Earthquake 3.6 Rocks North Yorkshire 3rd January 2011

At 9.03pm last night here in Masham, North Yorkshire, we felt the earth move. Was it an extremely heavy lorry going through our village? Was it a mega clap of thunder? Neither. It was an earthquake. And, not just one earthquake, but two.

My niece Amy and friend Brian were rehearsing (singing) in our living room preparing for their performance in Kirkby Malzeard on Thursday night, Sat Nav was counting them in and I was in the kitchen when we heard a huge rumble. Initially, I thought it was thunder. Brian thought it was a helicopter.

About five seconds later there was another rumble. Sat Nav checked the ponies, they were unsettled. I announced the event on facebook and twitter. Within seconds I had replies from all over North Yorkshire saying people had felt the same thing.
Then the news broke that it was in fact an earthquake measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale. The epicentre was Kirkby Malzeard, very close to where I live.

After about half an hour I felt cold so I went to turn the wall heating thermostat up. Now this is bizarre. It was turned off. Nobody had touched/altered it so how it came to be that way is a mystery. In fact we didn't know that it could be turned down so low - we are hot house plants!

Ding Dong!

ELLEN DEAN and KATHY BOYER 

CO-DIRECTORS

OF

MASHAM PLAYERS AUTUMN PRODUCTION

DING DONG

by

Marc Camoletti

English version by Tudor Gates

Performance dates

18, 19 and 20 November 2010

Masham Town Hall

North Yorkshire

Curtain up 7.30pm

Tickets from Masham Community Office

www.visitmasham.com

www.ellendean.co.uk

   www.kbequinetherapy.co.uk                                 

Amy joins up with Honey and Chloe, but Katie couldn't be bothered

My niece Amy practicing join up, Monty Roberts style, and having fun with Honey, Chloe and Katie 😀

The Backbeat Beatles - Masham Town Hall

You'll love this video of The Backbeat Beatles www.backbeatbeatles.com singing Hey Jude! Sat Nav, myself and Amy went with friends to see them last Saturday night at Masham Town Hall.

We set off for Masham and it was a case of HELP because it was raining so hard we had to travel in a YELLOW SUBMARINE.

SERGEANT PEPPER was waiting at the door to greet us and he said they were going to sing PAPERBACK WRITER especially for me; wasn't that sweet!

The band was formed in 1994 by musician/actor Chris O'Neill after he played George Harrison in the Bafta Award winning film Backbeat which chronicles the early days of The Beatles in Hamburg. And, what a coincidence: the band hail from Liverpool.

The band lineup is:
Chris O'Neill - Paul McCartney
Paul McDonough - John Lennon (an uncanny resemblance!)
David Reilly - Ringo Starr
Gary Harmon - George Harrison

This brilliant band has performed around the world, from Masham to Monaco . . . No kidding!

When I interviewed the band (video to follow later) I asked them how they found Masham. Chris said, 'Sat Nav.' I thought, that's funny, she didn't tell me she'd led the band into Masham :-)

Masham Music Society - Masham Arts Festival 2009

Can you spot Sat Nav and my niece Amy?
It was Amy's public debut with the Society . . . and I have to say she was brilliant (not that I'm biased, of course!)
Sat Nav was brilliant too!

As part of Masham Arts Festival the Masham Music Society performed in the Home Grown Concert on Sunday night in St Mary's Church.
They sang two songs The Miner's Dream of Home, and Grandfather's Clock. Both songs will be part of their annual performance, which will take place in Masham Town Hall on Saturday 5th December 2009.

All of the singers were in good voice. It was obvious that the audience enjoyed them by their tremendous applause, and compliments.

Can't wait for the full show. Well done!

Masham Famous Ales and Fortified Wine

In my latest article for the Ripon edition of Infocus magaizne www.jkanorth.com I wrote about how good it is to help one another out.
I call it being kind.

Last Saturday someone was very kind to me.

I went into the wine shop in Masham www.corksandcases.com to ask if they would display a poster for a friend of mine. While I was in the shop one of the owners (Angela) was talking about a very classy vintage fortified Shiraz from Australia. Apparently this wine is available from only five retail outlets in the UK, Corks and Cases being one of them. She invited me to taste it. I don't drink alcohol (only on very rare occasions because it goes straight to my knees, and I was driving) so I declined.

But, I thought I would write about this wine because I think it is amazing that wine such as this is available in Masham.
It's a bit ironic too, as Masham is renowned for its excellent beer being the home of the legendary Masham Ale 'Old Peculier' from www.theakstons.co.uk as well as 'Black Sheep Best Bitter' and 'Holy Grail' from www.blacksheepbrewery.com

I wanted to take a photo of a bottle of this d'Arenberg tipple and tried several times but couldn't get a decent pic on my mobile phone. I didn't have my camera with me.
But then Elias Moubayed came into the shop, picked up on the conversation and offered to take a photo for me, which he did and promptly sent it straight to my email address. Now that's what I call kindness at it's best. Thanks Elias.

Now for my wine buff friends I've take the following information from the d'Arenberg website. You can find out more from www.darenberg.com.au Cheers!




The Characteristics
The wine has a very deep black appearance with a wonderful crimson deep cherry red hue. Intense aromas of ripe, blackberry fruits, liquorice appear first followed by prune-like notes with deep spicy plum pudding characters. As it opens, deeper blackberry mulberry fruits with anise evolve combined with a lifted (and slightly ‘taily’) brandy spirit which is most appealing. The initial attack of primary fruit flavours, combined with the integrated, unwooded brandy spirit ensure the palate is full-flavoured balanced with very fine, almost tea-like tannins and the dry impact of the spirit.
Just wonderful!

With significant bottle age, ‘The Vintage Fortified’ made with Shiraz gains extraordinary complexity. The intense young colour becomes a lighter, more ruby-red initially, then quite amber. Fruit and brandy spirit integrate further, making way for whiffs of roses, chocolate/walnut, coffee and orange/cumquat peel smells. The palate becomes more balanced and develops further complexity with notes of caramelised figs, dark chocolate, malt, coffee and vanilla mixed with tobacco-like flavours with a finish that’s very soft and delicate.

Abba 2 Bjorn Belief in Masham

Look what happened when I waved my magic wand! Yes, Abba 2 Bjorn Belief appeared on stage. They flew into Masham by helicopter from a little place just outside Sweden, called Swansea.

And, even though it was a very hot night, everybody was up on their feet dancing. You performed a brilliant show guys, can't wait for next time. Thank you for my tiara Lorraine, it fits perfectly!

Andy, what can I say, the cakes were absolutely delicious, thank you. Our turn next time 😀

North Yorkshire Fillies - Slappin' Leather

We do have fun in North Yorkshire.

Service With a Smile

Jonny Chisholm watching the customers arrive.




It was time to have one of our cars serviced, and what better place to go than Catterick Service Station? www.catterickservicestation.co.uk
Remember my previous blog? I bought my second mid-life crisis from there.

Last Friday Sat Nav and I took both of our cars there. One for a service, and the other (my mid-life crisis) because it was screaming at me (the brakes that is) and no . . . it wasn't because of my driving!

We arranged to collect them later that day. Talk about the best laid plans!

We were almost ready to leave in the very smart courtesy car we'd been loaned; all we had to do was bottle feed the lamb. Now this might sound odd, but remember we live in the country and we were doing our neighbours a favour.

The little lamb had other ideas and despite Sat Nav's (and my) best attempts it refused to take the bottle, and wanted to play and mess about. There was no way we could get to the garage before it closed so I had to phone and explain. When Jill (service receptionist)finally stopped laughing at our little predicament, we arranged to collect the cars on Saturday morning. I am happy to report that Saturday morning little lamb was ready for breakfast and guzzled it without any problems ;-)

I know I keep telling you how great the staff are at this garage, but I'm going to tell you again. You are made so welcome, and nothing is a trouble to them. You can't beat good service, which is exactly what you get here, and it's always delivered with a smile.

Check them out - you won't be disappointed.

Fearby and Healey Village Hall Makeover

Fearby and Healey Village Hall has had a fabulous makeover, and you can see from the before and after pictures, it looks absolutely beautiful. The new lighting system needs to be seen to be appreciated.

The official opening takes place on Friday 17th April 2009 at 7pm. Everyone welcome. There will be wine and some tasty nibbles. So why not come along and make it a night out.

The Hall is available to hire for all occasions i.e. weddings, birthdays, groups, classes, meetings, etc. Although there is no 'built-in' bar, the Village Hall does have a license, so it is possible to make arrangements to have a bar if you wish.

Sleepers Awake presented by Masham Players Spring 2009

The spring production of Masham Players Sleepers Awake by Alan Griffiths was billed as a lighthearted play.


I went along to the opening night, Thursday 19th March, and was entertained throughout.

The programme said:
A strange visit from the electricity board man followed soon afterwards by a visit from the gas board man, may cause a wedding to be postponed and the promise of a holiday in Scotland that no one wants. For Mr & Mrs Rainbow these strange events bring something almost surreal into their normal quiet lives. Will they be able to cope with what is asked of them? Or will the whole episode end in absolute chaos and danger?

The audience loved it!

The play was superbly directed by Marjorie Tate, and the two new members, Elizabeth Wilcox and Charlie Andrew, were exceptionally good.

The cast of six performed with gusto. Jonathan Trenholme and Susan Rouse, as Mr. and Mrs. Rainbow, played their parts extremely well, particularly the hilarious karate scene, and the reaction of their neighbour, Doreen, was played to perfection by Pam Grimsditch.

Add to this Ron Smith and Charlie Andrew playing Ivan Gromyenko and George Phipps Sanderson with enthusiastic exuberance. And Elizabeth Wilcox as Sharon, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Rainbow, whose wedding may have to be postponed, and what do you get? An absurd situation, but a situation that the audience loved.

At the end of the performance I heard comments like: perfect casting, brilliant acting, just the right length, and the best yet!

Congratulations to Masham Players for another outstanding production.

HOWEVER, I have one criticism.

There was no National Anthem played at the beginning of the performance, and I, among many others, would like to know why not?

Masham Musical Society 2008 Annual Concert

On Saturday night I had the pleasure of attending Masham Musical Society's Annual Concert. The concert was billed as Now and Then.


This year they had a new conductor Mr. Jonathon Heitler and a new accompanist Mr. Anthony Rudd. Not only that, but they also had four new members. One was Sat Nav (Gloria) who had been practicing not only at rehearsals, but also at home for weeks. Of course she had me singing along too. We Gathered Lilacs in the kitchen, Ruled Britannia regularly. Razzle Dazzled Katie (our horse) in the stable, and were sure our neighbours were wondering Why Must The Show Go On? But they must have been relieved to hear that Christmas is Coming.


But seriously . . . that should give you some idea of the content of the night.

I wish I had taken my Union flag to wave when they sang Rule Britannia, but never daunted Brian and I waved our programmes ;-)

Their performance was absolutely fabulous! If you were in the audience you should Consider Yourself very lucky indeed.
And I'm not just saying that because Sat Nav made her debut with the society - it's true!

Congratulations and well done to everyone.

Mercury - Queen Tribute Band - Rocks Masham

'We will, we will, Rock You', and you did guys.

You are 'The Champions' my friends.





What a super show Sat Nav and I went to see last night. It was the first time we'd seen this brilliant band . . . but it won't be the last. Even Sat Nav was up on her feet dancing, and that takes some motivation ;-) Ouch!

Mercury absolutely rocked Masham. Fantastic, brilliant, terrific musicality. I could go on and on. Lee you even look like Freddie - an uncanny likeness. Thanks for letting me wear your crown. Gosh! Isn't it heavy!

The band played to a full house, and we all got down and dirty. The atmosphere was electric. My feet are still sore, probably due to the fact that I wore heels to dance. Will I never learn?

Sorry you only got one piece of cake Andy, but the band ate it all. It wasn't me - honest. I only had two pieces ;-)

Shaun, you've done it again. You always bring the best tribute bands to Masham.

Rock and Roll meets Physiotherapy!

I'd been looking forward to seeing this band for weeks, and to catching up with Andy and Shaun. And as you might already know I love to put on my dancing shoes and make an exhibition of myself.

However...I've had a slight hitch as a couple of days previously I was attacked by the wind!

Again, it's no secret that my daily chores include cleaning up after our lovely Katie (horse) - and I'm a proper little Trojan because I do this in all weathers.
For those of you who are familiar with picking up after horses you will know the tools of the trade. For those who are not I'll try to describe them.... a rake that's hard to describe, but very light, and a scoop that resembles a hood on a stick.

I was working away, I'd emptied several scoops into the wheelbarrow in the field, and was carefully picking my way back through the mud into the top paddock when whooooosh...the wind howled around the corner and picked up the scoop - and me - with such force that I became a kite!
I was momentarily swept off my feet in what seemed like slow motion then dumped down hard right onto a boulder. Would you believe I was surrounded by grass, and mud, but I had to bang my hip on the only sodding boulder!

It didn't hurt at the time, so I got up, laughed about it, and carried on. The wind tried to get me again, but I was ahead of it. It wasn't going to catch me out a second time.
Katie looked somewhat amused by it all - but didn't come to offer any help, but did leave me another deposit!

Yesterday was a different story. I was in pain aaaaaarrrrrrrgggghhhhhh!
But...I was determined I wasn't going to let it spoil my dancing, and it didn't...I had waited too long to see this band.

T-Rex had a support group, so we got an unexpected treat.
And I say treat because you don't always know what you're going to get with a support band. But this group rocked!
They are called 'Helter Skelter'. I understand they come from Huddersfield...look out for them, they deserve bigger things. In fact they could have carried the night.

The Town Hall was packed, standing room only. So, I had to keep dancing to give my hip some physiotherapy. Naturally the T-Rex Tribute band were great.

I nearly forgot to tell you, our friend Brian (my Fling it Here, Fling it There co-star) had been pressured into local village hall duties. Of course being the good friend that I am, I rang his mobile phone and let him here the music. Within fifteen minutes Brian appeared in the doorway with a big smile on his face.

During the interval we all enjoyed yummy chocolate cake courtesy of Andy.
Thanks Andy! It was delicious.

Needless to say I am suffering today with my hip, and am in agony sat here typing this! But it was well worth it ;-)

The Cat's Away

It's been a week of drama for Sat Nav and I. First the Magic of the Musicals, and then Masham Players (our local amateur dramatic society) were performing their autumn production of 'The Cat's Away' on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. This was directed by our good friend and fellow myspacer Brian, who described the play as 'a comedy of a misconstrued situation, misplaced intentions, an over-bearing mother-in-law, and broken garden ornaments!'

The first few rehearsals didn't go well at all, and we thought the play was jinxed. It certainly was a case of the cast pulling everything together at the eleventh hour. In amateur dramatics time is a huge commitment with everybody giving up their valuable time. One of the cast ended up on antibiotics two days before the opening night, another had a sore throat, but carried on valiantly. And the lines . . . well they just refused to be learnt :-) So much so that we thought we were going to have to send Brian for therapy lol!

Ticket sales for Friday and Saturday were very poor because Friday clashed with children in need and Saturday clashed with a musical event happening in the church, so in line with that Sat Nav (business manager) didn't bother to order any extra ice creams for Saturday night . . . big mistake as it turned out. But she is blaming Fiona for that because she talked it over with her and their decision was unanimous lol!

Thursday night we had almost a full house. I was usherette and sold ice cream with Sat Nav and Fiona. My, don't I live the high life. On Thursday nights the cast and crew prepare and serve the audience with an after show supper. You have to be quick on your feet and get out of the way of the stampede down to the supper room at the end of the show.

Friday night I am happy to report we had almost a full house too, I am happy to say that word had got around just what a great production it was. The cast and crew all signed a programme, and so did the writer Ian Hornby who had traveled quite a way to attend. Brian auctioned the programme for children in need and raised £30 which Sat Nav will be banking for them tomorrow. Ice cream sales went well, but going on past performances Sat Nav and Fiona still decided there should be enough. Wrong!

Saturday night sales started very slowly and then whoosh . . . almost a full house again and guess what? They ran out of ice creams. Sat Nav was mortified.

So congratulations to the director Brian who pulled it off in the end and to the cast and crew.

It makes me realize how much I miss treading the boards. Maybe next time. Whoops! I can feel a song coming on.

Masham Players Spring 2008 Production dates 13th, 14th, 15th March.

Intothebleach comes to Masham

Went to see Blondie Tribute Band Intothebleach tonight. A great band - you really must see them. The audience loved Sam's energetic performance (she is so fit) and sang along with her all night. She has a great voice and I was glad she sang my favourite Blondie song 'One Way Or Another'.

It was good to meet Sam and talk after the show.

She also does an excellent Marilyn Monroe routine!