The Battle of Bramham Moor took place in 1408. This means that in just over two years’ time, it will be the 600th anniversary. It has been suggested to the Council that this might be an opportunity for the village to do something special to mark the date.

Firstly, we could erect a small monument at the site of the actual battle. From local maps, this would appear to be between Paradise Farm and the highways depot on Spen Common Lane. In connection with the upgrade of the A1 to motorway, the new local access road - what in effect will become the main road into the village from the south – will pass very close to the point, and it might just be built by then! This would give us an opportunity to erect a new “Welcome to Bramham” sign, and perhaps a display panel giving details of how the battle was fought and a bit of history of the village.

Secondly, we could commemorate the occasion with some sort of festivities – a village gala for example. This would probably be in the summer( commemorating the actual anniversary in February might be a bit chilly), and it might be possible to tie the date in with other local events, such as those organised at Bramham Park. Or it may be possible to interest one of those groups that stage re-enactments of battles. Is there an opportunity for the involvement of our local school children or other community groups?

What actually happened at the battle? We know the Duke of Northumberland was killed, but at the moment, not a lot else. Is there anything else we could do? If we are to embark upon a project like this, it will take the efforts of a number of people. This will range from people who can organise events through to those who can research the historical detail. If there is sufficient interest, the Council will be pleased to host some working groups to make it all happen. If you are interested in doing some research, or are a willing organiser, the Council would like to hear from you. If so, please ring the Clerk on 844687.

At the January meeting, the Council discussed where to site the first new bench for the village. Since asking for suggestions two months ago, there have been no specific requests. The Council therefore decided to investigate improving the stone seat on Windill Hill, which was identified as an action in the Parish Plan.

That man’s law has done it again. Last month I published the Leeds City Council number for reporting highways and lighting issues. This month, they changed the number to: 0845 124 0113.

Colin Pool

Computing for Seniors - It’s a Piece of Cake!

Following our very successful course in Boston Spa we have now arranged a new course in Wetherby. This course will run for 12 weeks.

Are you petrified by computers? Does the sight of a keyboard make you tremble? Does computer jargon seem like gobbledy-gook? Have you tried to crack computers-only to give up in despair?

Little Tykes runs every Monday morning between 10.00 am and 12.00 noon in the Methodist Church on Low Way for parents or carers and their pre-school children and babies.

We have a wide selection of toys. Every other week we try to provide a craft activity suitable for the toddlers with a little help. Half way through the session we have a tea and coffee break with drinks and biscuits for the little ones too.

New mums, dads and grandparents are always welcome to come along and join us.

For further information please contact:

Thankfully Robyn is now back from Canada and has taken over the running of the group again.

She started off the New Year with a trip to Ask in Wetherby for a meal.

She asks if you are over 14 and would like to join the Rangers to please contact me and I will let her know.

They are planning a trip in the Summer to do some canoeing and kayaking.

They are having a fund raiser soon - more details next month.

We have Robyn going to London next month to St James Palace to receive her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from Prince Philip. She did all her service and residential part of the Award with the Guides.

All Saints' Church Bramham

will be open

between 10.00 - 12 noon on the

of each month starting on

Everyone is welcome to drop in

and join us for coffee

I would like to say a big Thank You to every one who helped in any way to make this event a big success.

A large crowd turned up and enjoyed the singing, mincepies and mulled wine.

We raised £111.82 for Martin House.

Many Thanks.

Some of you may have heard about “Smartwater” but for those that have not I will give a brief explanation.

The Smartwater database is held by HM Forensic Science Laboratories and can be accessed by the Police 24 hours a day, therefore, recovered property can easily and quickly be identified. Due to more and more technology being carried in vehicles,

Satellite Navigation Systems being a good example. PC Dave Muscroft has been able to secure 100 packs to mark such items, including CD players, radios and laptop computers.

Should you be interested in having your property marked and registered, then please telephone PC Dave Muscroft on 0113 241 3364 leaving your name, address and telephone number. PC Dave Muscroft will then return your call giving further details.

Remember for URGENT Police attendance call 999.

Non urgent then call 0845 60 60 606

Wetherby Police Station )113 232 2096

Telephone 01937 582 441.

Within the next month the work will begin for the re-wiring of the Church, a huge task and we do hope that the disruption and mess will be kept to the minimum. Once this work is completed the interior of the building will be re painted. We hope that by the summer your Church will be looking beautiful, once again.

One or two people are still leaving debris from the family graves in a pile outside the churchyard gates - please take all this rubbish home with you. The Dustbin Lorry does not go up Vicarage Lane.

You must have permission from the Priest in Charge, Fr Hugh Lawrance for any additions made to the grave. Statues, fencing, paving, etc., is not permitted. Before you spend any money please consult Fr Hugh first.

The Christmas Concert given by the Drighlington Brass Band at Bramham Park was another great success and we raised £1,219. Again very many thanks to Rachel and Nick Lane Fox for inviting us to use the Park. To all our sponsors for their extraordinary generosity and finally thanks to the enthusiastic audience for attending in even greater numbers.

at Bramham Park.

Please make a note in your diary.

Would you like to help us? Have a stall?

For further information contact Anne Palmer 01937 842850

Minister Rev’d Gary Ridley - Tel: 01937 842156

Sunday 5th February Morning Worship led by Rev'd Peter Howard

Sunday 12th February Morning Worship led by Rev'd Stanley Jackson

Sunday 19th February Morning Worship led by Mrs Unice Brierley

Sunday 26th February Morning Worship at All Saints' led by Mr David Mountain

(Service to include Extended Holy Communion)

Dear Friends

"I've no time for do-gooders" I overheard someone say quite recently. I feel it is rather sad that we seem to live in a society where such sentiment is often endorsed in all kinds of ways and applied for all kinds of reasons. The term "do-gooder" is all too often spoken of with a sense of derision rancour or uncharitableness. More especially, it seems to be applied to anybody whose particular views or practices impinge upon one's own lifestyle, attitudes and behaviour. For example, in a recent Radio Two "phone in" I heard one listener being described by another as an "interfering do-gooder", for simply encouraging car drivers, for reasons of safety, to think more carefully of other road users and pedestrians.

People are retreating into their own private world where we don't want interference from anybody or any kind of reminder of our responsibilities to others, especially if they challenge my actions and attitudes. Anybody who does so is simply meddling, for dubious reasons, in other people's affairs for the enhancement of their personal reputations.

In my opinion the term "do-gooder" has been abused. If we are saying that the neighbour who visits the housebound elderly lady down the road, because she hasn't got anybody else and who sits with her and offers her time and kindness; if we are saying the volunteers who are willing at a moments notice to sit in with the sick or to use their cars to take old people to visit relations in hospital; if we are saying the person who willingly gives up their time to help in the youth club on some tough inner city estate; if we are saying the person who reminds us to look beyond ourselves to the needs of those of the Poor World in which we live are simply "do-gooders", then I unreservedly say, thank God for them all and how we need more of them.

I simply close with some words of Christ for you to ponder…...

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him."

"Well done my good and faithful servant."