Drafted week ending Sunday, 25th July 2010.
Cross
bay
walks
There were two cross bay walks during the third week of July. On
Wednesday the walk went to Humphrey Head, Flookburgh in glorious conditions
though the Kent channel had to be crossed on board tractors owing to the
flood conditions. The Saturday walk went to Grange over Sands in pouring rain
and very poor visibility. Both walks were led by Jack Woodcock.
The next walks are on Saturday,
31st July at 09:45 and Sunday, 1st August at 10:00. Both of these walks are from
Silverdale to Flookburgh.
The next walks from Hest Bank are on
Wednesday, 4th August to Kent's Bank at 11:00 and Saturday, 7th August to Grange over
Sands at 14:00.
Over sixties
At the meeting of the Over Sixties club on
the first Monday of July Joan Hunter won the games of dominoes.
Joyce Kuzniar captured second place with Betty Rawsthorne coming
third and Edna Durie fourth.
Parish council
At the July meeting of the parish council
Joanne
Leeman was co-opted
onto the council. There is now a full complement of parish councillors.
The parish council considered and
endorsed, on safety grounds, a proposal from Lancashire county council for double yellow lines
in Shady
Lane, near school,
and extending into Hest Bank Lane past the pillar box and bus stop. There would also be
double yellow lines on the opposite side of Hest Bank Lane so the road would not be blocked when
buses stop to pick up or set down passengers. Also included in the proposed
scheme is a suggestion that a bay be marked on the road for the bus stop. The
clerk to the parish council, Mrs Doreen Brookes, has a copy of the plans.
The parish council noted that securely wrapped dog waste
can now be disposed in the litter bin outside the Memorial Hall. This will be
of particular benefit for those dog walkers who are unable to cross
Hanging Green Lane to use one of the three dog waste bins at the
side of the recreation field.
The parish council is considering extending the play
area in the recreation field. It is seeking grants to support this
work.
Villagers are reminded that there is not a parish
council meeting in August. The next meeting will be on Monday, 20th
September at 7:30pm in the Memorial Hall.
PACT
At the police and community together meeting in July it
was noted that David Lowe has retired. The village police woman, called
community beat manager, is now Linda Head.
PCSO Jonathan Dawes stated there had been nine property
crimes in the previous month and two reports of anti-social behaviour. He told
the meeting that if there are quad bikes on the towpath or foreshore those
occurrences should be reported to the police so they can assess how to deal with
them.
He also reported that the dog owner whose dog had
defecated on the foreshore and the mess was left has been traced by the dog
wardens and remedial action taken. This was a dog owner who had driven to the
foreshore, let the dog out from the car for it to foul the foreshore and
subsequently driven away. A public spirited member of the public noted the
registration number of the vehicle and the owner was traced.
Equipment
fund
At the meeting of the Equipment Fund in mid July, the
games of dominoes were won by Ellen Ezard with Barbara Wynn taking second place,
Jean Connor coming third and Joan Hunter holding fourth place.
Stage
Struck
The first meeting of Stage Struck for the 2010/11 season
will from 6pm until 7:30pm on Thursday, 9th September
in the Memorial Hall. This will be an open meeting to discuss the coming
season’s production which will be tales from Hans Christian Anderson. On the
following Thursdays the rehearsals will be at 6pm for child thespians and 7:30pm
for adults.
Lancashire
evening
ACT1, the adult theatre group, will hold a
Lancashire evening on Friday, 29th and Saturday,
30th October in the Memorial Hall. There will be a one act comedy,
two short sketches, some Lancashire dialect poetry and readings with a hot-pot
supper and a bar.
Drafted week ending Sunday, 18th July 2010.
Autumn
club
The July meeting of the Autumn Club continued the theme
of the Lake District, with Mesdames Wilman and Lawton giving an
illustrated talk entitled, “Lakeland Inscribed”. They described the lives and
deaths people, including but not restricted to Lakeland poets, authors and
painters, who met tragic deaths but are remembered by family and friends on
plaques around the Lake District.
This was an interesting, different and often poignant
talk about the beautiful Lake District. Mr Masheder gave the vote
of thanks.
Cross
bay
walks
It is ironic that during the early part of this year’s
season of cross bay walks there was little water in the rivers whilst now, at
the height of summer, the rivers are in full spate.
During the second week of July there were three walks
across the bay, all led by Jack Woodcock. On Thursday, 50 pupils from
Heysham High School braved the elements. On Saturday, 70 walkers took part on a walk in dry
but windy conditions. On Sunday 240 people walked in aid of St John's Hospice. This walk started at
Silverdale, instead of Hest Bank, owing to the severe weather conditions. These
walkers earned every penny of their sponsorship. The visibility was very poor
with pouring rain and they were walking into a head wind. There were few
landmarks visible throughout the walk. All three walks terminated at Humphrey
Head, Flookburgh.
The next walk is on Saturday July
24th at 3:30pm to Grange over Sands.
Strawberry
tea
The United Reformed Church is holding a strawberry tea
on Sunday, 25th July starting at 2:30pm. Details and
tickets are available from Val on 824089.
Mothers’
Union
The speaker at the July meeting of the Mothers’
Union will be Mr J Smyth, who will talk about the “First
Responders’ Team. The meeting starts at 2pm on Wednesday, 28th July
in the Church Hall and non-members will be made welcome.
Drafted week ending Sunday, 11th July 2010.
Cross bay walks
Two cross bay walks took place last week both led by
Jack Woodcock, the first on Wednesday, 7th July from Hest Bank to
Kent's Bank went along the old coach route. Two quads along with
a tractor escorted the walkers. The weather was good and the crossing of the
Kent channel was a delight.
The second walk took place in showery conditions on
Saturday, 10th July. The crossing was eventful with extra water in
the Kent channel and, for a change, the crossing was somewhat
challenging. A badly decomposed body was found by the quad drivers near the old
wall off Silverdale which they assumed was one of the missing cocklers from the
2004 tragedy.
Summer show
The Trinity school term is nearing its end with the appeal of six weeks of holidays. There might be some wet days when it is not so enticing to be outside. On these days children could prepare their entries for the Horticultural Society summer show, which will be on Saturday, 21st August in the Memorial Hall. More details about the summer show can be obtained from the secretary, Mrs Margaret Western, telephone 01524 823988.
Drafted week ending Sunday 4th July 2010.
Over Sixties
At the first meeting of the Over Sixties Club in June
Jean Connor won the games of dominoes with Audrey Eaton coming second, June
Gardner third and Edna Durie fourth,
At the meeting of the club on the summer solstice Jean
Connor again won the games of dominoes with Margaret Holland gaining second
place, Edna Durie third and Barbara Wynn fourth.
Community
coffee
morning
Fresh fruit and vegetables, scrumptious cakes, the
community library and many other stalls were at the community coffee morning in
the Memorial Hall on the first Saturday of July.
It was interesting that I was told that at the time of
the compilation of the parish plan half the village was in favour of the link
road and half against. This is a village myth that has developed since the
question was, “Should the northern bypass be chosen, would you wish for: Local
access or No Local access”. This hardly means that half the village wanted this
proposed road.
Cross bay walks
The cross bay walk from Hest Bank to Flookburgh on
Sunday, 4th July was changed to terminate at Grange over Sands owing
to force 6 winds blowing across the bay mixed with torrential rain. The party
of 100 walkers got well and truly soaked but with a tail wind all the way they
were grateful they were not walking in the opposite direction, another party, of
30 from Gibraltar Point, Silverdale, joined the main walk. The walks generated
lots of funds for the Keighley Children’s Home.
The next walks are on Saturday, 10th July at
15:30 from Hest Bank to Grange over Sands, Saturday
17th July from Silverdale to Flookburgh at 10:30 and Sunday
18th July from Hest Bank to Flookburgh at 10:30.
Ceilidh
The young musicians who provided divertissements at the ceilidh in the church hall on the last Saturday of June were singer Zoë Traynor and keyboard player Emily McKechnie who both attend Central Lancaster High School.
Drafted week ending Sunday, 27th June 2010.
Mothers’
Union
St Luke’s Mothers’ Union, Slyne-with-Hest
met on the penultimate Wednesday of June. The speaker was Miss Jennifer Yates
who discussed mental health. Members learnt that one in four people suffer from
some form of mental illness during their lives. This can take many forms, such
as depression, stress, anxiety or addiction, and in some severe cases lead to
suicide. There may be physical causes and it is important to seek help although
people find it difficult to talk about it. Medication and treatment have
improved, however it can take several months to cure and the person must be
motivated to cooperate.
A vote of thanks was given by Pat
Howarth.
Parish
council
Most of the business at the June meeting of the parish
council was routine that dealt with maintaining the facilities within the
village.
The council has been consulted by
Lancashire highways authority about extending the no parking area
outside St Luke’s School. This suggestion was endorsed, however the council
also suggested that the side of Shady Lane opposite school be designated a no
parking area so children have a clear line of sight when crossing the road.
The council has also suggested that 30mph roundels be
painted on Hest Bank Lane to encourage drivers to observe the
speed limit.
Summer Festival
The combined St Luke’s and United Reformed Churches held a summer festival in the grounds of the church building on the last Saturday afternoon in June. The glorious, warm sunny weather helped create a happy and joyous ambiance in which people could listen to music, go on a “bear hunt”, bounce on an inflated castle, decorate biscuits as well as participate or watch a fancy dress competition. There were a range of stalls to buy sweets, jewellery, kitchen knives, birthday cards, soft drinks, ice cream, books and to try to win a soft toy. Additionally, tea and cakes were on sale in the church hall and photographs of the churches’ walk across the bay earlier in the month were displayed in the church. Everyone’s efforts made a relaxed and sociable occasion.
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Ceilidh
During the evening, after the summer festival, there was a ceilidh, with a hot-pot supper, in the church hall with music provided by the Northern Lights Band. The evening was uncomfortably hot and sticky, so revellers were doubly pleased to relax between dances to divertissements of keyboard playing and solo singing performed by two talented aspiring musicians.
Cross bay walks
An evening walk took place across the sands on Saturday 26th June, the weather was glorious, even the seals at the end of the wall near Silverdale were basking in the sun. The walk came in at the side of Holme Island in Grange and the party arrived back at Hest Bank in time to watch the setting of the sun over the bay.
The next walks are:
Sunday, 4th July to Flookburgh starting at 1000
Wednesday, 7th July to Kents Bank starting at 1300
Saturday, 10th July to Grange over Sands starting at 1530.
Drafted week ending Sunday, 20th June 2010.
Toilets
It is distasteful yet obviously predictable that people
urinate, and worse, against the boundary fences along the canal and at the back
of the toilet block on the foreshore. If there was anyone at
Lancaster city council who had not spotted this consequence of
closing public toilets they should be relieved of their public responsibilities
and dispatched with the utmost celerity to a biology course.
If this is not sufficiently embarrassing, there has been
a leak from the ladies toilet by the canal towpath. Lancaster
city council and British Waterways have been reticent to fix this leak, as
Lancaster city council states that the toilet block is on land owned by British
Waterways, whilst British Waterways claims that the toilet block is owned by
Lancaster city council.
After extensive and protracted letter writing by Peter
Millard, who chairs the parish council, Lancaster city council has
stated that it has asked United Utilities to disconnect to water supply to the
building but as Mark Davies of Lancaster City council told Peter Millard,
“Getting United Utilities to cut off water supplies takes quite a while. We
commissioned the work when the toilets were shut and we keep on chasing them.”
Mark Davies also wrote, “To try to get the leak stopped in the meantime we're
going to ask a plumber to visit.”
As Peter has highlighted, the embarrassment of this
water leak continuing arises as there are signs on the outside of the building
urging people not to waste water.
Lancaster city council is attempting to
ameliorate the closing of public conveniences by enticing private businesses in
the village to open their toilets to non customers in what is called “a
community toilet scheme”. In return the city council will contribute an amount
per annum to the running costs of allowing non customers to use existing
customer toilets. Anyone who is interested in participating should contact
Peter Millard or Doreen Brookes, clerk to the parish council, on 01524 82 54
64.
Autumn
Club
In November last year the Autumn Club had a talk by Mr
John Eaton about the steam yacht Gondala, which sails on
Coniston. The club continued this theme with its outing in June, when 42
members travelled by coach for a 45 minute cruise on this vessel. Members were
impressed by the reconstruction of Victorian luxury, even though it is now 30
years old.
The party subsequently went to Brockholes Leisure Centre
for a delicious lunch after which members enjoyed the beautiful
gardens.
Cross
bay
walks
Two cross bay walks took place during the third week-end
of June. On Saturday the Leprosy Mission brought 350 walkers to the Bay and on
Sunday Diabetes UK was the charity involved with 100 walkers
leaving Hest Bank and a similar number joining the walk for a shorter version
from Silverdale. The weather on both walks was good although there was a very
cool northerly breeze. Both walks went to Humphrey Head at Flookburgh.
The next walk is an evening walk from Hest Bank to
Grange over Sands starting at 4pm on Saturday, 26th
June.
Drafted week ending Sunday, 13th June 2010.
Cross Bay Walk
Of the 86 participants on the cross bay walk on the
second Saturday of June there was a group of 64 people from the combined United
Reformed and St Luke’s churches. The walk was led by Jack Woodcock, had two
back-markers and three quad bikes in attendance. The water on the surface and
in the channels was warm, which helped engender a merry festive
ambiance.
What struck many people as they enjoyed the walk was the
attention to safety and the panache of making the crossing into a memorable
event. The young, who needed a divertissement, and older people, who need a
rest, had a ride on a quad bike.
This was a pleasant, relaxing and enjoyable level walk
with the opportunity to see the bay from a different perspective. This included
watching a train, comprising 11 coaches plus two locomotives, one at the front
and the other at the rear, snaking its way around the coast.
We are fortunate that there are frequent cross bay walks
from Hest Bank. Future walks are listed in the village diary that is included
in the June issue of the parish newsletter and is on the village web site. The
programme of walks is also displayed on many village notice boards and on http://www.morecambecrossbaywalk.co.uk/
Summer
Festival
The combined United Reformed and St Luke’s churches will
hold a summer festival. On Saturday, 26 June there will be a fun afternoon in
the church grounds, starting at 1:30pm. This will include:
- Bouncy Castle
- Children’s Fancy Dress
- Children’s Treasure Hunt
- Ice Cream
- Diverse Stalls
- Tea and Cake in the hall
- Programme of live music
Ceilidh
Starting at 7:30pm on Saturday, 26 June there will be a Ceilidh in the church hall. Tickets, which cost £10 (£5 for children) are available from Donna (825466), Val (824089), Maureen (823018) and Jacqui. This includes a hot-pot supper but revellers will need to bring their own drinks.
Ramp
On Sunday 15 May, the newly completed ramp and renovated
Choir Vestry were officially blessed by the Rev Yolande Burns. A ribbon held by
Hannah Carruthers and Zachariah Pearson, two young members of church, was cut by
Mrs Ethel Chitty (URC) and Mrs Mary Harrison (C of E).
Ethel aired thoughts that when she married Charles in
1963 and moved into the village, she did not know what a privilege and honour it
would be, to join Mary in the great moment of the two churches joining together,
in opening a facility that would help people move from the Church Hall, to the
amenities within the newly renovated Choir Vestry. Congregations from both
churches joined to celebrate the event.
The ramp, which replaces the steps, is a significant
improvement for the benefit of everyone and it meets the Disability
Discrimination Act requirements.
Drafted week ending Sunday, 6th June
2010.
Cross Bay Walk and
Half Marathon
A walk took place on Saturday, 5th June to
Grange over Sands in glorious conditions, the walk was led by Jack Woodcock with
support from accompanying quads and a tractor. It was good to see the seals
back on the old mile wall near Silverdale.
The major event of the season took place on Sunday,
which was the Half Marathon and bay walk from Gibraltar Point, Silverdale to
Hest Bank. Over 300 walkers took part led by Jack Woodcock, whilst
Alan Sledmore was busy organising the route and staging points for
the Half Marathon. A record number of runners, 470, took part from the mile
road in Flookburgh to the foreshore in Hest Bank. The event was won by Paul
Muller from Horwich for the second year in a row. The biggest crowd for years
in Hest Bank cheered the runners in at the finish on the salt marsh near the
shore cafe. The weather on the day was dull and showery and disappointing after
all the good weather of late.
The success of the event goes from strength to strength
and is testament to the dedication to the team out on the sands.
John and Michael Wilson from Flookburgh with their vast knowledge
of the sands and all the team from the Hest Bank side working together to ensure
the safety of so many people out on the bay. Tribute should be recorded of the
support from local farmers at Wyke Farm in Flookburgh, Gibraltar Farm in
Silverdale and Alan Archer at Red Bank Farm, Bolton le Sands. The local shore
and bay crossing cafe and Kirkby Lonsdale coach hire for supporting the event
and Travellers Choice who supplied the water and reduced transport costs
throughout the year and the local parish council. Next year the event will
take place on Sunday, July 24th 2011.
Over Sixties
At the meeting of the Over Sixties Club on the penultimate Monday of May, Margaret Holland won the games of dominoes with Betty Rawsthorne taking second place, Edna Durie third and Audrey Eaton fourth.
Coffee morning
There was a lively hum of conversation at the community coffee morning in June. There was a good range of stalls, including green groceries and scrumptious cakes. The cake stall becomes more popular each month, which has a consequence for people who are tardy arriving at the coffee morning for several of the varieties of cake have sold out.
Equipment
Fund
Ann Gibson won the games of dominoes at the first
meeting of the Equipment Fund in June. Audrey Eaton took second place, Barbara
Wynn third and Joyce Kuznia fourth.
Drafted week ending 30th May 2010.
Over Sixties
At the meeting of the Over Sixties Club on the third Monday of May Audrey Eaton won the games of dominoes. Betty Rawsthorne took second place and Ellen Ezard came third.
Equipment
Fund
The Equipment Fund met on the eve of the May Fair. Barbara Wynn won the games of dominoes at this meeting. Margaret Holland held second place with Anne Gibson gaining third place and Audrey Eaton earning fourth place.
Cross
Bay Walks
Two walks took place over the fourth weekend of May.
The first on Saturday was to Grange over Sands and on Sunday the walker went to
Humphrey Head, Flookburgh. Both walks took place in delightful conditions with
high temperature. However, with a cooling breeze and lots of water to splash
about in, the walkers, especially the young, had a wonderful time out on the
sands.
The next events are walk to Grange over Sands on
Saturday 5th June at 11:00, and a walk from Silverdale
to Hest Bank along with the half marathon Cancercare cross bay challenge on
Sunday 6th June.
Further details of events can be obtained 01524 824693
or baywalk@btinternet.com and www.morecambecrossbaywalk.co.uk
Parish Council
The parish council is continuing to consult about the
future of the play area in Manor Lane. This is the one from which
Lancaster city council will remove the play equipment. Several comments have
been made including that this is an ideal location for a play area since
children do not have to cross a busy road to get to it. The closure of this
facility is another reason for Lancashire as the highway authority to introduce
a 20mph speed limit in the village.
At its May meeting, the parish council decided to
refurbish the embankment slide, in the recreation field play area. It is hoped
that this will include making the ground at the bottom end of the slide less
muddy.
There is a vacancy on the parish council. Next year
there will be parish council elections. This represents an excellent
opportunity for someone to ascertain if being a parish councillor is a role with
which they are comfortable, as there is now a time limit of a
year.
PACT
At the police and community together meeting in May concern was raised about poor and dangerous parking in the village. A particular concern is around the school, where cars have been parked by the dropped kerbs, at road junctions and in the bus stop. However, when the police have been there at the start or end of the school day they have not seen inconsiderate parking. It was observed that inconsiderate parking is a national issue that will have to be tackled more systematically if it is to be successful.
Drafted week ending Sunday, 23rd May2010.
May Fair
It was a glorious sunny and hot fourth Saturday in May
for the shield procession and May Fair. There were some 250 people in the
shield procession that made its way from St Luke’s School along
Shady Lane, into Manor Avenue before turning right into Manor Road
and right again into Warren Drive. It then wended its way into Bay View
Crescent, Hest Bank Lane, Peacock Lane and to the Memorial Hall field. There
was a magnificent display of both individual and group shields with lively music
and dancing provided by Bay Beat.
On the Memorial Hall field there was a plethora of side
shows, dancing round the maypole, tugs of war plus entertainment from Astral
Circus with more music and dancing from Bay Beat. There were refreshments in
the form of hot dogs, beef burgers, ice cream whilst the Autumn Club provided
cream teas. There was plenty of time to catch up with people one had not seen
for years, as well as close friends.
The shields were judged by Vicky, the leader of Bay
Beat. The Michael Turner Trophy was awarded to the Sunday School. The group
winner was Urban Saints and the individual winner was the Pearson family.
Certificates were presented to the runners up, who were the Coopers, the United
Reformed Church, the Hallams and Playgroup.
The afternoon finished with an egg throwing
competition. This very simple game is played in pairs. Each pair throws an egg
to their partner. They start quite close together but the two lines of people,
comprising one person from each pair are gradually moved further apart. The
last pair to have an unbroken egg is the winner. This year there was a dramatic
climax. The two phalanxes moved further and further apart until there were two
pairs left competing, only for both eggs to crack on the same throw. Thus the
two pairs of William Craven and Joe Hayhurst with Simon Ellis and
Alistair were joint winners.
This event was the culmination of months of planning.
The whole village is grateful and thanks the organisers for this enjoyable
social activity that involves many people of all ages. There have been some new
members of the organising committee for this year’s event. This refreshing of
the organisation of the event appears to have been successfully accomplished.
Long may the process of renewal continue so the May Fair continues to be fresh,
vibrant and relevant to the social needs of the village.
Ceilidh
In the evening after the May Fair there was a ceilidh in
the Memorial Hall. This was a cracking way to end an enjoyable and relaxing
day. It was notable that there was a large age range of the dancers
participating with everyone from the young and small to the mature and
enthusiastic.
Food was on sale during an interlude from the dancing.
This comprised beef burgers, hot dogs and vegetarian burgers followed by a
selection of scrumptious puddings. The vegetarian burgers were tasty and
interesting as the filling was a garlic mushroom with a diameter between 10 and
12 cm.
This is an additional activity compared with previous
years, which hopefully will be repeated after future May
Fairs.
Parish
Council
At the annual general meeting of the parish council Peter Millard was elected as chairman and Stephen Jones as vice-chairman.
Drafted week ending Sunday, 16th May 2010.
Equipment Fund
At the last meeting of the Equipment Fund in April,
Joyce Kuzniar convincingly won the games of dominoes. Audrey
Eaton came second with Margaret Holland holding third place and Barbara Wynn
taking fourth place.
When the Equipment Fund met in the evening following
polling day, Ruth Staveley won the games of dominoes whilst Joan Hunter held
second place, Jean Connor came third and Joyce Kuzniar clinched
fourth place.
May
Fair
If you have not yet made your shield for Saturday’s
procession you have until 1pm when it will leave St Luke’s School
in Shady Lane for a parade around the village to the Memorial Hall. If you are
bereft of ideas or have not executed them do watch and marvel at your
neighbours’ concepts of space. See how their imaginations are expressed in
futuristic travel, alien life forms, the vast distances measured in light years
and parsecs between distant galaxies, the minute distances measured in
millionths of a nanometre between molecules in a crystalline structure or the
tranquillity that gives people time and space to think and reflect. There are
probably ideas that they have not yet shared!
This will be followed by the rites of spring in the May
Fair that includes dancing round a maypole, a diverse range of sideshows, games
and competitions.
The day will finish with the Reel Ceilidh that will be
held in the Memorial Hall in the evening. Tickets can be bought from Jo Leeman,
Moira Hallam, school reception and the Londis shop in Slyne. They
cost £6 for adults and £3 for children. There will be food available to buy
during the evening though revellers should take their own drinks.
Autumn
Club
Mr Gerald Hurtley, community police support officer
based in Carnforth, was the guest speaker at the May meeting of the Autumn
Club. He is funded jointly by the police, fire & rescue and ambulance
services. In his working life he deals with petty domestic disputes, road
traffic accidents, drug addicts and alcoholics. His vehicle is equipped with a
defibrillator and oxygen for emergencies. He also gives advice on fire safety,
dealing with unwanted callers at the door and defective electric blankets. He
answered a plethora of questions and all members felt his visit was very
useful.
In giving the vote of thanks Dr Dyer observed that Mr
Hurtley has a varied and interesting occupation and it is obvious that he
thoroughly enjoys it.
The next meeting of the Autumn Club will be an outing to
the Lake District to sail in the Gondala on Coniston Water
followed by an afternoon in Brockholes Leisure Centre on 15th
June.
Drafted week ending Sunday, 9th May 2010.
Summer Festival
Five weeks after the May Fair the combined St Luke’s and
the United Reformed churches will hold a summer festival in the church grounds
on Saturday, 26th and Sunday, 27th June.
On Saturday afternoon the church building will be open
with displays of village organisations; there will be stalls and activities in
the church grounds, including a bouncy castle, a children’s fancy dress
competition, children’s treasure hunts, ice cream, a programme of live music,
and tea and cake in the hall.
During Saturday evening there will be a ceilidh in the
church hall. Tickets are available from members of the two churches and cost
£10 for adults; £5 for children.
At 6pm on the Sunday there will be an
ecumenical “songs of praise” for which requests of people’s favourite hymns can
be made on the Saturday afternoon.
Over Sixties
At the last meeting of the Over Sixties Club in April Joan Hunter won the games of dominoes with Eileen Massey making second place. Margaret Holland took third place and June Gardner fourth.
Official Opening
The official opening of the new meeting room and ramp at St Luke’s Church will take place on Sunday, 16th May at 11am. This will be conducted by dignitaries of both churches that use the building and it is scheduled between two morning services.
Social
events
The United reformed church will be holding a strawberry
tea from 2:30pm to 4:30pm on Sunday, 25th July; further
details from Val on 824089.
The will be a Lancashire evening in the
church hall on Saturday, 25th September. This will include a one act
play entitled "The Last Pantomime in Little Grimley", followed by a hotpot
supper. Tickets will cost £10 and be available one month before the event from
various church members, or telephone Val on 824089.
There will be a brass band concert followed by a buffet
meal and carols on Sunday, 12th December starting at
7pm in the church and then moving to the church hall. Tickets
will cost £12 and be on sale from late November.
Resurfacing
Hasty Brow is scheduled to be resurfaced along its entire length starting on Tuesday, 11th May.
Open
space
The parish council held a meeting with officers of
Lancaster city council. The large play equipment will be removed
for reason of “insurance and inadequate size of safety surfaces”.
The parish council want this open space retained as a
community amenity and it might be possible for the city council to make some
minor improvements, for example provision of small (five-a-side) football
net(s), more seats, more trees planted, raised earth play surfaces. If you have
an opinion on this the parish councillors would like to hear from you. Their
contact details are on a notice board outside the Memorial Hall. Alternatively,
contact the clerk to the council, Mrs Doreen Brookes, on 01524 82
54 64.
Cross
bay walks
Two cross bay walks took place over the second weekend
of May. The first from Hest Bank to Flookburgh on Saturday was led by Jack
Woodcock with walkers from the local Salvation Army in Morecambe. The Sunday
walk from Hest Bank to Grange over Sands was led by Alan Sledmore
in which walkers from the Midland Hotel took part in aid of charity. The
weather on the Saturday walk was sunny with a stiff northerly breeze and cloudy
on Sunday.
The next walks are on Saturday 22nd May from
Hest Bank to Grange over Sands and Sunday 23rd May from Hest Bank to
Flookburgh.
Luncheon
For their April meeting, 29 members of Bare and Hest
Bank ladies luncheon club had a pleasant coach journey to Springfield House,
Pilling where they arrived at noon for luncheon that was served at 12:30pm.
After a tasty repast they went to Barton Grange for an hour of retail therapy
before returning home.
They held their May meeting at the Headway Hotel. The
start of the meeting was tinged with sadness as the 39 members present observed
one minute silence in memory of Mrs Margaret Harris, a member, who died in
April. The sad theme continued as members learnt that Mrs Margaret Beaumont,
who is the longest standing member of the club having joined in 1946 three years
after her mother joined as a founder member, had been admitted to hospital.
Mrs Iris Hesselden was the speaker. She is an author
who lives locally. She read from some of her works on a theme of “A touch of
tranquillity”.
Mrs Cromrie gave the vote of thanks.
This is the last meeting of the 2009/10 season. The
club will start the 2010/11 season of lunches on Tuesday, 7th
September.
Ruth Whalley, who runs a beauty salon in Kendal, gave an entertaining and informative talk and demonstration entitled, “Beauty from the kitchen cupboard at the May meeting of Hest Bank Ladies.
Drafted week ending Sunday, 2nd May
2010.
Coffee Morning
There was a buzz to the community coffee morning in the Memorial Hall on Saturday, 1st May. Not only was the coffee morning in the main hall well attended with a multitude of stalls, which included the community library, fresh fruit and vegetables, scrumptious cakes, cards, gifts and knitting, but the small hall was dedicated to shield making.
It was predominantly younger people creating the shields, though not exclusively so. There was a creative concentration that resulted in some exuberantly decorated shields that will be displayed in the shield procession that precedes the May Fair on Saturday, 22nd May.
Ceilidh
Tickets for the Reel Ceilidh that will be held in the Memorial Hall on the evening of Saturday, 22nd May, after the May Fair, are now on sale. They can be bought from Jo Leeman, Moira Hallam, school reception and the Londis shop in Slyne. They cost £6 for adults and £3 for children. There will be a hotpot supper on sale during the evening though revellers should take their own drinks.
Mothers’ Union
The April meeting of the Mothers’ Union
took place on Wednesday, 28th April. The speaker was Mrs Maureen
Brindle who gave a vivid account of a visit to Buckingham Palace in 1997, when
her aunt, a school crossing lady, was awarded a MBE. After describing the
grandeur of the interior of the palace and the impressive detail of the
investiture ceremony, a video followed, showing the Prince of Wales presenting
the speaker’s aunt with her award.
Mrs Margaret Dawson gave the vote of
thanks.
Warnings
There were two warnings from the police being promulgated at the community coffee morning. One was about a man and a woman who claimed to be water board officials. A substantial amount of cash had been taken from several properties. The police are warning residents to check who is at the door. Is any caller expected? Do they have an appointment? Engage the door chain or door bar every time you answer the door. Ask for the caller’s ID and double check it. If there is any doubt do not admit them and call the police.
The second warning is about “boiler room scams”. This is when you receive an unsolicited telephone call from a person is trying to sell shares in an investment opportunity that is too good to miss. All you are asked to do is confirm your name, address together with your bank or credit card details. The caller may offer a free research document about the investment, a free gift or a discount on dealing charges.
Anyone who has been contacted by an unauthorised overseas firm in this way is asked to help the Financial Services Authority (FSA) by telling it about any dealings with this type of call. The FSA can be contacted on 0845 606 1234. Further information about boiler room scams can be found on the FSA web site www.fsa.gov.uk
Parish Council
Prior to the formal meeting of the parish council in April there was a police and community together (PACT) meeting when it was stated that during the previous month there were two reported incidents of inconsiderate behaviour compared with one during the same month last year. Further there were no reports of vehicle nuisance down from one for the same month last year though there were five reports of crime, such as burglary, theft from vehicles and criminal damage, compared two for the same month last year.
The parish council was disappointed to learn that Lancaster city council is closing the children’s play area in Manor Lane. In contrast the parish council will replace a seat of a swing in the play area in the recreation field. There has been nuisance caused by broken glass in this play area. Would anyone with information about this please inform the police?
The work to resurface parts of the foreshore has been completed. The council decided to provide a seat in the bus shelter in Manor Lane.
Following some disquiet about one of the benches on the foreshore the parish council is drafting a policy for memorial benches on the foreshore. Anyone who wishes to contribute or comment on the drafts should contact the clerk to the parish council, Mrs Doreen Brookes, on 01524 82 54 64.
The parish council has received correspondence from Lancashire county council that states that the drainage for the link road has been designed to handle flood water from Slyne. This does not mean that there is a scheme to drain flood water from Slyne. It is merely that the section of drain that will have to be replaced if the road is built will be sufficient to deal with a flood surge. The correspondence states that Lancaster city council and the Environment Agency will have to replace the drainage pipe both north and south of the proposed link road.
Cross bay walks
The first cross bay walks of the season are this coming weekend. On Saturday there is a walk from Hest Bank to Flookburgh starting at 1pm followed by a walk from Hest Bank to Grange starting at 2pm on Sunday.
Week ending Sunday, 25th April 2010.
Artwork
There are three regular art classes each week in the Memorial Hall. Now there is the chance to see the results during the afternoon of Saturday, 22nd May when the May Fair is taking place.
Coffee Morning
The next community coffee morning will be on Saturday, 1st May in the Memorial Hall. In addition to the usual attractions, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, scrumptious cakes and cards, there will be the opportunity to create a shield on the theme of “space” for the shield procession that precedes the May Fair on Saturday, 22nd May.
Village assembly
At the annual village assembly on Monday, 12th April, Stephen Jones in the chair’s report recapped on the changes in the village during the last year. These include the construction of the boardwalk to the play area in the recreation field, the painting of white lines on the road in Hest Bank Lane to try to create the illusion of a safe refuge for pedestrians by Lancashire county council and the closure of the public toilets by Lancaster city council.
The financial report showed expenditure in line with the budget with grants having been made to the Memorial Hall, bowling club and the tennis club. The parish council is in the process of developing a policy for grants, so in future grants will be made for specific purposes. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the formulation of this policy should contact the clerk to the parish council, Mrs Doreen Brookes, on 01524 82 54 64. The parish council is holding reserves, principally for the planned work on the burial ground. The parish council has received a grant from the Lancashire and Blackpool tourist board for half the cost of erecting the plaque, describing the view, on the foreshore.
The review of the parish plan was discussed. There was considerable concern about whether it is worth the effort to update the plan as it and the village design statement are often ignored by city council officials. However, it is believe that is would be better to have an updated plan in place as a reference document rather than not having any plan based on the wishes of the villagers. The fact that the 20mph speed limit in the village that is an aspiration of the current plan is outstanding after five years is an example of the lack of respect for the wishes of villagers.
There was a presentation by Maxime Knagg, tree preservation officer with Lancaster city council. She explained her role, what can be done to protect trees, including tree preservation orders. She is frustrated when trees are lopped or felled as there follows the task of collecting evidence and the resulting fines are trivial compared against the wealth of the individuals concerned. She recognised the annoyance caused by Lancashire county council when it refuses to replace trees near the highway. However the city council is looking at replacing street trees, as they improve the amenity, create shelter and reduce the flood risk. It was noted that the village is fortunate in having four tree wardens.
A second talk by Elaine Betts, crime prevention officer, explained the role of crime prevention and what can be done to reduce crime. She stated that the role of neighbourhood watch is evolving from only reporting potential crime to neighbourhood support that includes social care within the neighbourhood as well as criminal activity.
Cross bay walks
The list of cross bay walks for this summer has been published. They are shown below with the day, date, start time, and route:
Saturday May 8 1300 Hest Bank - Flookburgh
Sunday May 9 1400 Hest Bank - Grange
Saturday May 22
1200 Hest Bank -
Grange
Sunday May 23
1300 Hest Bank - Flookburgh
Saturday June 5 1100 Hest Bank - Flookburgh
Sunday June 6 1100 Silverdale - Hest Bank
Sunday June 6 1315 Flookburgh - Hest Bank, Half Marathon in aid of Cancercare
Saturday June 12
1630 Hest Bank – Grange. In aid of St Lukes Church,
Hest Bank
Saturday June 19
1100 Hest Bank – Flookburgh. In aid of Leprosy
Mission
Sunday June 20 1130 Hest Bank – Flookburgh. In aid of Diabetes UK
Saturday June 26
1630 Hest Bank - Grange
Sunday July 4
1000 Hest Bank -
Flookburgh
Sunday July 4 1130 Silverdale - Flookburgh
Wednesday July 7 1300 Hest Bank - Kents Bank
Saturday July 10
1530 Hest Bank -
Grange
Saturday July 17
1030 Silverdale -
Flookburgh
Sunday July 18 1030 Hest Bank – Flookburgh. In aid of St Johns Hospice
Wednesday July 21
1330 Hest Bank - Kents
Bank
Saturday July 24
1530 Hest Bank - Grange over
Sands
Saturday July 31
1000 Silverdale - Flookburgh
Sunday August 1
1000 Silverdale -
Flookburgh
Wednesday August 4 1130 Hest Bank - Kents Bank
Saturday August 7 1400 Hest Bank - Grange over Sands
Sunday August 15 1030 Silverdale - Flookburgh
Wednesday August 18 1130 Hest Bank - Kent's Bank
Saturday August 21 1430 Hest Bank - Grange over Sands
Sunday
August 29 0930 Silverdale -
Flookburgh
Monday August 30
1000 Silverdale -
Flookburgh
Saturday September 4
1300 Hest Bank - Grange over
Sands
Sunday
September 5 1400 Hest Bank - Grange
over Sands
Saturday September 18
1330 Hest Bank - Grange over
Sands
It should be noted there have been major channel changes which may result in some of the walks advertised from Hest Bank to Grange over Sands starting at Silverdale or terminating at Flookburgh or Arnside.
The cost of the walks is Adults £8 Children £4 which includes return transport.
Free car parking is available at both Hest Bank and
Silverdale.
Post code for the start at Hest Bank is LA2 6EA, Silverdale
Gibraltar Point Farm LA5 0UA.
Further details are available from
01524 824693
www.morecambecrossbaywalk.co.uk
Drafted week ending Sunday, 18th April 2010.
Lunch
The Lent Lunches every Monday during Lent have always been a success. Many times the church officials have been asked to continue after Lent is over. This year, as a trial until the end of May, they are offering a choice of homemade soup, bread, cheese and a cuppa in the Church Institute, every Tuesday. The cost is £2.50, with profits going to the Church Building Fund.
This trial started on 13th April, all are welcome and on the first Tuesday a couple of the builders working in the Church grounds joined the lunch.
Lancashire Life
Hest Bank is featured in the May edition of Lancashire Life. The “Drawing Class” held on Tuesday in the Memorial Hall was photographed to illustrate the article. It will be interesting to see which pictures are published. Copies of Lancashire Life are on sale in the Londis shop in the village.
Deja Vue
There is a challenging memory game in the Londis shop. It is to spot the familiar smiling face and put a name to the person without standing immobile while the cerebral processes grind through one’s memory!
Bowling
The bowling club will hold its “scratch pairs” competition on Saturday, 24th April. This is an internal club competition and non members are welcome to participate. Anyone who would like to explore whether crown green bowling is for them can attend and a club member will create an opportunity for them to try it.
Mothers’ Union
The Mothers’ Union will meet on Wednesday, 28th April at 2pm in the Church Institute when the speaker will be Mrs Maureen Brindle who will talk about, "My visit to Buckingham Palace”.
Over Sixties
The Over Sixties Club will meet on Monday, 26th April from 2pm to 4pm in the Memorial Hall. This is a social afternoon combined with an opportunity to play whist or dominoes.
John Leach
Greenways Informatics,
17, Prospect Drive,
Hest Bank,
Lancaster, LA2 6HZ
Tel 01524 822 398