April 2024
Annual Parish Meeting
For a report and photos of the Annual Parish Meeting held on Wednesday 17th, visit the 'Other News' page under 'Parish Council'. Full minutes of the meeting will be posted on 'Meetings, agendas and minutes' page as soon as they are approved.
Ripon City Wetlands' Open Day
On Sunday 19th May there is an open day to celebrate 5 years of the Nature Reserve. All free, guided walks, teas, coffees, staff to talk to about the reserve and family activities.
If you have never visited this reserve on our doorstep, this is an excellent opportunity to do so.
Jonathan Leadley
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Bittern
Our Canal
This beautiful painting of Renton's Bridge was done by Karan McGrath from Knaresborough who is a work colleague of Angela Seeger- Horner.
Door to Door Sellers
To all residents North Yorkshire Police received a report of door to door seller's active in Masham on the 08/04/24 although Police did not locate the individual it is extremely unlikely they were selling legitimately. Please be cautious in relation to anyone selling door to door . Advice is to ring North Yorkshire police on 101 to report any door to door sales.
Alison Swan
(North Yorkshire Police, pcso, Harrogate Outer)
Quiz Night
A report, along with photos, is now available on the 'What's On, What's Gone' page.
Annual Parish Meeting
The agenda for the Annual Parish Meeting, to be held on 17th April, is now available on the 'Parish Council' page.
Reminder
Don't forget the quiz tomorrow night (Saturday 6th). Full details on the 'What's On, What's Gone' page.
Here we go again! (3rd)
Spring in the village hall grounds
March 2024
Easter Day at St. Michael's
Car Crash on Pottery Lane
Sometime during the night of 28th/29th, this car crashed into the wall on Pottery Lane at the junction with Orchard Lane. Pottery Lane was blocked for a short time while the vehicle was recovered.
Jack's Journal
Another gold medal for Jack! He teamed up with Andrea Spendolini Siriex, Tom Daley and Scarlett Mew Jensen to win the mixed 3m and 10m competition in the World Aquatics Diving World Cup in Berlin. They beat second place, Germany, by over 30 points.
Swimming.org
Jack's Journal
Competing in the World Aquatic Diving World Cup in Berlin, Jack and diving partner Anthony Harding have won the gold medal in the 3m synchronised competition beating Italy and USA into second and third places. A brilliant result. Well done!
Litter Pick
Photos of the village litter pick are now available on the 'What's On, What's Gone' page.
Squid and Tonic Reminder
Don't forget that tonight (21st), in the village hall car park, Squid and Tonic will once again be preparing pizzas. No need to book, just turn up. Full details, including the menu, are available on the 'What's On, What's Gone' page.
What's On
Two events for your diary. A quiz and a live band are two events organised by the Entertainment Committee. Full details of both events are available on the 'What's On, What's Gone' page
Your Police Service, Your Say” – Commissioner Zoë to host online meeting driven by interest from the public
On Monday 25 March, Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe will host an online public meeting where she will scrutinise and hold the Chief Constable to account on behalf of the public's concerns.
This meeting will focus on Neighbourhood Policing and include updates on:
The latest inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/news/hmicfrs12march2024/ Force Control Room performance
Residents of York and North Yorkshire are invited to join the online public meeting which will include allotted time for the Commissioner to ask questions sent in by the public. Questions relating to neighbourhood policing are encouraged, but questions for any area of the police service are welcome and should be submitted using the online form on the Commissioners website: https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/YourVoice/
The purpose of these regular online public meetings is to hold the Chief Constable to account for their delivery of the Commissioner’s Policing and Crime Plan, to ensure the force is achieving its objectives and generating positive outcomes in the interests of the public.
Commissioner Zoë says:
“My online public meetings offer updates for the public in areas of concern, whilst providing full transparency on how I act as Commissioner to ensure North Yorkshire Police is delivering what they should to keep residents of York and North Yorkshire safe and feeling safe.
“It is within my role to be the voice of communities and to advocate for the people of York and North Yorkshire when challenging areas of policing and crime. To do this, I need to hear from members of the public and so if you are a resident in our county, please send me your questions and tune in to watch them being answered. This is your police service, which needs your say.”
Commissioner Zoë would also like to remind residents of York and North Yorkshire to be respectful and considerate of others when sharing their thoughts or concerns.
The online public meeting will be streamed live on Monday 25 January at 14:30 and can be accessed via:
Commissioner’s website: https://bit.ly/OPM25Mar2024 YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/wgZ8A8JTi38 or Facebook page: https://fb.me/e/6849xpypo
The meeting will also be recorded and become available to watch on the same channels at the public’s convenience.
Read this on our website: https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/news/opm25march2024/
Amanda Bowers
(Office of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Media Officer , OPFCC North Yorkshire)
Two Scams Doing the Rounds
DVLA scam email
A scam email impersonating the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) tells you that 'your vehicle is no longer up to date with its current road tax.'
It also includes a warning that this is the last reminder it will issue you and a dodgy link to fill out a form to be 'up to standard with the DVLA legal requirements.'
You can forward scam emails to report@phishing.gov.uk and phishing websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.
Post Office phishing text
A scam text impersonating the Post Office claims a parcel delivery was unsuccessful.
It includes a link to 'rebook delivery', which leads to a phishing website.
To report scam texts, forward them to 7726. Phishing websites can be reported to the National Cyber Security Centre.
Andy Hugill, North Yorkshire Police, Digital PCSO
Parish Council Meeting Minutes
The minutes of the parish council meeting, held on 6th March, are now available on the 'Parish Council' page.
Mothering Sunday at St. Michael's
Canon Matthew Pollard led the Mothering Sunday service and what a fantastic service it was. Canon Matthew delivered his sermon with such enthusiasm and was wonderful to listen to. After the service, Primrose plants were given out to members of the congregation.
Some of the ladies receiving Primrose plants
Sandra Roberts - stand-in organist
Jack's Journal
At the World Aquatic Diving World Cup in Montreal, Jack won a bronze medal in the individual competition with a fantastic score of 506 points and a silver in the synchronised event with diving partner Anthony Harding.
St. Michael's Spring Garden
Marie Curie Top Dog Portrait
Local pet portrait artist Charles van Blerk has handed over his marvellous study of Theodora the basset hound, who won `Top Dog` in the Marie Curie Dogs of Yorkshire Calendar Competition last October, to owner Helen Green.
Theodora, depicted in colour pencil is now going to be framed and then `posted` on her own instagram account to her legions of followers and fans. Helen pictured here during the competition, said that loving and kind Theodora is a qualified Pet Therapy dog
Charles is a very talented artist and had generously agreed to donate a portrait as first prize in the competition
We will let you know when Marie Curie`s Dogs of Yorkshire Calendar 2025 is available
Liz Tite
Theodora with Helen Green
Theodora portrait
Charles van Blerk
Bank Transaction Scam
Have you received a scam message like this? Report suspicious text messages by forwarding them to 7726 (it's free of charge).
iPhone or iPad: How to forward a text message:
1 - Take a note of the number that sent you the message.
2 - Press and hold on the message bubble.
3 - Tap More.
4 - Select the message or messages you want to forward.
5 - Tap the arrow on the bottom right of your screen.
6 - Input 7726 and send.
Android: How to forward a text message:
1 - Take a note of the number that sent you the message.
2 - Enter the conversation then press and hold on the message bubble.
3 - Tap on the three vertical dots on the top right of your screen.
4 - Tap Forward.
5 - Input 7726 and send.
If 7726 doesn’t work, you can find out how to report a text message by contacting your phone provider. You can also take a screenshot or screen recording of the text message and send it to the National Cyber Security Centre at report@phishing.gov.uk Reporting a suspicious text is free and only takes a minute. By reporting, you can:
reduce the amount of scam texts you receive
make yourself a harder target for scammers
protect others from cyber crime online
Andy Hugill
(North Yorkshire Police, Digital PCSO, North Yorkshire)
St. Michael's Flower Rota
St. Michael's Church is looking for new volunteers to join the church flower rota. If you can help, please contact Christopher Orme on 07702317290.
Parish Council Meeting
The agenda for the parish council meeting to be held on Wednesday 6th March is now available on the 'Parish Council' pages.
February 2024
Clear at last!
The drains at the by-pass end of Littlethorpe Lane have finally been cleared and the flood has gone. Thank you to the parish council which has been chasing this up for some time.
Home to school travel policy - consultation
I write to advise you that the Council has commenced a consultation on proposed changes to the Council’s Home to School Travel Policy.
The necessary information can be found here on the Council’s website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/your-council/consultations-and-engagement/current-consultations/home-school-travel-policy-consultation , together with an online survey form for your responses to the consultation and details of engagement events that will be held during the course of the consultation period.
The consultation closing date is Friday 12 April.
Amanda Newbold
Assistant Director, Education and Skills
“Your Fire Service, Your Say” – Commissioner Zoë to host online meeting driven by interest from the public.
On Thursday 22 February 2024, Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe will host an online public meeting where she will scrutinise and hold the Chief Fire Officer to account on behalf of the public's concerns.
This meeting will focus on how North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Workforce Planning, looking at how the service ensures it has the right people with the right training, learning & development and skills to meet the needs of the Risk and Resource Model and outcome 5c of the Fire and Rescue Plan ‘North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service is an employer of choice with a clear people focus that develops leadership, integrity and inclusivity’.
Residents of York and North Yorkshire are invited to join the online public meeting which will include allotted time for the Commissioner to ask questions sent in by the public.
Questions relating to fire safety are encouraged but questions for any area of the fire service are welcome and should be submitted using the online form on the Commissioners website: https://www.northyorkshire-pfcc.gov.uk/YourVoice/
The purpose of these regular online public meetings is to hold the Chief Fire Officer to account for their delivery of the Commissioner’s Fire and Rescue Plan, to ensure the service is achieving its objectives and generating positive outcomes in the interests of the public.
Commissioner Zoë would also like to remind residents of York and North Yorkshire to be respectful and considerate of others when sharing their thoughts or concerns.
The online public meeting will be streamed live on Thursday 22 February at 14:30 and can be accessed via:
Commissioner’s website: https://bit.ly/OPM22Feb2024 YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/live/iPowILY5AjQ or Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/921887819724256
The meeting will also be recorded and become available to watch on the same channels at the public’s convenience.
Read this on our website: https://bit.ly/OPM22Feb2024
Amanda Bowers
(Office of the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Community Engagement Officer , OPFCC North Yorkshire)
Choice Parking!
Anyone who went past St. Michael's Church this morning (11th) would probably have seen this car as it was parked there for at least 90 minutes - an accident waiting to happen! There was a large empty dog cage in the boot so perhaps it was someone walking their dog.
It may not be illegal to park here but surely common sense would tell you it is not a good idea. The Highway Code states:
"Highway Code Rule 243
DO NOT stop or park:
. . . . . . .
opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space
. . . . . . .
except when forced to do so by stationary traffic."
Richard's RCW Update
Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
This smallest & rarest of our woodpeckers tenaciously clings on in Littlethorpe. It’s only 5-6 inches & the size of a sparrow. On the 7Feb there was a female in the riverside poplars SW of the wetlands & where about 15 years ago a pair bred. In 2021 just 2 locations were noted in the whole Harrogate recording area, Newby Hall & the old fishpond NE of the reserve. Great Spotted Woodpecker the larger & more colourful black & white species is increasing in numbers & frequently comes to feeders. Both these species drum in spring using dead wood, plastic boxes on telegraph poles & here at Field Cottage nest boxes to produce their far reaching sound.
Geese
A constant winter presence here in Littlethorpe where combined numbers of Greylag & Canada can exceed 1500. The first goslings usually appear in mid April & from greatly reduced numbers. At the moment sizeable numbers of Pink-footed geese are passing overhead as they migrate from East Anglia to breed in the arctic tundra. On 7 Feb several skeins of 100plus were seen high up in ‘V’ formation giving their evocative ‘wink wink’ calls. Sometimes over 2000 can build up locally during spring migration stopping at favoured locations like Carthorpe Mires north of Nosterfield.
Starling
There have been some spectacular murmurations at Ripon City Wetlands & Nicholsons Lagoons but many potential observers this year have been disappointed. In 2023 they were a daily predictable occurrence:not this year! On 22 Jan several hundred thousand murmurated over Littlethorpe (how do you count them?) & roosted at Nicholsons Lagoons. Many villagers saw them & a common comment was “there was not a single part of the sky without starling”: a remarkable sight & I have never seen so many locally. The next evening-none!
Ripon City Wetlands.
The river has flooded the reserve twice this month but the waters quickly receded. Very little mud has been in evidence & hence wader numbers were lower than usual. 41 Curlew & 115 Lapwing were noted in early Feb but the ‘Mecca’ has been Nosterfield for waders with 850 Curlew & over 2000 Lapwing. The first returning Oystercatcher with 22 by the race course lake & my record count of 60 Shelduck calling & displaying on the wetlands lagoons. On 7 Feb A Great White Egret & female Smew were also present.
Male Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
RSPB
Oystercatchers
RSPB
Male Shelducks
RSPB
Did no-one tell Richard Tite it was going to snow?
7th - Field Cottage
8th - 22 hours later
Youth Engagement and Activities
Dear All
If you are tired of your children always on the mobile phones or devices, some of these activities might be useful to help them have a break from social media or gaming platforms and engage in local activities.
Please read the attached posters and follow any links to reserve a place or note the dates.
Spark_Detached_generic_flyer__2_.png
Teens_Drop_In_Postcard_Landscape__2_.png
Alastair Graham-Merrett
(Police, Police Community Support Officer, Harrogate Outer)
Pinfold Snowdrops
Snowdrops, planted several years ago by the parish council, are blooming outside the village pinfold to herald spring.
January 2024
Littlethorpe Lane Flood
Following further rain, the flood on Littlethorpe Lane is high again today (29th). Some cars were even turning round rather than risking driving through.
Village Hall Events Calendar
The village hall now has an events calendar on its page. You can see at a glance what events are already booked in which is useful if you are wanting to book the hall yourself. This calendar cannot be used to book the hall; this should done by contacting David or Jackie Laugher directly. Their contact details can also be found on the 'Village Hall' page.
Water, water everywhere!
Water levels may have dropped considerably since the height of the flooding but there is still plenty of it around.
Starling Murmuration
Did you see the starling murmuration at around 4.30pm this evening (22nd)? It certainly was an amazing sight! Richard Tite has calculated that probably over 50,000 were roosting at Nicholson's.
Parish Council Meeting
The minutes of the parish council meeting, held on Thursday 11th January 2024 are now available on the 'Meetings, agendas & minutes' page under 'Parish Council'.
Renton's Bridge in the Frost
I just had to share this beautiful photo taken by Dave Laugher on 13th.
