December 2017
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PARISH MAGAZINE
Masham, Healey, West Tanfield, North Stainley and Well with Snape.
December 2017
Volume 32 Number 12
Vicar: The Revd. David Cleeves, The Vicarage, Rodney Terrace, Masham,
HG4 4JA (01765 689255) email: revdavidcleeves@gmail.com
Curate: Revd. Nick Morgan 01765 635039 email: revnjmorgan@gmail.com
Children & Youth Worker: contact Revd. David Cleeves
Website: www.mashamparishes.org
Churchwardens:
Masham Healey
Robert Arnold 01765 689116 Anne Ramsay 01765 689278
Jim Hunter 01765 689828 Delia Richmond 01765 658765
Irene Saunders 01765 688306
Cath Boshier 01765 688957 Well with Snape
John Knopp 01677 470204
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From the Vicarage ADVENT
One of the common reasons given for drinking alcohol is to counteract the
feeling of depression. We feel sad or find it difficult to talk to others and
alcohol has the effect of raising our spirits and making it easier for us to live
with ourselves or with others. The trouble is that its effects are short-lived
and can lead to greater depression and still more drinking. The wrong use of
drink makes us insensitive to the more precious things in life. It is self-
defeating.
Part of growing up is learning to control our moods. Alcohol and drugs are
one way in which people attempt to exercise such control. But in the end
they are doomed to failure. If we are going to control our moods it is
essential, in the first instance, to accept them as part of ourselves. Moods of
helplessness, of fear, of depression, of exhilaration are an essential part of
our make-up as human beings. Through experiencing such moods we grow
in our understanding of the problems and sufferings of others; we are drawn
to unite ourselves more deeply with them.
The Church, too, has moods. They are an essential part of its personality.
The mood of desolation in Lent gives way to exhilaration at Easter. And
then, at Pentecost, with the coming of the Holy Spirit, there is the mood of
confidence coupled with a certain apprehension at her renewed
responsibility to bring Christ to the world.
December sees the season of Advent. It is a mood of expectation -
something is going to happen. God is coming. History is going somewhere.
History has a goal and, at that goal, Jesus Christ will be Lord of all.
One of the themes of Advent is Jesus coming in judgement at the end of all
time. But Christians are also aware of Gods coming in grace - the quiet
action of God as he not only looks lovingly upon us but shares his life with
us. The word grace means gift. It is the gift of Gods own life. We may
compare it, perhaps, with a smile that wins our confidence and draws from
us a smile in return - even when we are in the worst of moods.
Advent, then, is the time when we prepare to receive the gift of Gods grace.
It is the gift-giving season, completed in our sharing of gifts at Christmas.
Perhaps were not in the mood for such a celebration. Perhaps, even, some
prefer to use alcohol or drugs to keep them high. The Christian faith
teaches that we cant overcome our weaknesses by our own efforts alone.
We need to be alert to those moments of grace, because of their very
quietness, we are liable to overlook their significance, just as the birth of the
Saviour was overlooked in Bethlehem. As the Gospel warns us, we must
stay awake. And then we will be changed, not by our own power, but by the
power of God. David Cleeves
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CHURCH OF ENGLAND SERVICES
Advent Sunday 8.00 a.m. Masham Holy Communion
December 3rd 9.15 a.m. Healey Holy Communion
10.45 a.m. Masham Family Service
10.45 a.m. North Stainley Holy Communion
10.45 a.m. Well Holy Communion
10.45 a.m. West Tanfield Holy Communion
6.30 p.m. Masham Advent Carol Service
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Advent Service Of Readings, Hymns & Anthems
St. Marys, Masham
Sunday 3rd December at 6.30 p.m.
Pie & Pint held at the Bay Horse pub, Silver Street, on Monday December
11th at 12 noon for 12.30 pm. 7.50 for the Pie & Pint, payable at the bar.
Please let Jim or Lesley know if you are coming so we can put the pie order
in? Other menu items are also available. Organised by St. Marys Church.
Contact Lesley Hunter 01765 689828
Singing for Fun in the church, on Tuesday 12th December at 1.15 pm for
approximately one hour, followed by tea or coffee.
Christmas Crafts
Saturday 2nd December. 10.00 a.m. - 12 noon. In Masham School.
A morning of crafts, art & fun organised by St. Marys Church, Masham
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To book a place contact Kate Cleeves on 01765 689255 or email
revdavidcleeves@gmail.com. Please note that a consent form needs to be
completed at the start of the morning. Pre-school children over the age of
three are welcome but should be accompanied by an adult. A donation of 1
per child towards costs would be gratefully received on the day.
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From the Registers
Baptism
29th October Denny Gillies at West Tanfield
R.I.P.
9th November Shirley Brown at Masham
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
The Wellbeing Caf
has been re-named
WEDNESDAY WELCOME CENTRE
Open every Wednesday, 12.30-3.30pm
at Masham Methodist Church
Members and volunteers voted to change the name to better reflect what we
are all about. We continue in the same format, offering a simple caf serving
soup, rolls, cakes and hot drinks, and a variety of activities from dominoes to
crafts, and singalongs to golf putting practice. Our main objective is to
provide good company, good conversation and plenty of laughter.
We are open to everyone, but offer additional information and support for
people living with dementia through our contacts with Dementia Support,
Carers Resource, Red Cross and others.
If you would like more information about the centre, or would like to
volunteer, please contact Joy Rayden on (01765) 689310.
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THURSDAY CLUB normally meets at Maple Creek at 2.30pm every 2nd and
4th Thursday of the month. Everyone is welcome to join us for refreshments,
good company, speakers and music.
This months sessions:
December 14th Carols and Crafts our last meeting of 2017.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON DROP-IN is open every week at Maple Creek from
3.00 4.00pm. If you fancy some company on a Sunday afternoon, you are
welcome to join us for conversation, refreshments, and a good laugh
guaranteed to cheer you up!
HOPE COMMUNITY GARDEN
Work on the garden has now stopped for the winter, and the volunteers will
regroup in February / March. Many thanks for all
their hard work this year they would really appreciate some more help in
the New Year.
All the small plots are now occupied: if you are interested in taking one on, it
is worth expressing an interest now to be put on the waiting list. Jim Hunter
is the man to talk to he can be contacted at the number below.
The HOPE Community Garden is joint enterprise of Masham Allotment
Association and HOPE Community Support. If you would like to be part of
this exciting project, or want any other information about HOPE, please
contact Joy Rayden on (01765) 6893d10 or Jim Hunter on (01765) 689828
Masham Christmas Fair: in the Market Square and Town Hall on Saturday
9th December from 10am-4pm. Local crafts and gift ideas, Santas Grotto,
stalls and activities, Seasonal Delights, yummy refreshments. Plus all
day. Big Market in Market Square with hot food, handbells and carol
singers. Christmas trees for sale. Look out for publicity around town.
Christmas Craft, Vintage & Collectables Fayre: in aid of SYD (Saving
Yorkshires Dogs) at Masham Town Hall on Sunday 10 th December from
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10am-4pm. Two floors full of hand-made crafts and great vintage and
collectable stalls. Visit to buy your Christmas presents and have a go on our
SYD tombola, raffle and treat yourselves to home-made refreshments.
Come and get into the festive spirit. For more information call Julie Hart on
07922 071266.
Fearby & Healey WI Festive Songs & Readings: with Mr and Mrs Horne
at Swinton Park at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13 th December. Competition -
Hanging Christmas tree decoration. Non-members welcome 3 per
meeting.
Keep Moving: For gentler exercise and movement at a steadier pace for
those of us challenged by age, weight, injury or indolence. Good company.
Every Monday at 10am at Masham Town Hall. Just turn up.
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easy to follow dance routines for all ages and levels of fitness. 4.50 per
class or buy 5 and get one free. For more details contact Karen:- 07827
994936 or email: karumbadancefitness@hotmail.com.
Badminton Club: at Fearby & Healey Village Hall every Wednesday from 8-
9pm. Were always looking for new or more experienced players. Rackets
available to borrow. Pay as you go 2.50 per week. Call 0780 8919541
for more information.
Liftshare: If you havent already, come and find out how to travel more
easily from/to Masham by joining this FREE journey matching service,
linking those who live, work, or travel in and around Masham. Plenty of
residents in our community travel daily to Harrogate, Northallerton, Thirsk
and some to York and Leeds....have you ever thought of filling the other
empty four seats? Can you offer a lift to someone who needs a lift to the
train station, to visit family or friends in hospital or just wants to get over
Masham Bridge? A student may want to start College but the lack of public
transport has stopped them from doing this. Please log on to
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www.masham.liftshare.com to register your journey or to request a lift. You
can choose to car share as little or as often as you like, it doesnt have to be
on a regular basis. If youre concerned about having to register online, pop
into the Community Office for more information and well show you how easy
it is to register your request or offer of a lift on www.masham.liftshare.com.
Tel: 01765 680 200 or email: info@visitmasham.com. Please support this
initiative and help our community travel.
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The Winter Star
St Nicholas Church, West Tanfield is planning a performance of The Winter
Star on Friday 8th December at 7.00 p.m. It is a work which includes
everybody taking part, starting with parents encouraging their children to go
to sleep in preparation for Christmas Day. A bright, shining star disturbs the
childrens sleep and opens doors to the story of The Nativity. A short piece
in which everybody participates but we do need parents and children.
Tennis Club
West Tanfield Tennis club have had a good season with competitive and
friendly tennis being played. The 1st team will remain in the 1st Division of
the Harrogate League the 2nd team in the 3rd Division and the 3rd team in
the 6th . Many congratulations to the ladies who won the Ladies Dales
league. The final held at Ripon tennis centre against Harrogate Academy
was played on a lovely sunny afternoon . Many Tanfield supporters were
privileged to watch a high standard of tennis . 20 Juniors had 10 weeks of
coaching by Robbie Barr . Robbie chose Herbie Ash as the most improved
junior in the older group and Evie Ash in the younger group . Both were
presented with trophies at the last session . The club finals were held on
September 17th . The Harrogate League Dinner was held at the Black
Sheep Brewery on September 22nd and was organized by Tanfield member
Claire Elsworth. It is good to report that the new Club House is now in place .
The committee will be organizing a grand opening in the near future . The
club extends a warm welcome to new members .Contact 01765 635318 for
information. Barbara Greensit
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Early application is recommended as numbers are strictly limited.
Applications can be made in person or in writing, accompanied by the
appropriate remittance, direct to the Village Store. Any special dietary
requirements should be notified to Anthony Cumming on 01677 470272 or
by email to anthony.cumming@btinternet.com
Well Walkers December longer walks, generally around 5-7 miles, will be
on Monday 4th & 18th 10.00 am from Orchard House. Telephone 470305 for
more information if you want to come along and join in, everyone welcome,
you dont have to live in the village to join in.
Shorter, easier walks of up to 4 miles to take place on Monday 11th
December, 10.00 am from Orchard House, everyone welcome. Tele 470426
for more information if you want to come along or know of any shorter walks
we could do or that you want to suggest
Well Parish Council the next meeting will be Monday 5th February at The
Institute, 7.00 pm. The PC meetings have now moved to three monthly from
the August meeting this year
Village Email Contact Group several emails a month are sent out to
those on the list, if you want to be included or no longer wish to receive
emails please contact the clerk on clerk@wellvillage.org.uk. Your email
address will not be disclosed to any other parties and kept confidential.
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Defibrillator Code the code for the defibrillator machine is C147 and is
also on the side of the porch at The Milbank Arms is on the notice on the
notice board across the road next to the bus shelter. Please let the Clerk
know in the event of it being used so that new pads can be ordered.
Snape Textiles Group wishes to thank all who supported their Craft and
Coffee morning on Saturday 4 November. An amazing 724 was made on
the morning - the group will be topping this up to 750 to send to Breast
Cancer Care.
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North Stainley Arts Society present `A Christmas Carol `by Charles
Dickens adapted by James Reynard
This is perfect play to get us all in the Christmas spirit, with Carols, Sprits, a
host of characters a journey across Victorian London and beyond wrapped
up in a delightful package. What more could one wish for than this excellent
evening of entertainment. Bah Humbug! not a bit of it North Stainley Village
Hall Thursday 30th November, Friday 1st of December and Saturday 2nd
December. Curtain up at 7.30pm Tickets 8 and 6 under 16
Ring 01765 635347 email - nsarts.events@gmail.com
Lizzys Tea Room (located in The Staveley Arms) now open to welcome you
in from the cold
In addition to Christmas specials, we offer delicious homemade soups,
sandwiches, Yorkshire breakfasts, yummy fresh scones and pastries baked
daily. Serving a selection of coffees and teas. FREE newspapers and WIFI,
we are also dog-friendly. Open Winter months Mon to Sat from 9 am
Deputy Mayor and Consort (Cllr Christine and Cllr Andrew Willoughby)
attended the school open morning on Wednesday 18 th October,as guests of
honour, to unveil the mosaic and help to celebrate its completion.
The event is in its 21st year and this year, Macmillan is working with South
Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to build a multi-million pound cancer
centre at The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, which will create a modern,
state-of-the-art facility for patients, carers and families across North
Yorkshire.
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Tickets cost from 12.50, including a tipple of damson vodka and homemade
mince pies, and are available from http://www.riponcarolconcert.co.uk
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