Here's a look at the headlines from your neighbourhood

ACKLAM

Carol singing - On Christmas Eve, from 6pm to 7pm, the villager have been invited to the village hall to sing carols, as well as enjoy glasses of sherry and mince pies. Santa is planning to call in as usual too.

Church service - There is to be a Traditional Holy Communion on Christmas Day in the Church of St John The Baptist in Acklam at 9am.

AMPLEFORTH

Service - Sunday, December 22, 11am, St Hilda’s: Eucharist. Sunday, December 29, 11am, St Hilda’s: Eucharist.

APPLETON-LE-MOORS

Tea, Chat and History - The final Tea, Chat & History of 2019 held in the village hall on Monday being attended by about 20 people. Everybody appreciated the homemade cakes and biscuits provided by Shirley Brooke. There will be no Tea and Chat in January 2020 as it will be replaced on Saturday, January 25, by a “Family History and Open Archive” morning. The first Tea and Chat of 2020 will be on Monday, February 3.

Bishop Hagg Wood - The next Saturday morning work task as part of Appleton & Spaunton Community Interest Company’s management of Bishop Hagg Wood will be December 21 at 10am, please note this a week earlier than usual. Coffee and mince pies optional.

BEADLAM

Services - Church services at St Hilda’s Christmas Eve Christingle service at 6pm. Christmas Day Christmas communion at 9.30am. Sunday, December 29, at 9.30am, cafe church.

BROMPTON-BY-SAWDON

History Society - At the meeting of the society on Wednesday, December 4, Linda McCarthy from the Malton Dickens Society told the group about “The Oldest Profession”. The next meeting will be on February 5, at 7.30pm, in Brompton Village Hall, when Brian Glaves will commentate on the film “The Story of Wheat”, which is largely about farming 70 years ago.

Village Ventures - It was a “full house” for the annual Christmas buffet. There was a lively atmosphere as guests were greeted with a cup of mulled cider while waiting for lunch to begin. The festive atmosphere was only added to when children from Brompton Primary School came in to sing Christmas carols while diners finished off their coffee and tea. The catering teams would like to send best wishes to everyone who has dined with us over the past twelve months and we look forward to seeing you back in the new year. The first meal of 2020 will be on Wednesday, January 15, at 12.30pm.

Church - There is no service at All Saints this Sunday but within our group of churches there are Communion services at Snainton, 9.30am, and Wykeham 11am. Hutton Buscel and Wykeham have a combined 9 Lessons and Carols with the Choir at 6pm at Hutton Buscel this Sunday. On Christmas Day, Brompton has a Christmas Communion Service suitable for all ages at 11am which will be taken by the Venerable David Garnett. The church is still full of Christmas trees all decorated in different styles, many with themes fitting the individuals or organisations who sponsored them. The church is as usual open daily and the trees will remain in place until the end of the year.

GILLING EAST

Christingle Service - Sunday, December 22, 4pm, Holy Cross. Sunday, December 29, 9.15am, Morning Prayer.

GREAT EDSTONE

Services - At St Michael’s on Sunday, December 22, carol service at 6.30pm with Rev Bridget Gillespie. Christmas Day Family communion at 10am taken by the vicar Rev Mark Brosnan and Rev Bridget Gillespie. Make Way service Christmas Eve at 7pm.

HELMSLEY

Raffle - The RNLI Christmas Raffle was drawn on Saturday, December 14. The winners were: 1st Prize - Ticket No. 00434, 2nd Prize - Ticket No. 00438, 3rd Prize - Ticket No. 00538, 4th Prize - Ticket No. 00527, 5th Prize - Ticket No. 00414, 6th Prize - Ticket No. 00501, 7th Prize - Ticket No. - 00743, 8th Prize - Ticket No. 00401, 9th Prize - Ticket No. 00657, 10th Prize - Ticket No. 00373, 11th Prize - Ticket No. 00420. The Helmsley branch would like to thank everyone that supported them. They raised £492.

HOVINGHAM

Carol service - Hovingham Methodist Chapel held a beautiful carol service on Sunday. Three of the Advent candles were lit by Carol and Alistair Battersby. Rev Brian Shackleton arranged some letters possibly written by Elizabeth (mother of John), Mary, The Innkeeper (where Jesus was born), a Shepherd (who saw a shining star) and Joseph to coincide with readings from the bible. Many hymns were sung to the music from the organ so kindly played by Rob Sanderson. They all enjoyed the home-made mince pies, scones and tarts after the close of the service.

Market - The second Hovingham Christmas Market will be held on Saturday, December 21, from 10.30am to 1.30pm with more than 60 stalls selling local produce and crafts. The market welcomes guest stalls Tickle your Taste Buds with artisan chutneys, jams and gift hampers. Fetlock and Feathers selling wreaths and gifts made from horseshoes, cartridges and feathers. Hazel Walker with woollen baby clothes, hats, scarves, nursery and home décor. Nadine Bland selling home-produced prints and cards. Look at the Hovingham Market special Christmas Celebration Cake created by Jayne of Simply Sweet and you may meet Father Christmas. The community stall, Ryedale Dog Rescue raising money with a tombola, calendars and cards. Swinton and District Excelsior Brass Band will be playing your favourite carols and the cafe will be run by Hovingham Village Clock Winding Appeal. The volunteer market manager is Graham Mason and there is no market in January and so the next one will be Saturday, February 1.

KIRKBYMOORSIDE

Quiz - Do you enjoy doing quiz sheets? Kirkbymoorside Horticultural Society has a quiz sheet out at the moment. Fifty questions and entries have to be returned by January 31. The Moors Inn at Appleton-le-Moors have kindly donated the prize money. Money raised helps to stage the open show held in the memorial. If you would like a sheet quiz please email Maureen Rolph at maureenrolphnews@talktalk.net or phone 07732 271749 or Viv Webster on 01751 431316. Please note question No 3 pantomimes should read 10, 3, 3, 5, 5. No 9 Pantomimes should read B A T B. Question No 5 Carols/hymns should read 4, 2, 4, 11.

Concert - Kirkbymoorside Town Brass Band Christmas Concert is on Sunday, December 22. Refreshments in the band room from 6pm and the James Holt Concert Hall will be open for audience members from 6.45pm. Free admission with a retiring collection in aid of Kirkbymoorside Brownies and Rainbows.

Library - Can you help keep Kirkbymoorside Library open by volunteering? It welcomes enquiries for joining the friendly team working shifts in the library, or can you give a few hours a month helping with publicity, fundraising etc. Please call in and ask for an enquiry form or email the library for more information at kirkbylibrary@outlook.com. The library is offering a hot desking facility every Wednesday and on other days by agreement. The charge will be £10 per day or £5 per half day. Wifi is included in the charge. To book, phone 01609 534557. Every Wednesday, from 3.45pm to 4.45pm, children can join in play drop-in sessions.

Postage stamps - With Christmas just around the corner, please save your postage stamps. Maureen Rolph is happy to collect.These will be shared between a number of charities. To get in touch, email maureenrolphnews@talktalk.net or phone 07732 271749.

KIRKDALE

Services - St Gregory’s Minster carol service will take place on Sunday, December 22, at 4pm, by free admission. Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, at 11.30pm. Sunday, December 29, Matins at 11am.

MALTON

Christmas fair - The CAFOD Christmas Fair at St Leonard and St Mary’s RC Church made £697. Thank you to everyone who came and donated to this event. Photos can be viewed on our Facebook page. Christmas flowers - They will be decorating the church on Monday, December 23, from 9.30am. Please will all flower arrangers who are free come along to help. Anyone else who would like to join us is most welcome. Please bring greenery.

Parish Carol Service - Many thanks to the older children at St Mary’s RC School for leading St Leonard & St Mary’s RC Parish Carol Service. The collection raised £287.84 for the Philippines Street Children. £300 is being sent to the parish of St Ignatius of Loyola in Taguig City for the children’s Christmas party.

MIND Coffee Morning - Many thanks to all who attended the coffee morning last Wednesday. It raised more than £600 for the local branch of the mental health charity Mind.

CAFOD Christmas Fair - Raffle Prizes. There are some unclaimed raffle prizes. Di Green, Mary Cleary, Jean Toynbee and Paul Nicoll. Prizes are in the hall and can be collected after Mass this Sat and Sun.

OSWALDKIRK

Service - Sunday, December 22, 9.15am, St Oswald’s: Eucharist. Christmas Eve Carol Service, 6pm, St Oswald’s. Mass for Christmas Tuesday, December 24, 9pm, St Aidan’s. Christmas Day Mass, 9am, St Aidan’s. Christmas Day Morning Prayer, 9.30am, St Oswald’s. Service Sunday, December 29, 9.15am, St Oswald’s, Eucharist.

PICKERING

Bus project - The Pickering Youth Bus Project has raised £5,000 so far. It needs another £1,000 to reach its target of £6,000 to cover a year’s rent for the bus and youth worker. It’s not too late to give a donation. Cheques payable to: Pickering Churches Together.

Volunteers - Volunteers are needed to help with the Pickering Senior Citizens’ Luncheon Club which meets on a Tuesday in the RVS Centre. To help, phone Daphne Bowes on 01751 475143.

Probus Club - The Vale of Pickering Probus Club held its Christmas lunch at the Forest & Vale Hotel on December 10 under the chairmanship of Colin Ruston. An excellent meal was followed as usual on this occasion by entertainment provided by members: the annual quiz, poems, jokes and riddles. Club membership enquiries are welcomed from retired or semi-retired male residents of Ryedale. Phone 01751 472879.

Weekly draw - The numbers of the PTCFC Weekly Draw for week commencing December 9 were 13, 19 and 29 and there was no winner so next week’s pot will be £150.

Farmers’ market - Pickering Christmas farmers market is on Thursday, December 19.

Christmas Fair - The Parish Christmas Fair at St Joseph’s, Pickering, made £353. Thank you to everyone who came and donated.

RILLINGTON

Bingo - £500 (including donations) was raised for Children’s Cancer Charities at the Christmas prize bingo held in Woodlands Community Centre. The caller was Melvyn Jacques and the checker Sue Nelson.

Quiz - Six teams playing for £48 took part in Jennie’s Mega Quiz in the Fleece Inn. The winners with 60 points were Honeymooners, second were Mike, Fiona, Col and Mari (57.5) and third Team @ the Bar (56.5). The £12 jackpot was won by Sue’s Crew. Jennie’s next Mega Quiz will be on Friday, December 27, and will include a prize for the best Christmas jumper. Sue’s Crew were the winners of Jennie’s Sunday night quiz. After a tie-break with Gary, Steve and Co, the jackpot was won by Mike and Col.

Nativity - A family nativity will be held in St Andrew’s Church on Christmas Eve at 4pm.

SCAMPSTON

Service - A carol service will be held in St Martin’s Church at 11am on Sunday, December 22 and Midnight Mass will be celebrated at 11pm on Christmas Eve.

SEAMER

Service - The service today was taken by Patricia Mollon. The organist was Doreen Lawson, vestry steward Bob Jackman welcome Margaret Neave who also took the offering. The service began with the lighting of the third Advent candle by John Earnshaw. Bible readings were given by Allan and Sheena Dunnington. In her sermon Mrs Mollon said that among the decorations, shopping and festivities we should not forget what we are really celebrating and that Advent is also a time of preparation for the second coming and asked are we ready to welcome and accept Him into our lives. The carol service next Sunday at 4pm will be taken by Rev Mary Jackman and everyone is welcome to join us to hear the Christmas story and join in with the well known carols. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served afterwards.

St Martin’s Church - The Rev Richard Firth presided and preached at the 9.30am service of Holy Communion. Sue Johnson and Julie Stephenson were welcomers, Kate Middleton assisted with the distribution of communion and Clare Firth served refreshments. Kate Middleton led the Kids club and the children made designs and biscuits to represent God’s good gifts as the they anticipated Christmas.

SHERBURN

St Hilda’s Church - The tenders have now been received and the total cost for replacing the roof will be in the region of £45,000. A public general meeting will be held in the village hall on Wednesday, January 8, at 7.30pm. Everyone is invited to come along. The current and future situation will be discussed as well as fundraising. The carol service at St Hilda’s is on Thursday, December 19, at 7pm when the lessons will be read by two children from the school and people from various organisations in the village, and Martin Monkman will play the organ. Mince pies will be served at the close. Their will be the usual children’s nativity at the church on Christmas Eve at 2pm when everyone is invited to come along and join in the fun.

Messy Church - The group met at the Methodist Church to enjoy their Christmas Praise. As they arrived they painted ceramic Nativity tea light holders so that they had time to dry ready to decorate later. After tea India and Kiara shared their video “Joy, hear the bells ringing” so they could all sing along. Then they got busy Christmas crafting. Time to finish off our nativity tea lights, make star boxes, a Christmas cracker and a paper chain Christmas tree which is in the window in the Link. In the middle of all this crafting they got a lovely visit from Santa’s sleigh who managed to get right to the church door. The children gave him a cracker that they made and Santa gave all the children sweets. After all the excitement we went into Church and heard the story of the Advent ring. The next Messy church will be on Saturday, January 11, when they will hear the story of Creation. Meet for tea at 4.45pm. All welcome. Messy Church wish everyone a joyful Christmas time.

Methodist news - What a busy week. They were delighted to welcome Sherburn C of E School to perform their Christmas Nativity play. It was amazing children, you were just brilliant. Coffee Morning was rather different sitting next to the stage amid all the decorations and all set out ready for the parents and friends. Thanks to Tom Webborn and Jean Brown for the decorations in the Hall. Sunday worship for the third Sunday in Advent was led by Christine Fenwick and the worship Team. June lit the three candles and Jean led prayers of Praise. Sandra led prayers of confession and also dedicated our offering to God’s service. They heard the story of John the Baptist through slides and also with a sketch by Jean, Janet and Christine. They are the starry prayers to the Christmas Prayer tree. There is all you need to make your own starry prayer next to the tree so please feel free to hang your own star prayer on the tree. Next Sunday at 10.30am will be the carol service led by Minister Rev Bruce Russell. On Christmas Day Worship for all the family will be led by Christine Fenwick at 10am. Please note the earlier time.

SINNINGTON

People’s Guild - The group held an evening of carols on Tuesday, December 10, led by Sue Galley and Jill Simpson, the letters of the word Christmas were expounded and the appropriate carols were sung. John Woodmancey was the pianist Tea and mince pies were served. The first meeting of the New Year is on Tuesday, January 7, at 7.15pm. Members are encouraged to contribute to the evening by word, song or choosing a favourite hymn. The following week, Tuesday, January 14, at 7.15pm, the Thornton-le-Dale Friends will give a sacred concert, to be followed by supper.

THORNTON-LE-DALE

Bridge results - The results for December 9. North/South in first position were Nicky Riley and Melanie Bailey with 61.7 per cent; In Second position were Tim Johnson and Ruth Hunt with 52.5 per cent. East/West in first position were Mary Mortonson and Lynda Lockwood with 59.4 per cent; In Second position were Pat and George Donnor with 54.2 per cent.

THORPE BASSETT

Service - A carol service will be held in All Saints church at 4pm on Sunday, December 22.

WOMBLETON

Service - A family carol service will take place in the village hall on Sunday, December 22, at 10am.

Domino drive - A domino drive to be held in the village hall on Saturday, December 28, at 7.30pm. £1.50 to play includes tea and biscuits. It is raising funds for the hall.

Film matinee - The next film matinee is on Friday, December 29, at 2pm, in the village hall showing Oliver.

WI MEETINGS

Thornton-le-Dale - On Friday, December 6 the group hosted the Vale of Pickering Group Christmas Party. More than 70 ladies from six local WIs enjoyed an evening of mulled wine, Christmas songs, readings and paper hat making. A special thanks to all the ladies who read or sang so beautifully. The paper hat making caused much laughter and was completed with a catwalk show, for all to admire their efforts. The judges, after much deliberation, chose a hat modelled by Catherine Hanch as the winning entry. After the fun and games, everyone enjoyed a supper, provided by all the WIs. Thank you to all who attended for making the evening such fun. The first WI meeting in Thornton-le-Dale for

2020 will be on Tuesday, December 14, at 7pm, in the village hall when David Mitchell will be showing Historic Postcards of Thornton-le-Dale.