Networking at the Fauconberg Arms

Another networking event organised for Yo61ners by Jo Burgess and Rupert Smith of Smith the Printers in Easingwold turned out to be a successful evening in more than one way. It was sponsered by Supanet Broadband who donated the wine which dare I admit I won .This is getting a bit embaressing now as this is the 3rd time I have won.I must say I have handed one of the previous prices back.I loved the wooden case with the 3 litres of very nice Italian wine I wanted to keep it. That said it will make a lovely and useful doorstop. Mine host,Simon Rheinberg and his lovely wife,our tea and coffee hostess were on hand . Simon holding tight to the wine. The teatime spread of food was delicious. I have had many a funeral tea there and it simple can't be beaten. It is only 3+miles from here so guests can soon be there to enjoy this old inn which is part of the Newburgh Estate. It was good to see so many people there. It has long been a water hole of Jack and his friends. I like the fact that they always seem to be going that extra mile -putting on events and entertaining and some very tasty meals I think the next one is a St George'e night meal. The family are very community spirited and now run the village shop to which is situated behind the pub.

Shandy Hall in Coxwold

Year after year I drive past Shandy Hall and admire the clematis. It grows for ever upwards in an old tree. Looking like a flower variation from Jack and the beanstalk.Lawrence Sterne lived here in the 1700s when he was the Vicar of Coxwold.Between sermons he had time to write such classics as Tristam Shandy,Sentimental Journey and Letter to Eliza. I remember as a child going to visit "Mr Charlie"and his wife-Mr and Mrs Smedley-with my Dad and uncle enjoying hospitality around their kitchen table. They had a big woolly dog and it slept under the table.Little did I know in years to come this homely old farmhouse would be open to the public.The gardens are open too. So I looked over the wall and here you have a glimpse of what you will see if you decide to visit. The Smedleys were a wonderful couple and finally moved into a smaller house further down the village.I have read how Alf Wight-in his capacity as vet ,in the James

Herriots' Yorkshire book also experienced the Smedleys' hospitality -drinking many a cup of tea in the kitchen.People came in and restored the house. Although they got recognition for this, it is the presence and the spirit of the Smedleys that gives the warmth that is felt in Shandy Hall today.