Winter struck early and with some force so for safety's sake we decided to cancel our December meeting. The same thing happened in January 2010 and that meant two lost sessions in one year. We had never lost a club meeting before, not even back in the days of severe local flooding or during all the foot and mouth disease restrictions. It hardly seemed credible to talk about climate change and global warming while we shivered at minus 15 degrees C.

          As last November passed, the Jazz Club reached its 10th birthday, but we weren't in a position to celebrate it, because of the December cancellation - just a mention of it in the latest Newsletter and at the January session. Still, it is quite an achievement as musicians get older and venues get scarcer, and definitely worth a mention. Fortunately we are established back at our original home – The Beansheaf, with host Dan Faber - because the White Horse, our ex-Kirkbymoorside base is being converted into shops and flats.

          I am very pleased to report that club member, Amy Ward has been given the ‘Fundraiser of the Year' title by the Jazz Yorkshire organisation. Remember that our jazz club is 'free admission' and relies mainly on raffle proceeds to cover its expenses. Amy is a key member of our raffle team, but in the Autumn 2010 Beacon I also told you of the beautiful hand-painted ceramic set she had created and donated to be used for fundraising - a very talented lady. Presentation night at Dean Clough Mills, Halifax, was the same week we had to cancel the jazzclub session, and the weather far too bad to travel, so she was unable to attend. None-the-less she has certainly put Ryedale Jazz Club 'on the map' – and on the web. Full details on www.jazzyorkshire.org/awards

          Congratulations, Amy.

 Wilson Hepplestone, Secretary.