ISSUE 74 FEBRUARY 2015 THE OVER KELLET VIEW. Price 1.00 (but free of charge to every household in Over Kellet)

Transcription

1 ISSUE 74 FEBRUARY 2015 THE OVER KELLET VIEW Price 1.00 (but free of charge to every household in Over Kellet)

2 For the next (March) issue, the closing date for news, articles and advertisements is 15 February All contributions should be sent to the address: Editorial Board: Liz Brewster, Angela Huck and Chris Pogson Advertising: Jane Meaden BOARD OF MANAGEMENT Chairs ex-officio of the Parish Council and Parochial Church Council We are grateful to the above organisations for their financial support We are happy to accept contributions in any electronic form. Our preference is for Microsoft Word with 14 point Arial font and margins set at 1.5cm all round, although anything that can be converted into this is acceptable. Advertisements should be in a form compatible with PC software. Please note that the views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Editorial Team or Board of Management. Every care has been taken in trying to provide accurate information, particularly in the Diary, the Directory, on Local Services and bus times. We apologise if any errors creep in; please let us know if you do find any so that they can be amended for next time. The Over Kellet View is published every month (except January and August) and distributed to all residents within the parish of Over Kellet. It is also to be seen on the village web-site ( in a colour version. We are grateful to the webmaster, Gordon Galloway for his expert help Over Kellet View Meadowbank House, Craggs Hill OKView@overkellet.org Front Cover: Snowdrops Printed by Bay Typesetters, Morecambe Tel: , r.cleet@btinternet.com

3 THE FEBRUARY VIEW It s great to see some of the village s landmark properties finally being purchased. After many months with apparently little movement in the property market (in Over Kellet at least), those ready to move on can now do so and those left behind can look forward to seeing new faces around the Village. According to Rightmove ( in the past year, house prices in Over Kellet are 12% up on the previous year, but still 12% down on 2010 so very little change overall. Nonetheless, the average property price at 287,071 is still considerably more than Carnforth ( 201,722), Bolton Le Sands ( 220,555) and Warton ( 174,795) and Rightmove is predicting a modest rise in the coming year. None of us will be surprised to hear Over Kellet being repeatedly described as sought after and picturesque in the various estate agents blurbs the character of the Village is one of the reasons why residents mobilised to fight off (for the time being) large-scale development on Kirkby Lonsdale Road. Whilst it might be reassuring to see the value of property assets increase, I m quite sure that for most people the primary driver for objection was the desire to maintain the character and charm of Over Kellet. Almost every day since we moved here nine years ago, I drive past The Green, and I think how lucky I am to live in such a pretty and friendly village. If you are one of the new residents of Over Kellet, welcome I hope you will be very happy here too. If not, at least you can look forward to a small rise in house prices!). Angela Huck ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are grateful to Brian Medhurst and Chris Thomas for permission to use their photos (pages 10 and 20). 3

4 LETTER FROM THE VICARAGE St Cuthbert s Church Over Kellet February 2015 Dear Friends LOVE IN OUR ACTIONS Recently I read of a College Professor of preaching who gave his students an unusual challenge. He asked them to preach on the Good Samaritan. They dashed to their rooms or the library to prepare for a sermon on love and compassion. Each student had to walk down a corridor to wherever they were going. In one of the doorways sat a poor beggar who had been planted there by the Professor. What happened next is an important lesson for each one of us. Very few students stopped to help the man most rushed to preach their sermon on The Good Samaritan, walking past the beggar in the doorway. They missed the heart of the Biblical story. Today we have people all around us who are lonely, hungry and anxious. God loves the prostitute as much as the professor or the preacher. He loves the drug addict as much as the director or doctor. We read in John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life God s love in Action On 14 February we will celebrate Valentine s Day. Take a few moments to read the verse above. It s God s Valentine message to you. Ask God to show you how you can show HIS love to others. May God help you share HIS love, Rev. Ken and Sue Clapham INVITATION TO MEET THE NEW BISHOP - Bishop Julian, Bishop of Blackburn, will be sharing in our All Age Worship at 10.30am on Sunday 1 March with his wife, then sharing lunch in the Village Hall. Our Day School will be sharing in the service. We invite you to join with us. PASTORAL CARE - If you know of any parishioner or visitor to our parish who is ill or in any need, please notify the Rev. Ken who will arrange to visit and help in anyway. This is pastoral care 24/7. Contact on or PRAISE AND WORSHIP - A welcome awaits you any Sunday at 8.45 or in St. Cuthbert s joint Anglican & Methodist Church. 4

5 WILSON S ENDOWED SCHOOL NEWS St Cuthbert s Church The school choir was pleased to share in the village s carol service, singing two pieces. 'The Sans Day Carol and a contemporary carol, Do You Hear What I Hear? were well received by the Christmas congregation. Year 6 pupil Harry Yates read a lesson and the school s worship committee led the prayers, sharing in a joyful festive service. Thank you to all for giving us such a warm welcome. Epiphany Worship We were pleased to complete our Christmas celebrations remembering the journey of the kings from the East. Mrs Jean Pearson, wife of Bishop Geoff, joined us once again to reflect on the significance of the visit of the Magi and the symbolism of their gifts. Bag packing and plans for a school hall Booths supermarket in Milnthorpe and the Tesco store in Carnforth welcomed eager bag packers before Christmas. Cheery young faces encouraged generous donations as parent helpers packed shopping for several hours on a busy December Saturday and the Friday evening before Christmas. We were thrilled by the generosity of the shoppers raising an amazing 557. The Friends of the School (PTA) are working hard to raise funds for a proper school hall. The school has never had one and currently uses an empty classroom for lunches and assemblies but the low ceiling height and cramped dimensions make it impossible for indoor sport and other activities requiring a bigger space. There is a bonus ball scheme running to increase funds weekly and a donation webpage is being set up to support the cause. There will be more information next month. Please contact us if you have any ideas that may help achieve this goal for future Over Kellet children. Exciting Experiments Abound! This term s whole school topic is materials. Pupils will be exploring a wide range of different scientific themes focusing on the properties and uses of various materials. There will be plenty of experiments testing different materials as well as learning about people who have developed materials such as Dunlop, McAdam and Macintosh. The older pupils will be visiting the Catalyst museum near Widnes and our younger pupils will have a hands on day at a science museum in Liverpool. We hope for a term full of evaporating, filtering, sieving, melting and dissolving! Jo Williams, Headteacher 5

6 PARISH COUNCIL DECEMBER / JANUARY News that the application to build 72 homes near Winder Garth has been withdrawn was welcomed by all at the December meeting of the Parish Council. Cllr Nick Ward paid tribute to Paul Bond, Chris Pogson and Cllr John Crewdson for their hard work, as well as the many people who wrote to Lancaster City Council to object. City Councillor Roger Mace however warned that the village can t rejoice yet. His view was that it was extremely likely that the application would be re-submitted, albeit with some variations. At the January meeting, another planning application made a repeat appearance an application to develop Hall Farm Barns (the dilapidated buildings just off The Narrows) had been submitted. The application was to create three new dwellings. It was agreed that, although the Parish Council continued to welcome improvement to redundant agricultural buildings, there were road safety concerns relating to the access to this site. Birkland Barrow The planning appeal process is continuing and the Planning Inspectorate was due to visit the site on 22 January. It was agreed that Cllr Crewdson and others would attend. Footpaths The decision to block the footpath to the cemetery off Cockle Hill was discussed at both the December and the January meetings. Some residents had raised concerns to councillors explaining that the path had been in use by the public for more than 50 years. There was a discussion about whether a Public Right of Way had been established. The Parish Council agreed that, in the first instance, a nice letter would be written to the owner of the land. Following news of County Council funding to promote wider access to public footpaths, the work to repair the footpath between Greenways and Church Bank has been delayed. Clerk Michael Watson is to investigate whether funds might be available. New Parish Councillor Rebecca Lauder was welcomed to the Parish Council. Christmas Tree The tree was declared a great success. Cllr Crewdson thanked Phil and Jeff Butler, Steve and Josh Fowler, Ron Oswald and all the councillors who had helped to erect and take down the tree as well as Aggregate Industries who had donated the tree. Budget It was agreed at the January meeting that there would be no increase in the Parish Council precept (the Parish Council s element of the Council Tax). It was noted that the precept has not been increased for five years. Projects which the Parish Council will be considering for funding this financial year include: new lights for the Christmas tree; a second SPID (the first hopefully being funded via Community Beat Manager Linda Head) and a bus stop for The Green. The Council agreed to maintain funding for the Over Kellet View. The full minutes of these meetings are available at and on display on Village notice boards. Next month's meeting will take place on Tuesday 10 February at 7.15pm at Wilson's Endowed C of E School. All Parish Council meetings are open to the public. Angela Huck 6

7 The result of the draw for December was: 1 st ( 25) Mr M Armer (79) 2 nd ( 15) Mrs M Parry (143) 3 rd ( 10) Mrs C McTernan (46) THE 200 CLUB Congratulations to all our winners. The 200 Club continues to thrive; a big thank you to everyone who supports it. We are particularly grateful to the collectors and distributors of the monthly prizes who so willingly give up their time. The profits from the club go a long way to helping towards the publication of the Over Kellet View which we feel offers a window into our village life. For any new residents who may be interested members subscribe 6.00 each year for each number (there is a total of 200 altogether) and there are three prizes each month of 25, 15 and 10 allocated by a random number draw. We still have a few numbers for which we have no subscriptions. If you would like to have an extra one for 2015 or would like to join in from scratch, please let us know. We would be very pleased to hear from you. You can contact any of the collectors or the editors, or send us an to OKView@overkellet.org If you feel you could help with distributing prizes in your particular part of the village (promise only about a half hour each month) we would be especially grateful to you. Liz Brewster 7

8 OVER KELLET NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Your local NHW team hopes that you had a good Christmas and New Year break. Unfortunately Over Kellet (and Arkholme) experienced some break-ins two in our village involving outhouses and thefts of some items. The police are especially concerned with this type of crime at the moment and have also issued advice about what we might do to protect ourselves from casual intrusions: Use good quality padlocks with covers so they cannot be easily cut off; Never leave tools or ladders lying around the garden; Make sure that side gates and sheds are locked and keep boundary fences, walls and gates in good repair; Take photographs of valuable property; Mark your property by etching, with UV pens, etc. For larger items, take photographs and note serial, chassis and model numbers. There is also an increasing type of car crime frost-jacking. This is when owners (apparently almost half of us!) leave their cars outside with the engines running on cold mornings, and the casual thief nips in quickly. The remedy is obvious enough, so be careful. Not only can your car be stolen but also your insurer will probably refuse to meet any claims; read the small print. Another time to watch out is when you go to pay for fuel or to buy items in the shop at a filling station lock your car while you do this. At this time of year many of us receive parcels through a delivery service. Unfortunately parcel scams are becoming increasingly common. The victim pays, often using a reputable payment protection service. A few days later, the recorded delivery is signed for, but the parcel is then found to be empty or contain another item. Of course, it is difficult to complain when the parcel has been signed for. Always check before signing! Chris Pogson 8

9 9 WEATHER DATA FOR NOVEMBER 2014 It is usual for me to end my articles with a look at my weather diary, but I will start this month s review by looking into it first. I am sure that many readers will have welcomed the last day of the month with over 6h of sunshine and a temperature of over 12 C (53.6 F). Clear skies usually herald a cold and frosty night, but this time it was not so. In the month the night-time temperature never dropped lower than 0.5 C (32.9 F). Television presenters commented how mild November was. During the afternoon of the 13 th, atmospheric pressure began to fall quite steeply and, by 4 p.m., the wind was gusting to 49mph (Force 9 in Coastguard speak) but, by 7.30 p.m., it was calm. The photo shows the sudden blip in pressure between the 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. vertical lines. The other item of interest in the weather diary was at 9.45 a.m. on the 15 th when there was a fine display of Lenticular Cloud (lens shapes resembling Flying Saucers ). So what were the weather figures for the month? We had 22 rain days and 7 no-rain days a total rainfall of 83mm, well below the 10-year average of 117mm. During the month we had 22 sun days and 8 no-sun days giving 61.6h of sun, just below the average of 65.9h. The wettest 24h was over the 21 st /22 nd with 18mm. WEATHER DATA FOR DECEMBER 2014 The Village did quite well in the sunshine stakes with 19 sun days and 12 no-sun days giving 50.2h of sun, just below the average of 53.7h. The sunniest day was the 3 rd with 6.3h, the warmest days (18 th & 19 th ) both with 10.7 C (51.2 F) and the coldest night was that of the 29 th when the temperature fell to 5.2 C (22.6 F). During the month we had 24 rain days and 7 no-rain days giving a total of 67mm, well below the average of 111mm. The wettest 24h was over the 9 th /10 th with 13mm. The most noteworthy feature of the month was when on six occasions the wind gusted to over 50mph (Force 10 in Coastguard speak). Finally, what about the total rainfall and sun hours for 2014? The following figures may take some readers by surprise total sun-hours 1488h against a 10-year average of 1541h, total rainfall 886mm, well below the average of 1134mm. The Met Office reported that 2014 was the hottest year since records began in 1910! Cloud Watcher CARNFORTH LIBRARY OPENING TIMES In future, the Library (on Lancaster Road, just before Tesco) will be open as follows: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 0930 to 1300, 1400 to 1800 Tuesdays & Saturdays 0930 to 1300; Thursdays closed

10 NATURE NOTES The number of goldfinches in my garden continues to amaze me. Yesterday there were twelve together. I have four feeders, each containing sunflower hearts. They seem happy with this so I do not offer them niger seed. Blackbirds have become more numerous recently. They may be local birds but I suspect that some are continental birds which have moved east for the winter. Blackbirds from Scandinavia are larger than our birds so that they can cope with the lower temperatures there. Starling flocks are flying over in the evening. Yesterday they were moving north, not towards Leighton Moss where there is a large roost. They also roost in maize fields of which there are plenty in this area. An otter with one youngster has been seen at Leighton Moss. The best time to see them is early morning. Bearded tits are still showing well on the grit trays alongside the Causeway at Leighton Moss. They are best seen in the morning before 11 o clock. The grit is needed so that it can break down the reed seed which is their diet throughout the autumn and winter months. During the spring and summer they feed on aphids. It is the Big Garden Birdwatch on Saturday and Sunday 24 and 25 January. If you can let me know how many birds (see some below) you saw in one hour as well as informing the RSPB, we can get some idea of how our local birds are doing. There will soon be frogspawn in our garden ponds and the Greenways pond. Andrew Cadman 10

11 ICY ROADS The Met Office now gives Lancashire County Council (LCC) forecasts for treatment on individual routes as opposed to whole areas. LCC has over 30,000 tonnes of salt and 49 gritters at ten depots. They also have the following ready to be used in severe weather conditions: 1) 15 gritters to provide extra resources to treat secondary routes in severe weather; 2) 50 hand gritters to treat footways; 3) Towed gritters, snow blowers and snow ploughs; 4) 39 farmers/agricultural contractors who have equipment to carry out snow clearing when resources are stretched. Each gritter has a tracking system to keep track of when, where and what gritting activity has occurred. In 2015, LCC is introducing satellite navigation and GPS-controlled automatic salting systems; this allows much more efficient and flexible use of labour resources. One third of county roads make up the priority road network for salting and snow clearing. The priority list is: 1) Non-trunk motorways and A roads the main routes across the county; 2) B roads other main roads in and out of towns; 3) Single routes in and out of villages. There is also a priority list of footpaths. Grit bins: There are over 1,800 grit bins and heaps around the county, in key locations where they are most needed. All are filled before the start of winter and refilled as often as possible. The salt is not for private use you can buy salt in local DIY stores. LCC advise that, in very cold conditions, your car should contain a snow shovel, a torch, batteries, a first aid kit and some appropriate footwear and warm clothes. 11

12 THE DIARY Regular Weekly Events SUNDAYS 0845 Every Week Holy Communion 1030 Feb 1; Mar 1 All Age Worship & Sunday School 1030 Feb 8; Mar 8, 29 Morning Worship 2330 Feb 15; Mar 15 Morning Worship with Communion 1030 Feb 22; Mar 22 Morning Worship, Methodist preacher MONDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Feb 16; Mar 30) Playgroup 2 4 Years 1330 Weekly Indoor Bowls 1930 Weekly Scottish Dancing TUESDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Feb 17; Mar 31) Playgroup 2 4 Years 0900 Weekly (Schooldays only) Playgroup-Toddlers (School) 1400 Weekly Short Tennis WEDNESDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Feb 18) Playgroup 2 4 Years 1400 Feb 11, 25; Mar 11, 25 Galloways Society 1930 Weekly (not Feb 4; Mar 4) Church Bible Study 2000 Weekly Badminton THURSDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Feb 19) Playgroup 2 4 Years 1930 Feb 12; Mar 12 WI FRIDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Feb 20) Playgroup 2 4 Years 1900 Weekly Fitness Class REFUSE COLLECTION IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH Grey bin: February 9, 23; March 9, 23 Green bin and recycling boxes: February 2, 16; March 2, 16, 30 12

13 FEBRUARY THE DIARY Monthly Calendar Sunday Village Walk Arkholme Tuesday Parish Council Meeting (School) Wednesday Walking Group Source of the Ribble Thursday WI Meeting Talk by Mrs Iris Birks Life as a child on Sunderland Point Wednesday RSPB Talk by Ken Harrison Tanzania Safari ( 2 donation) Saturday Horticultural Society Coffee Morning and Talk by John Ball Wildflowers in Lancashire. MARCH Sunday Village Walk Buckshaw Brow Friday Women's World Day of Prayer Tuesday Parish Council Meeting (School) Wednesday Walking Group Muker Thursday WI Meeting Talk by Mr Ian Potts Humorous Incidents in a Musical Career Friday Kellets Twinning Association Fashion Show (Nether Kellet Village Hall) Friday RSPB Talk by Peter Smith Seagulls to Eagles ( 2 donation) All events take place in the Village Hall unless otherwise stated 13

14 STARS IN OUR VILLAGE There are several people in our village whom we feel need a special mention ordinary folk going about their daily lives, their achievements possibly unnoticed by the rest of us. Each month, space permitting, we would like to acknowledge some of these people and tell you about their very special qualities. Anyone familiar with the ghost story Woman in Black will be aware of the narrative read by Daniel Radcliffe at the beginning of the film. But you may not be aware that that narrative was written by a young girl in our village. Nicola (Nicky) Torch, daughter of Gary and Helena Torch of The Eagles Head, entered and won a writing competition, the prize being a chance to meet Daniel Radcliffe and attend the première of the Woman in Black. So impressive was her ghost story that it became the narrative at the opening of the film. Nicky at the time was a pupil at Lancaster Girls Grammar School studying for her A levels. She eventually left the school with an impressive array of A levels in English, History, Economics and General Studies, all at A or A*. This was a remarkable achievement for Nicky because she has cystic fibrosis and, as a result, an attendance record of only 40%. Undaunted by her health problems, Nicky has gone on to win a place at the prestigious St Andrews University in Scotland. So we salute your achievements, Nicky, and wish you well in your further studies. If you (and I m sure you will) achieve your ambition and become a journalist on the New York Times, don t forget to mention that you were one of our stars in Over Kellet! Liz Brewster 14

15 This month Marie Stephenson introduces her business M and M Feeds. What does the business do? We sell animal feed of all types from rabbit to dog and chicken to calves. What is your role in the business? Co-owner with my husband Michael. How long have you lived in Over Kellet? My husband: 35 years. Me: 8 years. What do you enjoy about your work? Meeting and supplying local people who have the same love for animals we do. What do you like doing when you aren't working? Running. Can you name one business in Over Kellet you would recommend and tell us why? Over Kellet Village store for their great service and reliability. What do you like about living / working in Over Kellet? It s a great village that works well together. We feel safe and supported in Over Kellet. BUSINESS VIEW M AND M FEEDS Find out more about M and M Feeds at The Business View is a free feature for businesses in Over Kellet and Capernwray. If you would like to see your business featured, please okview@overkellet.org. FREE TO A GOOD HOME? - Have something you no longer need and happy to give it away to someone who will make use of it? Why not advertise for free in the OK View. your items to okview@overkellet.org. 4 Stoneycroft Drive, Warton, Carnforth, LA5 9PX Tel: , Mobile:

16 WALKING GROUP From its outset the Over Kellet View has carried descriptions of walks. But it has never been very clear whether the readership generally regard them as useful or interesting. We are not aware of any positive, or for that matter negative, feedback about them. Because of the time taken to attend, to write up and to map the walks, it has been decided to feature walks on a less regular, and perhaps more informal, basis. We would like, however, to emphasise that the walkers will continue to walk. As unorganised organisations go, the walks of the village are very successful. They have no formal structure, no title other than the broad descriptions of 'the walking group' or 'village walks', but the regulars usually get together about this time of year and offer to lead the walks for the coming 12 months. Each walk will continue to be listed in our Diary pages and the full programme for the year will be posted on village notice boards. The village walks (between four and six miles) leave from the Village Hall car park at 1.30pm on the first Sunday of each month; and the day-long walks, eight to ten miles on a mid-month Wednesday, also start there at 9.00am. Cars are usually shared since the walks often start from a point where parking is limited. Anyone can just turn up for a walk, but, if details or information are required in advance, you can just telephone the advertised leader for the walk or one of the contacts listed on the back cover. Bring walking boots, waterproof jacket and spare warm clothing (in a rucksack); for day walks you will need a picnic snack (and perhaps some cash in case a tea-room stop is included). David Hasted [Incidentally, a few months ago a gentleman turned up to walk on a Sunday afternoon. He said he would drive to the start point in his own car but he never made it. The walkers, who waited some time before setting off, have been concerned that, having become lost, he may feel unable to come again. He may have been a visitor, but, if a local resident, they would like him to know he will be most welcome to join them again.] 16

17 NEW PARISH COUNCILLOR Following repeated calls for volunteers to join the Parish Council, Mrs Rebecca Lauder came forward in December 2015 and was officially welcomed on to the Parish Council in January Rebecca has lived on Bay View since August She is a Partner at BSG Solicitors in Lancaster specialising in Wills, Probate and Later Life Planning. Speaking about her decision to join the Parish Council, she said I wanted to make a positive contribution to village life. I hope that I can use my skills and energy to help in any way I can. Rebecca sees the main issues presently affecting the village as speeding traffic and non-sustainable development. When not in work Rebecca and her husband love to climb the hills and mountains in the Lake District, especially when the snow is down. Since moving to Over Kellet, they have also been discovering and enjoying the many walks in and around the Village and local area. There remains one vacant seat on the Parish Council. Anyone who is interested in becoming a Parish Councillor is invited to talk to one of the current councillors or Michael Watson, Clerk to the Parish Council about what the role involves. Contact details for the Parish Council can be found in the Over Kellet Directory on the back cover of this issue. 17

18 IMMIGRANTS IN OVER KELLET! If you drive towards Swarthdale on the B6254, you may see a group of small horses or ponies on your right. Unusually these are Icelandic horses from the land of Ice and Fire. Horses are not indigenous to Iceland and the first horses were carried there by the Vikings on their longships. As space was limited, they took only their best breeding stock. In 982AD the Icelandic parliament made a law that no other horses could be brought into Iceland. This was to prevent disease the law is still in place today so any horse which leaves Iceland can never return. So the horses here are direct descendants of the Viking horses. Not surprisingly, Icelandic horses are very tough and hardy. Over the years natural selection in the form of famine, volcanic eruptions, harsh winters and difficult terrain has weeded out lesser specimens, resulting in a strong, healthy breeding pool. The horses are late-maturing. They cannot carry a rider until they are at least four, but they live a long time and are commonly still in work at 25 or 30. Icelandic horses were bred to carry the Vikings; although they are not a very tall breed, they are exceptionally strong with very dense bone. They are always called "horses" in spite of their height there is no Icelandic word for "pony". They can carry an adult rider at speed and in comfort over the roughest countryside. As you would expect, in winter they have very thick coats and they love cold weather. In the Spring their thick coats are shed and replaced by fine shiny Summer coats. They are renowned for their wonderful dispositions. Almost without fail, the horses are incredibly easy to handle. It is virtually unknown for an Icelandic to bite or kick people any that do end up as dinner in Iceland! Nadene Butler 18

19 OK VIEW 5 YEARS AGO The Parish Council was considering taking over garden plots at Church Bank A consultation was taking place about quarrying in the district. Barbara Cottam had compiled a fiendish February quiz! Children at Wilson s Endowed School were beginning a project on teddy bears. VILLAGE WEBSITE Past and current issues of the Over Kellet View, including photographs in full colour, are available to download on the Village website at COVER PICTURES We are always looking for photographs to feature on our front cover. Photographs of local scenes, flora or wildlife are especially welcome and all will be credited in the magazine. Send your pictures to okview@overkellet.org NEWS IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS For free announcements of engagements, marriages, births and deaths contact the OK View at okview@overkellet.org. 19

20 HISTORIC GEMS IN OUR VILLAGE There is evidence of a school in Over Kellet from the 17 th Century. But in the early 1800s a Dame School was built on waste land at the side of the house which is now known as The Gables on the south side of the village green. Dame Schools were quite common in rural villages, some functioning primarily as day-care facilities, overseen by illiterate women, whilst others provided a good basic educational grounding. The school in Over Kellet consisted of two rooms. The schoolroom was 15 x 10 and the Dames room was slightly larger 15 7 x 14. Mary Holmes was the first Dame recorded. She lived alone after the death of her husband Thomas and had eight surviving children. All the children had moved away by 1851 which was probably just as well because Mary had 10 boys and 14 girls in her school. She received six pounds ten shillings per annum and also supplemented her income by helping in the Sunday school. Other than that, the school relied on voluntary subscriptions. In 1861 the school was rebuilt at a cost of 100 on the same site, with Elizabeth Birkett as mistress. The rebuilding and the Dame s salary were funded by the Withers Charity Fund. The land at the side and at the back of the house continued to be used as a pinfold or fold for animals who had strayed or were the object of some kind of dispute involving their owners. Dame Schools became less common after the introduction of compulsory education in Schools then became Government-specific and, from then on, any considered to be sub-standard could be closed. The headmaster of the Government school in the village, now known as Wilson s Endowed School, wrote in 1881 of the children coming from the Dame School, They are exceedingly backward. They really know nothing, even though they have been attending the Dame school for some time. Also, as education for infants became free, nearly all the infants in the parish attended the Endowed School leaving hardly any pupils at the Dame School. The school closed in 1891; records show that the then schoolmistress, Mrs S M Townsend, was granted a pension that matched her salary of seven pounds ten shillings. Along with being the postmistress, she taught a few infants that came in and eventually just ran the post office in the present The Gables. Liz Brewster The photos show the old Dame School, Bainbridge, Upper Wharfedale Brian Medhurst 20

21 VIEWS FROM A WALK From the recent village walk to Smearsett Scar A) The Hoffmann Kiln at Langcliffe, built 1873 by the Craven Lime Company, closed The design allowed continuous working by rotation of the heating of the limestone from one opening to the next. This is a very uncommon design in Britain. B) The view north from Smearsett Scar, about 4km north of Settle, and 363m high, looking towards Feizor. The walk started from Langcliffe and passed through Stainforth, a total distance of about 14km (just over 8 miles). If you are interested in walking, see the article on page

22 WHAT S ON What s coming up in February? THEATRE: Theatre in the Round presents The Muddy Choir on Monday 2 nd at 7.30pm at the Dukes. It s November 1917 and the third Battle of Ypres is lurching towards its bloody conclusion. Three boys and their singing cause a disturbance up the line and face unwelcome attention from their commanding officers. Where will it end? These childhood friends have been thrust into a landscape starkly different from the playing fields and estates of their Sunderland home and the play, amongst other issues, illustrates the humanising power of music. It marks the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. There will be a post show talk with the cast after the performance. See the RSC s production of Shakespeare s sparkling comedy, Love s Labour s Lost, live by satellite also at the Dukes, on Wednesday 11 th at 7pm. All details for both of these productions can be found on their website or from the Box Office On Friday 27th at 7.30pm at the Heron, start the year with something different. Red Dragonfly Productions will be bringing a new adaptation of a Chinese classic The Autumn of Han to the stage. An enthralling story of corruption, revenge and tragic love performed in English by an East-Asian cast in traditional Chinese costume. A good opportunity to experience something of the culture and history of China. You can choose and book your seats on line at MUSIC: On Saturday 14 th at 7.30pm in the Great Hall, Lancaster University there is a real treat. The Haffner Orchestra will be performing Grieg s Peer Gynt Incidental Music, Nielsen s Six Songs and Sibelius Symphony no. 5. Justin Doyle is their guest conductor and his wife, Bibi Heal, is the soloist. The two of them will be giving a free, pre-concert talk at 6.30pm. Box Office ; on line OPERA: See the Royal Opera perform Richard Wagner s Der Fliegende Hollander live by satellite at the Reel Cinema, Morecambe on Tuesday 12 th at 7.15pm. Bryn Terfel stars as the Flying Dutchman who has been cursed for eternity, only allowed ashore once every seven years to seek redemption. Phone for information. If you d prefer something more restful then perhaps Lounge Piano at the Midland every Friday at 7pm with pianist Ray Evans could fit the bill-and it s free! Phone or Something for the weekend: Meet the Keeper at the Butterfly House, Williamson Park is being held every Saturday and Sunday this month at You can learn about the life cycles and habitats of the inhabitants in the Butterfly House and Mini-Beast Cave. For more details phone or lancastervic@lancaster.gov.uk 22

23 LOCAL SERVICES OVER KELLET Village store and Post Office, The Green Last post collections: weekdays 1700, Saturday 1100 The Eagle's Head Public House, Nether Kellet Road Mobile fishmonger, David Goldspink, Wednesdays Mobile library Thursdays February 19, March CARNFORTH Doctors Ashtrees Surgery, Market Street Out of Hours Service 111 Park View Surgery, 21 New Street Out of Hours Service, CHOC Dentists Anne King, Council Buildings Viva Dental, 29 Market Street Pharmacies Boots Pharmacy, 24 Market Street Ashtrees Pharmacy, Market Street Vets Alison Lee, 2 Queen Street Burch Tree Vets, 39 Lancaster Road Opticians Philip Jones, 15 Market Street S & K Butterfield, 46c Market Street Library Lancaster Road (Mon, Wed & Fri & ;Tues & Sat ) BUS TIMES: OVER KELLET TO LANCASTER (Note that these are a guide only do check!) Route 55A via Carnforth (journey time approx. 40min; Sch = schooldays) Depart OK: Mon-Fri: 0719, 0733 (Sch), 0747, 1605 (Sch), 1650, 1735 Depart Lancaster: Mon-Fri: 1520 (Sch), 1610, 1655 Route 51 from OK Green via Village Hall & Nether Kellet (journey time 22min) Depart OK: Mon-Fri: 0919, 0939 then hourly to 1539 (not Sch), 1826,1913, 2038, 2138, 2338 Saturday: As above but with 0839 instead of Sunday: 0938,1138, 1338, 1538, 1738, 1938, 2138, 2338 Depart Lancaster: Mon-Fri: 0910, hourly to 1410, 1510 (not schooldays), 1740, 1910, 2010, 2210, 2400 (Fri only, rly stn) Saturday: As above but with the addition of 0810 & 1613 Sunday: 1010, 1210, 1410, 1610, 1810, 2010, 2210 BUS TIMES: OVER KELLET TO CARNFORTH (journey time 10min) This service is Route 51 above with the bus from Lancaster travelling on to Carnforth after Over Kellet, so add 22min to the departure time from Lancaster to get the departure time from Over Kellet. Similarly subtract 10min from the Over Kellet departure time for Lancaster, to get the departure time from Carnforth. See also Route 55/55A above which goes to and from Lancaster via Carnforth.

24 OVER KELLET DIRECTORY LOCAL AUTHORITY REPRESENTATIVES VILLAGE HALL COUNTY COUNCIL Chairman Chris Pogson Councillor Susie Charles Secretary Liz Brewster The Stables, Ellel Grange, Lancaster Treasurer Helen Thomas DISTRICT COUNCIL Bookings Sec. Lesley Gee Councillor Roger Mace Licensee Liz Brewster Downderry, Halton Rd, Nether Kellet Maintenance Helen Thomas WI Sylvia Cooper PARISH COUNCIL Bowls Lindsay Angus Meet at 7.15pm on 2nd. Tuesday of month Parish Council John Crewdson Chairman John Crewdson OKDHS Mike Bater Vice Chair Graham Agnew Church Lindsay Angus Steven Atkins Playgroup Rachel Metcalfe Margaret Fowler Organisers of Activities Rebecca Lauder Badminton Geoff Fretwell Nick Ward Blind Welfare Sheila Roseman Clerk Michael Watson Bowls Lindsay Angus , Ashmeadow Rd, Nether Kellet Scottish Dancing Maureen Haynes Short Tennis Joan Shaw NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH THOMAS WITHERS CHARITY Police Station, Lancaster 101 Secretary David Mills PCSO Paul Shepherd OK & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Chairman Arie Klijn PC Linda Head, Community Beat Manager Secretary Kath Escolme Treasurer Margaret Garlick Coordinator Chris Pogson WOMENS INSTITUTE Asst.Coordinator Alison Lloyd Williams Joint Presidents Christine Bolton Area Coordinators: Sylvia Cooper Central Rex Woolstencroft Secretary Lindsay Angus Kirklands Tony Wells Treasurer Sheila Cooper Western Bev Carling WALKING GROUP Eastern Jane Meaden Contacts: David Hasted Far Eastern Chris Pogson Ron/Lorna Oswald Northern Eric Greenough PLAYGROUP Southern Alison Harper Leader Jackie Bassinder Northeast Ray Garlick TWINNING ASSOCIATION Capernwray Ken Aldred Chairman: Frank Simpson QUARRIES LIAISON OFFICER COMPUTING OK WEBSITE: Nick Ward www. overkellet.org FOOTPATHS and TREE OFFICER Updated info. to: Gordon Galloway Ron Oswald OK VIEW PARISH LENGTHSMAN Mike Ashton - report problems to Cllr Fowler Editors Liz Brewster St. CUTHBERT'S CHURCH Angela Huck Vicar Ken Clapham Chris Pogson Treasurer John Glaister Advertising Jane Meadon Secretary Amanda Morris Club Liz Brewster Lay Reader Alan Hutchings EAGLE S HEAD PUB Church Warden Joan Shaw Gary & Helena Torch Church Warden Mike Morris VILLAGE STORE AND POST OFFICE VILLAGE SCHOOL Craig & Tracy Burns Headmistress Jo Williams