1 The Grapevine SEAMER & TAME BRIDGE MAGAZINE No. 136. December 2015 - January 2016
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The Grapevine SEAMER & TAME BRIDGE MAGAZINE
No. 136. December 2015 - January 2016
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EDITOR’S NOTES
What a wonderfully warm November we have had and
the events we have had held (including cleaning the
pond!!!) have also helped to keep us warm. I am
looking forward to Christmas and the New Year
Events and hope you are too.
It has, however, also been a sad November, internationally with the
Paris Terrorist attack and locally with the death of another of
Seamer’s long established residents (Tom Bainbridge). Our thoughts
and condolences go out to all those affected by these events.
Christmas is a time for Peace, Joy and reconciliation. I hope that,
despite what other events happen, we will all remember that and
experience it.
The next edition of Grapevine will be at the beginning of February, I
invite contributions for it from any readers, especially those in Tame
Bridge, which can be sent by email to
or by phone 01642710320 or post to 5a Holme Lane
by the 24th January.
Thank you and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Dave Campy
ST. MARTIN’S CHURCH Eucharist will be 11.15am on Sundays:
29th November
6th December
3rd, 17th and 31st January.
Please join us for these very special services:
Informal Carol Service, 3pm, Sunday 20th December
(refreshments afterwards - no service at 11.15 that day)
Christmas Morning Eucharist 9.15am
Revd Paul Hutchinson
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SEAMER VILLAGE POND - THANKS
I would just like to thank everyone who turned out to help clear the
weed off the pond on 10th October. It was a great team effort;
although it initially looked as though we did not make much of an
impression, it turned out we thinned out the weed considerably.
Since then a few of us have persevered (when the wind has been
strong and in a helpful direction, driving the weed to one corner). A
few sessions and it has all but gone!!
The expert opinion is that it could well return next year - but we will
be ready for it and now have a strategy to keep it more under
control. Many thanks again!
Derek Winterbotham.
VILLAGE FLOWER TUBS
Some of you may be wondering why some of the lovely wooden
flower tubs around the village are being replaced by brick ones. One
reason for this is that the existing wooden tubs are being damaged,
by what is thought to be dog urine, corroding the metal straps, and
this is a costly process to repair.
Whilst the brick ones will soon become equally as nice,
can I make a polite request to all dog owners to not allow
their dogs to urinate on the remaining wooden tubs to
help preserve them. Thanking you in anticipation of your
co-operation.
Editor
SEAMER VILLAGE HALL 100+ CLUB
October winners were: (136 members)
1st £20 63 Mark Taylor, Leconfield
2nd £17 102 David Ward, The Green
3rd £14 129 Jackie Sawney, off Hilton Road
4th £10 46 Walter Pattison, Stainton Road
5th £7 47 Mark Murphy, Leconfield
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The November draw had not taken place before the deadline for this
Grapevine so the results will be in the February Edition or you can
find them on the website.
In November, the 100+ Club was 1 year old. We now have 140
members. For those members who joined last December/January, this
means that you are due to join again. If you wish to do so, please get in
touch with me (details below).
New members can join at anytime - £1 per month/£12 per year.
Full details are on the village website: seamervillage.co.uk
Christine Cooper 01642 710294 or [email protected]
SEAMER METHODIST CHURCH
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS (see also adverts later)
On Sunday13th December there will be the switching on of the
Village Christmas Tree lights at 4pm when we hope it will be dark
Thanks to Margaret Smith who has recently retired from the post of Chairperson of the
Village Hall Committee.
We thank her very much for her splendid leadership & hard
work involved in the supper room refurbishment. It looks
wonderful! But now:
Your village hall needs you! There is now a vacancy for Chairperson of the Village Hall
Committee as well as for more people to come onto the
committee to represent the village & village hall activities.
For more details & description of duties please contact
Christine Campy, Vice-chair. Tel 01642 710320 or
07549134433
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enough to appreciate the lights. This will be followed
by a Nativity in the Church and refreshments. There
will be Carols and other Christmas songs. Everyone is
invited to this Village event and if your children and
you would like to dress up for the Nativity that would
be great. Shepherds, Wise Men, Angels, Inn keepers,
Mary, Joseph and even animals will be most welcome.
This will be led by Rev Daniel Pratt Morris-Chapman.
CHRISTMAS CRIB
Many households have some kind of Christmas Crib with figures of
Mary, Joseph, animals and so on. Some wait to place
the child in the manger on Christmas Eve, and then
bringing the shepherds to the stable – later replacing
the shepherds with the wise men. Some have all the
figures in place all the time. Whatever way, for many it
is a traditional part of the Christmas display.
David Adam, formally a vicar at Danby/Castleton then at Lindisfarne
wrote these words:
I open the stable door; I kneel before the infant;
I worship with the shepherds; I adore the Christ child.
I give my love with Mary and Joseph; I wonder at the ‘Word made
flesh’.
I am aware of the love of God;
I sing glory with the angels; I offer my gifts with the wise men.
I receive the living Lord; I hold him in my hands;
I go on my way rejoicing, Glorifying and praising God.
Christmas can be a time of mixed emotions ranging from great
excitement, memories of Christmases past, family gatherings and
memories of loved ones no longer with us.
The true message of Christmas is one of hope and peace – regardless
of the emotions surrounding this festive season may we all reflect on
these thoughts.
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CAROL SINGING ROUND THE VILLAGES
Once again we plan to go door to door in the
Villages of Seamer and Newby singing carols.
Despite the weather, I assure you that it is great
fun. It is also a Christmas tradition that it would
be very sad to loose. We would like to invite you
to come and join us - wrap up well - and be part
of this tradition.
Weather permitting, the following arrangements
have been agreed:
Sunday 20th December meet Seamer Methodist Church at 6 pm
Monday 21st December meet Seamer Methodist Church at 6 pm
(At the end of each of these two evenings there will be refreshments
in the ‘warm’ Church.)
Tuesday 22nd December meet Newby Village Hall at 6 pm
FUNERAL OF TOM BAINBRIDGE
The funeral took place on Tuesday 17th November of Tom (not
Thomas) Bainbridge.
Tom was born at Lowfields Farm Seamer and attended the village
school in Seamer. Tom’s mother died when he was only 7 years old.
As an adult he went into partnership with his brother Alwyn at
Lowfields Farm. Tom then bought a small holding and then he
eventually bought Seamer Grange Farm. Tom married Rita when he
was 23 and they were at Seamer Grange Farm for some 42 years
until ill health forced Tom and Rita to retire to Stokesley.
Tom was committed to the community at Seamer. He was a Parish
Councillor for many years serving as Chairman for over 10 years.
He was also a Councillor for a period on Hambleton District
Council representing Stokesley, Seamer and Newby.
Above all, Tom was a family man and loved being with his children
- Colin, Angela, Helen and Howard - and his 9 grandchildren and 4
great grandchildren.
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Tom and Rita were together for 62 years until Tom’s death on
November 1st 2015 at the age of 86 with Rita at his bedside.
A large number of people attended the funeral, symbolising the high
respect for Tom’s life. A total of £335 was donated, £165 going to
the MRI scanner appeal at the Friarage Hospital and £170 to Seamer
Methodist Church.
It is to people like Tom that we owe a real debt of gratitude. We give
thanks to God for his life.
TIMES OF WORSHIP
6th December at 10.30 am Led by Ken Hudson
13th December Christmas Celebrations at 4pm
20th December at 10.30 am Led by Stan Townson
27th December at 10.30 am at Stokesley Methodist Church
3rd January at 10.30 am at Hutton Rudby Methodist Church
10th January at 10.30 am All age Worship Led by Christine Campy
17th January at 10.30 am Led by Doreen Hunt
24th January at 10.30 am Led by Arthur Noble
31st January at 10.30am Led by Rev Daniel Pratt Morris-Chapman
TIME FOR A SMILE
A vicar sees a small boy struggling to reach a door knocker and
kindly knocks on the door for him.
‘Thanks,’ says the little boy. ‘Now run like mad!’
(I promise that when we knock while carol singing, we will not run
like mad - unless you throw something nasty at us as you open the
door!!!!!)
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
The blessing of Christ comes to cave and to hillside.
His coming is mercy and kindness and joy.
Hope and peace is born in his birthing.
Ron Kirk
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TIME FOR A LAUGH
The fattest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference.
He acquired his size from eating too much pi.
I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out
to be an optical Aleutian.
She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still.
A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it
was a weapon of maths disruption.
No matter how much you push an envelope, it'll still be stationery.
A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are
looking into it.
Time flies like an arrow; Fruit flies like a banana.
Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to
the other: "You stay here; I'll go on a head."
I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab centre said: "Keep off the Grass."
The midget fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small
medium at large.
The soldier who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a
seasoned veteran.
A backward poet writes inverse.
In a democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count
that votes.
When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.
There was the person who sent ten puns to friends, with the hope that
at least one of the puns would make them laugh. No pun in ten did.
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A vulture boards an airplane, carrying two dead raccoons. The
stewardess looks at him and says, "I'm sorry, sir, only one carrion
allowed per passenger."
Two fish swim into a concrete wall. One turns to the other and
says “Dam!"
Two hydrogen atoms meet. One says, "I've lost my electron. The
other says "Are you sure?" The first replies, "Yes, I'm positive."
Did you hear about the Buddhist who refused Novocain during
root canal treatment ? His goal: transcend dental medication.
Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly, so they lit a fire in the
craft. Unsurprisingly it sank, proving once again that you can't have
your kayak and heat it.
Submitted by Bryan Sykes.
VILLAGE HALL NEWS
MARGARET'S STINT AS CHAIRWOMAN!
After a hectic and stimulating year as Chairwoman, I should like to
thank all of the members of the Village Hall Committee for all their
support, both with the Committee work and the full Event's
programme. This has seen an exciting list of Social Events, from
Burns’ Night, Marske Fishermen's Choir with Fish and Chips, to
Alf Hind's Big Band. The aim was to have at least one Special
Interest Event per month outside all the regular groups who enjoy
the Hall. Janet is not on the Event's Committee but her 'Games
Night', was very popular; so if anyone has an idea for an event they
would like to run, or just suggest, contact me on 01642710611.
Which brings me to New Year's Eve, we would like to know what
interest there would be in a New Year Party in the Hall? This
would mean providing your own drinks, food for a pooled Supper
and a contribution to the Entertainment. (No suggestions here, you
tell me!). Ring the above number, or make sure I know you are
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interested, as soon as possible. There would be a nominal fee of £1 a
head to cover any costs incurred.
GARDEN CLUB
The Garden Club is going on its Annual Garden Centre Crawl on
Thursday 3rd of December; anyone who fancies joining us please ring
me so you can be included in the transport arrangements. We usually
set off about eleven, have a Coffee at the first Centre, calling
somewhere nice, possibly Root's, for lunch, and looking at their
Christmas Specialities. Then we will proceed with our 'Fact Finding',
visiting maybe another two Centres with further sustenance as
required.
At our regular Meeting on Tuesday 8th of December we will be
doing a Winter Arrangement. Please bring a container/vase, oasis,
decorations and some flowers and greenery to share with the Group.
If you have got over your Garden Centre crawl, bring something
towards a Pooled Supper, as well as some ideas for next year’s
programme!
Next year will start with a meal at 'Uno Momento' on Tuesday 19th
of January. If you are a hungry soul who also likes Gardening, it
looks like you couldn't go wrong by joining in with the Greenfinger's
Group!!
ART GROUP
Our friendly Group is now flourishing, with new members bringing
our numbers up to a dozen. Work from the Group is for sale on the
Walls of the Hall with over seven paintings sold over the past few
months. We meet on a Monday afternoon from 1-30 to 3-30; you do
not need an Art Degree to join us, in fact we would not let Picasso
join, this is just for fun!
Margaret Smith 01642710611
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HALL TIMETABLE
Seamer Methodist Church Traditional
Nativity & Carols
on
13th
Dec at 4-15pm
(Following Tree Light Switch on)
Led by Rev Daniel Morris - Chapman
Optional fancy dress
Very informal - suitable for young & old, with presents
under the tree for children!
Monday Pop-In 10.00am
Art
Group 1.30pm
Beginner’s Pilates Class
6.00-7.00pm Craft Club
7.00pm
Tuesday Carpet Bowls
10.00am
Improvers’ and Intermediates’
Pilates Class
6.00-7.00pm
Hall Committee meeting
(1st Tuesday in month)
Greenfingers
7.00pm (2nd Tuesday)
Seamer Parish Council (3rd Tuesday)
Wednesday Table Tennis
7.00pm Badminton
6.00-9.00pm
Thursday Zumba Class
5.45-6.30pm Bridge Group
7.00pm
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The Post Box can be accessed when the Village Hall is
open for Group activities.
Please put your cards and money in it and it will be
emptied daily
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And Treasures in the
Attic
BIG THANKS
A big thank you to all who attended this event both selling (we had
11 tables) and buying. We had a wonderful time together and
managed to raise £100 from the tables for Village Hall funds.
However, the actual amount raised was not important. Everyone
who attended, regardless of age, commented on the great time they
had. The atmosphere was tremendous.
Sam and Emily Thorpe, two village children managed to buy lots
with their £2, including a play tent (50p) which has kept them and
their cats entertained for days!! The stall holders were fantastic,
explaining to the children how much they wanted for the articles and
helping them to “barter”. Sam and Emily could not stop talking for
hours after about what they got and towards the end of the sale they
were given “freebies” for their politeness and enthusiasm.
As we had such a good time, and many people have expressed that
they would like to come again, I hope to make this a regular event
perhaps every quarter. More details in future Grapevines but once
again thanks to everyone who helped make this a success!!
Jo Batey.
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GRAPEVINE CONTACTS
(all numbers have 01642 in front of them)
Magazine Layout and Editor
David Campy, 5a Holme Lane, Seamer
E-Mail: [email protected] 710320
Illustrations
Margaret Smith, 4 Bracken Hill Walk, Seamer 710611
Distribution
Derek Winterbotham, Kingsbridge, Hilton Rd. Seamer 711617
St Martin’s
Rev Paul Hutchinson, The Rectory, Stokesley 710405
Rev Sarah Strand ([email protected]) 810690
Methodist Church Ron Kirk, 2 Rosehill, Great Ayton 722053
Seamer Village Hall Bookings: Christine Campy ([email protected])
710320
General : Christine Campy (Temporarily) 710320
Village News
Margaret Smith 710611
Seamer Parish Council
E-Mail: [email protected]
Seamer Correspondent for Darlington and Stockton Times
Christine Cooper 710294
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