Pocklington Post

24/10/2025

Review by Julia Pattison: Murder at Midnight at York Theatre Royal
(Age guidance 14+) Running until Until Saturday, October 25

I’d heard praise for writer Torben Betts’ previous thriller, Murder In the Dark, and having been promised in the publicity that “Murder at Midnight blends razor-sharp wit with chilling suspense and will keep you guessing until the final stroke of midnight” I was anticipating a sitting on the edge of my seat Press Night. I was to be disappointed… this was more farce/sitcom territory, with flashes of suspense and violent cartoon comic capers - entertaining at times certainly, but definitely not a taut thriller as the publicity had led us to believe.
The overall star of this production was Colin Falconer’s triple-tier set featuring a full cutaway of a modern house, including a living room, kitchenette, patio area, and bedrooms, one of which was a “man cave” full of Robbie Williams memorabilia – a nod to Jonny’s “The Cyclops” devotion to his pop hero.
The first half of the play was very full and frantic; a bit too frantic really with lots of overlapping dialogue being said across the various levels of the house.
Lots of exposition, yet lots of repetition too, and I began to switch off, not really engaging with any of the characters apart from Jonny “The Cyclops” ( played with wonderful swagger by Jason Durr ) and his mother, Shirley (portrayed with great mischief by Susie Blake, who also seemed to have the best one liners in the play).
The second half was a considerable improvement; exposition ended, as did the chasing from room to room thankfully, and there was more of a storyline. Jason Durr showed his versatility as an actor going from mirthful to mean and moody in a heartbeat. We got to warm more to Trainwreck’s character (played with pathos by Peter Moreton), with Max Bowden (Paul), and Katie McGlynn (Lisa) coming into their own with their banter together as things got more and more bizarre and bloody.
If you’re looking for light-hearted night’s entertainment then you’ll enjoy this. But be warned – it’s not a Thriller!

Photos courtesy of Pamela Raith

24/10/2025

Sport Peep into the Past - a dip into the Pocklington Post archives

This week, we feature a group of trophy winners in the 1980s; a hockey team from 1996; a young hockey side; a kit presentation by Phoenix Software; a well attended rugby school session in 1999; and a Shiptonthorpe FC line-up.
Do you recognise any of the people in these photographs?

24/10/2025

Mires Beck Nursery to play a part in 25-year Humber Forest strategy

Mires Beck Nursery in North Cave will be involved in a 25-year strategy to improve local environments, tackle climate change, and help local communities.
Humber Forest, the community forest for Hull, East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, unveiled its vision for the future – ensuring that the scheme plants the ‘right tree in the right place for the right reason’.
It will be working with communities, landowners and external agencies to increase tree cover and maintain existing woodland.
The majority of tree saplings for Humber Forest plantings are grown at Mires Beck Nursery, a charity that supports adults with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and autism.
For more than three decades, Mires Beck has provided meaningful work experience and social therapeutic horticulture for adults with learning difficulties, neurodiversity, and physical disabilities.
Its 14-acre nursery and conservation site offers a peaceful, supportive setting where more than 90 trainees work in teams guided by dedicated staff and volunteers.
Since 2020, Humber Forest has planted 292 Hectares of trees, equivalent to the area of 453 full-size football pitches, this includes 104 kilometres of hedgerow, equivalent to 49 times the length of the Humber Bridge.
The forest is one of 15 community forests across England and is part of the larger Northern Forest that stretches from Liverpool to the Yorkshire Coast. East Riding of Yorkshire Council is the accountable body for the Humber Forest.
Councillor Paul West, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Humber Forest is a fantastic programme to support our communities and tackle threats such as flooding and climate change. I encourage interested landowners to get in touch with the Humber Forest team and find out how they can be involved.”
Humber Forest funds both large and small projects and are eager to hear from any landowners who are interested in planting trees or hedgerow on their land. They can be contacted at [email protected] or visit www.humberforest.org

22/10/2025

New children’s store opens on Clarkes Lane in Pocklington

A local businesswoman has expanded her operation by opening children’s store in Pocklington.
Nicola Craven started “A Love and a Kiss” in 2014 as she felt there was a gap in the market for the “kind of toys I wanted my children to play with at the price I was willing to pay”.
Having spent the past 11 years travelling up and down the country at markets, agricultural shows, horse trials and Christmas fairs, Nicola felt it was time to put down roots and where better to open her first bricks and mortar store than Pocklington?
Nicola, who lives near Market Weighton, is married to a farmer and her stock reflects the agricultural lifestyle – lots of tractors and animals.
Most importantly she said she aims to provide unique and traditional toys where imaginative play is essential.
The clothing line has expanded over the years and now includes products designed just for her business.
Nicola said: “Having grown up in Barmby moor and Melbourne, attending school in Pocklington and having a stall on the market here for the last two years it feels fitting to open our store here in Pocklington.
“Pocklington is such a community-minded place and the town seems to really embrace it’s rural location by supporting local.”
A Love and a Kiss is open Monday to Saturday at 15 Clarkes Lane in Pocklington.

22/10/2025

Rehoming plea as RSPCA sees 40% surge in guinea pigs at centres

The RSPCA is urging animal lovers to consider rehoming smaller pet mammals – “small furries” – as the charity experiences a 40% increase in guinea pigs coming into their centres.
The charity fears overbreeding of guinea pigs, combined with the ongoing impact of the cost of living crisis and a lack of owner knowledge about the species, is leading to an increase in the numbers of the pets being given up.
As the RSPCA’s annual ‘Adoptober’ rehoming drive continues, the charity is encouraging people to visit its Findapet website and check out the small pets such as mice, rats, chinchillas, ferrets and gerbils, as well as guinea pigs, who are in the RSPCA’s care but remain overlooked, unloved and homeless.
RSPCA head of companion animals Dr Sam Gaines said: “We’ve seen a shocking 40% rise in the number of guinea pigs coming into our care so far this year and we’re urging animal-lovers to consider rehoming those and other ‘small furries’.
“From guinea pigs, rabbits and chinchillas to ferrets, gerbils, mice and rats, there are so many of these little animals in our care who are looking for new homes.
“Rabbits and other small furries can be very rewarding pets and given the right housing, socialising, diet and care they can become much loved members of the family. However, they can often be misunderstood as they have complex needs and need a lot of care and attention.
“But there’s lots of information on our website to help support new owners.
“Adopting may take a bit more time than buying but it is more rewarding as often you are rescuing that animal from a history of mistreatment or neglect. It also means we are freeing up space in our centres so more animals in need can move in to receive the care they need.”
Information about “small furries” and other animals in the care of the RSPCA who are available for adoption can be found via the www.rspca.org.uk/findapet website.

22/10/2025

Wolds firm reaches the final in two categories of regional business awards

A Middleton on the Wolds poultry firm is celebrating after reaching the final in two categories of the Yorkshire Post Business Awards.
Soanes Poultry has been shortlisted in the Medium Business of the Year and the Rural Business of the Year categories of the annual awards, which celebrate Yorkshire’s best in business.
Soanes Poultry’s FD Claire Wright said she was delighted with the news.
She said: “Both the farms and the operations teams work hard to delight our customers with delicious chicken that tastes like chicken used to taste, and we’re very proud that the judges have recognised our achievements, not only for rearing great tasting chicken, but for providing employment for 180 people and supporting our rural community.”
In the Medium Business of the Year award, Soanes Poultry faces competition from Burgess Pet Care, Tiger Sheds and Evolve. Fellow finalists for the Rural Business of the Year award are Drewton’s Ltd, Farmer Copleys, Dean’s Garden Centre York and Stump Cross Caverns.
The team will learn whether they have been successful at an awards ceremony and gala dinner, which takes place on Wednesday, November 12 at New Dock Hall, Leeds and will be attended by over 300 guests from across the business community.
Now in their 20th year, the Yorkshire Post Business Awards recognise and reward a cross-section of businesses and the vital role they play in Yorkshire’s economic success.

22/10/2025

Wonder Stuff singer Miles Hunt’s 40th tour is heading to arts centre

Miles Hunt, lead singer of The Wonder Stuff, will be heading out across the UK next Spring to play songs and tell tales from his 40 years in music.
He will be bringing his tour to Pocklington Arts Centre on Thursday, March 19 (ticket price £27.50).
The Wonder Stuff had a nunber of UK hit singles, including Dizzy with Viv Reeves; Size of a Cow, Caught in My Shadow; Circlesquare and Don’t Let Me Down, Gently, and also produced four top 10 albums – Never Loved Elvis; Hup; The Eight Legged Groove Machine; and Construction for the Modern Idiot.
A spokesperson said: “Whether you’ve been a fan since the early days or you’re just discovering his remarkable work, this promises to be a night to remember.”
Visit pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk or call the box office on 01759 301547 to buy tickets.
Go to tinyurl.com/yutbfcva to see Miles Hunt perform Mission Drive on YouTube.

The Wonder Stuff are a band originally based in Stourbridge, in the Black Country, West Midlands, UK.The original line-up was Miles Hunt (whose uncle Bill Hu...

22/10/2025

Six fantastic photos from the Pocklington Post archives - are you in the pictures?

Here we showcase more memorable events from the past thanks to these six wonderful photographs.
This week, we showcase a Mount Pleasant School football squad; a group working hard in a park; a camcorder presentation; the Market Weighton playgroup in 1975; families enjoying play in 1993; and a cheque presentation to Yorkshire Cancer Research.
Do you recognise any of the people in these photographs?

21/10/2025

Two local musicians celebrate as their band is signed to 25 Hour Convenience Store label

Two local musicians are celebrating after their band was signed by a record label.
Francisco Garcia, from Bugthorpe, and Eric Wolf Bell, who hails from Bishop Wilton, are members of Robo – a band that is based in York.
The art rock band has just signed a record deal with 25 Hour Convenience Store – the independent label run by Gary Powell, drummer of legendary UK band The Libertines.
Robo are one of the very few Yorkshire bands in recent years to land a record deal, and they’ve done so less than two years after forming.
The four-piece – Francisco Garcia (lead vocals, guitar), Eric Wolf Bell (lead vocals, guitar), Holly Brewer (bass, vocals), and James Paton (drums, vocals) – formed in 2023, with Holly completing the lineup in March this year.
A spokesperson said: “Aged between 19 and 23, the band have quickly earned a reputation for their powerful live shows, tight musicianship, and distinct art rock sound.
“As part of their celebrations, Robo will play a hometown headline show at The Belfrey Hall in York city centre on Friday, November 21, supported by two up-and-coming acts from Bristol and Guildford. The show will feature brand new material and promises to be a special night for the region’s music scene.
“The York date also forms part of Robo’s first ever national UK tour, which began earlier this month and spans nine shows across the country over the next two months.”
Go to https://linktr.ee/roboband to visit the band’s social media links and to buy tickets for the York show.

Visit www.youtube.com/ to watch Robo videos.

'All Night' music video: https://youtu.be/NGXyDy2_P1k?si=VJuH-UT8gBigGTtB

'Lighthouse' live performance: https://youtu.be/6AFFtCwY3_Q?si=9B1DJrFnDmVW2Sdl

'All Night' live session: https://youtu.be/VuVcFNyhyhI?si=tAhTorYTPDEIINcj

21/10/2025

Greener Pocklington offering subsidised native saplings during Garden Tree Weekend

Environmental group Greener Pocklington is inviting people to plant a little tree and make a big difference to wildlife and wellbeing during its annual Garden Tree Weekend.
The group will be offering subsidised native tree saplings to plant in gardens of all sizes or nearby green spaces.

The trees have been specially selected to provide flowers, fruits and foliage to help insects and wildlife and will create a beautiful feature for local gardens.

Trees are fantastic value just £3.50 and must be pre-ordered. People can purchase as few or as many as they like.

Pre-ordered trees will then be available for collection from Pocklington on Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9.

Emma Farley, Greener Pocklington committee member, said: “Planting a tree is a wonderful way to combat climate change whilst also creating vital habitat for insects, birds and other wildlife.

“Our garden tree weekend also helps us to raise vital funds which go towards planting trees, installing bird and bat boxes and creating wildlife habitats at local schools and community spaces – helping to inspire the next generation.”
For full information about how to pre-order your trees, please email [email protected]
The Greener Pocklington group aims to combat the climate crisis and habitat loss through active projects within a 10 mile radius of Pocklington.
The group gets involved with native tree planting and the creation of wildlife habitats through insect hotels, bird and bat boxes and more.
For more information visit www.facebook.com/groups/319897665596314

Pictured: Cavendish Wiggins is pictured with trees purchased from the Garden Tree Weekend in 2023.

21/10/2025

Hospitals trust made millions of pounds from parking charges

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals Trust made millions of pounds in profit from charging patients and staff to park in the year to March, new figures show.
The GMB union, which represents many NHS staff, said it was "perverse and grotesque" to force them to pay to park at work.
New figures released by NHS England show York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust received around £2.7 million from parking charges across its various sites.
This was made up of £2.3 million from charging patients and visitors, and £427,000 from staff.
Across England, trusts received £271 million from parking charges, a 12% increase on 2023-24.
At York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals Trust, income from parking increased by 21% from £2.2 million a year earlier.
Brian Morton, associate director for employment relations at the Royal College of Nursing, said: "For nursing staff, the cost of parking takes too much of their pay.
"Staff are having to pay to park at work and can even be hit with fines when they stay late caring for their patients. This simply cannot be right.
"Staff work around the clock to be there for their patients – and working odd shift times, means using public transport is not always possible.
"Trust leaders must do more to provide free parking for staff and not leave them out of pocket just for coming to work."
The data also shows the cost of administering NHS car parks rose by 9%, a slower rate than the income they generated.
Nationally, the NHS spent £84 million administering parking, giving it a total net income of £187 million.
Managing parking cost York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals Trust a total of £411,000, meaning overall it gave it a net income of £2.3 million.
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said local trusts are responsible for car parking space numbers, rates for parking and charging methods, but all parking charges should be “reasonable for the local area”.
They added: “Free parking is available for those in greatest need, including all NHS staff who work overnight.
“While hospital car park charges are the responsibility of individual NHS trusts, we expect all charges to be reasonable and in line with the local area.”

Article by Adam Care, Data Reporter

21/10/2025

Yorkshire Air Museum preparing for 'Props Day'

Summer 2025 may be over but the Yorkshire Air Museum at Elvington near York is heading into Autumn with a bang, as it prepares to fire up some of its aircraft for the last time this year.
Props Day on Saturday, October 25 will see some of the Museum’s propellor driven aircraft conducting engine runs before they head into the hangar for winter.
The star of the show will be the Douglas Dakota paratrooper aircraft, an icon of D-Day and other campaigns. The ‘Dak has had its two engines overhauled this summer.
Other aircraft taking part in Props Day will be the De Havilland Devon, the Royal Aircraft Factory SE5 biplane and the Eastchurch Kitten - a replica of a World War One prototype naval aircraft.
Yorkshire Air Museum Communications Manager Jerry Ibbotson said: "Our prop aircraft are a great sight to see, as well as making a lovely noise! There’s something special about seeing them firing up their engines and spinning their blades – particularly the Dakota, which is such a symbolic aircraft.
"It’s had a lot of engine work done this year and we’re hoping people will come to see the final engine run of 2025."
There will be two sets of engine runs on the day – morning and afternoon. It is a normal admission day at the Yorkshire Air Museum; no special tickets are required.