AS THE consultation period for changing Millthorpe, Scarcroft and Knavesmire schools into an Academy Trust has now finished, have your colleagues on standby to report the decision by the governors to confirm the change.

After all, prior to consulting parents, the schools applied for, and received, the funding from the Government to pay for the change to a trust and also set the date for doing so.

The governors can protest all they like that a decision has not yet been made. However, unless they say no to the Academy Trust, no parent I know will ever believe it.

Nick Enticknap, Millthorpe School parent, St James Croft, York

 

I WAS saddened to read (The Press, June 22) of the experience of the young man with autism, who was held in custody at Fulford Police Station.

It is ironic as North Yorkshire Police were, some years ago, instrumental in raising awareness, both at a local and national level, as to the difficulties that can be experienced by just such a detainee.

The original launch, devised by one of their own serving officers, took place at Fulford Police Station and was then presented by the same officer, at national police and legal conferences.

The welfare of all detainees in custody can be challenging, but in particular vulnerable people. Ongoing training and awareness is essential and frequently one of the first cuts to be made if there is a reduction in the budget.

Catherine Porter, Crayke

 

I HAD the occasion to visit Heworth Sports Club, in Elmpark Way, on Sunday, June 14.

My team, York City Knights, were being allowed to play on their pitch.

When I entered their social club it was buzzing with families, youngsters, mams and dads; there was a real good atmosphere.

I believe it’s run by volunteers, who are doing a great job for the youngsters.

Rugby league is a truly great sport and I would say to all YCK supporters: come on, get behind James Ford and his boys on the pitch – they deserve it.

They are young men who are playing some really good rugby – it is very entertaining.

The team spirit is there for all to see.

Audrey Tattersall, Field Court, Hempland Lane, York

 

I VERY much enjoyed the photo of Beckfield Lane School (The Press, June 15).

I also went the year it opened and am the same age as Hilary Hall Nightingale, but was in a different class.

I agree with her it was a lovely school, lovely teachers.

At home, we had a coal fire and side oven.

Watching my mother cook for seven of us and all the men on threshing days put me off cooking; too much like hard work.

But the cookery room at Beckfield showed me cooking could be fun.

Nancy Ingleby (née Hutchinson), Bradley Crescent, Rufforth York

 

WITH reference to The Press (June 11) and the Blue Bell pub in Fossgate, York, my husband John and I used to visit this unique pub over 30 years ago.

It always had a coal fire burning in winter time, very cosy.

There was a curtain across the bar counter. If you needed to order drinks, a very old lady used to say, “knock on the curtain if you need serving,” as she was sat on a high stool along with a big Alsatian dog to guard her.

The curtain was to keep the landlord warm.

B Pettitt, Navigation Road, York

 

JUST a note to the discussion about siting a museum in the derelict Reynards Garage.

When the R100 was being built at Howden, Nevil Shute Norway was living in a flat in Exhibition Square.

If anybody knows exactly where, it could be a case for a blue plaque.

MC Usherwood, Mendip Close, Huntington, York