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THE OUSIAN LEAGUE
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Welcome to Skelton

A Book of Welcome For New Arrivals and For Visitors.

1. St Giles Church & Friends

13/8/2020

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From St. Giles’ Church

This booklet about Skelton has been produced by the Church of St Giles’ as a welcome to people newly arriving in the village. Hopefully a neighbour has brought it to you as a way of saying “hello” or you may have picked it up at the village shop. We hope that the booklet will give you a feel of the village, its history and tell you a little about what is going on.
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A monthly Newsletter is produced by the church for all the villages in our Benefice. This is distributed to every house in Skelton. The Newsletter gives details of the church services and all current events happening in each village.
Services at St Giles’ Church are normally at 9.30am each Sunday
Everyone is very welcome to join us at a variety of services
We hope that you find the booklet helpful, along with some useful contact telephone numbers, websites and email addresses.
Rectory telephone number for further information 01904 471351 
Welcome to the village and we wish you a happy time in Skelton.
St Giles’ Church congregation

An Invitation, please be a friend

You are warmly invited to become a Friend of St. Giles. Friends was formed in 2009 on the 1st September (St. Giles Day) to endeavour to maintain the building to its current high standard. The church building belongs to all the people of Skelton, not just the congregation and the care of our heritage is the responsibility of the whole community, not just church members.
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If you are interested, and need more information please pick up a very informative leaflet from the church or email us at the above address. Everyone is welcome, and we do hope you will become a Friend.

Email us at: friendsofstgiles@gmail.com
Friends of St. Giles' Page
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2. Skelton Village: A Brief History

12/8/2020

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Skelton was formerly in the ancient Forest of Galtres and its Saxon name suggests that it began in the 8th or 9th century, probably as a small settlement perched on a little shelf of land (Skel). The oldest feature of the village mentioned in the Doomsday Book is Pannall's drain or sike first dug in Saxon times near the village sign on Moorlands Road.
The typical medieval pattern of “toft and croft” agriculture can still be traced in the long, narrow plot boundaries extending back from The Green. The village remained as a mainly farming community well into the 20th century when, at the turn, its population was 274. By 1951 the population of the village was still only 480. However, subsequent expansion, as a commuter settlement, with the Meadows and Brecksfield in the 50’s and Grange Park from the late 70’s saw this figure rise to 1600 (2011).
The Church of St Giles’ (formerly known as All Saints) is a Grade 1 listed building and was built in 1247 at the same time and by the same masons who built the North transept of York Minster, with the restorations in 1814-18 by Henry Graham and 1863 by Ewan Christian.
Skelton Manor (Grade ll* listing) has mid-16th century origins and in the 18th and 19th centuries several more large houses were constructed – Skelton Hall (1839), Skelton Grange (built 1675, re-built in the 19th century, demolished in the 1970's), Fairfield (late 18th century and now a hotel) and Moorlands (1864). The beautiful wood, once part of the Moorlands estate, is now a nature reserve looked after by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
Tollbar Cottage (1760) next to Skelton nursery became the 'Turnpike' with windows facing every direction to see the approaching toll payers as it was by the side of the old A19. There was also a gate to prevent non-payers sneaking through. However, some people avoided payment by going to Skelton Landing by the river Ouse (boats would load and offload goods but now abandoned) and walking along the river.
The “Blacksmiths Arms” was the village alehouse and smithy at least from the early 17th century. It still has the Mounting Block outside to help ladies mount their horses. There was a second public house, the “Bay Horse”, which also had a smithy, in what is now Paddock House, until about 1936.
A school was mentioned by the Archbishop in 1774 - a Dames School run by a lady instructing in
the principles of Christian religion. Also in the eighteenth century there was a small school at the rectory where the boys were tutored by the incumbent. However, the first official school was at Pyramid House on the Green (mid-18th century) with an arresting pyramidal roof. It transferred in 1873 to the present Village Hall and then to the bigger, more modern school in Brecksfield in 1957.
The old part of the village became a conservation area in 1973.
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3. Skelton Primary School & Wraparound

11/8/2020

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Skelton Community Primary School

We would like to extend a warm welcome to parents and carers who are looking for a school for their child/children. We are a small, friendly primary school set in a spacious, light and well- resourced, modern building with lovely grounds on the outskirts of the wonderful city of York. At Skelton we are proud of our pupils and staff and the positive atmosphere they create. Our aim is to create a place where children are inspired to learn and achieve to the very best of their ability. Our school is warm and welcoming, and we take great pride in our stimulating learning environment. Our children love coming to school. They feel safe, develop strong friendships, have fun and have the confidence to explore new challenges. Throughout their time with us, children are continually encouraged to aim high to fulfil their potential. We believe very strongly in working closely with parents and carers who provide so much essential encouragement and security to enable children to thrive during their early years at school.
We are a small primary school, taking children into our Nursery provision from the term after they have turned age 3 and continuing that education to age 11 within four classes. We have big ambitions for our children. Our curriculum is vibrant and exciting, and we maintain the highest standards in both behaviour and pupil progress. We have smaller class sizes than many schools which mean that every child gains enough attention from the teacher and teaching assistant to enable them to reach their full potential. Our parents recognize that the children are lucky to gain from these adult/pupil ratios, which are favourably comparable even to independent school class sizes. We’re proud of the community we serve, and we welcome input from local businesses, organisations and partnerships with other schools to enrich the learning process. We provide full wraparound care on our school site for all school aged children and offer a range of after school clubs.
Our latest Ofsted Inspection was in February 2015 and rated the school Good in all areas.
We currently also hold the Basic Skills Quality Mark for the 4th time.
Our children go on to study at a variety of secondary schools. Most recently most have progressed to Manor CE Academy, Outwood Easingwold and Vale of York Academy.
Please take the time to browse our school website to find out more and don’t hesitate to make an appointment to come and meet us all and see the school in action, we look forward to meeting you and answering all your questions!
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Skelton Primary School Website

Wraparound Care

At Skelton we now run our own out of school club provision to allow flexibility for working parents. Breakfast club runs from 07:30 to 08:40 and after school club runs from 15:25 to 18:00 every day term time only. We are delighted with how the numbers are building up and look forward to current and new pupils joining us to make use of this great wraparound care facility.
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Every day staff offer a range of craft, baking, play-based and sporty activities to engage children from Reception to Year 6. Children are given breakfast in the morning and a light snack in after school club.
The club is run by school staff. Please contact school for costs of Breakfast Club and After School Club.

Contact Details

Address: Skelton Community Primary School,
Brecksfield, Skelton, York YO30 1YB
Telephone: 01904 555170
Email: psskelton@york.gov.uk
Website: www.skeltonprimaryschool.org
        twitter@skeltonsch
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4. York Medical Group & Useful Numbers

10/8/2020

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York Medical Group

The Skelton Surgery, St Giles’ Road is a branch surgery of The York Medical Group based at Tower Court Health Centre, Oakdale Road, Clifton Moor, York, YO30 4RZ.
Skelton Surgery: 01904 479111
Website: https://www.yorkmedicalgroup.co.uk/
Further details are available from the Practice website
York Medical Group Website

Useful Telephone Numbers:

The Blacksmiths Arms:  01904 471902
Skelton Post Office and Shop:   01904 470837
Grange Farmhouse B&B:  01904 470780
Mercure Fairfield Manor Hotel:  0844 8125 9038
St Giles’ Rectory:  01904 471351
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5. Village Hall & Gardening Club

9/8/2020

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Skelton Village Hall

Skelton Village Hall was built in the 1870s as a school and only changed use in the 1950s when the current school was opened down the road. The hall is now used as a venue for many local organizations including WI, Galtres Church, the Parish Council, and Gardening Club as well as a range of regular activities including Art Class, Yoga and Karate, Coffee and Chat. It can also be hired for exhibitions, children’s parties and other family events.

The Village Hall Management Committee - representing many of the organisations which use the Hall - looks after day-to-day running and upkeep.
The Hall has a fully equipped kitchen, a digital projector and in-built screen, together with tables and seats. The seating capacity is 80.
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Further details are available on the Hall website - Link below.

To hire the Hall contact the Bookings Secretary on 01904 470564
Skelton Village Hall Website

Skelton Gardening Club

Do you have an interest in gardens and horticulture?

Then why not come along to the Gardening Club. We have monthly meetings in the village hall, usually with a guest speaker, at 7.30pm on the third Thursday of the month from September through to May (excluding December).

There is always time for a coffee and a chat after the evening’s topic.
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The membership fee for 2018 is £10 and includes entry to monthly meetings. Other events are arranged normally with a charge to cover expenses.
New members and guests are most welcome to join us. A small charge is made for guests.
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6. Walking Group & W.I.

8/8/2020

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Skelton Walking Group

This informal group meets on the first Saturday of each month on the Green at 9.30am. You will be made very welcome whether you attend on a regular or occasional basis.
We undertake walks of 6 to 8 miles (i.e. 3 to 4 hours) that are within an hour’s drive or less of Skelton. The walks are led by members of the group and easily manageable by anyone of average fitness. Our usual age range is from 12 to retired. Dogs welcome. Numbers participating in each walk vary from around 12 to 20. We walk in all weathers so keep an eye on the forecast and dress accordingly.
All walks finish at or near a pub. In better weather bring your own picnic. In the Winter months we usually have a light meal at the pub. There are usually seats available in cars – or provide your own transport. You can check availability by ‘phoning the number which appears with the walk announcement in each edition of the Newsletter.

Skelton (York) Women’s Institute

The Women’s Institute (founded in Britain in 1915) is a charitable, educational organization. At a local level in the village, the emphasis is on friendship, fun and enlightenment, and we have speakers on a wide variety of topics. We like to be involved in our community.
We are linked through the North Yorkshire East Federation of WIs to our National Federation in London. Day schools, outings, and other events are arranged in the Federation for all members who wish to take part. Nationally the WI are active in lobbying the government on issues relating to women and the family, rural services and health matters. We also have a Further Education College in Oxfordshire. In Skelton we meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month (except for August) at the Village Hall at 7.30pm. We are a friendly, enthusiastic group and would be delighted if you would join us. Try us out as a visitor.
Further details from Jean Lumley. Telephone 470089
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7. Map of Skelton

7/8/2020

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8. Skelton Parish Council

6/8/2020

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Skelton Parish Council

Comprehensive details of the Parish Council's work can be found on the council's website:

Link to Parish Council's Website
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Skelton Parish Council owns and maintains bus shelters and a number of green spaces in the village including The Green, Crooking Green, Orchard Field, and The Pasture. Skelton Cemetery, which is situated about a mile out of the village on Moor Lane, is also owned and maintained by the Council.
City of York Council is required to consult the Parish Council on all planning applications within the Parish.
The Parish Council’s activities are principally funded from a proportion of the City Council Tax, from occasional City grants, and from Cemetery Fees. The Council in turn makes grants to a number of organizations in Skelton including the Village Hall Management Committee and the Parish Newsletter. Elections for the 9 members of the Council are made every 4 years.
Council meetings are normally held from 7.30pm on the fourth Thursday of each month in the Village Hall with an open forum preceding each meeting. Parishioners are encouraged to speak at the open forums and to stay and observe the proceedings of the Council meetings. All Council meeting agendas and minutes are displayed on the village notice boards. Comprehensive details of the Parish Council’s work can be found on the Council’s website www.skelton-york.gov.uk
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9. Skelton Pond

5/8/2020

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The wildlife around the pond includes Mallards, Moorhens and visiting Greylag and Canada Geese, Heron and occasional Kingfisher amongst many others. The pond can also be used for fishing but by residents only or can be simply enjoyed by relaxing on the bench overlooking the area which is particularly scenic in Spring.

​Chris Linfoot, Chairman of the Friends. Tel 01904 470798
The village pond situated on Burtree Avenue is a much-loved local amenity for village residents. It is owned by the Parish Council and managed by "The Friends of The Pond" a small group of volunteers who meet up twice a year to review and carry out any conservation work required within their capabilities.
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(New volunteers are always very welcome).

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10. Skelton Village Trust

4/8/2020

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The Village Trust has been in existence since the 1960s and welcomes new members. Its principal aims are:
  • To stimulate public interest in, and care for, the beauty, history and character of the village and its surroundings.
  • To encourage the preservation, development and improvement of features of general public amenity or historic interest.
  • To encourage high standards of architecture, design and planning in the Parish of Skelton.
  • To promote good community relations and social contact by encouraging interest in the objectives and activities of The Trust.
  • To pursue these ends by means of speaker evenings on related topics, exhibitions and activities aimed at environmental improvement.
The Trust Committee undertakes activities aimed at maintaining and improving the appearance of the village - tree and bulb planting, hedge maintenance, bench repair and painting for example – when members’ assistance is always most welcome. We arrange three speaker and social evenings each year in the Village Hall from November to May. These enjoyable events are open to all, cover a wide range of topics and are advertised in the monthly Parish Newsletter and on village notice boards
Members also receive a six-monthly Newsletter about our activities. Membership for an individual or a household only costs a few pounds and is an excellent way to support the aims listed above – and to have a say in the matters we cover.
Further details can be obtained from our website or by phoning 01904 470241.
Skelton Village Trust Website
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11. Village Archive & Mobile Library Van

3/8/2020

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Skelton Village Archive

Village Trust Website
As its Millennium project, the Village Trust, together with the History Group, has gathered together all the information it can find on Skelton Village. Material includes old documents, maps and early photographs relating to Skelton, starting with the description of the Village in 1069 in the Doomsday Book. The collection also includes transcripts of recorded memories of life in Skelton from those who lived in the Village in times gone by.
The archive is stored in the village hall and a second copy is held in York City Archive. Either copy can be viewed by appointment. For the copy in the Village, contact the Skelton Village Trust Archivist whose name and telephone number can be obtained from the Clerk to the Parish Council (skeltonpc@hotmail.com).
Any member of the public can contribute memories, photographs, or other memorabilia of old Skelton, to be kept in the Village Archives. Please bring in a large envelope, clearly labelled with your name and other details to Janis Queenan, Oakwood, The Village, Skelton or Andrea Howlett, 13 Park Close Skelton.
Leaflets have been produced describing various large houses, schools, the history of Skelton through the ages and a quiz.

The City of York Mobile Library Van

The Mobile Library visits Skelton every two weeks. As well as borrowing books & audio books, you can update your library card or York Card, return books from any other York library, & request books to be brought to Skelton for you to borrow.

The van stops at two locations in Skelton fortnightly, on Monday afternoons:

Fairfields Drive - 2.40pm-3.10pm
Brecksfield - 3.15pm-3.50pm
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      Contact us

      Email: ianbholbrook@gmail.com OR use the form below:
    Submit

    Acknowledgements

    Compiled and updated by Ian Holbrook on behalf of the members of St Giles’ Church, Skelton 

    Revised 2018 
    ​
    Revised for Weebly Website by Adam Thomas, 2020

    Photography by Ian Holbrook 
    ​
    We thank the many contributors very much 
    The printing costs for the paper version of this booklet were kindly funded by the Skelton Village Trust
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