Your window on parish news and events Published by Greysouthen Parish Council Issue No. 26 - March 2019

Parish Council Jan Johnson Council Tax bills will soon be arriving Jan has lived in Greysouthen for the past through your letterboxes. Borough two years, having previously lived in Australia Council, County Council and the Po- where she spent most of her working life. She lice and Crime Commissioner are all proposing recently returned from a work assignment in increases in their respective precepts. However, the South Pacific, which sounds far more exot- there is some good news - the Greysouthen ic than it actually was. Travelling between Parish Council precept will not increase for the northern and southern hemispheres over the fifth consecutive year. past two years meant she has experienced And there is more good news - we have a four consecutive winters (even though she is new Parish Councillor. Jan Johnson was co - British by birth, Jan is still coming to terms opted onto the Parish Council in January, bring- with the weather - and remembering to wear ing additional expertise and knowledge to the gloves…). team. Jan has worked with many small rural Allerdale’s bin collection service will st and regional communities; she is an experi- change on 1 April. Purple bags will no longer enced facilitator, having worked with key gov- be used. Instead, the small green bins currently ernment, business and community stakehold- used for card and paper will be re -designated ers and the small business sector in pursuit of for glass, plastic and cans. Large blue top bins economic growth. She worked with a number will be issued for card and paper. The small of Indigenous Elders and their communities in green bins will be collected fortnightly and the Australia and volunteered regularly in south- large blue top bins will be collected monthly. ern Europe, helping students and young work- The black bins for non -recyclable items will con- ers with career development. She is hopeful tinue to be collected weekly and the large green that her skills will prove a useful addition to garden bins will be collected fortnightly. Al- Greysouthen Parish Council. lerdale recognises that not everyone will have Jan is a member of the Greysouthen W.I. room for an extra bin. Residents can request a and Soroptimists International, green hessian sack for paper and card, instead & District. of the blue top bin. Also, a black box is available Jan hasn’t mentioned that her sister has lived in for cans, glass and plastic. Collection days may Greysouthen for 19 years so in between her travels she change. At the time of writing the new collection has been visiting Greysouthen on a regular basis for many years. The Parish Council is sure that she’ll bring schedule was not available so look out for the a different perspective and set of skills which will be new schedules, which will be delivered to every invaluable in our work . home. For more information visit: www.allerdale.gov.uk/newbins or ‘phone 0303 123 1702. The Greysouthen Virtual Pub The Parish Council AGM (not to be con- The GVP is starting its 7th year. We con- fused with the Village Hall AGM on April 2 nd !) is tinue to have a healthy turn out, but everyone on Tues May 14 th at 7.15 preceded by the An- is welcome. People come and go as they nual Village meeting at 7pm. All welcome. This please. It is not a drinking club, non alcoholics is your chance to meet your councillors and ask come too! It is more important than ever that questions about their work. we keep this institution going with the sad de- Gwyn Lloyd mise of the Duke of Pub closing at . The future dates are : Fridays 1st March, 5th April, 3rd May, 7th June, 5th July, 2nd August, 6th September, 4th October, 1st November, 6th December. Bring £1 -00 and whatever you wish to eat and drink, from 8.30am onwards. Robin Lovegrove Ken Steel (Obituary) Anyone who lived in the village during the The Greysouthen Senior Citizen's Social 1980s and 1990s will remember Ken Steel. Sadly Club (aka The Old Folks) he died at the end of January. He and his wife, The festive season is long gone now but Janice, ran the village shop and Post Office, lived in Swallow Barn for a while, the Spinney in Barn- a lot of the villagers will still be remembering yard and finally in 1, Silecroft where Janice ran the "Old Folks Christmas dinner" due to not the Post Office over the counter in their utility only the copious, tasty meal and wine but also room. Ken was always involved in village affairs, the inspired selection for the entertainment. village hall committee, playing field committee (it The committee having been sworn to secrecy was always the playing field in those days) and before the event , the surprise when the cur- the Parish Council, serving as chairman for quite some time. He was instrumental in quite a few tains were swept back to reveal the 15 mem- improvements, including, if I remember correctly, bers of the Cockermouth Ukulele Orchestra leading the initiative for the Parish Council to ac- was palpable. A magic evening of unique, me- quire for the village both the village hall and the playing field from the Harris estate, and was also lodic, fun music from the 60's ensued with eve- instrumental, with the Parish Council, in the con- ryone singing along because we all knew the version of the pinfold from a rough semi -derelict words!! The Orchestra was called back to play area to the nice paved area it is today. He was the one who put forward the possibility of indoor many encores and I am sure they enjoyed bowls in the village hall, an activity still going themselves as much as we did. A great big strong. thankyou to the folk who decorated the hall in We kept in touch when they moved back to Scotland, and he always asked what was going such splendid fashion with all manner of on in the village and would ask about the people Christmas trimmings and sparkly trees creating he knew. He had a great affection for the area, a wonderful atmosphere for the diners. There and the village has gained much from his efforts during his time here. was a very positive feedback and we have to David Blaylock . thank Howard McCulloch for his hard work in arranging the entertainment and the whole evening. Which brings me onto the next event that Gentlemen’s Walking Group In early February, nine intrepid chaps and this diligent gentleman has organised for May 17 th . Namely "Fish and chips with a difference". two dogs tackled a snow clad Helvellyn. Soft, un- consolidated snow made the ascent slow going. Once again I am not allowed to reveal what that means, other than fish and chips is As the party trudged toward the summit, the cloud dispersed and Lakeland could be seen for miles in the only sustenance on offer! It will be an every direction. Pure magic. A wind -chill of minus evening do leaving the village in a bus at 4 thirteen degrees encouraged a quick lunch break o'clock. It appears that it has already proved to be very popular and hopefully we may and a swift descent. The homeward journey was interrupted for post expedition rehydration at a tea not have to restrict the numbers due to the ca- pacity of the destination. Therefore keep in room in Braithwaite. A splendid time was had by all. The next walk will be in Langdale on 16 th touch with your collector, committee member March. or notice board for updates on the situation Gwyn Lloyd and we sincerely hope there will be no disap- pointed applicants. Meanwhile, once again many thanks for

Note to Greysouthen Residents everyone's participation in the weekly tote with- out which this ancient village social tradition from Cllr Marion Fitzgerald Thank you to those who came to my recent would not exist. drop -in session at Greysouthen Village Hall. It is Ken Needham on behalf of the committee quite a busy time at Allerdale at the moment with the 2019/20 budget soon to be presented to a meeting of the full Council, not to mention the plans to build an 8000 capacity stadium in Work- ington. As an Independent councillor, I am in- terested to know what local residents feelings are about these issues. If you would like to discuss them or have questions about any other council related matters, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me. 016973 43888 [email protected] NEWS FROM THE VILLAGE HALL Craft and Crumbs Since the last “Gossip” the Hall has seen a Craft and Crumbs is a new craft club set up flurry of use. The Christmas Events programme by two friends Sophie and Katie. We are both was a huge success with some fantastic wreaths keen knitter and dabblers in all thing sewing and seen adorning many village doors. Alongside this craft, but struggle to find the time to do any craft- event there was a Tea Dance, Carol Singing and ing as there was always something else that the over 55’s Christmas meal. A very special needed doing. So we decided to start the club so thanks goes to the people who took the time to we have the time to sit and tackle our projects plan and coordinate these events. It is great to while drinking tea, eating cake and chatting to see members of the village community at these other crafters, what could be better. events your support is greatly appreciated. Craft and crumbs is held in the village hall Attendance at such events greatly contrib- on the 2 nd Tuesday of every month. Everyone is utes to Village Hall Funds and this is crucial be- welcome whether craft expert or newbie and cause as you will understand to maintain a build- with any type of handicraft/craft project. Look for- ing of its age requires ongoing work and mainte- ward to meeting you on the next date 12 th nance. March, 7.30 -9pm. We hope you will support the Spring Events Programme. More info on the Facebook page https:// We have had lots of ideas put forward for m.facebook.com/craftsandcrumbsclub future events BUT to turn ideas into events re- or email [email protected] quires volunteers willing to take ownership and organise these with the support of others. There is always information on the Village Christmas in Greysouthen Village Facebook page as well as details placed around Thank you so much to everyone who the village and on the notice boards of upcoming helped, offered to run events and everyone who events. joined in. Every event was so well supported and As a committee we are working hard to up- new friendships were made, old ones renewed grade the facilities in the Village Hall we have and our lovely village shone with all the amazing been awarded two separate grants from United lights and decorations. The message had got Utilities and Sellafield to help us do this. We will round as the man himself, Santa, visited the vil- lage on his sleigh! keep you up to date with progress and new devel- opments as they take place. There were some beautiful wreaths made Finally, at this time we need to inform you that at Laura's workshop and a full hall. All had great ND fun. the AGM will take place on TUESDAY 2 APRIL AT 7.30 IN THE HALL. Everyone is wel- People twirled and shimmied at the After- come. noon tea dance. Thanks to Margaret and Alan for running this, to Arthur for the music, to the generous people who donated raffle prizes and Jubilee Gardens to all who made a delicious tea. Thus far we seem to have had no plant cas- In all £250 was raised for the village hall at ualties in our village Jubilee Garden this winter. these events. Sometimes we have had the presence of mind to Carol Singing fleece the most tender ones against the frosts but A bit of a damp evening didn’t stop a won- its been a lottery. The spring flowers are begin- derful turn out and some super singing. Thanks ning to show through along with the weeds. to everyone who came along, our collectors, We will start our monthly work parties in the Gar- everyone who listened and gave so generously, den on the Sunday following the next virtual pub - to Stuart for playing, to Robin and Jill for the Sunday 3rd March at 10am - 12noon. Join us, route planning and carol sheets and to David even if you can only spare half an hour. Coffee and helpers for a lovely warm get together after- and a chat available too. Bring your own trowel/ wards with mulled wine and mince pies. Good fork/spade if you have one. team work! £230 was collected for Calderwood Robin Lovegrove House. Rachel Holliday, CEO of this local charity for homeless based in Egremont, sent this mes- sage: ‘That’s amazing! We are full at Calderwood and have been for weeks. We're all working flat out! Thank you for all your ongoing support. It means such a lot. Rachel Well done Greysouthen Villagers! Lake District Mobility www.lakedistrictmobility.org Lake District Mobility is a registered charity that aims to provide specialist ‘all terrain’ scooters to outdoor businesses and attractions to improve access to the countryside for people with limited or restricted mobility. If you have, or know someone who has, limited or restricted mobility (blue badge is not required) and would like to get out and about more in the Lake District please come and try their Trampers. At each site where the hire scheme is available a Taster Membership can be taken for £2.50 or you can become an annual member for £10.00. A price I find incredibly cheap! Currently a scooter is available at Whinlatter for a trail trough the forest of about 4 miles. This trail is also suitable for friends/family to walk with you or even for children to accompany you on bikes. The team is always working hard to have more scooters available in a wide range of locations. Time, money and businesses seeing the benefit is needed. In March another 2 scooters will be avail- able at Langdale Estate. I was lucky enough to accompany my Dad on the scooter at Whinlatter and so see the benefits to both those using it and also their friends/family. My Dad had lung cancer and was finding it increasingly difficult with his breathing. Dad had lived here since his early 20’s and was used to getting out and about on the fells on a regular basis. Once he found out about the scooters he jumped at the chance to use one to get up into the fells. The benefit to both of us was fantastic. For Dad to see different views again, for me to accompany him, witness his enjoyment and feel like we were walking freely together was just amazing. He instantly booked himself in for the next few weeks on getting back to the Visitors Centre! I am now helping the charity with ideas to raise money and advertising, so the scheme can be extended as much as possible. I have come across a way of raising money for the charity which would benefit from the villagers help. Not only will it aid the charity but is also good for recycling. Recycling for Good Causes offer a simple and effective way of raising money for non -profit or- ganisations by recycling donated, unwanted items. The following can be recycled: • - • - • - • • • I will have a sack at home to collect any items you are able to donate for recycling and once I have >10kg I will send it off and hope for a reasonable amount in return for Lake District Mobility. Bring any item to 9, Main Street, Greysouthen. I hope you can help spread the word of Lake District Mobility to those who will find it of benefit and enjoyment, and help in the recycling scheme at the same time! Suzanne Megan

GREYSOUTHEN W.I. We have had quite an entertaining few winter months, since our last “Gossip”. December was our usual Christmas party which started with a Christmas themed quiz, , to ac- company our lovely pie and pea supper. This was followed by “Bag Beetle”, which is great fun but has to be seen to be understood!. We then distributed the gifts for everyone, and sat around chatting an enjoyable evening, setting the right mood for the Christmas festivities to come. This is the third year we have held a “members’ night” in January, as the weather can be unpre- dictable and speakers may be unable to make it. This year the weather was fair and nearly all our members came. I gave members a brief idea of what it was like working and living in in the late 1960s up to the mid -1970s. From starting off in a girls’ hostel in South Kensington then moving on to flat -sharing with friends gave rise to several amusing anecdotes. Driving in London in those days was both a challenge and a pleasure, but you had to know where you were going!. Then Janette gave us a master -class in making gift boxes out of used Christmas Cards. Her demonstration made it look so easy, then we all had a go and found out how difficult it was! BUT even those of us with no great craft skills ended up with a recognisable, and quite pretty, gift box. Our February meeting is historically our birthday party and so we all took off to The Royal Yew at Dean for a celebratory meal, which was very enjoyable. - both the meal and the company! So, you can see our W I is still very active and enjoying everything that comes our way. We would just like to share it all with a few more people. Do give it some thought and come and join in the fun with us. Liz Bell Paddle Preschool Playgroup On Friday 11 th January Paddle School launched a new weekly playgroup for preschool children. The playgroup has been set up in response to requests from the local community to offer a regular playgroup in the area for both babies and toddlers. We are delighted to be run- ning this provision in partnership with the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). During our first month of operating we have had an average of 34 families attending each week with some really positive feedback from parents: “It was fabulous… so glad we came along… Harry loved it!” Parent of Harry. “We had a lovely time!” Parent of Mikey. “Ellie loved the playgroup… she spent the whole morning playing in the sand.” Parent of Ellie. “We look forward to becoming regulars!” Parent of Isabelle. The playgroup with be held every Friday during term time in the Paddle School hall and runs from 9.30 – 11.00am. Sessions are facilitated by members of the school’s Early Years team and supported by parent volunteers and representatives from the NCT. We hope that this provision will provide an opportunity for parents, grandparents, and child minders to come along and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee while their baby or toddler plays in a structured environment. We are able to offer lots of exciting age appropriate toys and games, as well as art and crafting activities, singing, dancing, story and rhyme time. This is also an opportunity for pre -school children to be introduced to the Paddle Family and the school in preparation for joining our nursery. In addition to children who plan to attend our school, we welcome families from the wider community to come along and become in- volved. If you would like more information please contact Mrs Raven on 01900 823188, visit the school website www.eaglefieldpaddle.cumbria.sch.uk or Facebook page @EaglesfieldPaddle. Please make a note in your diaries of the following village events

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