Funeral January 21st. Holy Trinity, Boltby. John Atkinson, 85, late of Boltby. He had farmed at what is now Merry Hall. Brother-in-law of Dorothy Todd. A man of humour and a hen fancier. He is buried in his mother's grave - she died when he was about 10 years old. 

The parish is rather like my garden: large, exposed, and late. Eventually things that are sown do grow and flower or fruit - but one does begin to wonder. Similarly one wonders if there will ever be any response to some of the initiatives or events that are proposed. Only hard work by a dedicated core - not least the Churchwardens, to whom go my hearty thanks - results in things happening with a rewarding amount of success. It would be nice to have more support so that the church better met people's needs, but my diocesan return this year suggests growth from last year. I only hope we are not clobbered by a bigger quota! Growth is hard to determine (I'm not a number cruncher!). 

This year in only the second, in 22, with no confirmation candidates. There has been an interest but no commitment. Our schools do not arouse a spirit of enquiry into such matters so, except for the private sector where such things are often too automatic, a large area is fallow. The fertile ground is either through new arrivals or through Baptism and Wedding preparation. But I do stress that, while exploring spirituality together will enhance and deepen their married and family life, it is not a hoop through which I will force couples to jump. Hence the comparison with my late garden.

Further to a ministry review, there is not a test of bad news. Storm damage to fabrics (times 8) has been made good. After the quinquennial inspection and estimates for work, we will launch an appeal to reclad Cowesby spire and redecorate the interior. This is the last of the Hillside parish churches to have major work, but it should see the Church sound for another generation or two - with "Godly Play" (even in the snow) the church is certainly being used. Nether Silton has work in hand on a broken belfry but already has funds put by to sort it. Leake hopes to get a loo soon, and is not averse to a good new organ if Grant Money can be found. Both would enhance the use of that church and enable other events to happen - so an organ might "earn its keep". Kirby Knowle benefited from a feasibility study on the idea of a Chapter House as parish centre, church hall and an up-to-date facility for 21st Century use, over and above worship. However it does not yet recognise a need and still suffers from the general parochialness of existing village halls elsewhere that are not always so user-friendly.

The parish magazine continues well so a big thank you to Tony Davies, our Editor (thanks, Toddy, as I type this!). As it is the main organ of information in the parishes it would be good if people could take a more accurate note of events advertised.

5th Sundays cause endless debate at PCCs but the energy does not bring an increase of numbers. The main attraction is (and therefore thanks must go to them) the Hillside Singing Group and its organisation by David Frith. But that does depend on their/his availability, particularly at Festival times. A lot of effort goes in, but if one almost has to plead with people to make a matching effort it becomes rather counter-productive. So I'm looking at alternatives. Songs of Praise: Rabbi Blue, if available, from Durham at an evensong, and using the autumn one as a mid-term meeting for the Yorkshire Prayer Breakfast. All the effort for the Leake Mothering Sunday service ensured a full house - a Thank You here, all round, to the organisers and Liz. We are also working on services via TV for the housebound this year.

Having compared notes with my namesake on visiting in his parish in his time, I am slightly in front, although there always seems a vast backlog. Being far-flung does not help and often the bush telegraph is lacking information - but I would rather be told by two people than not at all! With hospital chaplains to hand, my policy remains, by and large, to visit people when they return home - especially as for some more help may be needed. When I have visited hospitals I always check the list, as I know from my curate's days the cost of passing someone by because I didn't recognise them in their pyjamas. However, data protection and privacy and modern political correctness makes this more difficult, with lists not being available.

Having produced a book with Liz last year we now do quiet days/retreats with sculpture. This has highlighted the need for a sabbatical next year to work up more sculptures. In fact, it has been a fallow year in the studio and the first year that it has broken even - this is in part due to not having undertaken any exhibitions for charity etc. To use the facility better I propose on some summer evenings to do the same exercise with sculpture for bible study and prayer - and provide a simple ham salad supper for £5 per head (bring own drink, see Calendar). I am aware that since Anthony Hanson was with us, Bible Study, other than through the lectionary and preaching, has had a low profile. I think we need to redress our lack of biblical knowledge and hopefully this provides an enjoyable and challenging way, whilst also raising funds to cover sabbatical costs.

This year, to accommodate more baptisms, there are more Easter services than usual, so I hope many more will make the effort to join us and celebrate new life in the risen Lord ………

The magazine of the parishes of Boltby, Borrowby, Cowesby, Felixkirk, Kepwick, Kirby Knowle, Knayton, Leake & "The Siltons". Also circulated in Upsall, Thirlby & Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe.
The Vicar in charge is Rev.Toddy Hoare,
The Vicarage, Moor Road, Knayton, THIRSK, YO7 4AZ Tel: 01845 537277
Contributions always welcome, deadline 2nd Monday in the month
Editor Curtiss Cottage, South Kilvington, Thirsk 01845 522739