New Bus Timetable

Stagecoach is awaiting delivery of small timetables and I've
requested a supply for the Post Office but I've no idea when they'll be
available.

Could parishoners pass on the information to anyone they know who uses the bus but does not have access to the web please?

The new time table starts on Monday 13th February and the new bus stop
will be on Natland Road opposite Park Close.                       Ann Parnham

Village Hall Quiz

There are a few places left for the Village Hall Quiz on Saturday. Contact Ray Richardson 01539 740845.

ART EXHIBITION - More Entries

Natland News has been sent more entries to details on how to enter go to Natland News ART EXHIBITION PAGE.

Entry 3 - Keith Hodsoll Leighton Moss Evening £90

Entry 4 - Keith Hodsoll Winter afternoon near Far Arnside £90

Entry 5 - Keith Hodsoll Winter in Arnside £90

Entry 6 - Keith Hodsoll Winter Sunset Lancaster Canal £90

Jumble Sale

If you are having a sort out in the next few weeks, don't forget St.Mark's Church Jumble Sale on Saturday 18th February at 2pm in the Village Hall. Goods can be taken there in the morning of the 18th or phone Marion Thornton 015395  61253 or David Walker 01539 732524 to arrange collection.

ART EXHIBITION

These are the first 2 pictures for the Natland Village Art Exhibition. you will soon be invited to vote for your favourite.  All pictures will appear together on the ART EXHIBITION Page:

Entry 1 - John Lannaghan A Wintry Kendal Castle Hill £75

Entry 2 - John Lannaghan The Rooftops of Bruges  £60

Natland Parish Council Information Update

Freedom of Information Act.  The Parish Council is obliged to adopt a Publication Scheme under this Act, which was done in December 2008.

This is the Schedule of Information that is available from Natland Parish Council.

Requests for copies (10p sheet for the supply of hard copies) should be directed to the Clerk, Kevin Price.

Agendas, minutes and reports published by the Parish Council can also be obtained (but not reports that are still in draft form).

Precept 2012-13
The Parish Precept (the amount the Parish Council requests from South Lakeland District Council each year) will remain the same as last year, at £7,300

The expected budget is as follows:

Item	Precept 2012-13
Clerk – Salary and PAYE	2950
Insurance	700
Subscriptions	308
Grasscutting	1100
Audit	170
Donations	600
Purchases	100
Contingencies	1000
Admin	700
Street lighting	682
Use of home office	156

Councillor’s Expenses claimed 2011-12:
D Peters £78.41

Message from Cumbria Police

Be aware over recent days in Kendal town persons have been passing forged £20 notes. Shops in Dalton & Barrow have also been targetted as recently as Saturday evening. The notes are a decent quality but lack the watermark of the Queen's head.

NATLAND PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

There will be a Meeting in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 30^th January 2012. please follow link for AGENDA

Natland Art Exhibition

Natland Art Exhibition

at

Natland and Oxenholme Village Hall

Saturday March 10^th and Sunday March 11^th, 2012

An exhibition to show the work of LOCAL ARTISTS and at the same time to make some money for the Village Hall Funds.  Arrangements are as follows:

·         We have someone willing to sleep in the hall overnight, but exhibits are not covered by the Village Hall insurance.
·         There will be a charge of £2 per artist for up to 4 pictures (payable on the day) towards the cost of the picture cord and advertising

If you are entering pictures into the main Exhibition you may also put the same number of mounted pictures into the ‘browser box’, clearly marked with the price i.e. if you are entering 3 main pictures you may also put 3 in the box.  We would suggest these entries are covered in cellophane to protect them

·         The Hall will be open from 7.30am and we would be grateful to receive your exhibits as early as possible.  The exhibition is open to the public on Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 11.30 am to 4.30pm

·         In the event of there being too many entries, the items to be hung will be chosen on the basis of the order in which the entry forms are received

·         Refreshments will be on sale in the small hall

·         There will also be a raffle in aid of Hall funds

·         If you would like to enter photographs of your main exhibits for the webvote to appear on the Natland website (see http://natlandnews.blogspot.com/) in the week before the Exhibition please email your photographs to Lynden Carter at lcarter3@btinternet.com and remember to include your picture titles.  Ideally they should be in “jpeg” format with a minimum of 520 pixels for the smaller side but don’t worry too much about the technicalities - if in doubt, send a large picture!  In order to reduce the effect of reflections, it is better, where possible, to photograph paintings before framing, though I realise that this may not always be possible.  Lynden would prefer to receive them by March 3^rd.  Any questions on this please email or phone Lynden on 01539 720014.  Lynden will then forward your photographs to the website. Web visitors will be invited to email in their votes and the winner will be announced at the Exhibition and then on the website.

If you need any help with photographing your exhibits Keith and Jude Hodsoll have kindly offered their assistance.  Please contact them on 015395 61042.  

We will be producing labels for each main exhibit and so would ask that you fill in an entry form for each piece of work.  Please make sure that you indicate whether the item is for sale (even if it is not for sale, please include a valuation for your own insurance purposes).  We would ask for a donation to the Hall funds of 15% of the sale price of any item sold.  We also ask that no item be removed until the Exhibition is over.  Letters and, if relevant, cheques will be sent by post on Monday, March 12^th.  . Closing date for entries Sunday, March 4th

 If you have any queries, or know anyone else who would like to exhibit, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Completed entry forms should be returned to Art Exhibition Co-ordinator  - Rhian Peters, 10 Wandales Lane, Natland. LA9 7QY

Tel: 015395 60671    rhiandave.peters@btinternet.com

 Follow the link for ENTRY FORMS

Missing Man

Police in Kendal are growing increasingly concerned for a local man after he was reported missing yesterday, Sunday 16 January.
 
Police officers and family members of 48 year old John James Capstick of Finley Drive, Kendal are growing increasingly concerned for his welfare after he failed to arrive at a family member’s home in Sedbergh yesterday afternoon. He has not been seen since.
 
He is described as having short grey hair and of a slim build. He was last seen wearing a green jacket, black woollen hat and black shoes. Mr Capstick is known to be driving a green Ford Maverick registration number P970 SFR.
 
Police officers have been making local enquiries and searching the local area overnight. A large scale search is being resumed this morning and police are appealing for Mr Capstick to contact police to let them know he is safe and well.
 
Members of the public who see his vehicle or a man matching his description are urged to contact Kendal police immediately on 101.

Message sent by
Jessica Bullock (Police, PCSO, Milnthorpe (S))

New Arrival at Natland News

Congratulation to Natlander Jamie Shore and Danae on the arrival of their son JJ in Crete - we are informed that mother and baby are doing very well.  Jamie is our very own Natland News technical adviser based Heraklion in Crete - oh the wonders of modern day communication!  We look forward to pictures of JJ soon.

Proposed Land Allocation for Natland

After all these years the Home Field below Appletree School has been earmarked for development. Over the railway land at the end of Fell Close and the land alongside the Burton Road between Castlesteads and the Filling Station has also been allocated for housing. Although these are in Oxenholme they will certainly be visible from Natland, and the foreground of Helm will be affected. Behind the bus shelter at the end of Oxenholme Lane it is proposed that land should be set aside for a business park.

Click on  SLDC for more information.

Local Farmers Respond to Helm Access Issue

Christine Dodgson reports:

'With reference to the cattle grid on helm John has been contacted by S.L.D.C. and he is in the process of getting the cattle grid repaired with assistance from neighbouring farmers David Moorhouse and Anthony Hayhurst'.
 
Many thanks Christine for the update and I am sure all readers join me in saying a big thank you to John, David and Anthony.

Village Hall 200 Club Winners

1st   :   129,    2nd   :   111      3rd  :  12.      Midge Fairhurst

Gardens Wanted for Open Day

Update on Rowan Gardens

Five houses are now occupied - welcome to the new residents - three houses are reserved, and four of the detached houses are still for sale. The builders, Applethwaite Limited, hope to have finished building work by the end of February.

Bogus Old Clothes Collectors

Cumbria Trading Standards, Local Councils and Cumbria Police are warning residents to check the small print before donating clothes using a house to house charity collection. These are licensed by Councils for charitable purposes, in addition clothing collections can be made by commercial companies. Unfortunately on rare occasions there may be unscrupulous collectors who have either stolen bags from a reputable charity and are keeping the proceeds or collections are made without the required permission.
 
We would advise anyone who wishes to donate clothing or other goods, to examine the bags or leaflets to see if they claim to be a charity, and to look for the registered charity number.
 
Anyone with information about bogus collectors please contact Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 040506, the Charity Commission on 0845 3000218 or the Police on 101.

Message sent by
Margaret Hodgson (Cumbria County Council, Administrator, Cumbria)

Helm Access Issues

Photo By Elspeth

Parish Council Chairman David Peters reported to Natland News that he walked over the northern (Station Inn end) Helm cattle grid and noticed one of the bars (circular tube about 75mm dia.) was missing.  The resultant gap was widening as the impact of wheels drove the adjacent bars further apart.  He considered motorists hitting this obstacle would be chasing the 'highways hotline' so took no action.  David has informed us that both the cattle grids are private, installed by the Helm Commoners circa 1980 because too many motorists were leaving the gates on the public road open.  On Friday John Bath of County Highways phoned David to say they were closing off the northern cattle grid and wished to contact the landowner and/or commoners about it.  David referred him to John Dodgson of Cracalt Farm (as far as he is aware John still chairs the commoners) and Mrs Angela Hornyold-Strickland of Sizergh Castle.  Although the cattle grid is not part of the public highway, the Highway Authority recognises it has a 'duty of care' to members of the public who innocently use it as such.

On Sunday morning whilst dog walking I noticed the grid was still closed but the main gate was left open.  Presumably there is no livestock at risk at this time of year, however Sadie my Greyhound found the new arrangement easier.  Without phone or camera to hand Elspeth kindly took the photo later in the day.

Suggestions that it was the work of metal thieves seem to be unfounded and is probably due to road traffic wear and tear.

Please check Natland News for further updates

Stephen

No Increase in Parish Council Precept

Natland Parish Council Clerk Kevin Price reports that the Precept (the amount the Parish Council requests from South Lakeland District Council to meet the expenses of running the Council) for 2012-13 will remain the same as the current year, i.e. £7,300.  This means that there will be no increase in the parish portion of the Council Tax for the coming year.
Full details of the Council's finances are available to view on this site or can be obtained from the Parish Clerk.
 

Steam Trains Coming Through

On Saturday 28th January there will be a double header north bound through Oxenholme at 10-39am. The locomotives will be 44871 Black 5 and 45407 The Lancashire Fusillier.

Vandals on Village Green

The damage to the Village Green happened on Thursday night. Neighbours heard traffic between 5.30am and 6.30am but unfortunately no witnesses yet. The incident has been reported to the police. 

UPDATE - SUNDAY 8th January:
If you have any information please contact PCSO Jayne Park she considers  that it's vital to report such incidents even though the likelihood of catching the perpetrator is remote. It could be the start of a pattern of such anti-social behaviour of which the Police need to be aware. If anyone has any relevant information they should ring her 0845 33 00 247 ( This is the Cumbria Police helpdesk for call handling purposes) 101 is to report non emergencies or email Jayne at jayne.park@cumbria.police.uk .

This is in addition to the damage already caused by vehicles encroaching onto the edge of The Green.

Natland Parish Council Vacancy

Parishioners who follow the Parish Council’s activities by reading its minutes may be aware of a vacancy following Councillor John Inglesfield’s resignation in order to devote more time to looking after his mother.
Normally such a ‘casual vacancy’ must be advertised in case electors wish to demand it be filled by means of a poll, and if no poll is claimed the Council must fill the vacancy by co-opting someone.

On this occasion, as the vacancy occurred within six months of the next normal election (Thursday 3 May 2012), the law states that a poll cannot be claimed although the Council may fill the vacancy by co-option if it wishes.  There are still four meetings planned before the end of this Council’s four-year term so the Council wishes to fill the vacancy if a suitable candidate can be found.

But Natland does not have the good fortune of people queuing up to become councillors.  Over recent years there have been a number of casual vacancies, some of which have taken several months to fill by co-option.  The likelihood of a contested election in May 2012, with more valid nominations than the seven available seats, does not appear great.

Anyone interested in taking on such a civic duty can find out more from the Parish Council’s page on this website, from the website of the Cumbria Association of Local Councils (CALC) at www.calc.org.uk, or by contacting the Clerk or any councillor.

The timetable for nominations for the May 2012 elections will be published in advance, when known.

David Peters
Chair of Natland Parish Council
4 January 2012

2012 Annual Fun Quiz

Natland & Oxenholme Village Hall

 

The 2012 Annual Fun Quiz

(with hot pot supper)

will be held in the Village Hall on the 

4th February 2012 at 7.30pm

Teams of four (but we can help to make up a team if you are short)

Entry forms available from the Management Committee or from:-

Ray Richardson, 4 Killington Drive, Kendal LA9 7NY

(tel:  01539 740845)  to be returned by 28 January 2012  (also see below)

Entry fee £8.00 per head which includes the supper and Home made sweet.    Please bring own glasses and drink.

One round will consist of a picture quiz so there is no need to

bring a question with you.

Also follow the link for ENTRY FORM

St. Mark's Primary School new website

Click on www.stmarkscumbria.co.uk to see the new school website, including the prospectus and Ofsted report.

The Future of Natland Allotments Society

A Special General Meeting of the Natland Allotment Society will be held in Natland Village Hall on Monday 23rd January 2012 @ 7.30pm to consider the dissolution of the society.

 

Despite considerable efforts by the committee over the last couple of years we have been unable to find any land to lease or purchase in or around the village, and so are holding this meeting to consider winding-up the society.

 
This is not what we had hoped for. When we surveyed the village a few years ago we were amazed at the number of people who came forward to say they would be interested in an allotment, so there certainly appears to be significant interest if only we could find some land.

 
If any individuals believe they can make further progress and are prepared to take over the reins of the Society, the present committee would be delighted.

 
Please try to attend. We look forward to seeing you on the 23rd.

 
Best wishes, Keith Jackson  (Sec)

Parish magazine for January

The most recent issue of the church magazine is now available from the back of the church for 60p, or an annual subscription of £6 will ensure all 12 issues are delivered to your door. Contact Meg Payne on 015395 61980 if you would like to avail yourself of this service. Last month's issue can be seen be clicking on this link. December 2011 issue.

Monday Club Meeting

The next meeting of the Monday Club will be on January 16th, at 2.00pm in the Village Hall. The speaker will be Andrew Lowe, and his subject will be 'Wrestlers, Crucks and Mullions - Traditional Lake District Architecture.'

Man Seen in Tree

On December 19th I was surprised to see a man up the tree near the bus stop on the Green.

Then I realised he was pruning it. The photo was taken from our upstairs window. It may interest other residents. Happy New Year. Fiona Holman

Weather Statistics for December 2011

                                                                                 2011             2010

Temperature at 8am                                                      4.2C             -2.3C

Minimum Temperature                                                   2.6C              N/A

Maximum Temperature                                                  6.5C              N/A

                                                                              mm      in        mm       in

Rainfall                                                                  194       7.8       70        2.3

 Our one frosty December day.

A complete contrast to last December. Much milder with only one morning of minus temperature: last year nearly every day was at minus!

It rained every day in December, apart from three days, and the total was the highest since 2007. Despite being mild, the sun has been noticeably absent.

Total rainfall for the year was 64 inches, well above our average of about 54 ins.

John Dobson.