As the end of the stamp duty holiday looms, national housebuilder Taylor Wimpey is reminding first time buyers to take advantage of the saving before March 24.

The Government announced that it was removing the payment of stamp duty for two years for first time buyers on properties up to £250,000 in its 2010 budget, but confirmed at the end of the last year that this would not be extended further.

The housebuilder is encouraging anyone interested in buying their first home to get in touch.

Taylor Wimpey Yorkshire has found that many first time buyers are not initially aware of stamp duty and the extra cost it presents, and so the return of the extra cost could have a negative impact on the market.

Anne Bagshaw, regional sales and marketing director, comments: “There is still time for first time buyers to complete the purchase of a new home before the changes come into effect and therefore save up to £2,500. That’s quite a saving at a time when every penny counts. If you are in a position to buy your first home, then speak to one of our experienced consultants at your chosen development who can guide you through the process and ensure that everything is completed before the deadline.”

However, the housebuilder is keen to point out that many of its developments offer the Government’s FirstBuy scheme and other first time buyer-friendly deals – so the end of the stamp duty holiday is not the end of the world.

Anne Bagshaw continues: “We want first time buyers to know that although the Government has ended the stamp duty holiday, they have introduced the FirstBuy scheme, which allows first time buyers to purchase their home for just 80% of the price – including a small 5% deposit. Deals are also available on a case by case basis – so please speak to us about your situation.”

FirstBuy is currently available across Taylor Wimpey Yorkshire’s Rotherham developments including The Wickets and Kingfishers Walk.

For further information about The Wickets, please call 0845 026 4152 or visit the development on Wentworth Road, Upper Haugh, Rotherham, S62 7SL. The development is open seven days per week, 11am until 5pm.

To contact Kingfishers Walk call the sales office on 0845 071 4590, between 11am and 5pm Thursday to Monday or visit the sale office on Manvers Lakeside, Wath Upon Dearne. Alternatively visit {http://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/|Taylor Wimpey|click here}

]]> 1.4274299 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:06:01 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/all_systems_go_for_2_6_million_olympia_park_road_scheme_1_4274238

IT’S ALL systems go for the huge Olympia Park development in Selby.

A new £2.6 million access road scheme has been shortlisted by the York, North Yorkshire and East Riding Local Enterprise Partnership for funding through the government’s Growing Places Fund. And it’s been announced a major planning application for housing and the link road will now be put to councillors in the next two to three months.

If the road funding gets the go-ahead, it will provide a springboard for the development to open up the land beside the bypass for the massive Olympia Park development, masterminded by landowners BOCM Pauls and Selby Farms.

The access road will branch off from the existing roundabout on the bypass near the swing bridge.

Richard Cooper, of BOCM Pauls, pledged that despite the economic situation, the Olympia Park partners remained committed to the development.

He said: “We believe it’s vital for the regeneration of Selby and the provision of employment opportunities.

“We have a lot of faith in Selby. BOCM Pauls is committing itself to keeping our mill in Selby open, and the development will go on around that.

“We will retain a presence in the town – we’re great supporters of the town.”

The masterplan is to provide 2,000 permanent new jobs and about 1,000 new homes during a ten-year build programme.

Sections of land behind the existing BOCM Pauls mill will be opened up for housing, but other areas east of the Potter Group property will be used for warehousing and industry, as well as offices.

Mr Cooper added: “The benefit of getting funding for the access road is that it will enable work to be carried out potentially more quickly.”

He said a planning application for the housing development and the access road would be submitted to Selby District Council by late spring.

Developers had been working closely with the council for years to make sure the planning application fulfils its criteria.

SDC leader Coun Mark Crane said: “We’ve met with the developers for more than two years now to discuss what they want to achieve and what we would like to see, and these meetings have been constructive.”

He believes this co-operation has been instrumental in securing the LEP shortlisting for the access road funding.

CARLTON Village Hall has applied for £324 to install a ramp for wheelchair users.

The building’s treasurer Jennifer Onions has submitted the funding request to North Yorkshire County Council’s Selby Area Committee so the hall can have a new concrete ramp with handrail installed by the fire exit for use by people in wheelchairs or with pushchairs.

The project costs £1,080, and it’s hoped it will be completed in April. The funding bid will be considered at Monday’s meeting.

PLANS to limit parking on a residential street in Sherburn look set to be approved by councillors.

North Yorkshire County Council’s Selby Area Committee is due to discuss installing no waiting zones in Garden Lane, Sherburn, to try and stop lorries mounting the verge to avoid parked cars.

Following a consultation with residents, the council is recommending introducing the zone from the junction with Tomlinson Way, and running alongside 11 properties.

The meeting will take place at Community House in Portholme Road, Selby, on Monday at 6pm.

CONTROVERSIAL plans to change town roads as part of the planned new Tesco store will be discussed at North Yorkshire County Council’s Selby Area Committee meeting on Monday.

All traffic leaving the expanded supermarket will only be able to turn left on to Portholme Road, with motorists wanting to head the other way being redirected along New Lane and Gowthorpe. The one-way system in New Lane will also be switched from the southbound to the northbound lane. Changes could also be made to the mini-roundabout at the junction of Union Lane and the A19 at Brook Street.

A PROMINENT former councillor says a village library should be shut down, despite a vote for it to remain open.

Alan Hartley, a past member of Barlby and Osgodby Parish Council, says the local authority hasn’t got a mandate to keep the library, despite an overwhelming vote in favour in a ballot of local homes.

Mr Hartley added: “To say it has got the backing of the people is absolute balderdash.”

The library was due for closure under North Yorkshire County Council cuts. However, the parish council is currently preparing a business plan with a view to taking the service over and using the building as a combined library and community centre.

Mr Hartley said if Barlby Library was well used, he might take a different stance, but it isn’t.

He states of the 5,000 questionnaires sent out to each home in Barlby, Barlby Bridge and Osgodby, only 200 replies were received. Of the 200, some 90 per cent were in favour of retaining the library.

But he argued: “That doesn’t mean the people of this parish want the library. They can get 200 replies of people within walking distance of the library. But I live in Barlby – the north end – and we’re two miles away from it. My wife goes to Selby Library.

“For people in Osgodby, it’s a bus ride away – they might as well go to Selby where there’s more books and more choice.

“And for people in Barlby Bridge, they can even walk to Selby. It just doesn’t make any sense.”

He said the existing library was only open 13 hours a week and was little used.

“It’s an under-used resource which doesn’t need keeping,” he added.

Mr Hartley said many other people shared his view in the village but were “too lazy” to fill in the questionnaire.

Parish council chairman Coun Brian Marshall was unavailable for comment at the time of going to print.

But he has previously stated he wants the library to remain open. He considers it well-used and vital for children who don’t have computers.

POLICE have charged a man with two counts of attempt to cause GBH with intent and driving a motor vehicle dangerously following a mass brawl among a group of Turksih men in Old Goole last week.

The 20-year-old is due to appear at Beverley Magistrates Court tomorrow.

Officers have released 12 men on bail, pending further enquiries following an incident involving around 25 men, which is believed to have started in Scunthorpe and then led on to a street fight outside the Plaza Pizzeria in Old Goole.

During the incident in the early hours of February 14, a man is believed to have been run over and two other men suffered leg injuries. One man has been released from hospital and another is still receiving treatment.

Detective Inspector Paul Kirby said: “At present we believe this is an isolated incident.

“Police have increased patrols in the local areas and are pleased to report that no further incidents have taken place.

“If you can help piece together the three separate events and we have not yet spoken to you, please contact one of my detectives.”

Humberside Police can be contacted on the non emergency 101 tel number and quotielog 55 14 January 2012.

East Riding County Premier League

South Cave 1

AFC Woodlands 2

SATURDAY saw second placed Woodlands travel to top of the League South Cave in what turned out to be a well deserved victory to send Woodlands top of the league.

The first half saw the Woodlands playing up the slight incline with the wind also blowing a gail into there faces. However the Goole side adapted to the conditions playing some great football all starting from the back with Kinghorn and Clark at the helm.

The midfield was the telling factor as Constable, Gibbon, Woodall and Heywood were no match for their counterparts at times as the Goole side got to grips with the Cave midfield. It was the same story up front as the Cave defence seemed frightened of the Woodies’ front two of Davidson and Gill and it was Gill who should have put is team in front after 15 minutes but blasted high over the bar from 12 yards out.

It was one of those chances which the Woodlands have come across a lot this season as composure in front of goal was non existent yet again. Cave started to use the wind to good affect knocking the long ball into the box, however Kinghorn, Harrison and Clark defended brilliantly throughout the first half clearing thee lines. Cave looked to try and beat Stannard from distance but saw their shots sail high and wide.

The first 45 minutes ended goalless with Munday the Woodies manager more than happy with his team’s performance. The second half saw the Woodies attack from the off with Constable firing in a ferocious shot which nearly caught the keeper unaware. The goal wasn’t long in coming though as Woodall sent in a beautiful flighted ball into the box for Davidson who showed great composure in bringing the ball down at the far post with the keeper bearing down on him and several players he side stepped a couple of players before smashing the ball into the roof of the net to give the Goole side a deserved lead. Cave had no answer for the dominance of the Woodlands midfield with Woodall and Constable outstanding throughout. Gibbon the Woodlands captain then showed why he’s still one of the best talents in amateur football with a piece of magic.

As the Cave keeper took goal kick it fell to the feet of Gibbon who from 40 yards out brought the ball down on his chest and in one move volleyed the ball home into the net over the helpless keeper who was left in a heap on the floor. At 2-0 the Woodlands were in total control with Cave not at the races. Then controversy when a Cave defender passed the ball back to his keeper who was coming out of his goal. The player chipped his own keeper only for it to bounce and hit the cross bar back into the keeper’s arms.

A free kick to the Woodlands it should have been but the ref had other ideas. The keeper then from his resulting kick up field saw his player clean through on goal only for Lee Harrison to put in a great last ditch tackle to clear the ball. A great tackle by any standards, however the referee deemed this as a tackle from behind and gave a penalty and yet only showed Harrison a yellow.

Up stepped the Cave striker who only just managed to tuck the ball away under the body of Stannard in goal. Cave now back in the game with ten minutes to go saw Andrew and Huntington introduced for the Woodlands for the tiring Gill and Heywood. A nail biting last ten minutes ended up being 20 minutes as the referee for some reason added more time.

The Woodlands though rode the storm and should have scored a third with another rasping shot from Constable narrowly going wide. A great all round team performance was greeted with cheers at the final whistle by the Woodlands’ travelling army of supporters as the Goole side leap frogged over South Cave to take over top spot in the league.

Ellwood Electricals Man of the Match award went to Stuart Clark who was outstanding throughout.

Harold Robinson Cup quarter final

Newbald United 4

AFC Woodlands 3

THE reserves meanwhile pushed the self destruct button in their quarter final. After leading 3-0 at half time with goals from Bucknell and Rothery 2, they somehow conceded 4 goals in a second half to send them crashing out the cup and cast aside all hopes of reaching the final.

This week Woodlands’ 1st team travel to Beverley Town while the Reserves travel to Skirlaugh Res. All players to meet for 12-15 at the Woodlands Pub.

]]> 1.4274118 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:08:43 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/sound_of_west_end_beyond_the_baricade_at_hull_new_theatre_1_4273953

THE sound of the West End will thrill audiences on March 3 when Beyond the Barricade returns to Hull New Theatre with a brand new 2012 production.

THE sound of the West End will thrill audiences on March 3 when Beyond the Barricade returns to Hull New Theatre with a brand new 2012 production.

Recreating original West End/Broadway musical hit songs with amazing authenticity, Beyond the Barricade features a cast of past principal performers from Les Misérables and the 25th Anniversary Concert at the O2 Arena.

This sensational production features songs from West End hits, including Miss Saigon, The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, Mamma Mia, Blood Brothers, The Jersey Boys and many more, with a spectacular finale from Les Misérables.

Audiences are advised to not miss out on the musical event of the year!

Tickets for Beyond the Barricade are priced from £18.50 to £19.50, and are available from the Wilson Centre in Alfred Gelder Street, by calling 01482 300300 or log-on to the www.hullcc.gov.uk/hullnewtheatre website.

And we’ve got three pairs of tickets to give away to the Hull show. To enter, simply tell us who wrote the musical Phantom of the Opera and email your answer, together with your name, address and daytime telephone number, to editorial@selbytimes.co.uk address Closing date is February 29 2012 and usual Selby Times rules apply.

ELVIS fan Pete Rodgers was all shook up when he checked through his collection of the superstar’s memorabilia.

For he came across what is believed to be the first recording contract the superstar signed in 1954!

The 73-year-old is convinced the item could sell big at auction and is now trying to get it authenticated.

Pete, of Elm Road, Mexborough, said: “It could be worth thousands. I’m going to try and and get an expert to confirm it is the real thing.”

The former army corporal paid £1000 for a stack of Elvis memorabilia from a friend in 1975.

This included scrapbooks containing pictures of the superstar in concert, and nearly 80 rare vinyl records of his biggest hits, such as Jailhouse Rock and Heartbreak Hotel.

But it was only a couple of years later when Elvis died in 1977 that he had a proper look through and noticed the contract.

The agreement was signed on July 12, 1954, by Elvis, his parents Vernon and Gladys, and the singer’s guitarist Winfield Scotty Moore III.

It says: “W.S. Moore III is a band leader and booking agent, and Elvis Presley, a minor, age 19 years, is a singer of reputation and renown, and possesses bright promises of large success.

“It is the desire of both parties to enter into this personal agreement for the best interests of both parties.”

Pete kept the contract in a plastic wallet for years as his time was taken up travelling the World in the Royal Army Service Corps.

But he has recently taken up the task again of trying to get the document authenticated.

He said: “I’m going to try and contact his estate in Graceland, there’s also a big Elvis Fan Club in America.

“I’ve been to see a valuer and he said it could be worth a lot of money so long as I can prove it is real.

“I really don’t believe it’s a photocopy.

“I’ve had it nearly 40 years and it looks authentic.

“If I can get the right certificates for it then I’ll look at selling it off. It could be worth a fortune.”

SELBY TOWN Hall is to host a controversial Edinburgh Festival hit show, called An Instinct for Kindness.

The show is about the experience of actor Chris Larner who accompanied his chronically ill ex-wife to Switzerland’s Dignitas clinic. He came home with an empty wheelchair and a story to tell. The show he created went on to be one of the most talked about and critically acclaimed performances at last summer’s Edinburgh Festival, gaining five star reviews from broadsheets, a place in Newsnight Review’s ‘Top Three Festival Successes’, total sell out status and a coveted Scotsman ‘Fringe First’ award. On March 3, Chris brings this extraordinary story to Selby Town Hall.

Town Council Arts Officer Chris Jones, said: “Chris’s show was a complete sell out in Edinburgh last summer with glowing reviews across the board. Assisted dying is an immensely challenging topic to tackle in any form, but the opportunity to hear this story from someone who was so intimately involved makes for an especially engaging and deeply moving prospect.

“This is one of the most fascinating performances we have put on in many years.

“Through a candid, poignant and sometimes comic performance, he explores both the profound personal implications and the wider ethical issues that surround the contentious topic of assisted dying.”

And we have a pair of tickets to give away for the show. To enter our competition just tell us what role Chris Larner played in TV’s London’s Burning. Send your answer, together with you name, address and daytime phone number, to: Chris Larner Competition, Selby Times, 74-76, Gowthorpe, Selby YO8 4ET. Closing date is February 29, 2012. Usual Selby Times rules apply.

LOCAL lovers of Shakespeare are in for a treat next month when Selby Town Hall screens a live broadcast from London’s National Theatre of The Comedy of Errors.

The production, screened on March 1st, features Lenny Henry. It has played to packed audiences since it opened in November.

The story centres around two sets of twins, separated at birth, who collide in the same city without meeting for one crazy day, as multiple mistaken identities lead to confusion on a grand scale.

Shakespeare’s furiously paced comedy is staged by The National in a contemporary world into which walk three prohibited foreigners who see everything for the first time.

The play is brought to Selby through the ground-breaking National Theatre Live scheme, which broadcasts the very best in British theatre, live from London’s South Bank, via satellite, to cinemas across the UK and around the globe.

Town Council Arts Officer Chris Jones said: “This is one of The National Theatre’s big hits.

“It’s already proving to be one of the most popular screenings we’ve hosted since the programme began in Selby back in September.

“Lenny Henry has been highly praised for his return to Shakespearean acting, and this is a fantastic opportunity to see one of the capital’s most talked about productions without having to leave your home town!”

Our tweeting golf stars continue to make me chuckle as they seek out new ways of scoring birdies through this form of social media, writes Charles Gardner.

And I’m glad to say the information has extended beyond the banal discussion of restaurant menus and the like.

Colourful English pro Ian Poulter, now based in Orlando, Florida (hope you’re warm enough, Ian), has let us know that his grandparents are celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary.

“Now that’s what I call a good effort,” he tweets.

And in another intriguing entry, he says: “Just got introduced to George W Bush. I have to say that’s very cool.”

Meanwhile World No 1 Luke Donald, still to win a major, took a swing at Fabio Capello following his resignation as England football manager with the quip: “Not another Italian abandoning a sinking ship.”

Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy are also regular tweeters along with Selby’s own Nick Ludwell and Adam Ledger. Keep it coming, boys, but don’t forget to practice!

For the record, I enjoy tweeting myself when I finally recover from producing up to seven pages of sport each week.

After a hugely successful 14 date UK and European tour in 2011, and having just returned from playing at the Volvo Ocean Race in Abu Dhabi, The Straits will be heading out on an 18 date European tour during March 2012.

Dubbed as The Sound of Dire Straits, The Straits kick off the European tour at Belfast’s Ulster Hall on March 5, with concerts in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, and The Netherlands, wrapping up with two UK dates at London’s indigO2 on March 29 and Guernsey’s Sir John Loveridge Hall on April 1.

The upcoming European tour is a direct result of the overwhelming demand to hear the band’s much loved catalogue of unforgettable songs. The Straits will perform songs from the classic albums Dire Straits (1978), Communiqué (1979), Making Movies (1980), Love Over Gold (1982), Brothers In Arms (1985) and On Every Street (1991). Expect to hear all the classics including Money For Nothing, Sultans of Swing, Walk of Life, Romeo and Juliet, Brothers in Arms, Private Investigations, Solid Rock, Tunnel of Love, and many more.

The Straits are comprised of former Dire Straits members Alan Clark (keyboards) and Chris White (sax, vocals), plus world-class musicians Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty’s drummer), Terence Reis (lead vocals, guitar), Mike Feat (bass), Adam Phillips (guitar) and Jamie Squire (keyboards, vocals).

The Straits’ 2012 European Tour Dates:

Belfast – Ulster Hall (March 5)

Dublin - Olympia Theatre (March 6)

Gothenburg - Brewhouse (March 9)

Copenhagen - Amager Bio (March 10)

Zurich - X-Tra (March 18)

Aarhus, Denmark - Train (March 11)

Stuttgart - LKA (March 13)

Prague - KC Vltavska (March 14)

Vienna - Gasometer (March 16)

Munich - Muffathalle (March 17)

Porto, Portugal - Hard Club (March 21)

Lisbon - Aula Magna (March 22)

Bilbao, Spain - Sala Santana 27 (March 24)

Gijon, Spain – Teatro Jovellanos (March 25)

Paris, France – La Cigalen – March 27)

Tilburg, Holland – O13 (March 28)

London, UK – Indig02 (March 29)

Beau Sejour, Guernsey – Sir John Loveridge Hall (April 1)

DONCASTER born pop sensation Louis Tomlinson is set to follow up his Brit Awards win with band One Direction with a massive UK arena tour - including a South Yorkshire homecoming.

The Bessacarr star and his band-mates scooped the prestigious Best British single at last night’s glittering music bash at London’s 02 Arena for debut What Makes You Beautiful.

And to celebrate Zayn, Niall, Liam, Harry and Louis are to embark on their first headline Arena Tour that will see them perform in Sheffield at the Motorpoint Arena on March 19 2013.

Tickets priced £25 & £32.50 (may be subject to booking fee) go on sale 9am Saturday, February 25 on 0114 256 56 56, in person at the Arena or online at {http://www.motorpointarenasheffield.co.uk./|Motorpoint Arena Sheffield|click here}

They’ve sold over 1.6 million records in just four months; had 100 million views on YouTube; have two No.1 selling books; scored two major hit singles and a platinum selling debut album in the UK; and won Best Single for ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ at the 2012 BRIT Awards.

Currently making waves in the USA by entering the US iTunes Top 10, the band are about to embark on a tour of America with boy band Big Time Rush. They recently filmed a cameo appearance for the immensely popular Nickelodeon show iCarly, as well as appearing on the cover of the likes of M Magazine. Over 100,000 fans in America also signed up to the band’s US Facebook page in a bid to bring 1D to their home state – Dallas showed the most love for the band to emerge triumphant.

The 11 date tour will see the One Direction boys perform at key venues across the UK, stopping off in Sheffield Tuesday, March 19, 2013

ONE DIRECTION 2013 TOUR DATES

FEBRUARY

Friday 22 - London The O2 Arena

Saturday 23 - London The O2 Arena

Tuesday 26 - Glasgow SECC

MARCH

Friday 1 - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Saturday 2 - Cardiff Motorpoint Arena

Friday 15 - Manchester Arena

Sunday 17 - Liverpool Echo Arena

Tuesday 19 - Sheffield Motorpoint Arena

Wednesday 20 - Nottingham Capital FM Arena

Friday 22 - Birmingham LG Arena

Sunday 24 - Newcastle Metro Radio Arena

Keepmoat Homes’ green credentials continue to grow with the addition of prestigious awards, accolades and accreditations.

In the past two weeks the company has become the What House? ‘Sustainable developer of the year’, been a finalist in the British Energy Awards ‘Excellence in carbon reduction’ and as part of the Keepmoat Group, achieved its highest ever score in the NextGeneration benchmark, which measures sustainability performance.

Said Keepmoat Homes Sustainability Manager, Stacey Chappell: “This is great news, which rewards the significant efforts of our people to improve environmental performance and build more sustainable homes for the future. That’s good for business, good for the planet and good for customers, who will enjoy lower energy costs.”

The What House? Awards – now in a 30th year – celebrate outstanding achievement in the house building industry. This is what the judges said about Keepmoat Homes’ entry: “From a strategic level right down to on-site policies the company has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability.”

In addition to these awards, Keepmoat Homes has, over the past year, become the first house builder in the UK to achieve certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI) for the energy management system standard, BS EN 16001 and is now working towards ISO 50001 energy management accreditation.

As part of a drive to improve its environmental credentials and build more sustainable homes, the company, which constructs around 1,600 properties a year throughout the South East, Midlands and the North of England, is replacing traditional site cabins with modern, double glazed, highly insulated, temperature controlled eco-units with self closing doors and low energy lighting managed by sensors.

Sales offices and show homes are also being overhauled. The garages in which the sales teams work are now fitted with additional floor, wall and roof insulation while the adjacent show homes benefit from low energy sensor lighting.

In addition, training and energy awareness sessions are staged with all staff and a Home User Guide provided to buyers encourages green lifestyles by including advice and guidance on recycling and energy conservation.

Keepmoat Homes is applying sustainable technology to all the homes it builds, including staging a trial of code five and six homes.

It is believed that these homes, in Newcastle, will be the first in Britain to meet the SAP2009 November 2010 code. They will be measured against the BREEAM standard, which sets the benchmark for best practice in sustainable building design and construction.

]]> 1.4271654 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:33:44 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/video_link_the_milk_set_to_deliver_fresh_new_sound_at_leopard_1_4271327

Essex soul band The Milk will be playing the Leopard in Doncaster on March 13.

Influenced by the classic Motown, Staz and Trojan Records that soundtracked their teens, 2011 saw The Milk sell out the likes of Hoxton Bar & Kitchen, Dingwalls, The Jazz Café, XOYO and the Camden Barfly in London alone, and whilst still unsigned.

With a new single scheduled for release through Sony/Sign of the Times, Simon Fuller’s record label, at the start of April, the band’s first extensive UK tour will see them preview songs from their forthcoming debut album, which has been produced by celebrated DJ and remixer Brad Baloo (The Nextmen).

The tour begins in Canterbury on March 1, and includes the band’s biggest headline show to date at London’s Scala on April 4.

The Milk are quickly earning a reputation as one of the UK’s most exciting live bands. They were even nominated for Best Breakthrough Artist at the UK Festival Awards this summer, going up against the likes of Bruno Mars and Jessie J.

Having been friends since school, The Milk began life as a teenage punk band: after some disastrous efforts to act rock-and-roll, the group soon split, though lead-singer Rick’s belting soulful voice arguably benefited from these loud, formative years.

Sometime later, the boys revisited the classic Motown, Stax and Trojan Records that had soundtracked their teens, intent on putting on a club night. Instead, they hit a creative breakthrough.

Holed up in the shed at the bottom of their garden, all new songs and sounds were experimented with, which were written in-between and sometimes in response to a series of make-do jobs in Wickford, Essex. And it is to their hometown that the band will round off their tour, with a Chinnerys show in Southend on April 5.

click the media link on the right to play video

]]> 1.4271327 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:40:09 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/benefit_changes_to_bring_child_poverty_to_don_and_dearne_1_4271338

CHILDREN will be plunged in to poverty when changes to Working Tax Credit come in to force in April, a charity has warned.

Families in Mexborough and across the Dearne could be among those to suffer most, as couples who currently work 16 hours to qualify for the benefit worth £3,870 a year, are told they must work 24 hours to receive it in the future.

The recession, coupled with childcare issues will make this requirement impossible for the majority of affected families, claims the Child Poverty Action Group.

Local councillors agree. Dearne North Coun Janice Hancock said: “People are struggling to get by. The work isn’t there, and if it was families would still face problems over childcare.

“This government is not living in the real world. You need to live here to know how hard it is for people.

“The one thing that matters has been taken away from young people and that’s hope - hope of getting work, hope of getting a house. All we can do is to shout as much as we can for them”.

The chief executive of the Child Poverty Action Group, Alison Garnham, said; “This change will pull the rug from under the feet of hundreds of thousands of families desperately trying to make ends meet. It’s inevitable that many children will be thrown in to poverty.

“Imagine how hard it will be on low pay, with low hours and kids to take care of, when suddenly up to £70 a week gets taken away.

“The sensible thing to do is for David Cameron to put this on hold, or it will mean many families are no longer better off in work”.

Government statistics reveal the changes will affect 420 families and 840 kids in Doncaster North constituency, including Mexborough. In Wentworth and Dearne, taking in Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe, Bolton, Swinton, Rawmarsh and Wath, there are 415 affected families with 655 children. Another 360 families and 750 youngsters will suffer in Barnsley East, including Wombwell and Darfield, and in Don Valley, with Conisbrough and Denaby, 455 kids and 220 families stand to lose out.

]]> 1.4271338 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:23:23 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/new_apprenticeships_1_4271320

A CHARITY that aims to regenerate former mining communities in South Yorkshire, has announced funding towards apprenticeships and job opportunities.

As the number of youths out of work spirals to 1.04 million, the Coalfields Regeneration Trust’s (CRT) National Apprenticeship Programme will invest £20,000 in Rotherham to create 20 apprenticeships, that will be delivered by Rotherham College of Arts and Technology.

The boost brings the number of opportunities provided to young people in coalfield areas by the programme to 550 and investment by the CRT to more than £1.1m.

This second phase of the National Apprenticeship Programme will focus on young people aged between 16 and 25 who are more than twice as likely to be out of work than older people.

But in recognition of the growing number of young people not in education, employment or training, more than 70 per cent of the apprenticeships will be created for young people aged 16 to 18.

Trust chief executive officer Gary Ellis said: “This programme will be a real boost for young people struggling to find work. Former coalfield communities have been badly hit by the economic downturn and this has compounded the problems already experienced by young people.

“This programme is a direct response to help young people into work and create a strong platform for their future aspirations.”

The apprenticeships will run for 12 months, in a wide variety of industries and occupations and will run for a minimum of 12 months.

For more information about the Coalfields Regeneration Trust visit www.coalfields-regen.org.uk.

]]> 1.4271320 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:17:43 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/legal_blondes_holding_court_1_4270982

An exhausting and harrowing day in court had just drawn to a close.

For hours on end, prosecuting barrister Alison Dorrell had grilled the man in the dock.

But suddenly she found she herself was on trial.

The female judge presiding over the case had ordered Alison to her private chambers.

“I was instructed to lay my hands on her desk like some naughty schoolchild and told off in no uncertain terms for turning up to court in coloured nail varnish,” says the eminent 50-year-old Sheffield legal eagle, still smarting from the incident of many years ago.

“I’d gone to work wearing the pale peach polish I’d painted on for a new Year’s Eve party two days before.

“It was utterly ridiculous, but then so are many of the restrictions on the way female barristers present themselves in court. We have to dress like nuns; we might as well put a wimple on.”

Before she can step into Sheffield’s Crown Court, Alison has to ensure every strand of her flowing blonde hair is scraped from her face and hidden beneath her barrister’s wig. Her make-up must be barely visible, her jewellery restricted to wedding and engagement ring, her heels low and the clothes beneath her mandatory black robe be sober and plain. No flesh must be visible. Her arms cannot be bared above the wrist and a high white collar must cover her neck.

She well remembers the day, in the middle of a rape trial, when the judge announced he was retiring and would not return to the courtroom until Ms Dorrell had re-arranged her attire. A glimpse of her neck had apparently been on display.

The issue infuriates her: “In my opinion, these are Victorian values designed to keep us down and de-personalise us. I cannot see any reason for it in this day and age,” says the criminal law barrister, a Grade 4 prosecutor who specialises in cases of adult rape and child sex abuse.

Alison is married to fellow barrister Paul O’Shea – they share chambers on Campo Lane. They also attempt to share the parenting duties for their two sons, now 13 and 15, but most of them inevitably fall on Alison.

“The arrangement is we take it in turns, depending on who has the case on at the time,” she says. “But generally speaking it’s still the woman who runs the home. I have to deal with much of the parenting stuff and juggle a caseload as well.

“I went back to work two weeks after having my first child and was at work the morning of the Caesarean birth of my second, which had been planned for medical reasons.

“It’s an incredibly tough job for women. You can’t expect judges to be sympathetic to your childcare dilemmas, there’s zero tolerance.

“Whatever is happening at home, you have to walk into court with your mind on the case, a smile on your face and every hair in place,” says the Sheffield-born former Silverdale pupil.

Women at the Bar rarely go on to become judges. “They say many retire early because of motherhood but I think that’s tosh. I am surrounded by highly capable and promotable women who won’t get a look in when it comes to furthering their career,” says Alison who gave up such aspirations 10 years ago.

Her area of legal expertise is one of the most distressing, she admits: “You are listening day after day to the harrowing experiences people have been subjected to and it often casts a dark shadow.”

But what gets her through, she says, are other women in the profession.

“In court we fight one another hard,” she says. “But as soon as the robes are off, you’ll put your arm around her and do what women do; console and support.”

Legally Blonde The Musical starring Les Dennis, Ray Quinn and Niki Evans runs until Saturday.

Rachel appreciates the back-up at home

Many a male lawyer can dedicate himself to his career secure in the knowledge that family life is safely in the hands of his wife.

Rachel Roebuck, head of the children’s team at Sheffield law firm Lupton Fawcett’s Absolute Family, is one of very few female lawyers bestowed with the same privilege.

“It’s a tough, stressful job with very long hours. To go as far as you want in this profession and have a family life you have got to have support at home.

“And I’ve been very lucky - my partner Andy gave up his career for the sake of mine,” says the 49-year-old Barnsley mother of one.

“Andy took early retirement from his civil service post when our son Samuel was nine months old and I was due to go back to work.

“It affected us financially, but the back-up I’ve had has been invaluable.”

When Sam turned three, Andy Mayo got a part time job that fitted around nursery hours and now he’s 12, it’s Andy who finishes work in time to pick him up from school, leaving Rachel free to manage her department’s immense workload without worrying about her child.

Consequently, she strives to support staff with children. She explains: “In family law there is a high proportion of women. We have a diary and we factor in everyone’s childcare arrangements.”

After 32 years in a traditionally male profession, Rachel insists she has never met with sexism. “You’re judged on your skills,” she says. “I have never had a problem with a male colleague purely because I’m a woman in the job.

“I’m tall and blonde and appearance-wise, while I’ve strived to achieve a balance between professionalism and looking approachable to the children and families I deal with, I have never denied the fact that I’m female – though I’d like to think colleagues see me first and foremost as professional, hard-working and forthright.”

Collette still likes to ‘think pink’

Collette Noonan is a girl who likes to think pink.

“I can definitely identify with Elle, the character in Legally Blonde,” she giggles. “I often add a girly touch – maybe a pink shirt or a pair of pink court shoes to a smart grey suit. I’ve even got a fluffy pink pen, just like Reese had in the film.”

“I want to be able to express my personality in the way I dress for work, but that can be difficult, particularly if I’m going to court, when it needs to be much more formal and respectful,” says the 28-year-old litigation executive at Graysons with Watsam Esam in Paradise Square.

“I tailor my look according to the day’s requirements, although often that smart court suit could well have come from Dorothy Perkins or even Asda – I have to buy them so often, I’m continually searching for bargains.”

Collette is, by her own admission, “a bit ditsy at times” and known for her sense of humour. “But I’m also intelligent, hard-working and good at what I do,” she says.

“I think people still jump to the conclusion that blondes are a bit dim. It’s nice to surprise them,” she grins.

“Clients’s faces often register surprise when I walk into reception to meet them. They expect someone older and male. Back in the day, this was a male-dominated profession and some clients still have the stereotypical view.

“There was one occasion at my previous law firm when a client was adamant they wanted a man to represent them, not me.”

Collette loves the Legally Blonde movies; she has them both on DVD and has already been to see the musical at the Lyceum.

And just like the character Elle, she has plenty of blonde ambition.

She’s determined to become a fully-qualified solicitor. “It’s what I’ve wanted since I was 11,” she says.

Selby district junior football clubs are invited to enter an annual summer tournament being organised by York City in the Community.

It will take place at the York City training ground on June 16/17 catering for age groups from U7s to U11s from 10.15am to 3pm each day.

The entry fee is £25 per team, but places are limited.

Medals will be awarded to every player taking part in the June 16 Fun Day (for U7s and U8s) while individual medals and team trophies will be awarded to first and second-placed sides in each age group from U9s upwards.

And as an extra incentive, the winners of the U9s, U10s and U11s tournament will also be offered the opportunity of being ball boys/girls during a York City league fixture.

The event will be supported by hot refreshments, a tuck shop, first aid, an inflatable penalty shoot-out competition, a bouncy castle, photographer, ice cream van and more.

For further details call 01904 624447 ext 7 or e-mail community@yorkcityfootballclub.co.uk

DONCASTER Rovers slumped to their first home defeat in six league games against Blackpool on TUESDAY night as the Seasiders completed a league double with a 3-1 win in the return at the Keepmoat Stadium.

It was a setback for Rovers in more ways than one. For given their poor away record the vast majority of the wins that manager Dean Saunders feels the team need to retain their Championship status are expected to have to come from games played at the Keepmoat Stadium, it is imperative that their home form remains good.

Blackpool played well on the night and I wouldn’t be surprised to see them win promotion back to the top flight at the first attempt.

Manager Dean Saunders was later than usual coming out to speak to the media post-match - I think it was around 10.20pm - which didn’t give me much time to compile a back page piece before the 10.30pm or so deadline.

Prior to the game I had been told off the record that long-serving Mickey Walker had been rushed to hospital, where he underwent heart surgery after collapsing at the training ground the previous afternoon.

I’ve known Mickey for many years in his various roles as youth team manager, assistant first-team manager, caretaker manager and, in recent years, director of football, and no matter what job he was doing at the time he has always been both personable and approachable. I was relieved to be told that Mickey would be okay, even though he would have to take things easy for a few weeks.

WEDNESDAY: DONCASTER Knights were put to the sword by a lively Nottingham side in their rearranged Championship clash at Meadow Lane, going down 40-14. It was Knights’ first game for three weeks and it showed in a poor first half which saw them come in 23-0 behind.

They hadn’t helped their cause by making unforced handling errors and giving away numerous free-kicks, though team boss Brett Davey did have cause to complain over some of the referee’s decisions.

Knights played much better in the second half and the final score-line looked like being far more respectable until Nottingham took advantage of PJ Gidlow’s yellow card to post two late converted tries.

Adding to Knights’ disappointment was a serious knee injury sustained by second-rower Dan Smith in his first start for the club after a long battle against a career-threatening neck injury.

The Dons got their 2012 campaign off to a winning start with a 48-10 win at Gateshead in their opening Northern Rail Cup Pool B clash. Centre Lee Waterman scored four tries on his competitive debut for the club.

THURSDAY: THE Bentley Ladies’ Thursday Charity Darts League presented their 2011 nominated charity, the Gynaecology Unit at the DRI, with a cheque for £1,300.

Rovers’ hopes of avoiding the drop received a boost as Portsmouth were docked 10 points after going into administration.

FRIDAY: I watched 2011 Super League champions Leeds Rhinos regain Rugby League’s World Club Challenge crown with a 26-12 win, which belies how close the match was, over Australian champions Manly Sea Eagles at Headingley. Although Leeds could have bettered the 21,000 capacity crowd by moving the game to Elland Road, as they have done in the past, the atmosphere generated justified the decision to play at home.

SATURDAY: IT was a red-letter day in Doncaster Knights’ history as their impressive Castle Park complex staged its first ever live televised game.

And thanks to a fair following from Rotherham, and some hard work by the club in promoting the match, the game attracted a bumper 4,000 plus crowd which, to the best of my knowledge, is a ground record.

A lot of people no doubt will have been seeing Knights play for the first time, either live or on television. But unfortunately neither the result, a 15-14 win for the Titans, or the game itself, will have done much to encourage many newcomers to give the Doncaster club another try which is a shame because most games at Castle Park are much more free-flowing and entertaining than this scrappy affair.

I watched half an hour of the match, which kicked off at 12.05pm, on Sky Sports, before recording the rest and setting off for Doncaster Rovers’ Championship derby against Leeds United at Elland Road - a stadium which has seen better days.

Regular readers of this column may remember that I knocked myself out on my last visit to the ground after walking into a low solid concrete support beam during the half-time break.

There are warnings plastered all over the said supports, in what is still a very small media room for a club of United’s stature, not that I would ever make the same mistake twice.

I was amazed at the number of media people in the packed room who remembered the incident.

I didn’t realise, nor it seemed did some other journalists, that Rovers had kicked off with only 10 men. It was only when I saw Pascal Chimbonda (who apparently was told to take off his tights) emerge out of the dressing room that I noticed the visitors were short-handed.

The main talking point after the game, however, was the bust up in the tunnel.

Exact details of what had happened were hard to find as neither team, who were both questioned by the West Yorkshire Police, were prepared to comment. But from snippets of information I was able to pick up by hanging around until nearly 6.30pm, it was clearly a fairly serious incident with a number of punches being thrown.

Boxing legend Chris Eubank was ringside at Rotherham’s Magna Centre to see his son Chris Jnr beat Doncaster middleweight Jason Ball on points in only his second paid contest. Big things are expected of Eubank, who spent three years training in tough American gyms prior to turning professional late last year, but he didn’t embarrass Ball.

SUNDAY: THE Dons left it too late to seriously challenge visiting York City Knights in their second Northern Rail Cup clash at the Keepmoat.

But at least their second half rally earned them a losing bonus point which could yet prove crucial in their bid to finish in the top four if they can win at least one of their two remaining games.

DONCASTER boy band sensation Louis Tomlinson is top of the pops tonight after his band One Direction picked up a prestigious Brit Award.

Louis, who hails from Bessacarr and his bandmates Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, scooped the Best Single statuette at this evening’s glittering music industry bash at London’s 02 Arena.

The group’s debut single What Makes You Beautiful was voted as the best British song of 2011 by radio listeners across the UK and beat off other multi-million selling stars such as Adele, JLS and Ed Sheeran.

It caps a remarkable twelve months for the lads who have become pop’s hottest property after finishing in third place on The X-Factor and have scored a string of hits as well as a sold out UK tour.

JOBS at Drax Power station are safe despite a decision to scrap plans for a massive new plant and a reduction in headline profits.

Senior managers announced they would drop their plan to build a dedicated £700 to £800 million biomass plant at the site on the same day they revealed preliminary results for 2011, which show a drop in key finance performance indicators.

Peter Emery, Production Director for Drax Group PLC, confirmed: “We have decided to cancel the dedicated plant we were going to build on the Drax site.”

This week’s decision was signposted last November in a management statement which said the investment case for new biomass plants was “highly challenging” and that the plants were “in doubt”.

If the new plant had gone ahead it would have created 600 construction jobs but fewer than 100 operational jobs. The plant would have had a 300 megawatt capacity.

Bosses now say the company is on a more “cost effective” course. Instead of the up to £800 million cost of the new plant, it will spend £50 million on infrastructure to allow existing biomass capacity in the main plant to increase by the same 300 megawatts.

The “co-firing” biomass capacity, currently at 500megawatts would then reach 800 megawatts – 20 per cent of the total 4,000 megawatt capacity of the otherwise coal-fired plant.

They stressed none of the existing 760 jobs at the Drax site would be affected, indeed there would be job creation in construction this year.

The decision to scrap the dedicated plant was announced alongside an almost £60m drop in Drax’s headline profit. However, Mr Emery said the performance was far better than anticipated in a volatile market.

The latest EBITDA figure (which represents profit before interest, tax, depreciations, and other factors) has dropped from £392 million in 2010 to £334 million in 2011.

But Mr Emery said that if government agreed even slight increases in financial support for Drax’s biomass production, it could mean more people being taken on at the huge power plant, which is vital to the economy of the local area.

Chief executive Dorothy Thompson said the company delivered excellent performance in 2011. It had a strong balance sheet to go forward with.

Selby and Ainsty MP Nigel Adams said the company continued to invest “a lot of money to safeguard jobs in the Selby area”

Selby band Route 19 have been chosen to play at the Crooked Ways festival, with headliners, Razorlight.

The inaugural Crooked Ways festival is showcasing 15 bands from around West and North Yorkshire to play at Crooked Ways with all of these artists having the chance to open up Crooked Ways’ main stage.

Joel Liddle, the lead singer of Route 19, said: “We’ve only been going a year and we’ve won the Selby Battle of the Bands competition and now we’ve been selectd to play at Crooked Ways.

“We’re also in talks with a record company – we’re going down to London soon.”

The band is made up of former Sherburn, Brayton and Selby High school boys. They play a mix of ska, indie and punk – and call it skindie punk.

Scott Ward, Marketing Director said: “We are delighted to announce Selby based skindie-punk rockers Route 19 will play.”

He said: “One of our aims when setting up Crooked Ways was to create opportunities for local bands to showcase their talent to a new audience.

“By creating a stage devoted solely to local artists we want to encourage all visitors to stop by the Crooked Ways Presents stage and check out some of the great, and original artists we have in the local area.”

He said Crooked Ways is an independent music festival, named in homage to an early 20th Century book which satirises life in Pontefract. The festival is expecting 14,000 visitors through its gates and will be held in Pontefract Park in the shadow of the town’s famous racecourse on 26th May 2012.

You can learn more about Route 19 by searching facebook.

A PROJECT to collect the memories of people who were involved in Selby’s shipbuilding past has been launched.

North Yorkshire County Council’s archive office held two sessions at Selby Library on Monday to try to make contact with former workers but also to find others who would be willing to help collate a huge archive of information from Cochrane’s shipbuilders that has been donated to the council.

Ellen Tout, from the archive office, said volunteers were needed to help list the collection, re-package the archive, conduct and transcribe interviews with former workers and digitise old photographs for the Trawling Through Time project, which has received a £48,800 Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

Ken Sayner, of Selby and District Family History Group, said: “We feel it’s something we might be able to do to our mutual benefit.”

He said the Cochrane’s archive offered the chance for local people to understand more of what their ancestors may have done at the firm. Ellen has been invited to an open meeting of the family history group on May 1 at Selby Town Hall.

Cochrane’s shipyard was open from 1898 to 1992. When it closed, it ended a 500-year tradition of shipbuilding in Selby.

The company built vessels including trawlers and coasters, oil rig supply vessels, coastal tankers and ferries.

]]> 1.4270247 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:40:10 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/pop_favourites_saint_etienne_return_for_uk_tour_and_new_album_1_4270222

Much loved London trio Saint Etienne are back this spring with their first album in seven years and will embark on a full UK tour in May.

An antidote to landfill indie and the R&B-goes-to-Ibiza choking the charts, it’s a full on celebration of pop. The album contains a dozen uptempo slices of electro-pop which they have concocted with Richard X.

‘Tonight’ will be the first single from the album and is all about the primal and atavistic pull that all good pop music exerts, about how the unadulterated thrill of a great band or gig can sometimes feel like a hotline straight to your heart.The track is produced by Xenomania lynchpin TIm Powell (Girls Aloud, Kylie, Sugababes), and mixed by Richard X.

The new album will mix perfectly into a new live set with the band’s classic hits such as He’s On The Phone, Only Love Can Break Your Heart and Nothing Can Stop Us.

May 2012

Tuesday 22 Sheffield Leadmill*

Wednesday 23 Glasgow Oran Mor

Thursday 24 Liverpool Kazimer

Friday 25 Cardiff Gate Theatre

Saturday 26 Leamington Spa Assembly*

Monday 28 London Palladium*

*Tickets are £18.50 (£28.50/£25.00/£22.50 London) and go onsale Tuesday February 21 2012 at 9am, tel. 0844 811 0051 {http://www.gigsandtours.com/gat/index.asp|Gigs and Tours|click here}

{http://www.saintetienne.com/|Saint Etienne|click here}

]]> 1.4270222 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:12:30 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/azealia_banks_set_for_debut_ep_release_and_uk_tour_1_4270190

Azealia Banks is to release her debut ‘212’ EP on Polydor Records, on March 25. The EP will feature the title track plus previously unreleased track ‘Liquorice’ and a selection of brand new remixes.

Banks is currently performing on the sold out 2012 NME Awards UK tour alongside Two Door Cinema Club, Metronomy and Tribes. She will play her own sold out headline show at Heaven in London on Monday February 27.

The controversial ‘212’ is fast approaching 4 million views on Youtube, whilst Azealia recently topped NME’s Cool List for 2012 and featured in the top three in the BBC Sounds of 2012 poll. She is currently recording her debut album and is gearing up for a Summer full of festival performance.

Banks will embark on her first headline UK tour later this year. Full details below:

September:

Friday 28 - Manchester Club Academy 0161 832 1111

Saturday 29 – Glasgow 02 ABC 0844 499 9990

October:

Monday 01 - Newcastle O2 Academy 2 0844 477 2000

Tuesday 02 - Liverpool O2 Academy 2 0844 477 2000

Wednesday 03 - Leeds Met Uni 0113 244 4600

Friday 05 - Birmingham HMV Library 0844 248 5037

Saturday 06 - Oxford O2 Academy 0844 477 2000

Sunday 07 - Norwich Waterfront 01603 508 050

Tuesday 09 - Cambridge Junction 01223 511 511

Wednesday 10 - Brighton Concorde 2 01273 673 311

Friday 12 - London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire 0844 477 2000

£12.50 (£15 London)

{http://www.azealiabanksforever.com/news|Azealia Banks Forever|click here}

]]> 1.4270190 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:53:25 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/moving_house_let_harrison_murray_take_the_strain_1_4270158

MOVING house can be one of life’s most exciting, but in some cases, daunting experiences – particularly if you haven’t done it for a while.

There’s ever changing legislation to get to grips with, current stamp duty implications and a range of other requirements that come hand in hand with the moving process.

Development director at independent estate agents and valuers, Harrison Murray, Jackie Scotten, said: “Moving house can be somewhat daunting for people who haven’t been through the process for several years, and aspects of it may have changed over that time.

“Our aim, as should be that of all estate agents, is to be completely transparent with buyers and sellers and guide them gently and confidently through the moving procedure.

“We will explain the process thoroughly and in detail, and take the time to care. Moving to a new home is a big investment, financially and emotionally, and all our staff want customers to enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.”

Some points to bear in mind when moving buying or selling a property.

Once you are certain you want to move, choose your agent wisely. Instruct an agent with a good reputation whom you feel will market your home to the best of their ability, and who is a member of The Property Ombudsman scheme and the National Association of Estate Agents.

If you are selling, be sure to highlight and pass on to your agent details of any outstanding features that first attracted you to your property. Your agent will work this information into the sales details. This could include such things as extra large storage spaces or a dedicated outdoor dining area.

As a buyer you may have to pay Stamp Duty. This is a Government tax payable on the completion of a property purchase – normally set at between one and three per cent of the purchase price. This can fluctuate, and over the past 18 months, Stamp Duty has been frozen for first time buyers. However, as from the end of March 2012, this Stamp Duty exemption will be axed.

There are many legal points to consider, but being well prepared may help to speed up the process, from viewings to the eventual sale.

Gather any documents you have that relate to the property, no matter how trivial you think they are. Buyers’ solicitors will expect to see all documents and it could result in delays if they are not provided. Windows installed after April 1, 2002 need FENSA certificates, and any remedial works should have associated guarantees.

Any previous building work will require copies of the relevant building regulations and planning permissions, as well as the completion certificate for the work.

By law, an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) – which gives current ratings and information on how to make your home more energy efficient and reduce carbon dioxide emissions – needs to be provided. Your estate agent can arrange this.

Conveyancing is the last hurdle. Put simply, this is the act of legally transferring a property from one person to another, and has, by law, to be carried out by a solicitor or licensed conveyancer.

Harrison Murray’s conveyancing solicitors can open the file for the Seller at the start of the marketing process and prepare all the necessary documentation in order to reduce the time from offer to exchange of contracts, as the longer the process takes, the more likely it is that the sale may fall through.

]]> 1.4270158 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:31:21 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/british_homes_at_risk_of_falling_into_disrepair_1_4270135

Homeowners faced with collective bill of almost £1.2 billion because of neglected homes. Less than one in four had cover in place to cover the cost.

Austerity measures are causing many home owners to risk letting their homes fall into disrepair, according to research from the AA’s Home Emergency Response Service. The new study reveals that in the past year, over 18.5 million Britons (39 per cent) have delayed home repairs or maintenance or tried to fix things themselves in order to save money.

The findings show that these delays and cost cutting attempts have left homeowners with a collective bill of almost £1.2 billion, as one in five (21 per cent) of those delaying or scrimping on home maintenance have experienced problems or unforeseen costs as a result.

In an effort to save cash, in the past year 14 per cent of people have carried out some DIY work on their home that they would previously have employed a tradesman to do, and 11 per cent have had friends round to help on a DIY project for free.

Eight per cent of people have delayed getting their boiler serviced and the same number has delayed paying to have work done in the garden. Another 5 per cent have put off replacing or repairing a damaged window and 4 per cent have delayed mending a leaky or damaged roof. Some 2 per cent have held off checking or replacing damaged locks.

However, around three million of these cost-cutters suffered problems as a result of their austerity measures, spending an average of £398 each trying to rectify them. Only five per cent of those suffering problems or unforeseen costs were covered by their standard home insurance policy and only one in five (19 per cent) had home emergency response policies that covered the cost.

Some eight per cent of those who had delayed work suffered a home emergency such as a leaking roof or a broken down boiler because they did so, and seven per cent subsequently needed to call a tradesman to deal with it. Three per cent of those who tried to economise on home maintenance ended up having to call a tradesman out to rectify DIY work they had botched.

Tom Stringer, Head of AA Home Emergency Response, said: “As the struggling economy continues to hit people in the pocket, more and more people are putting off home maintenance and are letting their homes get into a state of disrepair. Many homeowners seem to be mirroring the government’s drive for austerity but this can be a false economy as problems tend to get worse in the home if you leave them unresolved.

“Home emergencies can prove expensive if homes are not maintained properly. We would suggest that apart from keeping up their home maintenance properly, homeowners should look carefully at their home insurance policy and consider a stand-alone home emergency policy for peace of mind if they are not adequately covered.”

AA Home Emergency Response Cover starts from £6.99 a month.

]]> 1.4270135 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:18:13 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/event_returns_1_4266921

FAMILIES are being urged to get together for a unique stargazing event at a Dearne nature reserve.

Mexborough and Swinton Astronomical Society (MSAS) will be giving talks and presentations at the Old Moor wetlands site at Wombwell as part of the “Cormorants and Constellations the Sequel” event.

RSPB staff will also be giving guided walks around the site to give visitors the chance to watch birds come home to roost.

This is a follow up to a similar event which proved to be a huge success in January.

It will take place on Sunday, February 26, from 4.30pm onwards.

Anyone interested in attending can contact MSAS member Les Marsden for more information on 01709 584217. Alternatively, contact the Old Moor wetlands centre on 01226 751593.

During all the last minute arrangements you have to make when moving house it is just possible that your cat’s welfare might not be top of your priority list.

Here is some good advice from Britannia Movers International to keep your cat happy on moving day and make sure he doesn’t scarper off to the old house as soon as you arrive.

On moving day

Your cat could easily become distressed when a team of removal men arrive and start moving everything with which he is familiar. So before the chaps arrive, put Tiddles in a cat carrier, with a little food, in the smallest bedroom in the house. Put a notice on the door telling the crew to leave that room until last. If your cat is of a nervous disposition, you could use a plug in pheromone diffuser (such as Feliway) in the room to help him relax.

On the road

Don’t feed your cat just before you leave the house. Take the cat out of his temporary confinement to let the movers finish the job. Then put the cat carrier securely in your car ready for the journey. Do not let him travel in the removal van. Although there have been many stories of stowaways, it’s not a great idea for either the cat or the furniture.

The new house

If you have moved locally it’s possible that your cat will return to his old hunting grounds and follow the old trails back to the previous house. If you think this is likely, tell the new occupants and ask them to call you if he turns up. Tell them not to feed him no matter how fed up he looks.

Don’t let your cat outside for at least two weeks. Help him to feel secure by rubbing a soft cloth around his face and spreading the scent around the house by rubbing the cloth on doorways and furniture.

When you do let him venture out, open the door and let him choose to explore – don’t carry him. Don’t feed him before he goes: if he’s hungry he won’t stray far. Leave the door open so he can easily get back in when he’s ready. Chase any strange cats away: he’ll need lots of help to establish his territory in the new area. A water spray is the way recommended by animal sanctuaries. Try to maintain the same routine you had at the old house. Make sure he has an identification collar with your phone number on and, if he’s not microchipped, now’s the time to do it.

Moving house can be a stressful time for everybody. Follow these guidelines and you will help make sure it’s as easy as it can be for your feline friend.

Great advice from Britannia Movers International

]]> 1.4270094 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:53:40 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/moxon_reflects_on_a_good_contest_with_the_proteas_1_4249883

Certain comments made during a question and answer session at Barlby High School’s prize presentation by guest speaker Martyn Moxon,Yorkshire’s director of cricket, were unfortunately initially lost in translation – that is to say, the video could not be successfully accessed here due to lack of speakers.

But all can now be revealed.

Headteacher Heather Scott had asked him (on behalf of Selby Times sports editor Charles Gardner who could not be there due to another engagement) how he felt the England team would fare against the South Africans this summer (Charles is from that part of the world).

He replied, rather diplomatically we suspect: “They are a very good team and will be hard to beat. It will be a good contest.”

Before ‘playing it back’, as it were, Heather was under the impression that he said he thought England would ‘squeak it’. That’s as may be, but we shall see.

Charles, meanwhile, has plans to join his brothers at the first test when it kicks off at The Oval on July 20 (see This Sporting Life).

Australian-born Heather also (rather mischievously) asked Martyn what he thought of Michael Clarke’s stunning 329 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The answer has not been conveyed to me.

Anyway, she told us he was soon leaving for Barbados to “prepare for the summer” with the Yorkshire County Cricket Club.

“As an Australian, I’m wondering what similarities there are between the Caribbean and Headingley!

“But they deserve a bit of sunshine!” she added generously.

A POLICE chief has praised communities for putting up a united front to help “scare off” poachers following a worrying increase in the crime across Selby district.

As the winter poaching season draws to a close, Selby’s acting Chief Insp Richard Abbott said criminals are now shying away from the area following the re-launch of one of the force’s most successful operations in recent years.

Operation Jumbo was started in 2009 to tackle poachers targeting the area through the winter months. It was kick-started again last October in a bid to combat rural crime, including barbaric blood sports such as badger baiting.

And this year has also seen a dramatic drop in poaching incidents.

Chief Insp Abbott said: “It’s been our best ever year. We’ve seen fewer incidents so it must be working.

“Those that have committed the crime have felt the full force of the law. We’ve arrested them, seized vehicles and seized dogs.

“We’ve had massive support from rural communities. That’s why it has been such a great success. Police and the public have been working together and it’s scaring poachers away and making them think twice.

“We have a rural watch system and a ringmaster system and support from gamekeepers, landowners and farmers who come out on patrol with us, which means we have a better chance of catching poachers.”

He added: “The old-fashioned image of a poacher with a shotgun over his arm and a brace of pheasants in his hand isn’t the reality. People are coming from other counties, including Lancashire and West Yorkshire, and we’ve seen hare coursing, lamping, deer poaching and badger baiting. However, it’s been a lot less than previous years.”

LEAP year tradition has it that February 29 is the only day women are allowed to propose to their boyfriends!

While times have changed, we’d like to hear from any Selby district women planning to pop the question to the love of their life on this special day. Or perhaps you have a birthday on February 29 and only et to celebrate once every four years!

E-mail your contact details to editorial@selbytimes.co.uk or call 01757 702198.

RESIDENTS who do not have access to a mains gas supply are set to benefit from new state-of-the-art heating thanks to the extension of a successful council scheme.

Many in Swinefleet have already benefited from a partnership between East Riding Council and community interest company, Community Energy Solutions, during the past four years.

In areas where gas network extensions are not possible, the project has involved properties’ outdated heating systems being replaced with new state-of-the-art air-source heat pumps, which draw in air from the outside and use it to heat radiators.

The scheme has been extended until the end of March 2013, thanks to ERYC receiving funding to install the new systems in a minimum of 25 more homes.

Applications are being sought from private homeowners and those living in private rented accommodation who don’t currently have access to a mains gas supply. Contact Jane Mears on 01482 396278 or e-mail her at jane.mears@eastriding.gov.uk if you are interested.

IF Shrove Tuesday has a habit of catching you unawares (it’s today by the way) then don’t miss these terrifically easy recipes.

Unlike countries that adore Shrove Tuesday (or Mardi Gras) and break out the feathered bikinis, parades and fireworks without hesitation, Pancake Day in Britain is a more indoor, cosy, Jif Lemon-focused affair.

That means there’s every reason to indulge in ‘Fat Tuesday’ and rediscover one of the simplest, yet versatile, recipes around.

Pancakes essentially need just four basic ingredients: plain flour, salt, milk and eggs.

Once compiled, the batter is then griddled to form a flatbread, which can be used to transport everything from chocolate to Stilton into your mouth, via a soft, doughy parcel.

MasterChef winner Matt Follas is a big fan, and as a father of three, appreciates both their simplicity and popularity.

“Pancakes are great because they’re so quick and easy to make,” says the 2009 trophy holder. “They’re perfect for snacking or as a main meal. And you can create a healthy version or add chocolate for more of a treat. I find kids love pikelets, the smaller version of pancakes.”

But, he adds, cooks shouldn’t be put off by initial disasters when it comes to flipping: “To avoid the pancake sticking, use a non-stick pan where possible. Otherwise, don’t worry if the first one sticks, it’ll season the pan for the next one.”

Lemon and sugar pancakes (Serves 4)

2 eggs

2dsp plain flour

200g caster sugar

300ml milk

Pinch of salt

Knob of butter

1 lemon, juiced

Mix the eggs, flour, two teaspoons of sugar and salt to a paste. Slowly add the milk mixing continuously until it becomes the consistency of paint.

Pour into a flat, hot, buttered pan. Lift the pan, moving the mixture so that it evenly coats the base of the pan to form a thin pancake.

After about two minutes, the pancake should be loose. Tease the edges and then with a rolling motion, toss the pancake and catch it again to cook the other side for around one minute.

Serve with the rest of the sugar decanted into a bowl, and lemon juice, for everyone to help themselves to.

Cheese and broccoli pancakes (Serves 4)

100g cheddar cheese, grated

50g parmesan cheese, grated

150ml double cream

Salt

One medium head of broccoli, chopped up

2 eggs

2dsp plain flour

300ml milk

Knob of butter

Gently heat the double cream in a pan. While whisking, gradually add the parmesan, 50g of cheddar, and a pinch of salt. Continue mixing until they have melted and become a thick and creamy sauce.

Cook the broccoli for two minutes in boiling water, then place in a bowl of cold water to halt the cooking process. This will preserve the vivid colour.

In a bowl, mix the eggs, the rest of the cheddar cheese, flour and pinch of salt to form a paste. Slowly add the milk, mixing continuously until it becomes the consistency of paint.

Pour this batter into a hot, flat, buttered pan. Lift the pan, moving the mixture so that it evenly coats the base, forming a thin pancake. After approximately two minutes, the pancake should be loose. Tease the edges away from the sides and then, with a rolling motion, toss the pancake and catch it again, cooking the other side for around one minute.

To finish, place the pancake on a plate, put the broccoli (three to four small florets per pancake) and the cheese sauce on one half of the pancake, fold the other half over and drizzle with a little more cheese sauce.

Chocolate pikelets (Serves 4)

25g cocoa

50g 72% chocolate broken into squares (or use a good milk chocolate)

100ml double cream

2 eggs

2dsp plain flour

2tsp caster sugar

300ml milk

Pinch of salt

Knob of butter

Hundreds and thousands

To make a simple chocolate sauce, warm the cream gently in a pan and add the chocolate. Stir until the chocolate has melted and combined with the cream.

Mix the eggs, flour, caster sugar and salt to a paste. Slowly add the milk, mixing continuously until it becomes the consistency of paint.

Split the batter into two and add the cocoa to one half of the mixture. This will make for a selection of half chocolate and half plain pancakes.

Pour approximately two tablespoons of batter at a time into a hot, flat, buttered, pan to form four-inch circles - feel free to cook several at a time. After about two minutes, the pikelets should be loose. Tease the edges and then flip them with a spatula to cook the other side for approximately one minute.

Serve with chocolate cream sauce and sprinkle with hundreds and thousands.

Pancakes with rhubarb (Serves 4)

1 egg

1tbsp flour

1tsp sugar

Pinch of salt

Knob of butter

128ml milk

Three sticks of rhubarb

Cornflour

Slice two-inch pieces of rhubarb and roll in cornflour. Place on a baking tray and bake at 160C/Gas mark 3 for 20 minutes.

Mix together the eggs, flour, sugar and pinch of salt. Slowly add the milk until the mixture is as thick as single cream.

When the rhubarb is cooked, make the pancakes.

Pour the batter into a hot, flat, buttered pan. Lift the pan, moving the mixture so that it evenly coats the base, forming a thin pancake. After approximately two minutes, the pancake should be loose. Tease the edges away from the sides and then, with a rolling motion, toss the pancake and catch it again, cooking the other side for around one minute.

Place the rhubarb slices on pancake and pour over the syrup from the baking tray.

Very berry pancakes (Serves 4)

2 eggs

2dsp plain flour

100g caster sugar

300ml milk

Pinch of salt

Knob of butter

200g seasonal berries

Clean the berries and rinse in cold water. Place half the berries and half the caster sugar in a saucepan with two tablespoons of water and gently heat until the berries have broken down and become a wet pulp. Push the pulp and juice through a sieve to make a sauce and taste to check its sweetness. Add a little more sugar if required.

Roughly chop the remainder of the berries, remembering to put a few whole berries aside beforehand for decorating.

In a bowl, mix the eggs, flour, salt and two teaspoons of caster sugar to form a paste. Slowly add the milk, mixing continuously, until it becomes the consistency of paint.

Pour into a hot, flat, buttered pan. Lift the pan, moving the mixture so that it evenly coats the base, forming a thin pancake. Drop some of the chopped berries onto the pancake before it cooks through.

After approximately two minutes, the pancake should be loose. Tease the edges away from the sides and then, with a rolling motion, toss the pancake and catch it again, cooking the other side for around one minute.

Serve with a drizzle of sauce and decorate with berries.

All recipes courtesy of the Happy Eggs Co, please visit {http://thehappyegg.co.uk/|The Happy Egg|click here} for more details.

COUNCILS from across Yorkshire are to meet in Rotherham to discuss how to increase use of electric powered vehicles.

A new collective approach by councils throughout Yorkshire and the Humber may see them using joint funding and purchasing power to try to introduce more delivery of services with electric vehicles.

Coun Roger Stone, leader of Rotherham Council and vice chair of Local Government Yorkshire and Humber, said: ”Devising innovative and different ways of working has been one of the driving forces of local government in Yorkshire and Humber for many years. Protecting the environment is also one of our key priorities. Local Authorities have a major part to play in ensuring that our services are delivered in ways that are not only best for the enviroment but are cost effective for our citizens.

”Councils across Yorkshire and Humber are facing unprecedented cuts to budgets. Accessing European funding for projects such as these help us develop effective new ways of working while ensuring that the Local Authority services people value and need are protected”.

]]> 1.4267917 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:17:28 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/boost_for_new_businesses_1_4267915

A NEW scheme has been unveiled to help encourage more entrepreneurs in Barnsley.

The news comes as the town is highlighted as one of the worst in the country for business start-ups, with half as many new businesses as places like Brighton and Aberdeen.

The town is also in the bottom ten for the number of businesses that exist per head of population.

SmartStart, which will be free, will run from April 1 at Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre (BBIC). It will be part of the second phase of Enterprising Barnsley, a European-funded business support programme that has helped create or protect more than 1,000 jobs in its first phase.

Tim Milburn, Chief Executive of BBIC, said: “What we want is for people to come along for a chat to see if we can help them with a business idea. If we can help, then we will.”

Under SmartStart, potential entrepreneurs will be given one-to-one advice by a business coach and invited to a series of workshops covering everything from sales and marketing to leadership and management.

Genesis is aimed at fledgling businesses and includes office accommodation, intensive business support and business development workshops.

Anyone who thinks they could benefit from support from SmartStart or Genesis, can enquire via the new website www.businessstartsatbbic.co.uk

]]> 1.4267915 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:16:50 +0000 http://www.goolecourier.co.uk/arsonists_cause_crags_fire_1_4267826

ARSONISTS caused a fire which spread across Denaby Crags on Monday night.

Firefighters from Edlington station attended the scene off Wadworth Street at about 9pm.

They spent about 40 minutes tackling the blaze with a hose reel.

A spokeswoman for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the blaze had been started deliberately.

PART of a garage was destroyed in Hickleton after a fire spread from an adjoining coal house.

Firefighters from Edlington and Dearne stations were called to the scene at Fir Tree Close at 5.45am today, Tuesday.

They used a single hose reel to tackle the blaze and left after about an hour.

A South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue spokeswoman said the cause was accidental.

Newly promoted to the York Senior League Premier Division, Selby Cricket Club have been given a double boost ahead of a season which promises great things.

They have received sponsorship from estate agents York Property Shop, which also has an office in Selby and whose co-partner Richard Mustill is a keen member of the club.

And they have been awarded their club mark accreditation for another three years by the Yorkshire Cricket Board for meeting the high standards of the ECB with their up-to-date facilities, excellent coaching arrangements and having a thriving junior section.

“It’s quite a stringent process involving a lot of documentation,” said club chairman Mick Pearce, who added: “The Premier League is going to be a big undertaking for us. We will have predominantly the same team but it’s been a long time since a Selby district club has competed at such a high level.”

Pictured with the certificate (from left) are Mel Neary (junior manager), Ian Lake (cricket manager) and Mick Pearce (chairman). Photo: Gary Foster