12th Annual Craft Fair & Exhibition

Just to remind you - The 12^th Annual Craft Fair & Exhibition will take place in the Village Hall on Saturday, 5 November, from 10am to 4pm.

Come and buy Christmas presents from the 23 stalls at the Craft Fair selling locally made crafts and also take the opportunity to visit the Exhibition where beautiful items made by local people will be displayed.  Refreshments available all day and there will be a raffle.  Admission 50p with all proceeds going to the Village hall funds.

STEAM TRAINS NOW RUNNING AGAIN ???

Pat reports:-

Hate to say this but the trains are again listed. I give up, now you know why I don`t mention light engine movements. If anyone sees or hears them, it is Halloween and can be put down to being ghost trains.

Hot Pot Supper and Beetle Drive

St. Mark's Church

101st Birthday Party

 Hot Pot Supper and Beetle Drive

Fun for All Ages. Prizes. Raffle.

Monday November 7th

7.00pm

in St. Mark's School Hall

Adults £5 Children £3

Families £14 (2 Adults and 2 Children)

Phone David Walker on 01539 732524 or email  Angela Whittaker by 3rd Nov.

Steam Trains Cancelled

Pat reports:

For Monday the 31st October, both the trains mentioned for  light engine movements have been removed from the list. They may have been cancelled, or do not want people waiting in the dark by the railway line. No reason given.

                                                            

South Westmorland Neighbourhood Forum

Meeting to take place on Thursday 3rd November 2011
7.30 pm at The Institute, Levens, Cumbria LA8 8NJ
If you need or can offer a lift to the meeting, please call Gae Hicks on 01539 713419
This Neighbourhood Forum is organised by Cumbria County Council in order to encourage communication between residents, service providers and Councillors. The Forums can give details about issues of interest to local people and give a
chance to raise concerns and ideas for the area. The Forum holds three public meetings a year and you are very welcome.
Please share this invitation with others who might be interested in attending.
AGENDA
1. WELCOME (and any relevant “declarations of interest” from the County Councillors)
2. MORECAMBE BAY PARTNERSHIP – ‘HEADLANDS TO HEADSPACE’ (H2H)
Susannah Bleakley will update the forum on the partnership’s plans following on from their success in securing a grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund. The Headlands to Headspace project aims to make the Bay better appreciated and inspire and engage local people in looking after its special and distinctive
features. The programme is still taking shape - so now there is an opportunity to engage and shape it with us.
3. LANCASTER CANAL TRUST
Helen Thomas, Vice Chairman of the Lancaster Canal Trust will update the forum on the work of the trust over the past year and their plans for the future
4. FEEDBACK FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND UPDATES ON LOCAL PROJECTS
o Lyth and Winster Internal Drainage Board – John Holmes
o Gritting Association of Parishes – John Holmes
o South Westmorland LAP – Cath Davenport
o Broadband – Cath Davenport
5. GRANT APPLICATIONS
Representatives from local groups applying for a Forum grant will take a couple of minutes to explain
about their application.
6. COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
A chance to exchange information, advertise events, and raise any issues or ideas for the local area.
7. THE NEXT MEETING – to be arranged for February 2012
The South Westmorland Neighbourhood Forum covers the parishes of Arnside, Beetham, Burton-in-Kendal, Crook,
Crosthwaite & Lyth, Helsington, Heversham, Hincaster, Holme, Hutton Roof, Levens, Lupton, Meathop & Ulpha, Milnthorpe, Natland, Preston Patrick, Preston Richard, Sedgwick, Underbarrow & Bradleyfield, Witherslack.
If you have an item for future agendas, or would like this agenda in a different format, please e-mail Kelly Alty or call her on 01539 713447.

WI October Meeting

At the October Meeting, Natland & Oxenholme W.I. celebrated its 90^th Anniversary. 

At a brief business meeting first, President, Marion Thornton presented a Certificate from the County Federation to Rosemary Bateman in recognition of her 50 years membership of the W.I.

Marion then welcomed Members & special guests to the party, County Chairman Ruth Rigg, County Advisor Anne Walshaw, & representatives from Crosscrake, Old Hutton & Preston Patrick/Preston Richard W.I. of our Helm group.

A hotpot supper, which had been catered for us, was enjoyed, followed by a variety desserts made by committee members. The celebration Cake was cut by our longest serving member, Wendy Balmer. The 'Amble Singers' provided entertainment throughout the evening, singing in Perfect Harmony.

Many thanks to everyone, Guests & Members, for their contribution's to a very happy & successful evening.

Next meeting is the A.G.M. & Jacobs Join supper on 16^th November. Visitors are always welcome.

New Bus Timetable

Rhian Peters has kindly sourced a copy of the proposed new bus timetable.

Follow link to BUS TIMETABLE

Not a New Postal Scam

Eagle eyed readers of Natland News will have noticed that the item entitled New Postal Scam has been removed.  This is because our internet guru advises that it is not a new scam, the amounts involved were far less and it was closed down long ago.  To quote:

This scam led you into phoning a premium rate number where you were asked  a number of questions taking several minutes and costing you about £15, not £315.  However, it was closed down several years ago.  Nevertheless, the e-mail about it crops up from time to time, usually just before Christmas.  It is the internet equivalent of a chain letter and should be ignored.  Unfortunately even the police are prone to mass distributing it when one of them receives it.

It is always good to be alert to the possibility of such an e-mail being a fraud but before sending it to everyone in your address book, first take the trouble to check whether it is real or a fake.  This is easy to do.  There are several websites devoted to identifying such messages.  One of the best is Hoax Slayer.  Just put a key phrase from the message into its search box and see the results.  In this particular case I inserted the premium rate telephone number.

To see what they have to say about this item click on New Postal Scam.

Who do You Think You Are? An Unexpected Discovery.

About five years ago, while investigating his family tree, Natland resident Chris Payne ‘discovered’ a great-great grandfather who had risen to the rank of Chief Inspector in the small team of Detectives at Scotland Yard during the mid-Victorian era. An internet search revealed that his ancestor, George Clarke, had also been in the dock at the Old Bailey in 1877 in the first Metropolitan Police corruption trial.  Spurred on to dig deeper, Chris has spent much of the last four years researching George Clarke’s career and has now written a book on the subject. 
Published by The History Press in October 2011, “The Chieftain; Victorian True Crime through the Eyes of a Scotland Yard Detective” paints a detailed picture of detective work in mid-Victorian Britain, through Clarke’s investigations of murders, the Fenians, and the diversity of frauds and other crimes perpetrated by the Victorian criminal community.  You will also discover the outcome of Clarke’s own trial! The book is available through bookstores and on-line retailers and is also being sold at Natland Post Office, where signed copies can be arranged.  For more information about the book and Chris Payne’s research interests, check out his website: www.chrispaynebooks.com

NATLAND PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

There will be a Meeting in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 31^st October 2011.  Follow link for AGENDA

Siân Peters marries Simon Nixon

Siân, elder daughter of Rhian and Dave Peters, was married to Simon Nixon at Lancaster Registration Office on Saturday October 22nd.

Editor, 25th October

Back from Kosovo

Following the feature on Natland News on 5th October, I can now report that we (Judith Robinson and three daughters) had a wonderful trip to Kosovo. We were met at the airport and taken straight to the western mountains, to visit the C14th Decani Monastery and to stay overnight in an C18th kulla (fortified house), where a traditional meal was served. The next day we were driven up the Decan gorge (in lovely autumn weather) where we found the position of the campsite where Neil and his colleagues camped in 1956. We were accompanied by two Kosovars, an anthropologist and a local historian. In the nearby city of Peja (formerly Pec) we found that one of the very few buildings to survive the 1999 war was a hotel beside the main square which Neil had photographed, with a horse-drawn taxi. The roof and the name of the hotel have changed, the communist star has gone and the square is much busier but a modern taxi pulled up as we stood there. 

Taxi in Pec Square 1956

Taxi in Peja Square 2011

The opening of the exhibition in the Ethnological Museum in Prishtina was attended by about 100 people who were most enthusiastic about the photographs and appreciative of my initiative in offering the pictures to the museum. I was interviewed for the main national newspaper and for three television channels. I am told that the event featured less than an hour later, on the 8 o’clock news. Drinks were served in the museum garden, so as not to risk damage to the carpets, but it turned very cold as we stood talking there. Next day the four of us strolled along the “Boulevard Mother Theresa” in bright sunshine accompanied by a cold wind and occasional snowflakes! At Mass in the evening, Elva and I were invited to read the English versions of the Readings, following locals reading in Albanian.

Exhibition (Elizabeth Gowing, Judith Robinson, H.E. Ian Cliff (British Ambassador) and Valon Shkodra of the Prishtina Ethnological Museum)

On Monday morning, we were given a guided tour of the Ethnological Museum, so as to see the exhibits without the crowds. While we were there, 3 elderly Kosovar men, who had never been there before, came to see the photographs because they had read about them in the newspaper that morning. They too were very appreciative.

We felt that we had achieved something good in bringing this piece of their heritage back to Kosovo. And the achievement is really Neil’s.

Elva Almond, Judith Robinson, Astri Ablitt & Iona Robinson, with Arberita & Rexhep, in the Decan Valley

 

Bus Service 552 under threat again!

Following complaints from bus users to Tim Farron MP about the punctuality of the Arnside-Milnthorpe-Natland-Kendal service, Stagecoach is proposing to reduce the service through Natland to ONE journey a day in each direction, weekdays only, commencing January 2012.

The bus would leave Natland at 10.04am, returning from Kendal at 12.45pm.  The  school bus using this route would continue.  But the present five or six buses each way on weekdays would reduce to ONE, and the four or five on Saturdays to NONE.

Cumbria County Council's Scheduled Bus Services Officer  Mark Hodgkiss has notified Natland Parish Council requesting any views so he can pass them to Stagecoach.  The Council will consider its response at its meeting on Monday October 31st.  But Mark was merely copied into correspondence between Stagecoach and Tim Farron M.P., so electors may wish to express their views to Tim as well as to their parish councillors.

This is the notification which the Parish Council received this week:

Environment

Integrated Transport – 18 Portland Square – Carlisle

– Cumbria – CA1 1PE  – Fax 01228 606016

Tel 01228 226004  – Email mark.hodgkiss@cumbria.gov.uk

 

 

17 October 2011

References : C552.12

  

Dear

 

service 552 : arnside – kendal via milnthorpe

 

I have been copied into correspondence between the Managing Director of Stagecoach and Tim Farron MP, regarding problems with timekeeping since the route and timetable of the Service 552 was changed in May and September this year.

 

This correspondence has led to Stagecoach proposing to revert to a timetable similar to that which operated prior to the May change, but including one return journey a day in each direction to Kendal from Hincaster, Sedgwick and Natland on a Monday to Friday, arriving Kendal at 10:16 and returning at 12:45. The school bus which has always run via this route will also continue to use it.

 

I enclose a copy of the proposed timetable.

 

Mr Winter of Stagecoach has asked Mr Farron to respond with his view by the end of the month, so Stagecoach can register the revised timetable to start in January. I would be grateful for any views that your Parish Council has, so I can pass them to Stagecoach. You may wish to copy these to Mr Farron’s office to help him with his response.

 

When considering a response, please consider which trips are of real value to your community, without which there will be serious inconvenience if the revised timetable is implemented, rather than those are just occasionally useful. I have asked Stagecoach to provide me with loading data which will show journeys that are regularly carrying passengers from the villages which would be bypassed.

 

Yours sincerely

Mark Hodgkiss

Scheduled Bus Services Officer

Night Train Special



45407 The Lancashire Fusilier



44871 Black Five



I don`t usually give information on light engine movements as they can be cancelled suddenly.This one is for night owls only or those who have insomnia.

On Monday 31st October a double header 44871, Black Five and 45407 The Lancashire Fusilier will be south bound from Fort William and will go through Oxenholme at 23- 19. Of course these timings are not guaranteed.

Pat.



Ofsted Inspection Report on St. Mark's Primary School

The inspection was carried out at the end of September and this final report was published on the Ofsted website earlier this week.

Mr Barfoot, the school's headmaster, writes: We are very proud of the good things the inspectors have to say about St Mark’s. We are particularly pleased with the recognition given in this report to the care, guidance and support given to pupils through the work of the SENCo and our dedicated team of teaching assistants. This aspect has been judged as outstanding.

We have had a few years of quite challenging groups of pupils in Year 6. This has had a significant effect on our attainment and the results that are used to judge the school. In discussing this with the inspectors it was agreed that the high levels of pupils coming into the school during Key Stage 2 in the past has had a significant impact. Despite this the progress that pupils make in their time at St Mark’s is very good. The vast majority of teaching was judged as either good or outstanding and the most recent results, along with our predictions for the coming years, suggest that we are set for a number of years of above average results in reading, writing and maths.

The other areas that were judged as outstanding were:

·        the way in which we have created effective partnerships with outside agencies, other schools and people who can support our work in school

·        the way in which pupils adopt healthy lifestyles

It is gratifying that the hard work of all the staff, the dedication and support of the Governing Body, the positive encouragement of parents and the enthusiasm for learning of all the pupils are all recognised in the report.

Click on St. Mark's School, Natland, Ofsted Report, for the full report.

Coming Soon

Don't miss a new eight part weekly posting on The Building Stones of Natland by John Fairhurst.

Urgent IT Solution Required

The problem described below has now been solved thanks to a Natland News reader so there is no longer any need to contact us about it, thanks.

Is there anyone out there who can help us with a computer problem It appears that Microsoft have updated our system with the result that none of the usual toolbar controls, font choice, line up etc are now missing. If any one can come and sort this out for us we would be VERY GRATEFUL.

Mike & Anne Bagnall

01539-739285

mikebag@waitrose.com

Steam Train Coming Through

On Saturday 15th October 6201 Princess Elizabeth will be northbound through Oxenholme at 11.12 am. She will also be southbound through Oxenholme at 17.12. These are outline timings and have not been confirmed.
Pat.

...and here she is.

Request for Bottle Tops from St. Mark's Primary School

St. Mark's School is currently collecting plastic bottle tops as part of a drive to raise money for an electric wheelchair for a local child who is paralysed. All plastic bottle tops can be accepted from milk bottles, soft drinks bottles, bottles of water and sports bottles. There is a collection point just outside the office at the main entrance to school. Thank you for your help.

Craft Fair and Exhibition in the Village Hall

The 12^th Annual Craft Fair & Exhibition will take place on Saturday, 5^th November, from 10am to 4pm, to raise funds for the Village Hall.

In the large hall there will be 23 stalls selling a variety of locally made crafts and in the small hall there will be an exhibition of crafts made by local people.  Refreshments will be served all day and there will be a raffle.

The Exhibition is always a popular event and more exhibits are always welcome.  Please contact Midge Fairhurst if you are able to lend some of your work for the day.

This will be the 12^th year that this event has been held.  Rosemary Usher organised the first seven and Midge Fairhurst has been involved with the last five years.  It is now time for another change and the Village Hall Management Committee is looking for someone who would be willing to take over.  The duties include booking the tables, liaising with the exhibitors and overseeing the arrangements on the day.  All this is very well supported by the Committee and other members of the community.  For more information please contact Midge Fairhurst or Ray Richardson

Harvest in Natland

St. Mark's Primary School will be celebrating Harvest in Church at 10.00 a.m. on Friday 7 October. Everyone is welcome to join the school in church on this morning.  The produce will be distributed within the parish and then the remainder will be sold at the Church Harvest Tea on Sunday 9 October. The proceeds from this will be going to Seeds for Africa, a charity working to provide equipment and training in basic food growing and farming to young people, the Bishop’s Harvest Appeal which is for projects in Uganda and Egypt this year, and Manna House in Kendal.

The Harvest Communion in church is at 10am on Sunday and the Harvest Tea and Auction in school at 4pm. The Harvest Tea will be a 'bring and share' event - just bring something along to share - savoury or sweet. Drinks will be provided.  Tea and a 'bit of a sing'  will be followed by the auction and special activities for children.

  

Balkan History seen through Natland Eyes

Natland resident Judith Robinson and her three daughters are about to go to Prishtina, capital of Kosovo, for the opening of an exhibition of photographs by Judith’s late husband Neil Robinson. This rather extraordinary statement is partly explained in the following publicity material for the exhibition:

“In 1956, King's College Cambridge student Neil Robinson visited Kosovo on a study trip. The photographs he took are glimpses of a Kosovo that has all but disappeared. Villagers in traditional costume, occupations such as limeburning, or city scenes with horse-drawn vehicles - all these are now almost forgotten in Kosovo.

Shepherd high on Kurvala in working clothes

Neil's widow, Judith, heard about the Ethnological Museum in Pristina  . . . on BBC Radio 4. She offered to give Neil's photographs to the Ethnological Museum. The Museum is  . . . to host an exhibition of the photographs, which will be opened by Judith herself, and the British Ambassador to Kosovo. After 55 years, the photographs of an almost forgotten Kosovo, have come home.”

To explain further: Neil’s visit to Kosovo in 1956, along with 5 other Cambridge students, was primarily to study mountain plants but he became interested in the local Albanian people living in the mountains. As he was the expedition’s photographer and had been loaned colour photographic equipment by Kodak, he took many photographs of the people as well as the plants. On his return, he wrote a short account of the Shqiptari people (i.e. the Kosovar Albanians), illustrated with his photographs. A transcript of this account has now been given to the Prishtina Ethnological Museum. 

Timber cart

The Museum staff were delighted to receive the photographs and decided to hold an exhibition. I arranged for them (about 24 monochrome and 10 colour) to be scanned to a high standard by Trevor Hughes of Kendal Civic Society and sent on disk to Prishtina. And I was invited to go and take part in the opening. The British Ambassador to Kosovo will also take part, as this represents a demonstration of good relations between Britain and Kosovo as well as an expression of Kosovan cultural heritage. 

Although the month in Kosovo was a short period in Neil’s 73 years of life, it was of great significance for him. He often talked about Kosovo and, when he heard news of the war in 1999, he was greatly distressed. It would have pleased and amazed him to know that his unique photographs are to be on display in Prishtina.

Lime burner stoking the furnace

It is wonderful for me to be able to go to Kosovo, where I shall be accompanied by our three daughters (Astri, Elva and Iona). It is because they knew how much Kosovo meant to their father that they all wished to go with me. As well as our visit to Prishtina, we hope to make a short trip to the mountain area where the photographs were taken.
 
Click on The Ideas Partnership for more pictures and information about the organisation which is sponsoring the exhibition.

Judith Robinson

Village Hall

The Village Hall Committee would like to update the acoustics in the large hall and wonder if anyone could help them. At the moment large curtains fulfill the function of deadening resonance, but they need replacing. Has anyone experience of acoustics or acoustic boards? If so, please contact Ray Richardson

The Committee would also like to draw attention to the fact that the bins outside the hall are for Village Hall users use only. Unlike domestic bins they are supplied by Cumbria County Council and the Village Hall is charged £20 every time they are emptied!

The winning numbers in the 200 club lottery draw this month were:

1^st: 42; 2^nd: 71; 3^rd : 24.

September's Weather Statistics.

				2011		2010
Temperature at 8 am				12.1c		10.5c
Minimum Temperature (Av)				10.3c		N/A
Maximum Temperature (Av)				14.7c		N/A
			mm	in	mm	in
Rainfall			209	8.4	157	6.2
September was very wet, very windy and very hot at different stages of the month. The first three weeks were wet, with heavy rain on the 13th when 52mm was recorded. The end of the month brought a heatwave with temperatures in excess of 20c.
John Dobson