Stepney and Woodlands

SIXTH FORM. Two groups of Scarborough Sixth Form students recently took part in the prestigious National Base Accounting competition organised by ICAEW. The heat was held at Hull University where teams received information on Puzzled, a business which prints and distributes magazines. They were then required to make intricate business decisions which would help Puzzled expand and grow. Both S6F teams made it into the top four and in a close finish took the runners up trophy. Marie Cammish Head of Business and Economics commented: “The BASE competition gives our students the opportunity to develop the skills required by employers, specifically relevant to the business and accounting sector, and is important to their understanding of the real world business environment. We are very proud of their achievement”. Thirty-six Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards were achieved by Scarborough Sixth Form College students in the last twelve months which is a staggering accomplishment. The students were all trained and supervised by the College for the four day arduous expedition in the mountains of the Lake District. They then had four other sections to complete including twelve to eighteen months volunteering in the community in activities such as Brownies, school sport, St Catherine’s Hospice and Active Conservation. Other sections are Physical Recreation, Skill and a Residential. It is so highly thought of that successful participants receive their Award at a presentation at the Palace. All thirty six were invited to the Town Hall to meet the Mayor and receive their Certificate although unfortunately quite a number are still at university or are working away and thus unable to attend. The unit at Scarborough Sixth Form College is one of the largest and most successful in the North East due to a combination of dedicated staff and volunteers and the efforts of the students themselves who are supported by their parents. Tom Potter, the Principal, commented that he is “extremely proud of these students and their achievements. To complete all five sections takes a range of skills and demonstrates organisation, stamina and leadership. It is not surprising that employers rate Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award so very highly as an additional qualification. Thirty six completing in the twelve months is a record for the College; some students started the Award several years ago as they have until their 25th birthday to finish. We are extremely grateful to the Mayor for his part in the presentations and the use of the Town Hall.” LADIES FELLOWSHIP. The Fellowship’s first meeting of the year saw them welcoming the Reverend Mike Leigh of St Mark’s Church, Newby giving a talk entitled “From Opera North to the Vicarage”. Mike grew up in Settle in the Yorkshire Dales. In 1976, whilst still at school, an organist from the local church came to his school assembly and wanted some boys to sing in the choir. At that time Mike, was not keen on attending Sunday School and like many of the boys thought that if he joined this choir and also their football team he would be able to avoid Sunday School! That is what he did and it became his introduction to singing and church life. There were certain people in his life who were very special to him - one his Mother who had a strong influence on him and also his Aunt Molly, a Catholic, and a very fun person to be with. She was inspiring, full of life, and a great joy to Mike and his mother. Aunt Molly had her faith to the end and her prayer books and other items which Mike treasured were later passed to him. Another exciting character whilst growing up was one “John Potter“, an organist and preacher at his Church in the Dales who oozed music. All these people had such a good influence on him during his formative years and he learnt a lot from them. By 18 years of age Mike was being told he had an exceptional singing voice and he was urged to have lessons at a Leeds College, which he did. A year or so later Mike was beginning to question his faith - “Where was God?” and “Do I believe anymore”? At that time he had an opportunity to see a performance by “Opera North” and from then on all he wanted to do was to become a bass opera singer and for a while he stopped attending church. He went on to study music at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff and whilst there attended a church run by two University chaplains who invited students to services, so an interesting mix of people and Mike became involved with them. Again he began asking himself what faith meant to him but at the same time being pulled back to wanting to become an opera singer. In 1995 Mike (now married to Alison) moved to Milford Haven, South Wales and it was at this point in their lives that one day both of them questioned, “Where is God leading us? What is the next step?” No sooner was that said than things changed for them. Alison got a job offer with the Riding Lights Theatre Company in York, so another move. As Mike had such a very good singing voice, he was encouraged to have an audition with Opera North in Leeds, which he passed - an absolute dream of a job for him - it was what he wanted more than anything else. Mike was in the chorus of Opera North, with the opportunity to do understudying and sing other interesting parts, as well as doing educational work in schools. He did add that he needed instruction with “dance”!! In 1998 whilst still a member of Opera North, Mike found his faith during a Pentecost Sunday service at St. Luke’s Church, York. Having attended the morning service, something told him he should also attend the 6.30pm service and during this he heard God telling him that he would take him to where he wanted to go, meaning to leave Opera North! He was quite petrified at this and the whole thing filled him with awe - he felt he was being pulled back and forth, questioning himself - was he working for Opera North just for himself or was God really asking him to leave, give it all up and follow him? Mike believed God was calling him to do this - to serve and trust him and allowing his love to shape him and let God take him to where he wanted him to be - it was very exciting and amazing. After much thought Mike made the big decision to go to Theological College for training to become a vicar. In 2000, from Theological College, Mike began his ministry on an Estate in Hull - a far cry from what he had been used to. That community had many problems but he got to know the people well and told them to value themselves as individuals as their aspirations were low. He helped with youth projects etc. and those youngsters are now helping others on the estate. He even took a group of them to the Opera which they saw from the front row!! Mike said it had been an invaluable experience for him personally and a privilege to have worked in Hull. In 2006 he moved with his family from Hull and came to Scarborough to be the Vicar at St Mark’s Church in Newby. He now feels more fulfilled and at peace about who he is and that what he is doing now is what God called him to do. He still loves to sing and is one of the “Singing Vicars” appearing in concerts and charity events in and around Scarborough. Three years ago Mike took his family to one of Opera North’s productions and afterwards went back stage and was reminded of the “smell” of the Theatre and it took him back to the wonderful times spent there. He said it had been such a privilege to have performed with Opera North and he felt very lucky to have had that opportunity. The group enjoyed listening to Mike’s story and at the end he delighted everyone by singing a “fun song” he learnt many years ago called “I am a Gnu”!! followed by “Steal Away to Jesus”. The whole afternoon was a treat and showed what a wonderful gift he truly has. ST LUKE’S. Last Sunday’s Palm Sunday service, led by Revd Alastair Ferneley, included a dramatised reading of the Passion narrative and the distribution of Palm Crosses. There will be a special meditational service for Good Friday this afternoon from 2-3pm. There will be readings from the Good Friday narrative, reflections, music and times of quiet. Everyone is welcome. On Easter Sunday the service of Family Communion at 10am will be led by Revd David Pynn. investigate a lack of action relating to the matter on the recent Old Malton Road development. Still causing concern is the fence recently erected on Wains Lane, adjacent to the boundary of Hertford Vale School. The lack of information regarding the Cultivation Licence from NYCC, repairs to the stile on the public footpath on Ings Lane and pruning of a tree in Kiln Field. County Cllr J Sanderson agreed to investigate the above. She informed members that the planning application for the proposed wind farm at East Heslerton remained on the agenda, but there were issues concerning low flying military aircraft and radar installations. The amount of litter on the verges of the A64 created a very poor image, and action should be taken to rectify this problem. Meanwhile it was suggested the jubilee committee may consider a sponsored litter pick in the village. At the next meeting potential projects that would benefit from the proposed Housing Bonus Scheme are to be discussed.

Funding for clearing Beacon pond is doubtful, but will continue to be pursued. It was reported that the Jubilee committee have so far raised a sum of £500, with fund raising still ongoing. It was noted that Hertford Vale School will be holding their celebrations on Friday June 1. The beacon has been ordered and been promised to be installed in time for lighting as part of the celebration on the 5th of June at 8pm. The Fire Brigade have been asked by the Jubilee committee for advice on matters of safety. The provision of extended youth facilities was deferred until the next meeting, to allow members time to consider possibilities. Cllr A Jeffels reported on the recent meeting of the Neighbourhood Watch, and previous anti social behaviour that had been reported to the police. Concerning the painting of illegal double yellow lines near the school it was agreed that the matter should be referred to the Police and NYCC. The stencil paintings on the footpaths, relating to the fouling by dogs had been well received by residents, ir-responsible dog owners have been a blight on the village during the recent dark hours of winter. The condition of the former Methodist Chapel was discussed. District Cllr J Raper is to investigate what can be done to resolve this matter.