Tragedy at Hillsborough and Valley Parade

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Valley Parade Fire Memorial Bradford

Over the Christmas period families and supporters at Hillsborough and Valley Parade football grounds will remember the great tragedies that happened on April 15th 1989 and May 11th 1985.  At Hillsborough 96 Liverpool supporters died and at Bradford City’s Valley Parade ground 4 years earlier 56 people had lost their lives.

‘It was the deaths of 66 supporters at Ibrox in 1971 that led to the introduction of the first piece of legislation that offered protection to sports fans, the 1975 Safety of Sports Grounds Act. The Thatcher government staggered the legislation’s introduction indefinitely postponed for lower division grounds on the basis that they were not attended in sufficient numbers.
The unimplemented regulations anticipated stand fires. They stated that wooden stands should be capable of evacuation in 2½ minutes, that all combustible material be removed from beneath them, any voids that caused such an accumulation be sealed, and that no one should be more than 30 metres from the nearest manned exit. None of these conditions were met at Bradford.’

 

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‘On April 15 1989 over 25,000 Liverpool fans traveled to Hillsborough Sheffield to support their team in the FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest. Ninety six of them never returned. Nineteen years later friends and family of those who lost their lives were joined by thousands of fans at Anfield to pay tribute to 96 Liverpool supporters who will never be forgotten. This years 20th anniversary will be more poignant.

The Taylor Report led to the introduction of all seater stadiums for Premiership grounds but the final report did not satisfy friends and families even though the interim report promise much.

Such loss of life is a tragedy but the commitment from supporters, the public and the emergency services are something to be proud of. Let us hope tragedies on such a scale are never seen again at any sporting venues.

2016 The New Hillsborough Inquest

In December 2012 the High Court quashed the verdicts in the original inquests and ordered fresh inquests to be held. On 6 April 2016 nine jurors  returned a verdict of unlawful killing in respect of all 96 victims.  ‘All families and survivors now have official confirmation of what they always knew was the case, that the Liverpool fans were utterly blameless in the disaster that unfolded at Hillsborough’ David Cameron on wikipedia

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Yorkshire Pig Breeds

Large White Yorkshire Pig

The Large White pig, also known as the English Large White, is a breed of domesticated pig originating in Yorkshire. It is also fondly known as the Yorkshire pig. First recognized in 1868 and registered in 1884 this Yorkshire pig was popular around Keighley West Yorkshire for many years.

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Large Whites are distinguished by their hefty bearing, erect ears, slightly dished faces, white color, pink skins, and long deep sides. They have been valued for their bacon production since the inception of the breed. As their name suggests, they are characterized by their large size.

The Large White is regarded as a rugged and hardy breed that can withstand variations in climate and other environmental factors. Their ability to cross with and improve other breeds has truly made them a factor nearly everywhere commercial swine are produced. They have been known for decades as a favorite market animal where high quality bacon and pork are sought. Their tendency to grow and not lay down excess fat have made them favorites, not only when swine are marketed at relatively light weights, but also when they are carried to heavier weights.

Large Whites are known for large litters, heavy milk production and for having excellent maternal instincts. They are not only lean and active, but are also quite sound in feet and legs. They carry their considerable length with ease and grace. Their extra height, or length of leg, helps them to remain active and have long useful lives in the breeding pen.new-picture-13

 

Small White or Small Yorkshire

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Yorkshire Sheep

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The Wensleydale is a large long wool sheep with a distinctive grey black face, ears and legs. The Wensleydale breed was developed in the 19th century by crossing English Leicester and Teeswater sheep to make a mule that developed in to the Wensleydale.

One of the largest and heaviest of all sheep breeds, the Wensleydale has long, locks of ringlet like woll inherited from its teesdale parentage.

There is a long show tradition for this breed and the 2016 winner at the 125th annual Wensleydale Longwool Sheep Breeders’ Association show and sale at Skipton Auction Mart.

‘Mr Fisher lifted the title with his first prize shearling ram and male champion, a first-rate home-bred that has excelled in the show arena all summer, becoming champion at both Otley and Ripley Shows, and  runner-up in its class at the Great Yorkshire.’

 

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‘A separate register is maintained in the flock book for coloured Wensleydales which occur naturally as a result of a double recessive black gene (this is not exclusive to the Wensleydale). Since the coloured register was commenced in 1994 the number of black ewe lambs registered with the Association has been volatile – in 1999 there were 88 registrations but these have declined in recent years.

Some white animals carry one recessive black gene and mating two such sheep can produce coloured lambs from an apparently all white flock.  These lambs are registered in the coloured register and the dam and sire must also be transferred out of the white flock.  When the demand for wool was at its peak it was common for black lambs to be culled to prevent the valuable clip becoming ‘polluted’ with coloured fibres and to protect the reputation of breeders. However, these lambs born out of white flocks have now become very important as they widen the gene pool for coloured breeders – in 1999 breeding rams were registered from 13 flocks but by 2009 this had declined to 6 flocks.

Although referred to as Black Wensleydales – the colour will vary from silver to jet black.’

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Swaledale Sheep Breeders Association

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Yorkshire Shire Horses

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The Shire Horse is held to be the tallest of the modern draught breeds and can be black, brown, bay or grey in colouring. Its distinctive feature is long, silky hair, commonly white, on the lower part of its legs. The title “English Cart Horse” was adopted in 1878 but changed to “Shire” some years later. They are ideal for pulling vehicles and are still used for beer and bread deliveries, street cleaning and rubbish collection. There are attempts to re-introduce Shire horse-power on canals both for commerce and leisure. Shire horses continue to be used in agriculture and timber operations to complement mechanisation.

Heavy Horses
Largest individual British Heavy Horse may well be Digger the Clydesdale who is still a youngster and has some growing to do. Digger is set to enter the record books as Britain’s biggest horse as in 2007 he measured 19 hands (6ft 5in) or 9ft when his head is up. The world’s biggest horse is alleged to be Sampson, foaled in 1846 in Bedfordshire, England, stood 21.2½ hands high 7ft 2½in at his withers, and weighed approx 3,300 lb or over 1.5 tonnes.
Other varieties of draft or cart horses found in Yorkshire include, Cream Draft, Percheron, Boulonnais, Belgian, Clydesdale, Suffolk, Brabant, Shire and Ardennes. Clydesdales, and other members of the breed are used as drum horses by the British Household Cavalry.

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Yorkshire Connections
Local shows at Epworth and Otley in May and Eastrington and Todmorden in June and Harthill near Sheffield are Yorkshire venues where these horses can be seen on parade.
Staintondale Shire Horse farm is a visitor attraction celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2010. it is located between Whitby and Claughton near Scarborough.

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God Made Yorkshire and Southern Wazzocks

 Making Yorkshire God’s Own County

Once upon a time in the Kingdom of Heaven God went missing for six days.

Eventually, Archangel Michael found him on the seventh day resting.

He enquired of God, ‘Where have you been?’

God pointed downwards through the clouds. Archangel Michael looked puzzled and said, ‘What is it?’

‘It’s a planet,’ replied God, ‘and I’ve put LIFE on it. I’m going to call it Earth and it’s going to be a great place of balance.’

‘Balance?’ inquired Michael, still confused.

God explained, pointing down to different parts of the Earth.

‘For example North America will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while South America is going to be poor; the Middle East over there will be a hot spot, and Russia will be a cold spot. Over there I’ve placed a continent of white people and over there is a continent of black people.’

God continued pointing to the different countries.

‘This one will be extremely hot and arid while this one will be very cold and covered in ice.’

The Archangel, impressed by God’s work, then pointed to another area of land and asked, ‘What’s that?’

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‘Ah,’ said God. That’s Yorkshire, the most glorious place on earth. There are beautiful people, great sportsmen, and many impressive cities, Minsters and Old Abbeys; it is the home of the world’s finest artists, musicians, writers, thinkers, explorers and politicians. The people from Yorkshire are going to be modest, intelligent and humorous and they’re going to be found travelling the world. They’ll be extremely sociable, hard-working and high-achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as speakers of truth.’

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration but then proclaimed, ‘What about balance God, you said there will be BALANCE!’

God replied very wisely, ‘Wait till you see the bunch of wazzocks I’m putting in the South !’

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Interlude for Afternoon Tea in Shipley

Afternoon Tea

King George V would recognise many of the items on display at Interlude the Cafe Society tearoom ‘to be seen in’ when visiting Shipley. Between Elsie Russell’s florists and The Samaritan charity shop is an exceptionally well furbished cafe with great food and an environment to savor. High Tea comes a bit more expensive than Afternoon Tea but with boiled egg with toast soldiers  the prices are very reasonable and the choice just right.

All the tables are similar to the one shown with old china crockery and a collection of old art books, comics  and magazines to peruse. When you wish to order you have your own little bell to ring and there are numerous other touches to take in whilst you drink your Yorkshire tea.

Upstairs at  this Westgate Cafe is a boutique of vintage clothes, although my daughter thought they were more secondhand than 1920’s. Still the sound of syncopated rhythms and an occasional Charleston  wafted gently through the rooms. The emporium at the front of the cafe sells cakes and treats for you to take home if you wish and this shows the enterprise a business needs these days to survive. Support your local shops and visit Interlude when in Shipley. More about Interludes history can be found on there own web site.

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Bridge Over Untroubled Water

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Underneath the arches in Leeds usually means the Dark Arches with bridges over the Aire and railway bridges over both. This is the bridge to the Calls on the Calder Aire navigation link.

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A view of the Leeds bridge cast ironwork in full painted regalia. Not big enough to require a Forth Bridge paint job.

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The Leeds Liverpool canal at Dockfield in Shipley has a packhorse bridge where the old Bradford canal joined.

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Walking from Addingham up to Beamsley Beacon I crossed this footbridge over the river Wharfe.

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Packhorse Bridges in Yorkshire

Built like a Packhorse bridge over the Leeds Liverpool canal this bridge has the traditional narrow, one horse wide masonry arch and low parapets so as not to interfere with the horse’s panniers. It is at the junction of the now defunct Bradford Canal and was opened in 1774. The canal and the bridge carried industrial revolution products too and from Bradford. Despite many problems with the water flow into the canal it was a commercial asset until it closed in 1922 due to the high cost of pumping water back to the head of the canal.

Pleasure craft now float under this fine old bridge heading towards Shipley.

The Roman fort of Olicana now known as Ilkley, once guarded this strategic crossing of the Wharfe, on the legion’s road to Boroughbridge (Aldborough). This packhorse bridge was built in 1674 close to the Roman built ford across the river Wharfe. It is an unusual bridge as it is wider than many packhorse bridges and would allow two loaded pack animals to pass on the bridge. It is closed to traffic but you can wheel a cycle across. Continue reading

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Where to Win Lottery Funding

The Peoples Post Code Lottery has made payment of over £147k to the “Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust” a charity that works to support the environmental, social and economic well-being of the Dales.

The Millenium Trust itself supports many projects in the Dales – like outreach work for disabled and disadvantaged groups, habitat restoration, new woodland planting, providing apprenticeships for young people, and much more besides.

The Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting a major project to restore glass and stonework at York Minster’s East Front. They have awarded a £9.7m boost s in addition to the £10m given to the minster fund in 2007. It will help  improve access for disabled visitors but focuses primarily on the restoration of the Great East Window, the largest expanse of medieval stained glass in the world. The project will last 15 years.

Screen Yorkshire distributes RIFE Lottery Funding and Digital Film Archive Fund (DFAF) awards on behalf of the UK Film Council. Or it did until November 2010 when the latest batch of applications were considered. These grants support and extend the provision, promotion and interpretation of specialised and mainstream film in the region.

Screen Yorkshire are also the regional partner for Mediabox in Yorkshire and Humber, the fund that offers disadvantaged 13 – 19 year olds the opportunity to create their own media projects.

Sport England funds projects that help people get involved in sport and physical activity. This includes refurbishing existing facilities or building new ones and developing programmes and initiatives that use sport and activity to support community cohesion, improve health and raise education levels. Minimum grants are £10,000.

Other sources of funding for projects

Links

If you don’t ask you don’t get. Below is a list of recognised Olympic athletes who did ask and did get lottery support

* Ben Ainslie – Sailing
* Sir Chris Hoy – Cycling Continue reading

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Candlelighters Charity Beer

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Candlelight beer was brewed, by Wold Top Brewery, to help raise funds for the Candlelighter’s charity.I am not sure it is still available and my last bottle is now showing signs of age.

Who and What are Candlelighters

  • Candlelighters is a charity formed and run by parents of children who have or have had cancer.
  • Great help is also provided by ex-patients and the medical staff who treat the children.
  • ‘Based in Yorkshire, Candlelighters provides essential services and support to children with cancer and their families.’
  • Candlelighters charity has operated in Yorkshire since 1976
  • Candlelighters fund raising provides money for additional medical, nursing and social support staff.

Wold Top

The Wold Top Brewery

  • Beer is usually packaged in barrels or bottles, large ones for preference.
  • All credit to Wold brewery for this ‘pack of three’ for transporting my bottles. Good beer packaging of the month award!
  • Wold Top is on a family farm in Wold Newton near Driffield
  • Other beers include Wold Gold, Mars Magic and Centenary Way Mild

Candlelight beer

What about the Candlelight Beer

  • Despite the power sockets no one can hold a candle to this beer.
  • Alcohol strength is a sensible 4.3%
  • It is brewed from Driffield grown malting barley and made from local chalk filtered water.
  • Maris Otter malt and Wilamette hops give the beer a straw colour and clean crisp finish.

There are many ways to get involved and help with Candlelighters

Wold Top’s suppliers helped them top their dream of raising £10,000 including;

Charles Faram for hops
Croxsons for bottles
Fawcetts for malt
Justinor for gift boxes
Springfield for labels
three60 marketing and pr for publicity
Wicked Poppy Designs for label design
Wellington Inn, Lund for hosting the launch event that raised  over £1300.

You can help by drinking the beer as a % goes to the charity. Better still, send them the cash your beer free New Year resolution is saving you.

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