Pocklington Post (2025)

15/07/2025

Spaldington-based company’s key tasks at unique mineshaft near Whitby

A Yorkshire company has installed ventilation and dewatering systems at Europe’s deepest mineshaft.
Spaldington-based Salko UK carried out complex mechanical and electrical works at Woodsmith Mine, which is being built near the hamlet of Sneatonthorpe, Whitby.
Anglo American’s giant fertilizer development project will mine the world's largest known deposit of the naturally occurring mineral, carrying it 23 miles on underground conveyor belts to a processing plant at Teesside.
Last year Anglo American announced a slowdown in tunnelling and a pause in sinking its 1.6km deep production shaft.
In February, chief executive Duncan Wanblad said they were continuing to sink a 1.6km deep service shaft, which will provide access for the workforce and services, through a 250m layer of sandstone.
Salko UK was appointed to deliver full mechanical and electrical installation packages over a five-year contract.
An 80-strong team had been deployed to work on electrics, pipework, ventilation, shaft services and critical power systems.
Salko operations manager Sim Sharphouse said: “We’re proud to have played a pivotal role in such a globally significant project based in Yorkshire.
"Throughout the project, our team has focused on infrastructure that is high performing and environmentally responsible.
"Our ventilation and dewatering systems have been engineered for long-term efficiency, helping to reduce energy waste and minimise operational emissions.
“With over 70 per cent of our workforce recruited locally, this project has not only demonstrated our industrial capability but also reinforced our commitment to regional growth and skills development in North Yorkshire,” he added.

15/07/2025

Pocklington Singers Summer Concert review by Ian Gregory

All Saints’ church was the familiar venue for the latest offering of the Pocklington Singers.
A Shakespeare Connection’ captures well the inspiration informing the evening’s presentation.
Music of his time and more recently the Songs and Sonnets put to music by George Shearing played a key part in a nicely varied programme of musical delights for a highly appreciative audience.
Aside from the choir singing as well as ever, Mark Wharfedale director of music delivered a lovely version of Somewhere from Bernstein’s West Side Story in his rich bass/baritone voice and Hugh McCarron on piano and Jay Taylor on double bass added to the night’s entertainment with some gorgeous playing of their instruments.
Along with accompanying the choir in their efforts.
The choir excelled itself. In the music created at the time of Shakespeare they captured well the moods evoked by the several choral pieces as they gave expression to lamenting a wayward wife, saying goodbye to a dear love, the noting of the seasons and the like.
The heart of the evening was the challenge posed by George Shearing’s putting to music some sonnets and songs inspired by The Bard’s writings.
The choir was certainly up to the challenge.
All seven pieces were up to the mark and someone remarked to me that ‘Who is Silvia’ from The Two Gentleman of Verona in itself made the entire evening.
As ever the choir impressed by the precision and togetherness of its singing.
Good diction, no untidiness in responding to Mark Wharefedale’s conducting.
A conductor and choir at one was the overwhelming sense throughout the evening. The overall sound was most pleasing.
The audience made plain their satisfaction and their sense the evening had been a great success – a tribute to the hard work producing such a pleasing outcome. Congratulations.

15/07/2025

Pocklington-based Phoenix launches its Sales Academy recruitment drive

Pocklington-based company Phoenix Software has announced the launch of its 2025 recruitment drive for its Sales Academy, the firm’s annual gateway into a career in tech sales.
The Phoenix Sales Academy provides a gateway to a future in technology.
Whether you’re just starting out in employment or ready for a career change, it ‘provides a unique opportunity for hands-on training, expert mentorship, and real career progression at one of the UK’s leading technology companies’.
The academy opens doors to various specialisations beyond sales, including cyber security, cloud solutions, and modern workplace.
These roles are ideal for those who are curious and driven with a desire to improve customer experiences.
Clare Metcalfe, MD at Phoenix Software, said: “Phoenix Sales Academy has already launched countless successful careers in tech sales – now it’s your turn.
"We are an ambitious and fast-growing company, having more than quadrupled in size in the last three years, from – 100 employees in 2022 to 480+ today.
"We are looking for passionate and resilient people to become a part of . Whether you’re just starting out or bringing years of experience, you’ll be part of a supportive, ambitious company that puts its people first.
“If you’re looking for a place where your ideas are valued, your development is supported, and your work has a real impact – Phoenix is the place for you.”

The deadline for applications closes on Sunday, August 3. Go to https://www.phoenixs.co.uk/sales-academy-2025/ to apply.

14/07/2025

£9.5m for new flood alleviation scheme in South Cave

A new £9.5m flood alleviation scheme is set to be built in South Cave.
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has announced the project after securing funding from the Government to construct a new flood storage area upstream of the village, designed to help reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.
Work on the project could begin in 2028, subject to the council securing planning permission and obtaining the necessary permissions and consents.
South Cave has suffered from multiple flood events in the past, most notably in 2007 and 2014 when a significant number of properties were flooded in the village.
Climate change predictions suggest that flood events, such as the ones experienced previously in South Cave, are likely to happen more often and with greater intensity in the future.
The new scheme aims to mitigate and reduce the risk of flooding caused by future severe rainfall events.
The council proposes the construction of an engineered embankment on South Cave Beck designed to intercept and temporarily store excess flows from upstream.
Its engineers have already carried out a comprehensive technical study in order to secure the funding, which included detailed flood risk modelling.
The flood alleviation scheme has been awarded £7.4m of Flood Defence Grant in Aid funding from Defra, administered by the Environment Agency.
This is in addition to a £790,000 Local Levy contribution from the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and a funding contribution from the council.
For the next stage of the project, the council will engage with key project partners, stakeholders and the local community as part of the development and the detailed design of the scheme.
The council will also work with residents and businesses in the area to show what measures they can take to reduce their own flood risk.
Councillor Paul West, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “I’m extremely pleased we’ve been able to secure funding for this vital scheme designed to help shield the residents and businesses in South Cave from the devastation of flooding.
“This project will join the other multi-million-pound flood alleviation schemes we have already built across the East Riding which have proved essential in reducing the risk of flooding to communities when it rains heavily.
"The continued investment by the local authority and partner agencies will help to mitigate future demands on the network as a result of environmental change."
Dean Hamblin, flood and coastal risk management senior advisor at the Environment Agency said: “Over recent years, Yorkshire and the Humber has seen more investment than anywhere else in the country when it comes to reducing flood risk, and it’s great to see even more being secured here for the East Riding.
“The approval of this scheme gives further evidence of how we can deliver real benefits to local communities when working in partnership to reduce flood risk.
“While we expect more extreme weather with the impacts of climate change, the scheme will reduce the likelihood of flooding and limit the wider impacts and disruption it brings in future.”
Amer Bhatti, the Yorkshire Regional Flood and Coastal Committee secretary, said: “The committee is very pleased to support this important scheme, which will better protect 166 residential and 20 non-residential properties from future flooding in South Cave.
“Through the deployment of the proposed interventions, it is intended to help reduce the flood risks that affect this area.”

14/07/2025

MP’s praise following Giant Bradley Day celebrations

Charlie Dewhirst, Member of Parliament for Bridlington and the Wolds, has thanked the oganisers of the Giant Bradley Day in Market Weighton.
Mr Dewhirst took time to peruse the various stalls, watch the entertainment on offer, and spend time with his constituents.
Giant Bradley Day saw a large crowd turn out for the entertainment on offer.
A packed line-up of activities for all the family entertained the visitors, with the town’s High Street being transformed into a town fair with local acts providing most of the entertainment.
There were craft stalls, live music, food stalls, the Two Brothers Racing Stunt Team, Aba Daba Circus and Joe’s Mobile Petting Farm, and much more,
Mr Dewhirst said: “There was an amazing turnout for Giant Bradley Day.
"The day was a celebration of former local resident William Bradley, who is thought to be the tallest ever Englishman, and the town put on a fantastic annual street party.
“Huge thank you to Poppy Bulmer of Gladiators fame for opening the event and well done to everyone involved in the organisation of the event.”
The day celebrated William Bradley, the Yorkshire Giant, who was born at Market Weighton in 1787.
Aged 20, William Bradley was seven feet and nine inches tall and weighed 27 stones.

14/07/2025

Half price young persons’ discount on buses announced by council

Young people in this area will be able to travel on local buses for just £1.50 with the return of a discount scheme during the school holidays.
Passengers aged 16 to 19 can ride local buses for just £1.50 for a single journey or £3 for a return journey on local bus services this summer, from Saturday, July 19 until Sunday, August 31.
The same discount will also apply in the October half-term, Christmas and February 2026 half term holidays.
To qualify for the 16 to 19 reduced fares, a bus journey must be wholly within the East Riding or start/finish in the East Riding.
The scheme was first introduced last summer by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, working in partnership with local bus companies to help young people get around for less.
The discount is funded by the council thanks to the Government’s Bus Service Improvement Plan programme.
Councillor Nick Coultish, the council’s cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: “Last year’s discount scheme proved popular and so we have brough it back for 2025 to benefit young passengers.
“Young people rely on buses to get around so we hope they will take advantage of this discount.
"Thank you to local bus operators for supporting this scheme.”
If travelling outside the East Riding passengers must purchase a return ticket on your journey from the East Riding to receive the fare offer for your return journey.
This offer is only available on services provided by East Yorkshire Buses and Stagecoach Hull.
Please bring proof of age, as passengers may be requested to confirm their entitlement to the reduced fare.

14/07/2025

Stamford Bridge Primary School’s delight at ‘good’ Ofsted report

The staff and pupils at Stamford Bridge Primary School are celebrating after a ‘good’ Ofsted rating by inspectors.
The recent Ofsted inspection’s findings confirmed the school continues to be a ‘good’ one.
Inspectors highlighted ‘pupils are enthusiastic about their learning’ and ‘enjoy attending this caring school’.
Headteacher Nicola Massey said: “It is incredibly humbling to witness our children being so confident sharing their learning experiences with inspectors.
"We have worked hard to create a culture that underpins our school values, growth mindset and resilience, which we are delighted was recognised.
"I would like to praise the efforts of all staff who support our children every day to be the best they can be.”
Reading is an area that shone through with Inspectors noting ‘reading is a priority at the school’ and made reference to the ‘Secret Reader’ initiative the school has implemented. The importance of reading starts at nursery level with pre-phonic activities leading to daily phonics activity in Reception and Year 1.
Inspectors commented that ‘staff are experts in the teaching of phonics’ and ‘as a result, children develop their early reading skills quickly’.
Children embrace the school’s values of believe, engage, succeed, together with Inspectors commenting ‘pupils’ behaviour is excellent’ and ‘pupils are kind and courteous to each other.’ Inspectors’ comments around curriculum and enrichment activities included ‘pupils speak enthusiastically about visits’, ‘there is a real feeling of community’ and ‘activities help pupils develop their confidence and leadership skills’.
The school is part of the Wonder Learning Partnership. Jonathan Britton, trust chief executive officer, said: “It is always a pleasure to see colleagues recognised for their skill in delivering our ambitious curriculum and successfully adapting lessons to ensure pupils with SEND are supported.
“We are particularly proud the personal development and enrichment of pupils was also highlighted positively in the inspection.”

14/07/2025

Nostalgia car rally and car boot sale to be held on West Green next month

A nostalgia car rally and car boot sale will be held on Pocklington’s West Green for another year next month.
The Friends of Pocklington Arts Centre, in collaboration with The North of England Classic and Pre War Automobiles (NECPWA), said they were are delighted to bring back the event.
The event will be held on West Green, Pocklington, from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, August 23, with free entry (donations welcome).
A Friends of Pocklington Arts Centre spokesperson said: “Come along for a fantastic day out for all the family, featuring an impressive line-up of vintage vehicles alongside a car boot sale full of bargains and hidden gems.
“For those in need of refreshment, KS Catering will be serving up tasty burgers and sandwiches and Swirlz will be on site with their delicious ice creams.
“Car boot pitches are available for £8, payable in cash on the day.”
For more information about the car rally email [email protected]
The nostalgia car rally is just one of the many events organised by the Friends of Pocklington Arts Centre each year. If you share their enthusiasm for supporting the Arts Centre, there are multiple ways to get involved.
Becoming a member comes with its own rewards including waiting list priority for sold out shows and discounts at Pocklington Arts Centre’s bar.
Membership starts at £15 per year.
For those who enjoy the arts but prefer to attend events in good company, the Friends also run the Amigo Club – a social group for people who would rather see films or live performances with others than on their own. It’s a great way to meet new people and enjoy all that the arts centre has to offer.

14/07/2025

Holme Family Connect launches exciting free Summer activities

Holme Family Connect has announced a dynamic line-up of free summer activities for children aged 8 to 14, running from Monday, July 21 to Thursday, August 14.
Designed to bring young people together through fun, skill-building, and creativity, the programme includes boxing sessions, film creation workshops, outdoor park games, and an exciting trip to a trampoline park.
This initiative is supported by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the Department for Education, and the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme.
Funded places are available for children eligible for benefit-related free school meals or those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) attending an East Riding school.

Activity Highlights Include:
Boxing Skills at HOSM Methodist Church (YO43 4ES)
Mini-Film Creation at HOSM Methodist Church (YO43 4ES)
Park Games at HOSM Playing Fields (YO43 4EN)
Trampoline Park Trip at Flip-Out, York (YO26 6RU)

A spokesperson said: “We're excited to deliver a safe, welcoming, and engaging summer experience for local young people.
“Our goal is to connect children through meaningful activities that promote confidence, creativity, and community."
Contact [email protected] for more information and to book a place on these activities.

11/07/2025

Dangerous driving footage released to highlight Operation Snap

Humberside Police is showcasing a series of CCTV videos to highlight a service to keep the area’s roads safe.
The new footage, taken from vehicle dashcam videos, reveals a tranche of dangerous driving incidents while highlighting the range of fines slapped on the offending motorists.
A statement accompanying the videos said: “From reckless overtaking to ignoring red lights, every piece of footage you submit through Operation Snap helps officers take action against dangerous drivers and help keep our roads safe.”
Operation Snap is a secure online platform that allows you to submit video evidence of driving offences that you or other members of the public have witnessed.
Its purpose is to improve road safety and to prosecute those that place others at risk.
A Humberside Police spokesperson said: “The online service allows us to effectively deal with the footage recorded by members of the public in a safe and secure way, whilst making the investigation process simple and straightforward. We have a determined and robust approach to policing the roads and we’ll take every opportunity to make them safer for everyone.
"This portal can only be used for driving offences, it is not for submitting footage of Road Traffic Collisions or public order offences, and is not for reporting crime.
"It’s easy for people to engage with Operation Snap and processes have been designed to run smoothly. We are not asking you to go out and detect offences for us, but we will deal with any you find.”

The offences that officers can investigate through Operation Snap include:
•dangerous driving
•driving without due care and attention
•careless driving
•using a mobile phone handheld whilst driving
•not wearing a seat belt
•ignoring a red traffic light
•disregarding solid white lines
•close passes of cyclists
•Zigzag lines (outside school)
•Zigzag lines (pedestrian crossing)
Visit opsnaphumberside.egressforms.com to submit your video footage.

Go to https://www.facebook.com/humberbeat/videos/1438586507163781 to see the videos

11/07/2025

Phoenix Software teams raise £20,000 for St Leonard’s Hospice

Workers at a Pocklington-based company have raised more than £20,000 for St Leonard’s Hospice.
Phoenix Software has announced its ‘Race for a Reason’ four-day charity event accrued £20,000 for the hospice.
The current fundraising figure stands at £20,026.41 (including Gift Aid). However, donations can still be made at https://www.phoenixs.co.uk/race-for-a-reason-2025/
Inspired by the hit BBC TV show, Race Across the World, Phoenix’s Race for a Reason saw 30 Phoenix employees (split into 10 teams of three), travel across the Benelux region.
The teams competed to reach as many of the 16 checkpoints as possible scattered across Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg, with the race finishing at the historic seaport town of Brielle, in the Netherlands.
A spokesperson said: “This was no ordinary race. Each team needed to strategise to earn points based on the difficulty of each location, and some daily challenges to keep them on their toes – with points being converted into a time advantage at the finish line.
"This meant that crossing the finishing line first didn’t necessarily guarantee first place, as another team could sn**ch victory if they had secured more points along the way.”
The teams, exhausted and excited in equal measure, were met at the finishing line by the MD of Phoenix Software, Clare Metcalfe.
She said: “We have all seen how much work you have put in, with 5am starts, long days, late nights, and plenty of challenges and surprises along the way. You should all be really proud of yourselves.
"Not just for the work you’ve put in over the last four days, but for all the fundraising activities you organised before the event as well.
"Even though each team has been competing against each other to win, this has been a tremendous effort which has brought everyone in the company and community together for a good cause.”
Annie Keogh, corporate partnerships development fundraiser at St Leonard’s Hospice, said: “As a charity, we rely on the generosity of the public to fund our care, whether that’s in the hospice, out in the community, or in patients’ own homes.
"We simply couldn’t do what we do without the incredible support of businesses like Phoenix Software.
"The Race for a Reason challenge is a fantastic example of how companies can make a real difference, and the funds they’ve raised over the years have had a direct impact on the care we provide.”

11/07/2025

Wistow 10k 2025: Terrific Thompson takes title as Joey ends excellent endeavours with Wynne

Laura Thompson is the new York and District Road Race League champion after a ladies campaign full of twists and turns reached its conclusion at a humid Wistow on Tuesday evening.
City of York AC frontrunner Thompson, who also nabbed the veteran-35 crown with her consistently powerful efforts, followed up her wins at Pocklington and on the Knavesmire and silver at Bugthorpe with a 38:08 on a hot and muggy night over 10 flat kilometres on a figure-of-eight track near Selby to place second and record just six points for the series.
Becky Penty (37:26) of York Knavesmire Harriers – the league champion 10 years ago – was victorious on the night with her second race success of the 2025 season but she was not in contention as she did not complete four fixtures to qualify. Tadcaster Harriers star Nik Tarrega, who blew the championship wide open with a superb triumph on the hills at Bugthorpe last time out, took fifth in race six with a 39:11 and ultimately finished only six points behind Thompson in the final table.

Charlotte Bush from York Acorn Running Club – victorious in the Tadcaster opener – was the third female home in a field of 424 runners with a 38:27 but it is her sister Erin who is toasting a delightful double on her debut showing in the event. Erin Bush was 17th at Wistow but nevertheless clinched third overall lady and the senior women age-category trophy ahead of Pocklington Runner Georgia Hird thanks to her two wins earlier in the summer, with York Postal Harriers’ Charlotte Oakes in third.
Thompson and Tarrega topped the final veteran-35 table with Selby Striders’ Emma Winter taking bronze, while Hazel Hall ran home in 41:27 to make it four vet-45 wins from four, edging out Pocklington’s Katie Wise and Julie Lawn from Acorn.
Rachel Dare of Pocklington is the new vet-55 champion after carding a third win of the season with her 22-second personal best of 46:15 – plenty of credit goes to her rivals Megan Remmer (Easingwold Running Club) and Acorn’s Deirdre Souch after a nip-and-tuck contest.
Gill Boynton, also from Acorn, was already the vet-65 victor and therefore sat this one out but strong finishes at Wistow put Tadcaster’s Sally Anne Polkey and Easingwold’s Philippa Hutton on the final podium.
York Postal Harriers favourite Dom Carter was confirmed as the new men’s champion at Bugthorpe and, while he opted to take a lap of honour near Selby and place eighth, breakthrough star Joey Wynne capped a sensational debut season with a first ever race win in this league that also saw him clock a 26-second personal best time of 33:43 and sn**ch third place in the final men’s table behind Tadcaster’s talisman James Eaton with his 34:44 on the night.
Narrowly pipped on Tuesday was his Knavesmire team-mate John Stead with his 33:48 PB and untouchable veteran-50 category winner Dave Smithers – also from YKH – placed third overall with a 34:32 to put a cherry on the top of a wonderful personal campaign.
Carter was the top senior man, accompanied in the medals by Wynne and City’s William Torgerson (35:54).
Eaton put in the fourth finish and fourth win he needed to wrap up vet-40 honours with team-mate Darren Tomlinson and Acorn’s Chris Poulton not many points behind in a highly competitive class.
Knavesmire’s confirmed vet-50 champion Dave Smithers has Tadcaster’s Paul Millgate and Pocklington’s Stephen Maddison for company in the final three, with City’s Stephen Wright edging a gripping battle with Barry Atkinson (Knavesmire) and Jon Blake for the vet-60 trophy despite finishing second to his clubmate at Wistow.
YKH leader John Oliver added gloss to his confirmed vet-70 prize with a fifth win from five thanks to a 46:38 and fellow Knavesmire great David I’Anson did the business in the vet-80 class as his 1:05:53 saw him defend the title.
The team competitions both reached dramatic conclusions as Knavesmire’s ladies triumphed in the final fixture to ensure they shared the trophy with Selby while Tadcaster’s men just about managed to hold on to their crown.
The Striders held a one-point lead going into their home race but a YKH team featuring Penty, Claire Jones, Kate Thompson and Hall got the win and, based on the sum of their best five results, a record of seven points which equalled Selby’s own season haul. Acorn were third on the night and third overall for 2025 ahead of last year’s champions Pocklington.
Tadcaster’s men retained their title despite slipping to third at Wistow. Wynne, Stead, Smithers, Matthew Lunn, Peter Ellis and Adrian Stipetic put Knavesmire on top of the podium but two third places at the very start of the campaign came back to bite them as Tadcaster’s final score was seven to their rivals’ nine. Again Acorn took bronze after storming to a strong second place on Tuesday.

Photos courtesy of Andrew Throup
Report by James Cann

Laura Thompson (sunglasses) is the new York and District Road Race League champion.

Joey Wynne capped a sensational debut season with a first ever race win.

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