Aimee's last post from China

The last instalment is at Aimee in Beijing. Welcome home and thanks for a really good insight into aspects of life in China.

Helm Lane Bridge closure

There is a notice warning that next Sunday (4 Aug) Helm Lane will be closed at the railway bridge from 008.00-16.00.  It is likely that if there is any significant work on the bridge the closure would apply to pedestrians and dismounted cyclists as well as vehicles.

Sarah Roberts

Steam train may be coming through.

On Saturday 27th July 60009 Union of South Africa will be Southbound as  follows.

Depart Carlisle 16-11

Penrith            16-36

Tebay              16-55

Oxenholme      17-07

Carnforth          17-26

May be diesel assisted due to fire risk, or even cancelled !

Pat Williams.

Change of Loco, now 46223 Duchess of Sutherland for Saturday 27th July.

Pat Williams

Don't forget to Drop In

At the July meeting of the Parish Plan Steering Group last night we discussed the interviews we have been holding with the church, school, shop, village hall and parish council. A lot of the challenges faced are common ones and could be solved by slightly better coordination and communication between us all – and a little more encouragement of residents to volunteer to support these key institutions in some limited way. You can read all about it on the Parish Plan 2014 page.

We also talked about our draft action plan and the Drop In event at the church on the afternoon of Thursday 5 September. We hope you've all seen the posters or read the item on the blog by now but there'll also be a leaflet through your door nearer the time. Please come if you possibly can. It's your final chance to have your say before the Plan is adopted – although we hope there will be lots of new ways to contribute to the running of the village in the future.

Parish Council Meeting

A meeting of the Council will be held in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 29^th July 2013. Please follow link to AGENDA

Women's Institute Report

          President Marion Thornton welcomed members and two visitors to the July meeting of Natland and Oxenholme W.I. and introduced  the guest speaker, her daughter Anna-Marie Jesson, a nurse specialist in Diabetes.  She gave an interesting, informative presentation of signs to look out for, and how a change in lifestyle: more exercise (a little off our waistlines) and a careful diet, would lessen the risk of developing the condition.

          The competition for a sugar-free treat was won by Joan Ratcliffe, second Jean Dobson.

          A member reported that she had enjoyed taking part in the recent Archery course in Kendal.

          The president and members expressed their best wishes to Pat Tetlow who is emigrating to New Zealand. She has been a stalwart committed friend and member of our institute, and will be very much missed.

          The summer outing is arranged for Wednesday 21st August. For details contact Joan Ratcliffe on  015395 61944.
          
          Next meeting in the Village Hall Natland at 7.30pm on 18th September. Speaker Liz Matthews will talk about Indian Textiles and Embroideries.

          Visitors always welcome.

Aimee's blog update

Find out how Aimee has survived four and a half hour calligraphy classes, discussions in the park with Manchester United football fans, mosquitos and a climb up the Great Wall of China by clicking on Aimee in Beijing.

Is your house hard to heat?

If so, there’s a government scheme that could save you lots of money on your energy bills that you probably haven’t heard about. (Not enough people are claiming the money they’re entitled to – probably because it’s been shockingly under-publicised.)

The Energy Companies Obligation (ECO) creates a legal obligation on larger energy suppliers to improve the energy efficiency of households – particularly older houses or other properties that are hard to insulate (for example, because they don't have cavity walls). It’s different from the Green Deal in that you don’t have to pay for the insulation/new boiler or whatever is needed through your energy bill savings – your energy provider makes up the shortfall.

If you think you may be eligible you can find out more by going to the Ofgen website or the Energy Savings Trust website or contacting the Energy Saving Advice Service on 0300 123 1234.

New website for broadband updates

Cumbria County Council have been spending their valuable time and our tax dollars relaunching the Connecting Cumbria website ‘to help people check and keep track of the delivery of superfast broadband in their area’. On it you can check your postcode or your exchange (Kendal or Sedgwick in Natland) to find out what is (or isn’t) going on and register to be notified when the new service has become available. To find out more go to: www.connectingcumbria.org.uk Alternatively, keep checking this website and you’ll know as soon as anything starts to happen in our area.

Parish Council Minutes for June

Press the link to find out what happened at the last Parish Council Meeting.

An Invitation to Afternoon Tea this Sunday

Natland and Oxenholme Village Hall Management Committee

This month the committee met with Lois Sparling in her role as representative of the Parish Plan 2014 Steering Group and we had to consider our role in the community and other issues. Lois was surprised by the size of the committee - around 15 members were present - and we revelled in our success as an organisation for a while. The Village Hall is constantly in use, charges to organisations cover all running costs, and the responses to the Parish Plan indicated appreciation of the facility. Then we were confronted by the likelihood of retirement of some members - Ray Richardson, our chairman, has fulfilled the role for 25 years - and a domesday scenario of disbanding and closure was contemplated. So, do contact Ray if you feel you would like to help in any capacity.

After this we spent time discussing the purchase of acoustic panels in the large hall, and other refurbishment jobs which will take place when the Village Hall is not in use over the summer holidays.

The winners of the 200 club were first prize no.23: David Peters; second prize no. 27: Ann Parnham; third prize no.86: Maureen Holmes.

June weather statistics

	WEATHER STATISTICS			JUNE
				2013		2012
Temperature at 8 am				13.3c		12.2c
Average Minimum Temperature				10.4c		10.0c
Average maximum temp.				20.0c		16.7c
			mm	in	mm	in
Rainfall			61	2.4	200	8.0
Much drier than last June ! A fairly average month but there were some
days when the maximum temperature was in the low twenties. We
are now heading into the wetter part of the summer in the north west. Enjoying June sunshine at a church coffee morning on the village green.

Aimee's blog

Aimee Whittaker, daughter of the Vicarage, is currently in Beijing for five weeks on a scholarship from her university course. She writes: I especially enjoyed the tofu and black fungus. After our meal we bought Chinese sim cards for our mobile phones so we will not be paying international charges to contact each other. I had to pay five yuen extra for mine as the telephone number contains the number eight and it is special in China as they believe it brings fortune. Follow Aimee's experiences by clicking on Aimee in Beijing

St. Mark's Church Parish News. July/August

Click here to download this bumper edition of the Parish News and find out about all church related activities. There are invitations to an outing to Durham Cathedral to see the Lindisfarne Gospels, to a Teddy Bear's picnic, and to afternoon tea at the Vicarage. There's news about the shortly to be insulated vestry ceiling, an update about the N@tplan and a plea from Angela, our Vicar, to think  about the future of the church in this diocese.