic Garden

Towards Westow

 Waning Moon

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

Lesley Seeger - 1

I'm pleased to be able to say that over the next couple of weeks we'll be featuring some of Lesley Seeger's work. Don't forget that you can see the real thing at Lesley's Exhibition in Gillamoor.

 Remember you can click on any of the pictures to see a large version.

Fields of Barley

Hutton Bank

 Rakes Lane

Where the Buzzards Nest

Visit Lesley's website to see more of her work. 

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HUTTONS AMBO PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING ON 20^th MAY 2015

1.         Election of Chairman  Cllr. Andy Dorman was proposed as Chairman by Cllr. Richard Green, seconded by Cllr. Simon Lealman.  Andy accepted and, there being no other nominations, was elected Chairman for 2015/16.  Andy made it clear that he would not be willing to serve as Chairman after the end of this year but would continue as a Councillor.

2.         Present & Apologies Cllrs. Andy Dorman, Jessie Garnett, David Banks, Richard Green & Simon Lealman, and Clerk, Jem Charles were present.  The Chairman welcomed David who had been elected for the first time on May 7^th.

3.         Minutes of the March meeting were approved and signed as being a true record.

4.         Matters Arising

a)  Parish Community Plan

Andy reported that the Plan is being edited by a member of Ryedale DC staff and will be with the printers very shortly.  He expected distribution within a few weeks.

b)  Commons Act 2006

Jem reported that the village green is not subject to this legislation so re-registration is not required.

c) Salt Bins

Andy reported that NYCC, as part of their cost cutting measures, will only service those bins/heaps already notified; Orchard Corner, High Hutton post box and both the bin and the heap on Water Lane.  There was agreement that this would not be sufficient in a severe winter and that the Parish Council should make additional provision.  Andy will endeavour to find a suitable storage location for a supply and, on confirmation of the location, Jem will order 1 Tonne at an expected cost of £100 including delivery.

5.         New Matters

a)  YLCA membership

Jem had learnt that the subscription would, as a concession, be lowered again for this year, from £111 to £43 but would, in all probability, be raised again next year.  Jem will send the subscription dues and write suggesting that an alternative rate scale be introduced to avoid such a sudden rise for small councils.

b)  NYCC – Stronger Communities programme

Grant assistance for improvements to the Village Hall would have been available under this scheme but would have necessitated a substantial contribution from the Parish Council.  An alternative application for funds from the National Lottery is being prepared.

c)  N. Yorkshire Police – Community Grants

Limited funding assistance is available for small schemes that contribute to public safety or crime reduction. It was agreed that many vehicles are driven too fast in the Village and, particularly, along back Lane.  Andy will investigate the possibility grant funding for speed reduction initiatives and of acquiring warning signs to reduce the risk to children.

d)  Grass Cutting

Jem explained that the NYCC regime from this year will be to cut road junction visibility splays but not any other road verges.  It was agreed that the result is likely to be very much poorer visibility along much of Low and Back Lanes.  It is important that villagers understand why this is occurring. Jem will arrange for information to be distributed in the Village Bulletin explaining the change, brought about by NYCC having to reduce costs.

Councillors will monitor the condition of verges and discuss the need, or otherwise, of any remedial verge cutting as the season progresses.

e)  New Pensions Regulations

Jem presented a letter from the Pensions Regulator explaining that all employers must enrol all staff in  a workplace pension scheme.  It was agreed that this seems inappropriate to the Council but Jem will complete the formalities as necessary.

f)   De-fibrillator

It will be possible to obtain a unit, along with a storage cabinet and training for up to 20 members of the Community, at a cost of £1874.  It was agreed that such provision could prove invaluable but that it was beyond the means of the Parish Council alone.  Significant commitment from the community would also be required as sufficient trained operators would have to agree to be available around the clock.  Jem will ask whether such commitment could be assessed through the continual consultation required for the Lottery Grant application for the Village Hall improvements.

g)  Register of Interest and Declaration of Acceptance

Jem reminded Councillors to submit the necessary forms.

6.         Planning

a)  Ian Brown Tyres

Withdrawn following objection from NYCC Highways.

b)  Ray Chapman Motors

Approved

c)  4 Station Cottages

Jem will write to RDC supporting this application.

7.         Finance

a)  Budget Progress

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

b)  Jem also presented the end of year Audit documentation which was approved.

8.         Any Other Business

a) Copper beech opposite Herbie’s

Simon asked whether any action was needed to reduce the spread which reaches almost ½ way across the road.  Simon will try to ascertain whether the tree has any memorial value before further discussion.

b) Giant Hogweed

Network Rail has promised to let Andy know, by the 26^th of May, what action will be taken to control this weed which is spreading between the railway and the river.  Jem reported that the East Yorkshire Rivers Trust is planning control measures once permissions have been obtained.

c)  A64 Junctions

The recent accident had again highlighted the dangerous nature of these junctions.  It was agreed that an approach should be made to the Department for Transport for a representative to meet the Council to discuss improvements.  Jem will approach the DfT to try to arrange a meeting.

Jem will also ascertain responsibility for the road at the Barneygate Lane/A64 junction where a large semi-permanent puddle is a significant hazard to traffic and pedestrians.

d)  Broadband

Andy reported that the Superfast North Yorkshire project has no specific plans to upgrade provision for Huttons Ambo.  Jem will contact LN Communications to ascertain whether a wireless connection might be viable.

9.         Date of Next meeting(s)

8^th July at 7.30 and, provisionally, 16^th September at 7.30.

Jem Charles, Clerk to the Parish Council

parishclerk@huttonsambo.com

Signed:…………………………………………….(Andy Dorman, Chairman)

Date: ……………………………..

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING - 20 MAY 2015

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING 20 MAY 2015

1.         Welcome        Chairman Andy Dorman welcomed, Cllrs Jessie Garnett, David Banks, Richard Green & Simon Lealman, Jem Charles (Clerk) and 2 members of the public.  The Council expressed thanks to Maggie Stone for her long service to the Council.

2.         Minutes of Last meeting - Agreed as being a true record and duly signed.  There were no matters arising.

           

3.         Chairman’s report:

a)     Maintenance of the Village Green and footpaths has been sustained despite the loss of grant, at a cost of £320.

b)     A Parish Plan, arising from the village surveys carried out by the Council, has been drawn up and will be distributed within the next few weeks.

c)     Road repairs to potholes at Low Lane end and to the verge at High Hutton post box have been carried out.

d)     Improvements to the drainage of the road corner near Mynchon have been made.

e)     The swing bridge has been re-decked.

f)       The Council had raised concerns about the consultation concerning the trial lowering of the River Derwent.

g)     Heavy road usage, particularly of Water Lane, resulting from engineering works by Network Rail have caused damage to road verges.  The Council will press for proper repair.

h)     The Council supported parishioners who objected to a  planning application for major development with the effect that some landscape improvements might have been achieved.  The Council regretted the lack of co-operation from Ryedale District Council planning committee.

i)       The Welburn heating oil syndicate has been made available to households in the Parish and fuel price reductions have been welcomed.

5.         Finance

Expenditures were lower than budget.  Savings have been made, mainly in the cost of insurance, but also in miscellaneous expenditure.  This has allowed a greater degree of footpath and roadside maintenance.

The Council’s expenditure was £2205 and income £2750.  It holds a balance of £3432.

6.         Public Questions & Statements

a)     Lowering of the Derwent trial – the Environment Agency had been surprised by the degree of interest.  Will the Council establish contact with the Yorkshire Derwent Catchment Partnership?  Jem will write.

b)     River bank reinforcement – the culvert at the Yorkshire Water treatment site access has been damaged by the extraordinary traffic.  Jem will contact the contractors.

………………………………………………..

Andy Dorman, Chairman, Huttons Ambo Parish Council

© 2015 www.huttonsambo.com