Neighbourhood News

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON PANNAL GREEN: A wonderful display! The mix of coloured and white lights in the trees is magical. The lights are on daily between 6am and 9am and again from 3pm to 11pm.

PANNAL METHODIST CHURCH: Carol Service led by Clair Webster at 10am on Sunday December 22, followed by festive nibbles. Midnight Communion led by Rev Ben Clowes at 11.30pm on December 24 with Christmas Morning Praise led by Ben Clowes at 9.30am on December 25. Bring your presents and join in the annual Christmas Clothing competition!

ST ROBERT'S PANNAL: On Sunday December 22 Holy Communion (also streamed live) at 9.15am with Nine Lessons and Carols at 6pm. Morning Prayer on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9.15am, with Holy Communion on Thursdays at 10.30am. The church is open daily for private prayer and the office is open from 9.30am to 12.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: phone (873577); email ([email protected]). Details of all Christmas Services are available on the web site (www.strobertschurch.co.uk).

ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH – BECKWITHSHAW: Carol Service on Friday December 20 at 7pm. Holy Communion at 11.15am on Sunday December 22. Morning Prayer at 9.15am on Tuesdays and the church is open daily for private prayer. Details of services appear on the website (www.stmichaelsbeckwithshaw.org).

CHRISTMAS TREES AT ST MICHAEL AND ALL ANGELS CHURCH : Display of Christmas Trees in the church is on show from December 14. Definitely worth a look!

BECKWITHSHAW COFFEE, CAKE AND CONVERSATION MORNINGS: The next 'coffee, cake and conversation morning' will take place on Tuesday January 7 from 10am to 12pm at Beckwithshaw Village Hall.

BLACK SWAN: The pub is open from 12pm until 10pm on Christmas Eve (Tuesday December 24) with food service available from 12pm to 2pm, and in the evening from 5pm until 8pm. As usual, the pub will open on Christmas Day for drinks only from 11am to 2pm. On Boxing Day the pub will be open from 12pm until 9pm with food available from 12pm to 3.30pm. On New Year's Eve (Tuesday December 31) the Black Swan will be open from 12pm until 7pm with food service from noon until 4.30pm. On New Year's Day, the pub is open from 12.00 noon until 9.00 pm with food service from 12pm to 3.30pm. Reservations by phone (871031). The picture shows a welcoming Bonnie behind the festive bar.

GARDENING CLUB: Held its festive meeting last month with a report on activities for the year. There is not a “Committee” as such rather a small working team which meets informally twice a year to bat around ideas for possible speakers and destinations to visit. If you have suggestions and would like to be part of the team, please make contact with the Programme Secretary, Gillian Dodd, as new blood is needed to maintain standards and to give a fresh look to the yearly Programme. Gillian’s email address is [email protected] - it would make her Christmas to hear from you!

COST OF LIVING SUPPORT IN NORTH YORKSHIRE: There is Information about emergency support with everyday living costs, benefits, Pension Credit, energy bills, food and managing debt at (http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/costofliving). The page also links to free adult learning courses and advice on staying safe and well. Anyone struggling can also go into any North Yorkshire library or Council office, or call North Yorkshire Council’s customer service centre on 0300 131 2 131 Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 4:30pm asking for ‘cost of living help’ when prompted.

NHS HEALTHY START: Help for eligible families with the cost of fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk and infant formula (healthystart.nhs.uk),

PATIENTS KNOW BEST (PKB) : Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) is inviting patients to register for their convenient, new patient portal, Patients Know Best (PKB) and securely receive their outpatient appointments on their mobile, tablet, laptop or pc. Emails from [email protected] or a text from HDFT NHS, have been sent to HDFT patients giving information on registering for a PKB account. You can register by visiting (patientsknowbest.com/register/) and selecting the NHS login option. Further information is available at (https://www.hdft.nhs.uk/patients/patient-portal/)

“LIVE, AGE, ENGAGE: HEALTHY AGEING IN NORTH YORKSHIRE”: The title of the 2023/24 Annual Report from the Director of Public Health. With a higher proportion of older people compared to the rest of England (24% of people aged 65 and over, compared to 18%), and a projected rise to a third of the population by 2041, there are both opportunities and challenges in North Yorkshire. This (nypartnership.org.uk/sites/default/files/Partnership) should throw up the longer link on which to click to access the Annual Report.

APPLY FOR PENSION CREDIT: By December 21 to qualify for a 2024/25 Winter Fuel Payment. Checking your eligibility is straightforward and can be done online, by phone 0800 99 1234, or through the Pension Credit Calculator on the Government website. To apply, you’ll need to provide basic information about your income, savings, and household. Those receiving Pension Credit may also qualify for: Help with housing costs; Council Tax reductions; Free NHS dental treatment and other healthcare support. (www.gov.uk/pension-credit/eligibility)

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD IF CHRISTMAS MAKES THEM ANXIOUS: For those who think the holidays might be a difficult time for their child, tips from Young Minds for how you can alleviate the pressure and support their wellbeing. This (youngminds.org.uk/parent/blog/how-to-help) should throw up the longer link on which to click.

CHRISTMAS KINDNESS FOOD DONATIONS: The Harrogate Homeless Project (harrogate-homeless-project.org.uk) and Harrogate District Foodbank (harrogatedistrict.foodbank.org.uk) both need donations in the run up to Christmas, which can be a difficult time. The Homeless Project currently needs tinned tomatoes, tinned veg, tinned soup, tinned fish and meats, cooking sauces, flour, sugar, tea, coffee and biscuits and breakfast cereals. The Food Bank are looking for strong carrier bags, juice, toilet rolls, peanut butter, honey, toothpaste, toothbrushes, table sauces, sponge puddings and chocolates.

THE LOCAL LOTTO GIFT VOUCHERS: A gift voucher from THE LOCAL LOTTO gives your loved ones the chance to win a cash prize whilst also helping to raise money for local good causes. Gift vouchers start from just £5 and include your choice of colour and a personal message. You can select from over 100 local good causes to support or let the recipient decide. Players must be aged 18 and over. (thelocallotto.co.uk/gift)

HARROGATE'S VERY OWN CHRISTMAS SONG: “Merry Christmas Harrogate” by local band The Straymen celebrates everything magical about the town during the holidays. You can listen on all Digital Streaming Platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and more Anyone who enjoys listening to the song is asked to donate to one of four chosen local charities – Harrogate Homeless Project, Horticap, Henshaws and Harrogate Neighbours. (https://linktr.ee/TheStraymen)