Settle News 11 December 2011

CHRISTMAS CAROL SERVICE: GIGGLESWICK JUNIOR SCHOOL

There is nothing quite like the skirl  of the bagpipes to set the hairs standing on the back of the neck and  the beautiful rendition of the haunting piece, “Highland Cathedral” was a wonderful way to open this special service.   Congratulations to young Thomas Lothian on this incredibly confident and accomplished performance.  Confidence and concentration however were the hallmarks of the afternoon with the readers in particular performing well and reading with both clarity and expression.  The choir numbers also were a real joy with all involved rising to the challenges presented and singing beautifully and taking the complex harmonies in their stride. There was also an extremely strong opening solo by David Bulmer who sang out with real conviction.  As ever the music was outstanding both in variety and in the very high level of performance, whether the pieces were sung by the whole school, the actual choir or the various form groups.  The  delightfully catchy “Child of God” sung by Year 5 was sung with a real swing and with great expression. Year 6 too rose to the challenge performing “ There’s a light in the sky” with real focus as they split into harmonies.  I am always impressed by how such young performers can make this kind of thing seem so very simple – and clearly the students enjoy this greatly.  Year 3 and 4 pupils were however the scene stealers of the afternoon, not only singing wonderfully in the Appalachian folk-song “Jesus, Jesus, Rest your head” but also with their narration and acting skills in the nativity play.  In conclusion a wonderful way to end the term and a beautiful way to start the Christmas holidays; congratulations to all involved in the event – the pupils for their diligence and the staff for their hard work and inspiration.
A CONCERT OF MUSIC AND READINGS FOR CHRISTMAS

GIGGLESWICK SCHOOL CHAPEL: 8.12.11

A candelit service beneath the majestic dome of Giggleswick Chapel is a perfect way to celebrate Christmas; but this was not just a celebration of Christmas it was also a wonderful way of celebrating the talent and creativity of the staff and students involved in the event.  It was very clear throughout the evening that all those taking part were sincerely enjoying the night and this shone through in both the music and the expressive readings. Clearly the congregation too enjoyed it – as the congregational singing was superb and richly enhanced by the harmonies from the choir.  The programme was extremely varied and provided a banquet of Christmas delights for all tastes with readings including the traditional biblical story, Corpus Christi Carol, Shakespeare’s depiction of Winter and A Child’s Christmas In Wales by Dylan Thomas – the latter delivered with great expression to maximise the comic impact of the lines and create a wonderfully evocative picture. Congratulations to Jack Humphrey on such masterly presentation. The choral numbers were similarly varied featuring Benjamin Britten’s rich Ceremony of Carols, a delightful rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by the youngsters in the Catteral Choir;  a rousing Christmas Festival which proved to be a magnificent chance for a singalong under the direction of Sally Slater and,  in conclusion, a haunting arrangement of Longfellow’s classic Christmas Poem “Christmas Bells” sung by the chapel choir.  In addition there were a number of stunning solo musical items including an exquisite flute solo by Angus Broadbent, Terrence Tang’s sparkling Liszt etude on piano, a moving performance of “Meditation” by Massenet on violin and magnificent  performances by the flute group. There were also outstanding vocal solos in the choir numbers from Isobel Jones, Angus Broadbent, Eleanor Thursby and Helen Burkinshaw as well as harp accompaniment from Louise Thomson and Sadie Milbourn.   Truly this was an evening which sparkled with talent and which demonstrated the inspiration and dedication of the staff involved and the effect which it has on these very talented young people.
 

SETTLE PARISH CHURCH

Quiz buffs will be pleased to know that the annual brain-teaser “Andy’s Quiz” is now on sale at a number of outlets around the town – guaranteed value for money at £2, this provides hours of intellectual challenge and fun and you have until March to complete it for a chance to win part of the £75 total prize money!  Many thanks to everyone who supported the Christmas Bingo on December 7^th.

CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER AND TEA

Following on from previous years successful Christmas day dinner it is proposed to arrange a similar event this year, based either at St John’s or at Townhead. Volunteers are needed to help plan this event and to work on the day. It is hoped that this event will be open to all ages and it is anticipated that the cost will be in the region of £15 for adults and £10 for children. Transport will be arranged for those who are unable to reach the venue. If you are able to help arrange the event, help on the day or would like to attend the event please contact Judith on 01729 822138 as soon as possible.

LINTON COURT GALLERY

There is still time to catch the Landscape Art of Yorkshire,Lancashire and Cumbria exhibition before it closes on 17 December. The exhibition  provides  an opportunity to see and purchase original work by a number of artists from the three counties and follows on from the show held last winter. Artists represented include: Norman Adams, Michael Bennett, David Cook, Frank Gordon, Michael Hipkins, Katharine Holmes, Debbie Loane, Karen Lloyd, Phil Morseman, David Morris, Janet Swailes, Margaret Uttley, Shawn Williamson, Marjan Wouda. This year’s exhibition has two special displays of paintings:Chris Rigby – The winner of the first prize in the “Open up North” exhibition organised by the Brewery Arts Centre Kendal and Watercolour paintings of Horton in Ribblesdale by Vivien John (1915 – 1994) -the youngest daughter of the painter Augustus and Dorelia John. The gallery is open on Thursday15th, Friday 16^th and Saturday 17th between 11am – 3pm.

 

ROTARY FATHER CHRISTMAS VISITS

Santa Claus has got a busy month ahead and he will again be making sure that the children in the area can get in touch with him. During his trips around Settle and to local villages he will have a post-box on his sleigh so that children can post their letters to him. Please make sure you put your name and address on the letter so that he can reply to you!  He will visit Langcliffe on December 15^th and Giggleswick on 16 before spending 17^th in store at Watershed Mill. On Monday 19 he will tour the Mains and Stackhouse before visiting Horton and Stainforth on December 20^th.

VICTORIA HALL

The eclectic and eccentric mix that is Belshazzar’s Feast returns to Settle on 17 December as part of their Christmas Tour and a true festive delight is served up on 22 December with a family pantomime “Jack and the Beanstalk” by Pocket Panto.  For details of tickets and times contact the box office on 01729 825718.

THREE PEAKS FOLK CLUB

The Christmas Special evening will take place at Settle Social Club on 17 December.  There will be mince pies, mulled wine and a Christmas draw.  Admission is £2 and the evening starts at 8pm and runs till midnight. The host for the evening will be the Old Rustic Charmer himself and as well as all the club regulars there will be an appearance by the Holbeck Moor Mummers.  All welcome, come along and enjoy a good seasonal singalong.

COMMUNITY CAROL SINGING

Get into the season mood by joining the community carol singing on 20 December.  Carols will be sung at Booths at 2pm before moving on to the Co-op at 2.45pm. All are welcome to come along and join in.

SETTLE STORIES

In days of old people gathered round the fire and shared stories to while away the long winter nights and keep the dark at bay; share the tradition by coming along to Settle Story telling group on 21 December for their regular club night at the Falcon Manor at 7.30pm. Admission is £3 and all are welcome. Bring along a story to share or simply come and listen to tales of bygone days and celebrate the magic of the winter solstice.

 

DOMINO KNOCKOUT

A post-Christmas challenge is on offer, with cash prizes to be won when North Ribblesdale Rugby Club host their Domino Knockout night on 27 December.  Entries must be registered beforehand – contact 07891322096/ 07969066836. The evening will commence promptly at 7pm.

CHURCHES TOGETHER HOLIDAY CLUB

There will be a free holiday club session for children aged between 5-11 years on 5 January at St John’s Hall. The session will run from 10-3 and participants should bring a packed lunch, drinks will be provided. There will be games, stories and activities around the theme of Journeys. For details contact Kate on 01729 823537.

MAP READING

Would you like to learn a new skill for the new year. Beginners map reading courses are being arranged to start in January. These will include basic navigation skills and are being run by a form SAS instructor. The aim is to make the courses friendly, fun and informal. Cost approx £99 per person for a two day course.  For further details contact Admin 24 on 822557.

 

LIP READING CLASSES

Are you , or is someone dear to you, starting to suffer from hearing loss? Would it help to be able to communicate better? Lip reading classes will commence on Wednesday 11^th January at Friends Meeting House and then take place on alternate Wednesdays. Relatives are welcome to come along and the cost is £2 per class.  For details contact 01729 822690.

GIGGLESWICK

GIGGLESWICK PRIMARY SCHOOL

This evening, Thursday, 15^th December at 6.00pm the school’s Christmas presentation will take place in St. Alkelda’s church. This will involve pupils in a re-telling of the nativity story, with some additional parts written by Class 3 pupils. The Christmas Presentation is open to all parents, relatives and friends of the school, so please come along to support the pupils. No tickets are required and no charge is made to attend, although there will be a collection for charity at the end of the performance.Thanks also to  everyone who has already purchased a copy of Giggleswick Primary School’s Cookbook. This has been typed and produced by a group of parents, supported by Mrs. Jarrom and we are grateful to everyone involved, as well as to all our contributors. It is very reasonably priced at £3 and copies are available from the school office, so please purchase as many booklets as you can – perhaps to give as seasonal gifts. For the past few weeks, SportsCool has been running a Dodgeball After-School Club, which has been very well-attended by pupils from Y2-Y5. They have played well, learnt many new skills and have shown excellent sporting behaviour. They were all awarded medals for their effort and involvement and Gabriel Warburton was presented with the cup for the most valued player.  A huge thank you to all who braved the cold weather to support our involvement in the Settle Lights switch on. There was a good turn-out of pupils, who sang well and their performance was much appreciated by the audience. Most of the pupils have been involved in producing some very effective cards for this annual Christmas card competition, which is organised annually by Skipton Building Society and in the 10 yrs. and under section, three of our pupils’ designs were chosen as winners: 1^st prize – Freddie Parsons, 2^nd prize – Hattie Black and 3^rd prize – Ruby Lambert.  On Friday, 9^th December,  a group of older pupils were involved in community singing at Booths supermarket to help raise money for the charity RNIB. Their efforts were greatly appreciated.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

18^TH DECEMBER

Settle parish church	10am	All age Holy Communion
St Alkelda’s, Giggleswick	8.00 10.30 6.30pm	Holy Communion Holy Communion Service of Lessons and Carols
Rathmell Methodist Church	2pm	Carol Service
Langcliffe	4pm	Carol Service
Zion Congregational	10.45 6.30pm	Family morning service Carols by Candlelight
Settle Christian Fellowship	10.45am	Carol  Service
St John’s Methodist	10.30am 6.30pm	Family Service Carol Service

 

MIDWEEK

Settle Parish Church	20 Dec	2pm	Settle Primary School Christingle service
St Alkelda’s, Giggleswick	15 Dec	6pm	Giggleswick Primary School Christmas Service

Christmas Eve

 

Settle Parish Church	5pm   11.30pm	Countdown to Christmas – service for all the family Christmas Midnight Mass
St Alkelda’s, Giggleswick	6.45pm	Carols and Children’s Nativity Tableau
Holy Trinity, Rathmell	11.30pm	Christmas Holy Communion
Langcliffe	11.30pm	Midnight Mass
Stainforth	6.30pm	Carol Service
St Mary and St Michael, Catholic Church	8.00pm	First Mass of Christmas
St John’s Methodist Church	5.30pm	Songs and stories around the Christmas Tree

 

Christmas Day

 

Settle Parish Church	10am	Christmas Family Communion (bring a gift to show)
St Alkelda’s, Giggleswick	8.00am 10.30am	BCP Holy Communion All age Communion (bring a gift to show)
Stainforth	10.30am	Christmas Holy Communion
St Mary and St Michael, Catholic Church	10am	Mass of Christmas Day
St John’s Methodist Church	10am	Family Service  (bring an unopened gift to share the unwrapping experience with others)
Settle Society of Friends	10.30-11am	All age meeting for Worship
Zion Congregational	10.45am	Christmas Day Service
Settle Christian Fellowship	10.30am	Christmas Celebration