Natland Parish Council - Minutes of the March meeting.

Click on this link to see the latest minutes from the Parish Council.

Natland Spring Litter Hunt 2012

The seventh Spring Litter Hunt since the Natland Parish Plan of 2004 proposed its re-introduction took place on Saturday 24 March 2012.  Possibly because of the glorious sunny weather, only 18 Natlanders volunteered which is significantly fewer than last year (26) and the year before (32).  There were four new faces among the ‘regulars’.  Despite being somewhat stretched they still managed to pick all the roads and busier footpaths in the civil Parish except for Sedgwick Road south of Cracalt, which we avoid for safety reasons, and the village estate streets which the residents keep clear anyway.

One volunteer expressed pleasure at discovering corners of the Parish of which he’d been unaware.

Thanks go again to SLDC for providing equipment and taking the bags to tip, and to the public-spirited volunteers who were: Malcolm Beaty, John Chandler, John Covill, John Davidson, Barbara and Stephen Hitchcock, Elspeth Jayne, Pauline and Peter McDonald, Di Outhwaite, Ann Parnham, Chris Payne, Rhian Peters, John Ritchie, Sarah Roberts, Judith Robinson, Mick Taylor and Mike Trelogan.  Particular thanks to John Ritchie who picked in the morning and then drove around at tea-time moving the litter sacks to the four designated SLDC pick-up points.  Well done all of you!


David Peters
Chair of Natland Parish Council

28/3/12

Pro Nobis Concert this Sunday

Natlander to carry Olympic Torch

Out of the blue in November 2011 I received an email from CocaCola saying I had been nominated as a suitable person to carry the Olympic Torch and would I accept the nomination. I had no idea who had nominated me but of course I said `YES` straightaway. In late December I received another email saying I had got through some of the selection rounds and if I still wished to be considered I would have to sign all sorts of disclaimers covering political activities, sponsorship, advertising etc and giving my permission for them to carry out background checks such as CRB ones. I sent them off and then received another email offering me a conditional place subject to the CRB and also asking me for my body measurements for the track suit that they would provide. At this point I began to get excited and feel I had a real chance of being selected. Round about this time I found out that I had been nominated by my eldest daughter and her nomination had included my fund raising efforts for the local Hospice in Rossendale ( I ran the London and New York marathons), my acting as a guide runner for a friend of mine who is blind (we ran the Great North Run twice and several Great Langdale half marathons) and also the two months I spent out in Thailand as a volunteer after the Tsunami in 2004. Finally on Monday 19th March I got the email saying I had been selected and would be carrying the Torch in Kendal on the 22nd June 2012. At the moment I have no other information except that the run starts at The Castle at 8am and goes through town. I shall be expected to carry the Torch for only 300m but I think it is such an honour to be asked to even that bit.
It has actually turned into a family affair as my sister will be carrying it on Saturday 23rd June in Rossendale, Lancashire so a double      celebration !!
                  David J. Ratcliffe

Experience Easter

St. Mark's Church has been transformed by members of the congregation into a chance to 'Experience Easter' by visiting the stations of the cross.

'Experience Easter' is open from 9am to 5pm from Tuesday to Saturday and you are welcome to drop in.

Aimee Whittaker meets Archbishop Rowan Williams

Last Friday Aimee Whittaker who lives at the Vicarage and is studying Theology and Religion at Birmingham University, had an opportunity to meet the Archbishop of Canterbury. As it happened it was the day the Archbishop announced his retirement. Here is a link to the interview Aimee and fellow students had with the Archbishop.

Parish Councillors Urgently Required.

Publicity for the Natland Parish Council elections in May was posted on the blogsite at the end of February, but I am not aware so far of any expressions of interest in becoming a councillor and deadlines are approaching.

The Clerk, Kevin Price, now has a supply of candidates' packs, including the Nominations Paper (proposer and seconder required) and Consent to Nomination Form, which must be returned to SLDC by noon on Wednesday 4 April 2012.

There are seven seats on the Council.  Of the six present councillors two have confirmed they will not be standing again.  So there now seems to be a real danger that there will be insufficient candidates, leaving the Council with the difficult task of finding co-optees or even struggling to reach a quorum (of three) for its meetings.  An inquorate Council would be powerless to act.  If the Community of Natland values local democracy through an active Parich Council, then candidates must come forward.

David Peters

Chair of Natland Parish Council

Natland Parish Council - Agenda of next meeting

Click on Agenda to find out what is coming up at the next meeting on the 26th March.

Kendal Jubilee Walk

The Rotary Club of Kendal is staging the Kendal Jubilee Walk on Saturday 21 April – Her Majesty’s birthday. This will be an opportunity for local organisations to raise money for their own funds or good causes. Families are encouraged to take part.
The Walk, along the route of the old canal, starts from Kirkbie Kendal School with the main 10km route being to Sedgwick and back. The 3½ km to Kendal Castle and back will be for those under 8 and for those with walking difficulties. All walkers under 18 and all with a disability, including wheelchair users, who complete the Walk will receive a handsome commemorative medal. Entry fee is just £3 per walker. Details at www.kendaljubileewalk.org.uk  or ring 0845 519 2156. Sponsor cards are also available from Martin Jayne (015395 60942)

Monday Club Meeting

Norman Godfrey will describe cycling through Scotland's Western Isles on Monday the 19 Mar at 2pm in the Village Hall.

Garden Wanted for Bees

Keith Jackson writes:

I am looking for somewhere in Natland to put one of my beehives. A quiet corner of a garden would be ideal, and away from children! Bees will live happily in our gardens, being far too busy to bother with us as long as they are left alone. Domestic animals quickly learn not to be too inquisitive. In terms of maintenance I would need to check the hive about once a week during the summer months. I would be delighted to pass on any knowledge if you were interested in learning a little about bees, and of course I have the necessary public liability insurance cover for the hive.

If you are a keen gardener and want to make sure everything gets pollinated then this might be a useful addition to your garden, and in the autumn hopefully enjoy a couple of jars of honey made from your own flowers. It is also believed that locally produced honey can help with hay fever because it is made from the same sources that bring on such attacks.

If you are interested, please call me on 015395 61166,  email - keithandtina.jackson@btinternet.com

Keith Jackson

Rose Cottage
Helm Lane
Natland

Steam Trains Coming Through

A special called The Auld Reekie with 70013 Oliver Cromwell will be southbound on Saturday 24th March through Oxenhome about 19-14.

On Saturday the 31st  March 70013 Oliver Cromwell  will be northbound through Oxenholme about 11-41 am.

Pat Williams.

A Brocken Spectre looms over Natland

Cloud inversion from Helm, Station Inn end

The Brocken spectre

Cloud inversion from Helm looking towards Benson Knott.

I took the attached photos on Sunday morning about 8am. There was thick mist from valley level but it was clear on the summit of Helm.
The sun was level and behind me projecting my shadow on to the mist opposite, creating this Brocken spectre.  The other two images show the mist hanging below the ridge at the Station Inn end of the Helm.                                                           John Dobson

Art Exhibition

This year's favourite artist chosen by visitors to the exhibition is Keith Hodsoll, and his picture of  'Winter Sunset on the Lancaster Canal' was chosen as best picture.

The village hall had a steady stream of visitors this weekend, and the talent of the exhibitors was again remarkable. Purchases were made amounting to £1000 just on the first day, which was considerably more than last year's total of £650. There were fewer small purchases but a few people spent a considerable amount which brought up the total. Art is obviously a good investment and there were plenty of bargains to be spotted. 

The pictures were not displayed on A boards this year, which allowed more light to fall on the exhibits enabling them to be seen at their best, from close up and again at a distance.

The amount raised for Village Hall funds over the weekend was £623. 

There were quite a few local scenes; these are the ones of Natland.

Summer Noon on the River Kent, by Judith Robinson

Bygone Days in Natland, by Brenda Gale

Helm Lane, Natland, by John Gale

Village Hall and Old School House, Natland, by Maureen Holmes

Old Canal Bank towards Natland - Winter, by Eileen Kettle

Telephone / Computer Fraud

If you receive a telephone call from someone purporting to be from Microsoft telling you there is a problem with your computer but don't worry, they will sort it out for you-

 PUT THE PHONE DOWN. 

 It is a scam but sounds quite plausible to those unfamiliar with computers.

There is no way they can know whether there is such a problem and they are not from Microsoft or any other such reputable organisation.  The person will probably have a non standard British accent and is possibly phoning from the Indian sub-continent.  If you let them, they will tell you to do various things with your computer and charge you something like £139 for the privilege.

If you are lucky, your computer will be no worse than it was before, but your bank balance will be unnecessarily lighter.

If you are unlucky something rather nasty may have happened.

This attempted fraud has been doing the rounds for several years and continues to be quite prevalent.  If you have been defrauded in this way, tell the police and your bank but don't be too hopeful that either will be able to do anything about it.

Natland Art Exhibition - Webvote Results

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:

WEBVOTE RESULTS

First Place



John Lannaghan A Wintry Kendal Castle Hill



Second Place



Keith Hodsoll Leighton Moss Evening

Joint Third

Keith Hodsoll Winter afternoon near Far Arnside

Joint Third



Keith Hodsoll Winter in Arnside

Spring Litter Hunt

NATLAND SPRING LITTER HUNT SATURDAY 24 MARCH 2012

Volunteers are needed at the Village Hall from 9.45 to 10.15am (to reduce queuing) or from 2pm (morning and afternoon sessions).  We will provide (or you can bring your own) sacks, gloves, picking tools and high-visibility waistcoats, and suggest where you might pick.

Thanks to well-behaved residents and public-spirited volunteers, Natland is a fairly tidy village.  But litter along the outlying lanes can be an eyesore.  Last year’s successful litter hunt left the Parish looking noticeably better, but now it needs doing again.  Why not come and help for an hour or two?

NATLAND PARISH PLAN – MAKING NATLAND A BETTER PLACE – A NATLAND PARISH COUNCIL PROJECT

Building in Natland

A group of Natland villagers, concerned about the increasing number of new houses being built in Natland, intend to send a petition to South Lakes District Council, opposing the proposed use of field R62, (opposite Rowan Gardens), for building purposes. A copy of this petition is available for signature in Natland Post Office. We hope a good number of villagers will take this opportunity to sign and to support this opposition to MORE houses being built.                                              Joan.

Steam Train Coming Through

Princess Elizabeth

Earl of Mount Edgcumbe

On Saturday 10th March northbound through Oxenholme at about 10-40, a double header 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe and 6201 Princess Elizabeth. Pat Williams

Stolen Logs

A Message from Cumbria Constabulary.

Between the dates of 11th to 23rd February a large quantity of logs were stolen from an insecure barn in the Grayrigg area. Please ensure barns and outbuildings are secured wherever possible and should you notice any suspicious persons or activity please inform the Police using the non emergency 101 number.

Message sent by
Martin Boak (Police, PCSO, Kendal (S))

Village Art Exhibition

More entries for the village art exhibition for full details go to ART EXHIBITION PAGE

Entry 21. Jayne Beaumont - Arnside Foreshore £60

Entry 22. Jayne Beaumont - Arnside Tower £60

Village Art Exhibition

More entries for the village art exhibition for full details go to ART EXHIBITION PAGE

Entry 17. Monica Metsers - Dawn £175

Entry 18. Monica Metsers - Dinosaurio £180

Entry 19. Monica Metsers - Huaki £160

Entry 20. Monica Mersers - New Beginnings £175

Weather Statistics for February

                                           2012                       2011
Temperature at 8am            2.2c                       5.9c
Minimum Temperature        1.2c                        3.9c
Maximum Temperature       5.0c                        7.7c

Rainfall                       87mm; 3.5in.             202mm; 8.1in.

Although milder at the end of the month. overall February was 2.5 degrees colder than last year. It was much drier, but February 2011 was exceptionally wet!

Freezing rain on Thursday the 9th