At the meeting on 2 November, the Council discussed a number of projects which came out of the Parish Plan:

It has been suggested that the Council provides more benches about the village. The Council has accepted this and plans to institute a long term programme, which is aimed at providing additional seating and refurbishing or replacing some of the older existing benches.

The Council is keen to consult residents on this, not only on where you think the next new bench should be sited, but it also wants to hear from those people who don’t want to see a bench outside their property. The Council will probably consider this again at its meeting in January, so if you have any suggestions, please contact the Clerk or any member of the Council during December. It has also been suggested that future benches should be dedicated to eminent Bramham citizens, perhaps those not already honoured in the church grounds or the Old People’s garden. Again, if you have any suggestions, please get in touch.

The Council has for many years been conscious of the absence of any sort of facilities on the playing field. The renaissance of the football club has again highlighted this issue and the Council is aware that the Sports & Leisure Group has been looking at the options. Historically the problem has been one of cost, in that being in the Conservation Area, any pavilion would need to be constructed in local stone, rather that the type of wooden or brick buildings that are generally erected. The Council has now entered into an Option Agreement with Leeds City Council regarding the future development of the former Bramham House Children’s Home site. In order to facilitate access to the site, probably as a residential development, it will be necessary to widen Freely Lane, by taking part of the verge on the edge of the playing field. Under the agreement, in return for the Council giving up this land, the housing developer will be required to provide a sports pavilion on the playing field. These are early days, in that agreement has only just been reached with Leeds, and it may be some time before a developer is appointed and construction takes place, but the Council sees this as an opportunity to overcome a major hurdle in providing facilities on the field.

Also at the meeting, the Council discussed its precept for next year (2006/7). This is the amount of money which it raises by a contribution from the Council Tax. As a result of the Parish Plan, several of the groups are embarking upon projects which will require an injection of funds from the Council. The Council is keen to support as many of the projects as possible, as they are the outcome of a process which counselled the views of the majority of the residents. Whilst this will mean a significant increase in the precept, the amount coming to Bramham in comparison with the total Council Tax will remain relatively small.

The Public Inquiry into the A1 upgrade between Bramham and Wetherby will open on January 30 in the Bridge Hotel, Walshford.

Bramham Under Fives Pre-School is holding

We are located in Bramham Primary School, Clifford Road, Bramham.

Everyone is invited to come and see the Pre-School in action and talk to our friendly qualified staff.

Our principals are based on learning through play and we run a happy, safe, small group that helps to develop our children’s personal and social skills.

We are open every morning during term time and the 4 hour sessions cost £6 each.

We are OFSTED registered and you can view our latest excellent inspection at: -

For more information ring

Heather Richards on

Now that most of the electrical work has been completed in the hall and the walls have been repainted, the Committee can start planning fund raising events and activities for 2006.

To start the New Year off the Spacecats will be hosting the Bramham New Year’s Eve Party at the Village Hall with all profits going to the depleted restoration fund. Admission is by ticket only, £10 per person, available in cash from the village shop. Bring your own drink (and food to share).

Other fund raising events already planned for 2006 are a Burns Night with a Ceilidh (slightly late) on 4th February, and thanks to Keith Robinson, the return of Boccigalupe and the Badboys on 4th March.

We are also hoping to ask families and individuals in the village to become named supporters of the Village Hall. We will be asking for a donation of at least £10 for which  you will be able to purchase an inscribed plaque that will be displayed in the hall. It is hoped to arrange that all subscribers will receive a discount voucher for a local restaurant. The plaques will be available to order from the Committee at the Christmas Fair and at later events.

The Committee has also produced sets of Christmas cards designed by the Bramham Brownies that will be on sale at the fair, again with proceeds going to the restoration fund.

The Village Hall Committee wishes all regular and new users of the Hall a happy Christmas and New Year. We hope that you will help us to continue the refurbishment plan by giving your continued support in 2006.

I would like to decorate a Christmas tree; instead of baubles I would hang, the names of all my friends.

Those who live far away, those who live near; the old ones and the new ones.

Those I see every day and those I hardly ever see; those I remember and those I sometimes forget.

Those from the hard times, and those from the good times.

Those who I accidentally hurt and those who accidentally hurt me.

Those who I know really well and those who I know superficially.

Those who owe me and those I owe; my humble friends and my important ones.

Those who taught me things and those who let me teach them.

A tree with deep roots so that the names can never be uprooted,

with long branches so that new names can be added to the old.

With shady bows so that friendships can be a rest and relief from our agitated lives.

We are changing the time of the Carol Service this year, for this year only, the Carol Service will be in the morning at 9.30 am at Bramham Church on Sunday 18th December. Please see the Parish notices for the full range of Christmas Services, and we look forward to seeing you and your Christmas visitors during the holiday season.

The Drighlington Brass Band will be entertaining us again at Bramham Park on Sunday 18th December at 7.30 pm, by kind permission of Nick and Rachel Lane Fox. See separate notice below. Proceeds for All Saints' Church Bramham.

You will see that the roof is being repaired to prevent rainwater seeping into the building, we will then be able to proceed with the very expensive project to re-wire the entire building in the early spring. Once this messy work has been completed we will start to redecorate. By this time next year we hope that our beautiful church will be looking marvellous once again.

We have just received new guidelines for the upkeep of Churchyards, if you have any queries please get in touch with Anne Palmer 01937 842850. You must have permission from the Priest in Charge if you want to place anything on the family grave. No fencing, paving, statues of any description at all are allowed on the grave. There is quite a long list and I do not have the room to include it in this magazine. IF IN DOUBT PLEASE ASK. We do not want you to spend money on the grave and discover, too late, that it will have to be removed.

Carla performed her play “A Grave Tale” in the churchyard a couple of weeks ago it was a very atmospheric piece and even though it was a particularly chilly evening the hour spent standing in the churchyard passed by exceedingly swiftly. Thank you Carla, we look forward to the next production.

We were so pleased to see so many of you at the Remembrance Day Service, together with the Brownies, Guides and the Sunflower Sunday School children; after the service in Church a short wreath laying service was held at the War Memorial. Wreaths were laid by David Evans on behalf of the Parish Council, Elizabeth Bustard on behalf of the British Legion and Mavis Wilson on behalf of the Yorkshire Countrywomen's Association. Our thanks to Luke the Buglar

The Church Wardens and Members of the Parochial Church Council of All Saints' Church Bramham wish all our readers

A Very Happy Christmas

and a Peaceful and Healthy New Year

Minister Rev’d Gary Ridley - Tel: 01937 842156

Sunday 4th December Morning Worship led by Mr Peter Halls

Sunday 11th December Morning service of Holy Communion led by Rev'd Gary Ridley

Sunday 18th December Morning service led by Mr David Mountain

Christmas Day Joint services elsewhere

Dear Friends

Throughout the season of Advent Christians are called to prepare for the coming of Christ as we celebrate his birth. These themes are commemorated in perhaps the most popular of all oratorios, sung in countless places, particularly here in Yorkshire, at this time of year. I refer, of course, to Handel's Messiah.

A few years ago my wife and I had the privilege of hearing it performed by the Huddersfield Choral Society to a packed auditorium. The Messiah has as its theme, God's work of Salvation - the preparation in the Old Testament for the coming of Christ and the narratives of his birth. It emphasises the salvation and joy the coming of Christ brings; then moves on to the commemorate his death and resurrection, culminating in God's eventual triumphal rule over all things.

I have recently discovered that Handel was a constant and devoted worshipper at St George's, Hanover Square, in London. He had a deep understanding of the caring ministry of the Church and he himself organised several performances of his work for orphans and charities and gained a reputation as the "great and the good Mr Handel". His moments of inspired composition were affected by his religious fervour; "I did think I did see all heaven open before me and the great God himself." It is clear that his devotion was wonderfully reflected in his music.

There is no doubt that Handel's Messiah was not intended just to be a musical experience, but a spiritual one. It is one, which invites us to ponder the truth of God's coming and make our own the themes that he depicted so magnificently.

"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon them has the light shined. For unto us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and He shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, The prince of peace.

Rev'd Gary Ridley

A "Calendar for Bramham 2006" is now on sale priced at £5.00 each.

These will make excellent Christmas presents for your family and friends.

If you would like to place an order please phone

Also available at the Post Office

We moved to Clifford in mid-October from Leeds, along with our baby daughter Millie. We are both extremely keen to continue the excellent service that John and Doreen have provided over their 40 years in business. We look forward to meeting all their customers very soon and in the meantime wish John and Doreen a very happy retirement.

For all dairy deliveries and enquiries please call

The Guides are settling into their new meeting place in the Village Hall.

We have had a busy October with an alternative Halloween Party and a night hike and sleepover in Spofforth Village Hall. The Guides all managed to walk to Spofforth and the rain even managed to stay off for us.

They have almost finished their Conference Badge with just the chocolate section to go.

The Rangers have had a night out to Wetherby fireworks Display and are getting ready for their bag packing at Sainsburys next month.

We have now booked Summer Camp for next year. We are going to Hawkhirst Adventure Camp near Kielder Water. We hope all the Guides will be able to come with us.

We are finishing off the year with a carol Service at St Mary's Boston Spa and a party in the Village Hall.

A warm hello from Bramham Primary School to our many friends in the Village. What an exciting term we have had so far and the rest of the term looks just as fun-filled. Our Shoe Box appeal has been just as successful as in previous years and we thank all those who have contributed. Joshua and Hannah have collected all their presents for our shoe boxes and Dad is now left with the unbelievable task of wrapping the shoe boxes .. inside and out !! I dread it every year.

As a response to our parental requests the school has moved to a more traditional menu for dinners with an emphasis on encouraging without pressure the eating of VEGETABLES. I have to say that although my kids are great on fruit if anyone could get anything more than peas passed their lips I would faint. I think I need Mrs. Easby’s input!

Harvest Festival raised ninety plus parcels for our senior friends. We know that they do not need them but it shows that we are thinking about them and care.

The Fun Run raised £425.03 which the School Council are now busy spending on playground equipment. Another charity event Jeans for Genes Day raised £81.00.

On Friday 18^th November it will be  Children In Need Day. Our children are dressing in Spots and Stripes so please look out for them walking to school.

Leeds Theatre in Education Team will be working with our top class. They will perform Runaway Diamonds and conducting a workshop with two founder members of Phoenix Dance Company leading.

Friday 25^th of November is the first day of the National Anti-Bullying Week. Children and Staff have been given blue wrist bands and the last day will be Blue Friday when children come in BLUE to show their solidarity with the sentiment.

We have a Book Fair in the week beginning 28^th November, and then the build up to Christmas begins. Friday the 9^th December will be our Christmas Fayre and Carols by Candlelight. The following week will see both Key Stage 1 and 2 parties taking place as well as our annual visit to the City Varieties Leeds. This year the Panto is Sleeping Beauty and we love to see many of our past family members coming with us.

Finally all at Bramham Primary School would like to wish you all Health and Happiness and love during the coming festive period.

Acting Headteacher

If you haven’t already put spade to soil then now is the time. Apart from your own cardio-vascular improvement and enervation of energy, good preparation is the essence of the vegetable patch and as present crops come out, then you have the advantage of being able to incorporate organic matter as each row of cultivation takes place.

You can also leave it on the surface where worms will pull it into their burrows and where it will form a mulch and retain moisture, keeping the warmth in the ground. It stops ‘capping’ in heavy rain and likewise the opposite to that; excessive evaporation from capillary drainage holes left by the passage of rain water. This has a tendency to dry the soil quicker.

There is the other school of thought where minimum cultivation takes place! Why go to all that bother when you can with minimal tilling produce equivalent levels of cropping. In sandy soils, with minimal perennial weed, this may be a possibility but in clay and silty soils the compaction of ground would benefit the next crop by allowing air and encouraging free drainage giving better root penetration.

Cultivation also allows the destruction of pest and disease by exposing them to adverse weather conditions coupled with the break down of soil particles where particles would otherwise stick together in clods. Soil conditions are not too bad in gardens in the Leeds area being lighter and on the alkaline side but their best can be given with the addition of any organic matter.

Yes we have been warned to expect a pretty cold winter. With the amount of  berries about I would not be surprised.

If you manage to get all those winter jobs finished (I never do) then get planning for next season. Out with the books and catalogues and order up for next season.

Keep a look out for the winter flowering plants to note for next winter. I shall be keeping an eye out for Viburnums which are so sweetly perfumed, Prunus subhirtilla ‘Autumnalis’ which flowers throughout the winter, Cyclamen and the bold Bergenias.

For activities outside of the garden with the objective of working off that Christmas pudding, RHS, Harlow Carr (Tel: 01423 565418) has a series of events with a Christmas flavour.

The workshop ‘Flowers for Christmas’ with Faith Dawson is on the 15^th and 16^th December.

There are Family Quiz Trails from the 17^th of December to the 8^th January.

On the 21^st December the seasonal ‘I Spy’ quiz will be held in the Study Centre 11.00 am - 3.00 pm

Craft Activities, Story Telling by local author Penny Dolan 1.30 pm - 2.30 pm.

Leeds Festival Choir performs at 2pm in the Plant centre. So as you ‘Come all ye Faithful’ you can think of those last minute gifts!

There is a January sale of plants from the 30^th December to 22^nd January.

Yorkshire Landscape Gardens

It is that time of year again. Clocks have changed and Bonfire night has passed. Children start to get excited as the darker nights indicate that Christmas is now around the corner.

This is also a busy time for the opportunist thief. Burglaries and theft from homes and garages are prime targets at this time of year. Statistics indicate that most of this type of burglary and theft occurs between 3 pm and 8:30 pm

Is your home in darkness when you depart in the mornings and when you arrive home in the afternoon or evening?

This is a good indication that no one is at home. Much better to set some timer switches so that some of your lamps will come on at around 3:00 or 3:30 pm. You should light at least one room upstairs and one or two rooms downstairs, preferably not hall, landing or bathroom.

Always make sure your garage, sheds, windows, doors and side gates are kept locked and secure. All this does deter that opportunist thief who is just waiting for the chance to relieve you of your possessions.

When arriving home please do not leave house or vehicle keys in the locks or lying around. Much wiser to put them away safely out of sight.

See or hear anything suspicious then telephone the Police on either

0845 60 60 606 for non-emergency or 999 for immediate attention.

The Crime Prevention Panel is available for talks regarding Crime Prevention and are able to show a short video regarding Distraction Burglary.

We all enjoyed his humorous approach to some very interesting holidays to all parts of the globe, and appreciated his photographs.

Will all members please note that the date of the Christmas Party is now Monday 12th December and will be at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. It would be appreciated if a small gift could be brought for the 'Bran Tub' as usual.

Members of the YCA wish all Readers the Compliments of the Season.