Pocklington Post

14/02/2025

Market Weighton gets a banking hub to help support residents and businesses

A new banking hub has opened at Market Weighton.​
The new facility, open to the town’s residents and businesses, is located in the Scout Hut and started on Wednesday, February 12.
Mr Shan from Market Weighton Post Office and his staff will be operating the cashier section each day, while representatives from a bank will be on hand to provide other vital services.
At the moment a NatWest staff member will attend the hub on Mondays; someone from the Halifax will be there on Thursdays, while Barclays bank will feature on Fridays.
The banks for Tuesdays and Wednesdays are yet to be announced, but it is hoped that HSBC will join the hub’s rota.
Cllr Peter Hemmerman, chair of Town Enhancement and Amenities Committee, said: “The new banking hub is a welcome addition to the High Street.
"Many small businesses in the retail centre have suffered from the bank closures over the last few years which I am confident this facility will address.”
A spokesperson said: “If your bank is not listed at the hub, please badger your bank to get their services on board.
"A representative of each bank will be on hand on the various days to answer any queries you have and will be able to help you.
"The Post Office will be manning the cash desk so that you can pay in and pay out cash from your bank.
"This is handy, as if you are in the queue at the Post Office and you’re stuck behind someone who has 10 parcels to post etc, you can now pop to the banking hub and complete your transaction there.
"The hub is going to be big plus for the lovely town. Use or lose it, but we need it.”
A Cash Access spokesperson said: “Banking hubs offer easy access to face-to-face cash and banking in the heart of communities across the UK. They are owned by Cash Access UK and operated by the Post Office.
"Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, each banking hub has a counter where you can access cash services whenever the hub is open.
“The services include paying in cash (notes and coins) and cheques; withdraw cash (notes and coins); checking your balance; paying utility bills, topping up your gas and electricity and gaining access to change-giving services (for registered businesses).”

Caption: ​A new banking hub has opened at Market Weighton. Photos courtesy of Glynis Elgey

14/02/2025

Police issue warning over repairs scam pair

Police officers are appealing for information following reports of four businesses being targeted by two men purporting to carry out repair work.​
​Detective Inspector Tracy St Paul said: “We have received reports that two men believed to be in a white Ford Transit Tipper truck on false plates, with red-coloured patches on both doors and bonnet, and some red and yellow diagonal markings, have turned up at businesses in the area of Holme on Spalding Moor, Kelleythorpe, Garton on the Wolds and Sledmere.
“Once at the business premise, the men have then proceeded to carry out work which the company have been unaware of and have not requested. This includes roadwork and making footpath repairs.
“Having made reported repairs, the men are then alleged to have contacted each of the companies demanding thousands of pounds in payment.
“The men have been described as being white, in their late twenties to early thirties and were reportedly wearing hoodies, caps, medical face masks and high-visibility trousers."
A Humberside Police spokesperson added: “If you see either the vehicle or know who these men may be, or have any other information that may assist or if you are approached either by phone or in person in relation to similar matters, do not agree to any work and do not pay any money – please call us immediately on 101 quoting log 495 of 12 February.”
Go to www.humberside.police.uk to find out more about the latest police operations in this area and up-to-date crime information.

Caption: ​The men were believed to be in a white Ford Transit Tipper truck on false plates. Photo courtesy of Humberside Police

13/02/2025

Air museum's new display tells the story of the last German aircraft to be brought down over British soil in World War Two

80 years ago, on March 4, 1945, the last German aircraft to be brought down over British soil in World War Two crashed at Elvington.​
The Junkers JU88 Night Fighter had been attacking the nearby RAF bomber base – now the Yorkshire Air Museum – when it struck a farmhouse, killing the Junkers crew and three people in the house.
Now the museum is preparing a new display, telling the story of what happened that night – which began with an attack on British bases by German aircraft, called ‘Operation Gisela’.
The museum is also holding a service of remembrance and reflection to remember those killed on both sides.
On March 4, 1945, the German air force, the Luftwaffe, sent 200 night fighters to attack Allied bombers when they were most vulnerable – as they landed at their home bases.
A number of bombers were brought down, including three from RAF Elvington (operated by French aircrew). One of these had diverted all the way to Norfolk and belly landed in a field, killing two crew members.
Closer to the home, another Elvington Halifax came down at Sutton on Derwent. The pilot stayed at the controls while his crew mates safely bailed out. He did not survive.
At Elvington, one of the German aircraft, piloted by Johan Dreher, was circling the airfield for another attack when it crashed into Dunnington Lodge (now the site of York Maze and a nursery).
The farmer, his wife and daughter in law died, as did the German crew. The farmer’s son survived, carrying his own child to safety from the burning building.
The Yorkshire Air Museum, which stands on the site of RAF Elvington, is marking the 80th anniversary of Operation Gisela with a new display board and an animation telling the story of the attack on the base. This will play in the museum’s small cinema.
The display, in the Museum’s Bomber Command building, includes the remains of a JU88 propellor, recovered from the North Sea near Filey in 1987. This is possibly from one of the Operation Gisela attackers.
There will also be a Service of Remembrance and Reflection in the museum Chapel on Sunday, March 2 at 1pm.
Guests will include Ross Oliver, the nephew of Flight Lieutenant Jack Laffoley of No.10 Squadron, RAF Melbourne, who was shot down and killed during Operation Gisela. He was on his last (33rd) mission, aged just 22.
Ross is attending from Canada, along with his daughter Tanya and her husband from the United States.
For more details on Operation Gisela: https://yorkshireairmuseum.org/operation-gisela-4th-march-1945/
For more information about the Yorkshire Air Museum and forthcoming events and attractions visit the yorkshireairmuseum.org website.

13/02/2025

Tickets are now on sale for the hugely popular Springtime Live on Saturday April 5, which invites families with young children to celebrate the best of farming and the countryside.
Springtime Live is hosted by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, organisers of the Great Yorkshire Show and held on the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate.
Star attractions are farm animals such as sheep and pigs, heavy horses and tractor trailer rides, as well as pedal tractors, Diggerland and interactive sessions telling the story of grain from field to fork.
Exotic animals, creepy crawlies, and other species feature, from giant tortoises and tarantulas to snakes and ferrets, offering a chance for children to learn more about an amazing array of creatures.
There will be entertainment at Moo Music dance sessions, meeting the Easter Bunny in Enchantica’s play garden, an archaeological dig experience, circus skills and facepainting, while families are invited to take time out at an indoor picnic area.
Due to the popularity of Springtime Live, entry is by advance ticket only and entry times are staggered.
Tickets will not be available to purchase on the gate. Staggered arrival times can be selected when booking tickets online. Once inside the event, all demonstrations and hands-on workshops are FREE.
Rachel Coates, Show Director, said: “This is always a sell-out event that entertains and excites young children about farming, animals and the countryside. We would encourage families to get their tickets now to avoid disappointment.”
Springtime Live takes place at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, on Saturday April 5, from 9am to 4.30pm. Tickets cost £13 for adults and £8 for children or a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) for £37. Entry is free for under 2s and carers of disabled visitors. Tickets are on sale at www.springtimelive.co.uk (subject to availability).

Springtime Live is a family day out in Yorkshire, held during Easter holidays. A fun kids day out with a focus on farming, food & countryside

13/02/2025

Police and Crime Commissioner announces preferred candidate for the next Chief Constable

Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner, Jonathan Evison, has today announced Chris Todd as the preferred candidate for the next Chief Constable of Humberside Police following the recent selection process.
Jonathan Evison said: “I am delighted to confirm that the selection procedure to identify my preferred candidate for Chief Constable of Humberside Police has now concluded, with Chris Todd being unanimously endorsed by the selection panel following a shortlist
of three candidates.
"I would like to place on record my thanks to those supporting the selection process.
"Thank you for the time taken by those attending the stakeholder engagement sessions as well as to those that sat alongside me as part of the panel during the assessment day and helped me to make the final selection."
The Chair of the Police and Crime Panel was an observer throughout the final selection process. However, the selection must be considered by the whole panel and the report by the independent member of the selection panel be considered before the appointment is confirmed.
Mr Evison said: "After a rigorous recruitment process, I am confident that Chris Todd has the experience, capability and ambition to continue to drive the Force forward on it’s journey of continuous improvement.”

13/02/2025

Melbourne residents asked for feedback on new Battery Energy Storage System site plan

Residents in and around Melbourne still have the chance to air their views over plans for a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS).​
The consultation is open until Tuesday, March 4.
Residents are being asked to submit all feedback before the deadline to ensure their views are taken into consideration.
Elmya energy said: “Your views are very important to us, and we want to ensure that our proposals are delivered in close collaboration with the local community so they can deliver the right benefits for the East Riding of Yorkshire, and the wider region.”
A website has been created to provide more information on the proposal so people can find out more and submit their feedback ahead of the company submitting a planning application to East Riding of Yorkshire Council.
Visit https://melbournebess.com/ to find out more about the plans and to view a virtual exhibition focusing on Melbourne BESS.

Thank you for taking the time to find out more about our plans for a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which if approved, would deliver a 300 MW BESS south east of Melbourne Village, in the East Riding of Yorkshire.

13/02/2025

Mount Pleasant CofE Junior School pupils name streets on new housing development

​Pupils from Mount Pleasant CofE Junior School were given the unique opportunity to name the streets on a new housing development.
​Delivering 193 new homes, Persimmon’s ‘Bradley Park’ development is named in honour of the Yorkshire Giant, William Bradley.
To celebrate their names being selected, pupils from the school, along with Headteacher Mr Dan Nixon, Persimmon Yorkshire managing director Scott Waters, local MP Charlie Dewhirst, and Councillor Gary McMaster from East Riding of Yorkshire Council, gathered at the William Bradley statue.
Local MP Charlie Dewhirst said: “It was fantastic to meet pupils from Mount Pleasant Church of England Primary School and hear their creative street names for the new Persimmon development.
"It’s great to see the children play an active role in their community in Market Weighton and their imagination and creativity will certainly leave a mark on the area for years to come.”
Graham Whitford, planning director, Persimmon Yorkshire, said: "We’re thrilled to be working closely with the Market Weighton community on this exciting new development. We wanted to ensure a strong connection between the development and the local heritage.
"Bradley Park not only provides much-needed housing but also represents a substantial investment in the local area."
Headteacher Mr Dan Nixon said: “We were so excited to be given the opportunity to name some of the streets in our home town. The children were thoughtful and creative when suggesting ideas and we are very proud that many of them have been chosen. Thank you for asking us to take part in something so important.”
Councillor Gary McMaster: “It’s fantastic to see that Persimmons Homes have involved the local community in naming some of the streets on this new development, today’s children are tomorrow's future and by empowering children to name our streets not only sparks their creativity but also fosters a sense of community and belonging.
"Their fresh perspectives can bring a unique charm and character to our neighbourhoods."
Work on the Bradley Park site will commence in the coming months, with a show home set to open later this year.

Photo courtesy of Persimmon

https://www.persimmonhomes.com/new-homes/yorkshire/bradley-park

12/02/2025

The Dunwells to perform show at All Saints Church, Pocklington, on Friday, May 23

Leeds based Indie-folk / Americana duo The Dunwells are the latest performers to announce a show at All Saints Church, Pocklington, with them visiting the historic venue on Friday, May 23.
​The All Saints show continues the band's working relationship with James Duffy, from Hurricane Promotions, who has promoted shows with them across Yorkshire including at the town's Platform Festival and at Pocklington Arts Centre where he used to work.
The band's debut album “Blind Sighted Faith” was released in 2012 with a further six albums / EPs being released over the last decade, all of which showcase their strong vocals, powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
A spokesperson said: “The Dunwells have found favour with audiences across the world having toured extensively in the USA, Europe and the UK as well as having supported artists including Mumford and Sons and Elbow on UK tours.
"Joe and David are passionate and prolific singer-songwriters having written material for joint collaborations as well as other high profile up and coming artists.
"As 2025 starts, everything is ready in the studio at ‘Mill Lane’ for clients and The Dunwells. This will see them make more great music and further optimising their relationship with Simon Cowell at Syco Universal.
"They have a full diary of live shows, including spring and autumn tours and hand-picked festivals. It's set to be another busy and interesting year for the brothers.”
Tickets for the All Saints church concert are £17.50 and are available from thedunwells.com.

12/02/2025

New arrival at Soanes firm

A Yorkshire Wolds based poultry business has created a new role in its operations team to support its growing business.
Stania Peris has joined the team at Soanes Poultry as an Operations Quality Management and ETP (Effluent Treatment Plant) Technician.
Ms Peris has relocated from Manchester to take up the new role at Middleton on the Wolds, where she will assume responsibility for production specifications, label control, ETP testing and staff induction management.
Specifically, she will ensure that high production standards are maintained
Ms Peris said: “It's an exciting time to join Soanes and I'm looking forward to supporting the ops team.”
Soanes Poultry's operations manager, Simon Rodgers, said: "I am confident that Stania will work well with the rest of our team to make a significant contribution to future growth."

Caption: ​New arrival Stania Peris is pictured with Soanes Poultry's operations manager Simon Rodgers.

11/02/2025

Sport peep into the past

​Here's some of the teams that took part in the Pock 7s in 2015 and 2013 – recognise anyone in the photos?

11/02/2025

Sport peep in the past - images from the Pocklington Post archives

​This week we feature six great Pocklington RUFC photos – including four from the popular sevens tournament

11/02/2025

Council defends digging up of newly laid paving at Pocklington Market Place

​East Riding of Yorkshire Council has defended the digging up of newly laid paving – part of the major scheme to improve Pocklington Market Place.
Residents took to social media after Northern Powergrid removed the new paving near the Jubilee monument to install a new power bollard, just days after it was laid by workers.
The general feeling from these posts was that the Northern Powergrid work should have taken place before the paving was placed so it did not have to be done twice.
A spokesperson for East Riding of Yorkshire Council said: “Northern Powergrid is currently installing a new power bollard around the monument area.
“Only a small amount of new paving had to be removed for this work, about two square metres. This area has been backfilled and will be re-laid in the coming weeks.
“We knew about the Northern Powergrid work, but there was no point is asking our contractor to leave a small, unfinished gap for it, as our new work extends along the full length of the pavement."

Caption: ​The hole created by Northern Powergrid. Photo courtesy of Phil Donaldson

11/02/2025

Hull and East Riding branch of RAFA to host 'Scramble 80' event in May - find out more here

The Hull and East Riding branch of RAFA, which supports ex-RAF service airmen and women, will be hosting an event at the Mercure Hotel, Willerby, on Sunday, May 18.
​The event takes place between 12.30pm to 6pm.
A spokesperson said: “We will be requesting a fly-past by the RAF. The RAF Waddington Pipes and Drums Band will also be ‘On Parade’ along with the RAFAC Central and East Yorkshire Wing Music.
"A three-course meal and entertainment will follow that.
"The day is entitled ‘Scramble 80’ as it is 80 years since the RAFA Branch was established in Hull and 80 years since VE (Victory Europe) Day. The event is open to all of those who support our Armed Forces.”
Tickets, £36 per person, are available via events@rafa hull.co.uk or [email protected].

10/02/2025

Local farmers and their families invited to a supper at the Kilnwick Percy Golf Club

​Farmers and members of their families are invited to a supper at Kilnwick Percy Golf Club, organised by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
​‘Supper On Us’ is an initiative of the Society’s Yorkshire Rural Support Network to encourage members of the farming community to come together in the spirit of friendship and enjoy the company of like-minded people at relaxed occasions hosted by the society at locations across Yorkshire.
Featuring a free supper, as well as quiz hosted by the Yorkshire Federation of Young Farmers’ Club, the event at Kilnwick Percy Golf Club will be held on Monday, March 10.
Allister Nixon, CEO of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, said: “We want to give farmers a good reason to get off the farm and socialise at a time when we know there continues to be challenges for the industry.
"Getting away from it all for a few hours can be a useful way to unwind and get a fresh perspective.

"You don’t need to be a member of the Society to join us for the evening. All farmers will be made to feel very welcome.”
While Supper On Us is free, a £5 reservation fee is required upon booking. This can then be redeemed against bar purchases on the night.
The Yorkshire Agricultural Society and its farming networks are also supporting wellbeing by working with industry partners to hold farming-focused mental health awareness and practical first aid courses.
Free places on a half-day mental health awareness course are currently offered to farmers, and people who work with farmers, at Wharfedale Farmers Auction Mart, Otley on Thursday, February 27. Delivered by RABI (The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution), it will teach basic tools to recognise signs of poor mental health, whilst recognising the importance of self-care.
Another event follows on Thursday, March 27, with a behind-the-scenes visit to Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes, specifically for those aged 50 and over who are working in agriculture or are semi-retired or retired from the agricultural industry.
To book a place at the Supper On Us events, mental health awareness course or Yorkshire Farmers Club visit, please visit yas.co.uk/farming-news

Image: ​Allister Nixon, CEO of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

10/02/2025

Kiki Dee and Carmello Luggeri will be performing at All Saints Church, Pocklington, this spring

Acclaimed Singer Kiki Dee will be bringing her acclaimed acoustic live show, with Carmello Luggeri, to All Saints Church, Pocklington this spring.​
For more than 25 years now Kiki and Carmelo have been touring their spellbinding
show across the UK and Europe and they will be coming to Pocklington on Saturday, March 29.
Performing in this stripped back fashion allows each of their exceptional talents to shine through and create a wonderful and warm sense of intimacy for the audience.
Kiki has recently celebrated her 55th year in the music industry and has cemented her status as one of the UK’s finest and most revered vocalists, always moving forward with the music that she creates with Carmelo. Kiki says Carmelo is her favourite guitarist and he co-writes and produces all their songs.
The duo’s latest critically acclaimed album THE LONG RIDE HOME was released in 2022 and is full of haunting, emotional and stunning songs that will hopefully please their army of fans.
Join Kiki and Carmelo for an acoustic journey of their songs and stories which also include some tracks from the new album, unique covers of songs by artists such as Kate Bush and Frank Sinatra and of course Kiki’s own hits “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”, “I Got The Music In Me”, “Loving & Free” and the stunning “Amoureuse”.
Tickets for the Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri All Saints church gig cost £24 and available via kikiandcarmelo.com.

07/02/2025

Champney Treasure House welcome day to be held on Saturday, February 15

Join the cultural services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council for a free open event, celebrating the recent reopening of Champney Treasure House.
The free event will take place on Saturday, February 15, from 10am until 3pm.
Visitors are encouraged to come along and visit the services inside, as well as take part in craft activities, treasure hunts, and more.
As part of the East Riding Libraries National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) funding through the Arts Council England, visitors can enjoy the sounds of the New Orleans-inspired New York Brass Band, who will be entertaining the crowds on the streets of Beverley.
There will also be musical performances by local talents Tess Fletcher, Casey Adam, and Laura Da Sousa throughout the day in the Champney Treasure House foyer.

Activities throughout the day will include:
Friendship bracelet making at Beverley Library
Make your own treasure chest with artist, Alex Bennett
Kite making workshop at Beverley Art Gallery
Champney Treasure House trail
Make an Egyptian bookmark and guess the mystery objects in the Museum
Explore the Minecraft Archiverse with East Riding Archives
Watch artist, Charlotte Eldred, create beautiful illustrations in the tower
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said, “This event is a great way for people to see the impressive improvements to Champney Treasure House and to also see exactly what is on offer. If you have not seen the renovations to the site, come and have a look around, and you may find something new to explore.”
There is no need to book for this event, just turn up. To find out more about the Champney Treasure House Welcome Day, please visit eryc.link/CTHWelcomeDay.

07/02/2025

Six super retro photos from the Pocklington Post archives – are you in these pictures?

This week, we feature a chrysanthemum show image, one from the Pocklington Canal group, a local hockey team, Duke of Edinburgh award participants, World Cup fun at Pocklington Infants School, and a group getting ready to play snooker/pool.
Do you know any of the people in the photos?

07/02/2025

Yorkshire Adventurers return with trophy after completing ‘Destination Dakar’

The Yorkshire Adventurers, Pocklington’s own rally raid team, has successfully completed the classic Paris to Dakar event ‘Destination Dakar’.
The team is thrilled to have finished second in the 4x4 class and has bought home a prestigious Dakar trophy.
The event follows in the footsteps of the original gruelling Paris/Dakar rally of the 1970s/1980s, a 4,000 mile off-road rally raid through five countries and the Sahara desert, finishing at Lac Rose in the city of Dakar, Senegal.
The amateur team: Nev Styles, Tony Day, Andy Homan and Kieran Wrigley, crossed the finish line on February 1 having set off from Pocklington for the challenge on January 11.
The competing vehicle, driven by Nev and Tony was a Can-Am Maverick X3 buggy.
Andy and Kieran were the service team following in the team’s Mitsubishi pick-up.
The team, which was completely self-funded, was supplied with spare parts supplied by local dealers Wilfred Scruton Ltd.
They were also supplied with industry leading Obor tyres by the UK distributer ATV City based in Wymondham, Norfolk.
Team spokesman Nev said: “We are thrilled to have completed this gruelling challenge, the whole team has worked very hard to get here.
"The journey has been very tough, with terrain varying from rocky mountain trails to vast desert dune fields and temperatures have ranged from below freezing in Northern Morocco to mid 40s centigrade in the planes of Mauritania.
"We had some overheating issues with the clutch on the buggy but the service lads worked miracles to ensure we got to the last day to reach the finish line via a 120km blast down the amazing Atlantic coast beach to the city of Dakar. We are all so proud of this amazing achievement.
"There have been a lot of local companies who have helped us in preparation for this, in particular Scott Shirley and Jack Daniels of Wilfred Scruton Ltd for supplying parts, Steve Bogg of Bogg Brothers at East Lutton, and Gary Hyde of Market Weighton Mowers, whose engineering skills have been crucial in our preparations.
"Of course, last but not least, the whole team want to thank their families for the support and dedication they have shown throughout this challenge.”