YOUR LOCAL AREA NEWS FOR:
Aspin
By Shirley Holden
Phone: 01423 866347
Email: -

Monday, November 10, 2008
Contrib from Aspin.
Contrib from Aspin News. Shirley Holden. Tel No: 01423 866347.

Knaresborough Cricket Club - A big pat on the back to everyone who was involved with the firework display at Knaresborough Cricket Club on Bonfire Night.

Over 1,000 people attended to watch the display on what was a fine clear night. Soup, hot dogs, toffee apples, tuck shop goodies and glow sticks were on sale to the delight of the younger visitors.

The event is firmly on the club’s calendar and is gaining popularity as a community event.

* Have you got a family event coming up and are perhaps looking for a suitable venue – then go along to the club and have a chat with the bar staff who will be pleased to assist.

Aspin Park WI - Members of Aspin Park WI were treated to a flower arranging demonstration by one of their members at last week’s meeting.

Ann Ashton skilfully demonstrated a variety of arrangements which included easy to make table decorations for Christmas.

The next meeting will be on December 4 at 7.45pm at Knaresborough Cricket Club and we are assured of “something completely different” as the committee entertains members at the Christmas Party. There will be a collection for charity in lieu of the presents.

Winter Medley - The next production of the Knaresborough Players and friends will be “A Winter Medley” and will be performed on Saturday, December 6 at 2pm and 7.30pm as part of the Christmas Market weekend.

A handful of Aspin residents are involved in this new venture which should prove to be a very entertaining concert of music and spoken word. Look out for a redundant fairy!

Pilates - This week Aspin resident, Ian Sinclair, started new beginners Pilates class at Henshaws. The class is in response to demand and takes place on Wednesdays starting at 6.15pm. For more details contact Ian direct on 01423 867647

Aspin School - Fireworks. Aspin School held their fireworks display last Friday evening, this year was a special occasion as it was the 20th anniversary.

The success of the event is not only down to all the helpers but also to Colin Jones who is in charge of the firework display. This year it lasted 20 minutes and was colourful and bright culminating with the grand finale – one big firework which brought in a round of applause. The children were able to show their skills with a competition for the best guy.

Garden Tokens - Have you been collecting Morrison’s Gardening Tokens for Schools? If so and you still have some at home, please donate them as soon as possible to Aspin Park Primary School as time is running out.

The school already has a Wildlife area and now they are keen to develop a garden next to the bungalow, which will include a vegetable plot.

The PTA has donated money to this worthwhile venture which will enable a greenhouse and fencing to be purchased.

If you have any news that you would like to be included in the Aspin news please contact me: 01423 866347.

Monday, September 29, 2008
News from Aspin.
Contrib for Aspin. Shirley Holden. Tel No: 01423 866347

Knaresborough Cricket Club - The 2008 cricket season has now come to a close and overseas player, Dale Tormey has now returned to his home in Melbourne.

Dale returns for the start of the Australian cricket season and to his home club of Hawthorn Monash. Dale has had a very successful season whilst at Knaresborough Cricket Club and scored 1,214 runs which makes him the fourth highest scorer in Aire Wharfe league history.

Dale has enjoyed his time in Knaresborough and worked all summer at the Yorkshire Showground. Whilst working there he was lucky enough to see the Queen during her visit to the Yorkshire Show.

Knaresborough Cricket Club has scooped four league awards this year, and congratulations go to Dale Tormey - second division batting, John Dodman - 2nd team batting, Richard Crosby 3rd XI fielding and Andrew Ward, an inaugural award this year - The Mike Hibbert Award for best all rounder 2nd XI.

Aspin Lane Post Office Closure - The Post Office on Aspin Lane was adorned with cards from well wishers as people have been calling in to wish Trudy and Alex well.

Alex told me that his association with the shop went as far back as 1992 when his brother, Eric, asked him to help out for a couple of days!
He purchased the business nine years ago and stated that he would miss all his customers as he had enjoyed the homely and friendly folk of the area.

Alex is looking forward to spending some time with his family in Spain and having more time for his hobbies of gardening and renovating his old classic motorbikes.

Trudy, on the other hand, is looking forward to working part-time and enjoying her grandson.
I am sure that like me, you wish them both a long and happy retirement and thank them for their friendly service.

Caravan Rally - The organisers of the caravan rally at Knaresborough Cricket Club, Kevin and Angela Hullah, couldn’t have wished for anything better - five days of good weather!

The caravans and motor homes started arriving on Wednesday evening last week and a hectic programme of events awaited them.

On Thursday, a Yorkshire welcome tea party took place as people re-newed their acquaintances. People were treated to Yorkshire tea, Yorkshire fruit loaf,Yorkshire parkin and Yorkshire Tea biscuits.

Other events over the weekend included a Bingo night, Quiz night, Treasure Hunt looking at all the Town windows and Trompe L’Oeils and a trip around the castle. On Saturday evening members of the Knaresborough Players took time out from rehearsing “Sweeney Todd” to perform a Murder Mystery – “Murder at The Hop.” This was well received and audience participation was the order of the night.

The success of this annual event is down to lots of hard work and pre-planning by the organisers. Knaresborough Cricket Club looks forward to welcoming them all back next year.

Thursday, December 27, 2007
News from Aspin
Contrib from Aspin. Shirley Holden. Tel No: 01423 866347

Aspin Park Early Years Playgroup - Aspin Park Early Years Playgroup, who meet at Knaresborough Cricket Club, had a busy autumn term before the welcome break for Christmas.

34 shoeboxes were filled and sent to Eastern Europe, I am sure that they will be welcomed by the people who receive them.

The Harvest festival celebrations included a collection of foods which helped to make up seven hampers. These were raffled raising £235 for St. Michaels Hospice.

The children busied themselves preparing for Christmas – baking and icing their own Christmas cakes, making decorations and starred in their Nativity play. The term ended with a party with lots of fun and of course a visit from Santa.

I am sure that after all these activities they are now all enjoying their break before the new term which begins in the New Year.

Monday, December 17, 2007
News from Aspin.
Contrib for Aspin News. Shirley Holden. Tel No: 01423 866347.

Aspin Gaspers - The Aspin Gaspers, the local men's keep fit group, broke up for Christmas on December 12 and the following Wednesday held their Christmas party at The Dower House. Around 40 people comprising Gaspers, old and new, wives and partners attended on what proved to be a very enjoyable evening.

If you have had too much Christmas pudding and would like to join them to keep fit by circuit training, volley ball and 5 a­side football they meet weekly on Wednesday evenings 7.30pm at Aspin School.

Sessions cost £3. For more information, contact John Stockill on 01423 860419.

Aspin Park WI - Members entered exhibits at the Alma House Christmas Show which was held on November 29 and December 1. A variety of competitive classes including Christmas tree decoration, welcome ring and gift wrapped parcel were judged, although no-one on this occasion was a winner there was much to admire. There were short demonstrations throughout each day covering various subjects of interest including making nativity figures, tasty Christmas treats and simple but effective floral decorations.

Aspin Park's next meeting will be on Thursday, January 7.45pm at Knaresborough Cricket Club, Aspin Lane.

The guest speaker will be Mrs Henson whose talk is entitled "Rocky Mountain Rambler." New members welcome.

Writers Workshop - Aspin resident, and well known author and playwright, Bernie Crosthwaite, is starting a Play Writing Workshop in the New Year. Have you always wanted to write a play but are not sure where to begin, or have written a play but don't know how to improve it? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, then why not join Bernie at this new venture. The sessions which will take place at the Frazer Theatre, behind Woolworths, and will cost £10 for five sessions.
For further information, please contact Bernie on 01423 866658.

Aspin Park School - As usual school life at Aspin Park has been very hectic during the last term. The term began with elections for the new school Councillors. Each candidate prepared a speech which they presented to their class mates who then voted. Two children per class were elected and the new school Council is now in place and has already met several times. In November the PTA held a very enjoyable and successful Bonfire and Firework Party. More recently they have just organised a Christmas Fayre that raised over £2,100 - £132 of which came from the Year 6 stalls alone. All round this was a fantastic effort, well done and a thank you to all who supported the event.

During the term Year 1 visited York and experienced the Castle Museum, Year 2 visited "Eureka" in Halifax. Year 5 held a group baking day, after an afternoon of flour flying and margarine mixing they produced over 60 individually hand-made bread rolls. Building on this success and as part of the Festive activities they followed it up with a Chocolate Log Extravaganza where once again the Year 5 gourmets tried their hand at cake design. Watch out kitchen staff! Other festive activites have included the traditional carols around the tree, Christmas parties, Christmas crafts throughout the classes and a whole school (nearly) Christmas lunch last Monday. I am sure that everyone is looking forward to a well-earned rest, as school finishes today and will restart on January 8.
Finally, the school has said a temporary goodbye to Mrs Conkleton as she begins her maternity leave. In the meantime her class is being taught by Miss Emma Jane Young who was welcomed to the staff at the beginning of December.

Knaresborough Cricket Club - The Knaresborough Players held a Quiz Night at the Cricket Club last Saturday evening with proceeds for LIFT OFF campaign. It was well attended considering that there was some fierce competition trom Celebrity Come Dancing and the final of X-Factor on the television! Brian Major was quizmaster for the evening.

The next social event at the Cricket Club will be on January 19 when "The Strolling Players" will take part in a Murder Mystery evening: "Murder at The Hop." It is set around a 50s/Grease theme. Tickets are strictly limited to 80 and to book your place please contact Shirley on 01423 866347. Admission is by ticket only and cost £7 to include supper.

The annual Duck Race will take place on New Years Day, tickets can be purchased from bar staff or trom any committee member.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed with news for the Aspin column and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Monday, November 12, 2007
Area news
Aspin News - Shirley Holden - 01423 866347

Aspin Park WI: Twenty two members and friends of Aspin Park WI recently visited Chatsworth House to see it decorated in its splendour for Christmas. The weather was perfect for walking through the grounds in beautiful Autumnal colours. On the way home a stop at The Chatsworth Farm shop was made to allow for Christmas provisions to be purchased.


The next meeting of Aspin Park WI will take place on December 7 at 7.45pm at Knaresborough Cricket Club. This will be the Christmas Party and Stray Sound Chorus will provide the entertainment.

The new programme for 2008, which promises to be varied and interesting, will soon be available. New members are always welcome, for further information please contact President Anita Wood: Tel: 01423 865991


Knaresborough Cricket Club: Remember, remember the 5th November. Well the night certainly went with a big bang at Knaresborough Cricket Club. The weather was kind and over 1,000 people attended the firework display. Hot dogs, soup and tuck shop goodies were on sale during the community event. Congratulations to everyone who was involved in making the night a success.


The preparations for the Annual Duck Race on New Year’s Day are well under way and tickets are available from the club.


If you are looking for somewhere to hold an event - remember that there is a function room at Knaresborough Cricket Club which is available for hire at competitive rates. Call in and speak to bar staff for further information.


Aspin Park School: New Head Teacher, Mr Nick Long, joined the school in September from York with seven years headship experience there. It has been a very busy few weeks for him with new pupils and numerous activities taking place.


The PTA held the annual Welcome Breakfast for parents of new starters in reception, and Mr Phil Willis has visited the school to meet the new intake.

Last half term also saw the Harvest Festival which produced baskets of food that were given to Age Concern Knaresborough along with a £120 cash donation.

Year 4 pupils went along personally to Age Concern to hand over the baskets to the elderly people, making friends in the process.


The school entered a Swimming Gala for the first time and came sixth in the area. Well done to all who took part.


The school has been visited by the M and M Theatre Productions who performed their version of Pinocchio to all the children.
They have also been visited by Tempus Fugit, who are historical characters that the children learn from, a Victorian and also Rama and Sita who have supported the religious education studies and India Day in Year 3.


On top of all that Year 4 children have visited Murton Park in York to experience life as a Roman soldier.


All in all, a very busy time at the school and for Mr Long.


If you are hosting an event or have attended an event and would like to have it mentioned in the Aspin News please contact me on the above phone number.

Monday, July 30, 2007
Aspin News
Aspin News - Shirley Holden - 01423 866347

Knaresborough Cricket Club: The Waddilove Cup Final is being hosted at Knaresborough Cricket Club on August 5. It is the showpiece event for the Airedale and Wharfedale League and the Crag Top club is delighted to be hosting the prestigious event. Entry will be £1 for a programme. The bar will be open all day and as well as cricket teas, there will be a barbeque later in the day.
Cricket Coaching: There will be a four day cricket coaching course at Knaresborough Cricket Club at the end of August. Coaching, by former professional Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire cricketer Mike Bore, will take place on August 28 – 31 daily 10am -3pm. Open to eight to 14 year olds, the cost will be £60. For further information contact Mike on 01423 860595.
If you are hosting an event or would like to contribute any news to the Aspin News column please contact me on 01423 866347 or e-mail shirleyholden@gmail.com

Monday, July 23, 2007
Aspin Area News
ASPIN AREA - Shirley Holden - 01423 866347 - shirleyholden@gmail.com

Aspin Park School: Year Six: Aspin Park School broke up for the summer holiday on Tuesday of this week. I am sure that it is a well deserved break after a very busy half term.
In particular Year Six were preparing for their end of term leaver’s play: Eric Hood, Prince of Loaves - A tale of Robin Hood’s younger brother, Eric Hood –The Baker of Sherwood, who takes up the cause after Robin wins Maid Marion’s hand and loses interest in the poor! It was a hugely successful pun filled comedy that put a new twist on a classic tale. I am sure that all the parents who watched it felt proud and will take away fond memories of their children’s time at school.
Year SIx have also been involved in many visits to and from King James’s School in preparation for their transfer in September and have also undertaken a cycling proficiency course.
The school has been preparing for next September by having its new starters in school for a couple of half days to have a taster of what school is like.
Sports: The netball team has been very successful, seemingly winning everything in its path!
The school has also taken part in two inter-school Athletics competitions with Year Four winning its year group trophy in one of them.
The football squad has also been busy with Years Six, Five and Four and girls’ teams all coming second in the Knaresborough Celtic Football Tournament.
Trips: The reception class visited a farm during the last term of the school year to find out about animals and how the farm works. Year Four spent a day in York discovering about Viking archaeology.
Goodbyes: Several members of staff left at the end of term and goodbyes were said to Mr Horn, the caretaker and Mrs Middleton, midday assistant. Mrs Wood and Mrs Meikle also left after many years of working at Aspin. They will be all be missed very much and all the school wish them well.
The biggest news is that Mr Kendall retires after 17 years as the Headteacher at Aspin. Several events were held to mark his retirement including a formal retirement function attended by colleagues past and present, and Director of Children’s Services for North Yorkshire. All 430 children were sworn to secrecy on Monday as the whole school held a secret event for Mr. Kendall.
Mr Kendall’s impact at Aspin has been tremendous and his successes too numerous to mention one member of staff told me. However some highlights might be: taking the school from 330 to 430 pupils, planning and building a wildlife area, three very successful OFSTED inspections the last classing the school as “outstanding” and four Investors in People awards. Mr Kendall has lead the school through what must have been one of the most dynamic times in primary education’s history.
Mr Nicholas Long, who takes up the position in September, has already made several visits to the school, including the Summer Fair where the PTA invited Mr Kendall to be guest of honour, and officially opened the fair. It raised an amazing £1818.99!!
I am sure that all readers who have had children at school under Mr. Kendall’s Headship like me, wish him a long and happy retirement.
If you are hosting an event this summer and would like to mention it in the Aspin News please contact me on 01423 866347/ shirleyholden@gmail.com





Monday, July 16, 2007
Aspin News
Contrib for Aspin News. Shirley Holden. Tel No: 01423 866347
Aspin Park WI - The next meeting of Aspin Park WI on August 2 will be a walk through Birkham Woods, followed by a fuddle at Knaresborough Cricket Club. All family and friends are welcome, hopefully the weather will feel more like summer! Meet at Knaresborough Cricket Club at 6.30pm for the walk and 8pm if you are not walking but want to enjoy the fuddle. For more information please contact President, Anita Woods on 01423 865991.
The RNLI Flag Day - Anita Wood, organiser of the recent RNLI flag day which was held in Knaresborough on July 7 is pleased to report that £494.17 was raised. Many thanks to all who gave so generously. All money raised will be used for saving lives at sea.
Knaresborough Cricket Club.
The Waddilove Cup Final is being hosted at Knaresborough Cricket Club on August 5. It is the showpiece event for the Airedale and Wharfedale League and the Crag Top club are delighted to be hosting the prestigious event. Entry will be £1for a programme. The bar will be open all day and as well as cricket teas, there will be a barbeque later in the day.
Cricket Coaching - There will be a four day cricket coaching course at Knaresborough Cricket Club at the end of August. Coaching, by former professional Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire cricketer Mike Bore, will take place on August 28 – 31 daily 10am -3pm. Open to eight to 14 year olds the cost will be £60. For further information, contact Mike on 01423 860595
Trompes L’Oeil - FEVA time is with us once again and all the Trompes L’Oeil are now on display throughout the town. The new Trompe L’Oeil which was commissioned by The Frazer Theatre has now taken pride of place on Woolworths side wall. Aspin resident, Rod McVittie, who helped with the painting makes the following comments:
Those who have been around town recently will be aware that “Feva 2007” will be with us soon, not least that last year’s Trompe’s have appeared in “all the old familiar places”. We still await sight of the much anticipated “Town Windows” which are new for 2007.
In the interim, many local people and, visitors, have discovered the magnificent new “Box Office” Trompe situated next to Woolworths. The work was commissioned partly as a community project by The Frazer Theatre and I had the enjoyable opportunity to spend a week working on this with creating artists, Juile Cope and Shirley Vine, earlier this year. Much interest was shown whilst the work was in progress with contributions from a number of local people who called in the theatre and, “got their hands wet”.
Feedback since the finished work has been “unveiled” is extremely gratifying. Elvis appears to be the people’s favourite. (Personally Rod says that he is in love with Ms Munroe!)
Those who viewed the work in progress were encouraged to suggest further characters to join the “queue”, and there were some interesting proposals, should future funding be made available to repeat the exercise. This was and can be an interesting exercise in community participation and hopefully, further funds can be found and “guiding artists” be available in good time for next year. In the meantime Rod awaits with “bated brush!”