Priory Church Rev’d Becky Gibbs, Priest in Charge (01946 822279 or 07460 990631 [email protected] Retired Clergy with the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate: The Rev’d Jim Marshall (01946 64259) Rev’d Canon Jim Baker MBE and Rev’d Anne Baker (01946 822498) The Rev’d David Cox The Rev’d Canon Dr Trevor Park MBE The Rev’d Richard Lee - 07841 398088

Sunday Services 10.30 a.m. 1st & 3rd Sundays 9.00 a.m. 2nd & 4th Sundays They are also Live Streamed via YouTube See www.stbeespriory.org.uk for details For weddings, baptisms, funerals and other religious occasions, please contact 01946 822279 or email [email protected] Priory Web Site - http://www.stbeespriory.org.uk Hire of Priory & Halls The church, Old College and New College halls are all available for hire for meetings, functions, lectures, concerts and recitals, etc. Contact booking officers for details. Booking Officers Ian & Rosalie McAndrew - 01946 822326 or [email protected] Priory Secretary - [email protected] Magazine production & distribution This magazine is free but production costs are about 50p per copy. Contributions from the Parish Council and our advertisers, to whom we are most grateful, pay much of the costs. However this leaves the balance to be paid by the PCC. Donations to the Treasurer* or your Magazine Distributor are most welcome. Circulation - 900 households in St Bees, Sandwith, Rottington, Linethwaite, Coulderton, Middletown, Nethertown. * - Treasurer - Norman Killip, Honeybee House Seamill Lane, St Bees, CA27 0BD. DTP & Final Editing - Ian & Rosalie McAndrew

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St Bees Parish A B C Area Visitor / The parish is divided into 30 small areas each with an official History Group works towards improving knowledge of local history. Lectures Good Neighbour Church Visitor whose task is to welcome and help people in the arranged periodically. Details from Chris Robson 822468. Scheme name of the Priory. Co-ordinator - M Westhead (822674). Over 60’s Club meets in Hodgett’s Club on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month: 2.00 - 4.00 p.m. Details - Gill Richardson Tel. 822394. Arts Society meets every two months on the last Wednesday of the month at Parish Council The Clerk to the Council is Mrs Jane Donaldson, East House, 8.00 p.m. Venue to be arranged. Details from Dilys Brownrigg Coulderton. Tel. (01946) 822560, e.mail [email protected], who (822584) or Chris Robson 822468. will answer queries on matters. Bellringing The Priory has a ring of 8 bells. Those interested in ringing or Parochial meets 10 times a year. Elections for 20 members are held in March at learning to ring, contact D Sim, 31 Main Street. Practice Church Council the A.P.C.M. Its task is to spearhead the mission and ministry of the Wednesdays, 8.00 pm. Sundays, ring at 10.00 a.m. church in the Parish. PCC Secretary - Jon Mellor, [email protected] Brownies Brownies meet on Tuesdays. Further details can be obtained Playgroup meets every Wednesday in term time only, from 9.30 - 11.30 a.m. in from Leanne Cherry, contact 07805154408. (Toddler Group) New College Hall, St Bees Priory. Details from Amy Linton - Cubs, Scouts, Cubs for children aged 8 - 10, meet on Thursdays, 6.30 - 8pm. Email - [email protected] Beavers Beavers meet on Thursdays (term time) from 5.00 - 6.00 pm. Pop-in Cafe Every Thursday from 10.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon - Pop-in Cafe in New Details from Graham Young. They meet in CCF Hut, College Hall. Everyone welcome - Coffee and homemade cakes. St Bees School. Scouts meet at Egremont. Pre-School meets in the new building next to the Village School, All day, 5 days Choir rehearses on Sundays at 9.30 a.m. Details from Frank Bowler, the a week. For children of 2 years upwards. Contact on 823880. Organist (Tel. 825307). Prayer Group meets on Thursdays from 1.45 - 3.15 p.m. in New College Hall . All Churchwardens are leading lay Church members who will be pleased to help and denominations welcome. advise on church matters. Rosalie McAndrew (822326), Priory Singers rehearse in Old College Hall, Mondays at 8.00 p.m. Details from Malcolm Lightfoot, Wendy Mellor, & Derek McGee Frank Bowler. (Temp). (01946) 825307. Not meeting at present. Councillors Copeland - Cllr Jeffrey Hailes- 01946 814819, 7.00 to 9.00 p.m Priory Web Site The Priory web site has up to date information on the ministry team, Monday to Friday. - Cllr Chris Whiteside, 01946 67575 or church services and activities. See http://www.stbeespriory.org.uk 07798667678. E-mail [email protected] Seagalls meets first Tuesday of month at 7.30pm in the Seacote Hotel. Contact Lynne Smith - Tel. 822285 - or Judith 07772523742 Electoral Roll is the list of all church members qualified to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. E.R. forms are available in church St Bees Triers Friendly running club for all abilities. Every Thursday 6pm & 7pm. Finance The Church Treasurer is Norman Killip, Honeybee House, Seamill Email [email protected] Tel. 823497 Web www.triers.co.uk Lane, St Bees, who will explain our Christian Giving system. St Bees Youth meets 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month at 7.00 p.m. in New College Group Hall. All youngsters of secondary school age are welcome. Contact First Responders provide Basic Life Support in association with the Ambulance organisers on 07518 394297. Service. Contact Andy Brock 823497 Sunday Club Children’s activities and toys are available in the Baptistery. Football Contacts - Seniors Tony Barnett 590640. Contact – R McAndrew (822326), Association Juniors (U-12) - Alec Morton 823992 & Alastair Billson. Village School exists to raise funds for the school and to foster links between school Freemasons St Bega Lodge meet 7:00 p.m. On 2nd Wed of each month, Village Association and community. Secretary - via School - Tel. 822392. Hall. Details: 01946 64275 or www.cumbwestmasons.co.uk. Village Hall Management Committee administers Hodgett’s Club. For details and Friends of the assists in the conservation of the Priory and encourages interest in booking contact Phil or Valerie Turpin (Tel 823772). Priory its historical and architectural heritage. Contact Philip Barratt or Village in Bloom Details from Eileen B Todd, 14 Main Street. St.Bees. (Tel 822522). Tom Rice, Treasurer, Green Ghyll, Greendykes, Egremont. Village Web Site Information for inclusion should be sent to Ian McAndrew (822326) or Garden Society Dtails from Mark Hewertson, (Tel. 01946 825468). Flower Show is [email protected] Address is http://www.stbees.org.uk held on the 3rd Saturday in August. Women’s meets 2nd Monday of month at 7.30 p.m. usually in New College Hall Guides meet on Tuesdays from 7.00 – 8.30 p.m. Further details can be Institute (see program). Contact Roxanne Benson Tel 823137. obtained from Amanda Smith or email [email protected] ii 21

Parish Council News (Continued) St Bees News September 2020 Boat ramp – the Parish Council is very grateful for the help received from Network Rail It’s September; a month of new beginnings for some of us. Some of our young people in repairing the Lifeboat slipway at the Main Beach will be relieved to be starting at college or university after a rather uncertain few days in Street lighting – some lights within the parish are classed as highway lights owned by August. Others will be meeting their teachers for the first time, writing their names on the front of exercise books with empty pages, putting on new uniform. Whether you are CCC and others are categorised as footway lights owned by CBC. This is simply an excited about the prospect of a new term or wishing the holidays could last a little longer historical anomaly and is not based on any logic. CBC has made a policy decision that it there’s no denying that September has come upon us. And you can’t escape it. Although, will no longer meet the costs of running and maintaining its street lights from April 2021. that did happen, once. In effect, this means that these lights will disappear unless parish councils (or CCC) agree to CBC’s request to take on the costs. The parishes outside the main towns are In 1752 the British Empire followed the rest of Western Europe and moved from the disproportionately affected as more of the lights are CBC-owned. In St Bees/Rottington Julian to the Gregorian Calendar. In order to make the dates work the powers that be cut we have 58 such lights which would mean an additional annual cost of at least £7500 eleven days from September. A popular myth is that the change caused riots and shouts (excluding repair/replacement costs) to be funded from the parish precept. The 58 lights of “give us back our eleven days”; some people worrying that their lives would be eleven are spread across the whole parish and include Sea Mill Lane, Nethertown Rd, Station days shorter as result. On the other side of the Atlantic, meanwhile, Benjamin Franklin Rd/Coach Rd and Main Street from the Village School entrance to Abbey Corner as well welcomed the change, writing, “It is pleasant for an old man to be able to go to bed on as Rottington. The Parish Council believes that this is an unacceptable situation and is September 2nd, and not have to get up until September 14th.” working with other parish councils to find a way forward. Some people might argue that it’s not just eleven days in September but the whole of Calendar for September 2020 that could do with being wiped from the calendar. For many of us the last nine months have been incredibly difficult and the thought of more of the same as we head Note alternate times for services into Autumn and Winter fills us with dread. Usually, at this time of year the church is making plans for Harvest, Remembrance and Christmas but how can we do this when the 6 Sunday 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion future is so uncertain? When money is tight? Employment insecure? 13 Sunday 9.00 a.m. BCP Communion In these unsettling times I take comfort from the steadfastness of the seasons; the 20 Sunday 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion certainty that the leaves will turn and fall and the ground will yield its harvest. September 27 Sunday 9.00 a.m. BCP Communion and October would usually be harvest festival time in the church calendar, a highlight in a rural parish like St Bees and even if we have to celebrate a little differently, these things will still take place, as will Remembrance and Christmas.

8 Tuesday 7.30 p.m. PCC Zoom Meeting Maybe will do a few more services outside with our beautiful Parish or Priory as our 20 Sunday Photo Competition deadline backdrop? Or find other ways to worship together? In our homes or online? Our celebrations might be smaller but the spirit in which we do them will be the same. With 21 Monday 6.30 p.m. Parish Council via Cisco Webex God and creation in the picture, I’m not ready to write off 2020 quite yet.

With love from Becky Cover photo—Rock armour reinforcements at Seamill Beach as part of the Great North Rail project. 230 metres of rock were installed by Network Rail to secure the railway embankment south of Seamill beach area.

Editor - October 2020 Magazine The October 2020 issue of St Bees News will be edited by Jon Mellor, Cross Hill House, St Bees, who would appreciate all contributions not later than Tuesday 8 September please. Email: [email protected]. Tel. 01946 824936

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Priory News Parish Council News Priory Progress! Never did we expect our 900 years Anniversary of the Priory to look Meetings – The Parish Council is continuing to hold its monthly meetings remotely via like this! However, after 20 weeks’ lockdown and closure, public worship on Sunday mornings has resumed. Cisco Webex until government advice changes. Members of the public are welcome to join the meeting - the details of how to join will be published on the agenda (available on Holy Communion 10.30 a.m. First and third Sundays in the month the web-site and noticeboards). The next meeting will be Monday 21 September at BCP Communion 9.00 a.m. Second and fourth Sundays in the month 6.30pm. All services will take place in the nave, not the Lady Chapel, to avoid sanitising all areas used. Also, the Priory is open for private prayer on Wednesday afternoons from 2.00 to Play Areas - The play areas at the main beach and on Outrigg have been re-opened 6.00 p.m. The 5th Sunday will be held at 10.30 a.m. following the government’s relaxation of the lockdown restrictions and have been very Livestream services will continue online for those who are staying home - via Youtube busy over the past few weeks. Notices have been put up asking parents to ensure that or Facebook. Children and young people – wipe-clean toys and activity sheets will be children wash their hands regularly, before and after using the equipment, and do their available in the baptistery Measures will be in place to keep everyone safe – 2 metre best to observe social distancing. The new equipment for the toddler area has arrived and social distancing, hand sanitising and track and trace register (simply give the sidesman will be installed as soon as possible. your name and phone no.). We look forward to welcoming you all to this ‘new normal’ way of worshipping! Road Works – Cumbria Highways will be carrying out various works in the area over the summer months. The section of the B5345 between the level crossing and Barony Church Halls – OCH and NCH – are not open at present. The organisations and societies normally meeting there will be on hold for the foreseeable future until social House was due to be resurfaced in early August but has been postponed as it was not distancing measures are eased. We know this is a great disappointment to all the groups possible to secure the necessary consents form Network Rail in time. Work on the involved, but we will advise you as soon as word comes from the powers that be. road towards the Mirehouse Rd junction is taking place later in August and From the Priory Registers requires a road closure. There will also be further traffic calming measures installed on the B5345 near Abbey Vale – this is expected to take place in September and will require Baby Blessing temporary traffic lights. 5 July Maeve Nichol 23 Fairladies, St Bees Dandy Walk Gate – The Parish Council has been working with CCC to find a solution Holy Matrimony to the problems with the gate on the footpath between the School hockey field and the 11 July John Philip Crayston and Amelia Rose Pagan Chalgrove, Oxford Dandy Walk field. There have been problems with the gate being left unsecured allowing stock to get out and walkers have complained that the spring is too tight to open easily. Christian Funeral The solution proposed is that the gate will be replaced with a modern style kissing gate Graveside provided by CCC and the Parish Council will work with the landowner to cover the costs 24 June Jean Alice Tennant Moor Side, Oldham (formerly of St Bees) of installation. Crematorium Footpath Modification Order – Historically the Definitive Map has shown the crossing 14 July John Victor Bragg Baruth Cottage, Sandwith of the railway in the wrong place on the path that leads from Blythe Place to Sea Mill. May God’s blessing be upon you all and your families. CCC has now made a legal order to correct the mistake and the Definitive Map has been Love and Prayers officially modified from 1 June 2020. Love and Prayers for healing and comfort go out to all who are in hospital or awaiting Local Government Re-organisation – the government has announced new proposals operations. for increased devolution which would include re-organisation of local government in areas such as Cumbria. The county and district councils have been asked to put forward Especially we send get-well wishes to Frank Bowler, recuperating well from his knee operation; to Rhoda Bryan in Carrickfergus, expecting a series of treatments soon. Our their proposals for one or more unitary authorities in Cumbria. Whilst any change will thoughts are with those shielding at home for months – best wishes to Annie Southam, not affect parish councils directly, it may bring new opportunities and the Parish Council Ursula Rowlands, Gladys Lawler and Elizabeth Cotes for strength and patience. Thanks will continue to keep abreast of the situation. to all those phoning and keeping in touch. Continued overleaf 2 19

WI News

Hope you are all well and enjoying the rest of the Summer, as best you can under the current restrictions. Sorry that we have all missed so much of our current WI year, and sadly, as things currently stand, it is unlikely New College Hall will be able to re-open for public gatherings and events any time soon. Our upmost priority is the safety of our members and visitors, so, sadly, without a venue, it has been decided to postpone the rest of our WI meetings for 2020.

When Church buildings do re-open, and our meetings are given the green light, all our group will be notified. We will hopefully resume in the New Year 2021; however, this will depend on the current situation of the Covid 19 Virus, and the health and safety legislation on using shared premises.

In the meantime, stay safe. Further details www.facebook.com/St-Bees-WI. Or contact me, Roxanne on 01946 823137.

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In Memoriam - remembering Peter Brannon

PCC members were greatly shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Peter Brannon who died in hospital in July. He was the SEL electrician for the Priory who did all the work on cables and circuits after the central heating was put in, and also installed the new switchboard in the vestry. Peter had officially retired but continued to work for us until the Priory rewiring was in place.

He was a generous and good friend who would turn up at short notice to help with electrical problems. His technical knowledge and experience were invaluable, and his cheerful spirit made light work of hard jobs. His previous role as a clerk of works at Sellafield was much valued. He will be missed in so many ways by his clients and colleagues, his many friends and his dear family.

Deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Linda, and family Stephen and Louise and their children.

John Victor Bragg

John was well-known in the village where he was born in 1946; he left the village in 1972 when he married and moved a short distance to Barrowmouth, near Sandwith, where he lived for 47 years.

He was admired and respected by everyone in the Fantail Club; he had time for everyone and wrote books on his beloved fantails, and had many pigeon fanciers from all over the world as friends. He was a keen golfer and member of St Bees Golf Club for over 62 years. He loved nothing better than playing in competitions with a side bet of pounds or twenty pence with his fellow golfers. He often tantalised his boys Simon, Kristian and Adam about his eleven “hole in ones” over the years.

He was an active member of St Bees Priory church. He will be sadly missed by Janet, a loving wife, best friend and soulmate; also, by Simon, Adam, Kristian, Monika and his longed-for Grandson Leon John. Janet Bragg and sons would like to thank family and friends for all the cards and kind words of sympathy. They also give thanks for all the Mass cards from St Benedict’s church.

Freda White 1924-2020

The family of Freda would like to express their thanks to the Rev. Becky Gibbs and all friends and neighbours for their support and kind messages of sympathy on the loss of their much loved mother, grandmother, sister and auntie. Grateful thanks, also, for all those who turned out to clap Freda on her final journey. It was very touching and gave us so much comfort in these difficult times. She had lived in the village for 73 years and we are very lucky to have had her in our lives for even longer. She will be sadly missed. 4 17

St Bees School With schools set to open their doors to students again in September, St Bees School is preparing to welcome over 35 new students to their existing cohort. As the new school year starts, many are travelling to St Bees from around the world to live and study at the boarding and day school.

The school will become a second home to students travelling from as far afield as Romania, Germany, Kazakhstan Turkey and China, all of whom will live on campus. All boarding students will be able to explore the beautiful Cumbrian landscape on weekends with the help of school staff, whilst engaging in their learning surrounded by the striking backdrop of St Bees.

Currently, the school has 15 students from around the local area and across various age groups. The addition of the new intake will see the school grow to more than 50 students – an increase of 300%.

Head of Admissions, Ceara Hayden is excited to welcome such an international intake into the school family:

“Cumbria is such a welcoming, family-orientated county and we cannot wait to offer this truly cultural exchange here on the West Coast. If the pandemic has taught us anything so far, it is that we can learn a lot from other countries. And we can start right here in the classroom.”

It is the largest intake since the school reopened in 2018, and the sheer volume of international interest has further proved that the school is continuing to go from strength to strength as an ambassador for education around the world.

In addition to the international student intake this year, St Bees School has opened two further campuses in China, enabling them to create a true fusion curriculum, which balances the best of Western and Eastern education.

Students will gain a huge advantage by being surrounded by such an international family. Not only will they be able to appreciate and understand others from different countries and cultures, they will also be given the opportunity to share different ideas, form friendships around the world from their classroom, learn better and effectively learn more.

With the coronavirus pandemic still fresh in everyone’s mind, the Senior Leadership Team at the school have been busy ensuring that the students and staff are protected from the virus, implementing new procedures including adding handwashing to timetables, keeping each class in one classroom to aid social distancing measures, having isolation protocols in place if needed and more.

You can find the school’s COVID-19 handbook, which details everything that they are doing to combat the virus, on https://www.stbeesschool.co.uk/ .

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Lakeland Book of the Year Award 2020

Described by the judging panel as the literary event of the year, this competition of newly published books featuring Cumbria is unique, being the only county to hold a ‘Book of the Year’ award. The entries must all be published in 2019 and feature Cumbrian culture, history and people.

For the first time in its 36-year history, the prize was awarded in an online ceremony! This year 68 books premiered in the 6 categories of the competition – judged by Hunter Davies OBE writer and award founder, Eric Robson Cumbria Tourism president, and Fiona Armstrong broadcaster and Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria. They whittled down the 68 books to a shortlist of 18, three in each category.

The Editors of St Bees News are delighted to report that Bob Jopling’s entry ‘Bob’s Jottings’ was shortlisted in the Striding Edge Prize for Guides & Places.

In the judges’ review, Eric Robson refers to Bob’s Jottings as a ‘great little book’ and says “ It puts together a formidable cast of characters – good, bad and dangerous to know”; and “ I never realised that St Bees was such an exciting place!” The first prize in that section went to ‘Grasmere: A History of 55½ Buildings’ by Grasmere History Society. The overall winner was ‘The Lake District in 101 Maps and Infographics’ by David Felton - a most unusual and imaginative book.

St Bees Weather Data - recorded by the Village Weather Station July 2020 Highest Day Temperature Celsius 31 July 27.1 11.15 am Highest 24 hour Rainfall 27 July 20.2 mm Highest Windspeed 5 July 44 mph, 6.45 am, South-west August 2020 (to date) Highest Day Temperature 12 August 28.7 5.30 pm Highest 24 hour Rainfall 16 August 15.4 mm Highest Windspeed 20 August 51 mph, 2.15 am SSW 2 months of unusually hot and humid, wet and blustery weather recorded.

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Village History … and flannel drawers hemmed with blue Shipwreck has been no stranger to St. Bees. Of some wrecks we have permanent reminders: the “Izaro” debris at low tide, the “Olivari” monument in the churchyard, several headstones among the graves there. And many an old record includes the words “unknown person found drowned” or “unidentified body washed up”. By the end of Victoria’s reign, the identification of corpses was seen as important. There was, for instance, the body a Mr. Jenkinson found at Nethertown on the Christmas afternoon of 1900. The Inquest opened at the Tourist Hotel: “… the body of a well-developed man, apparently not been in the water above two days, no signs of the body being knocked about among the rocks. A strong and serviceable lifebelt around the waist. Height, about five feet eight inches, black moustache, beard and whiskers, only one tooth in the upper jaw, age forty to fifty. Wellington boots, blue serge coat, black serge waistcoat, woollen singlet, grey shirt, and flannel drawers hemmed with blue”. These particulars were put into the newspapers of several seafaring towns. However, as an early anti-fraud measure, one significant point about the body was omitted. To be proved genuine, a claimant would have to know of it. Before long a telegram arrived from Padstowe in Cornwall. “The description answers that of my dear father, aged fifty-two last October. Height about five feet six inches, mark on forehead and also on knee, through accident when a lad. Father had lost the tips of the first and third fingers of the left hand, cut off when a boy with a machine. Father’s name is William Carter Ivey, he was a native of this town, and captain of the schooner W.R.T of Truro, which foundered on the 21st near the Selker light vessel. Dear Father has left a wife and eight children, the youngest nine years of age.” This detail about the left hand was what had been left out of the published description, and it established that the telegram’s sender was indeed the deceased’s daughter. She also gave details of the other two members of the vessel’s crew; their bodies were washed up near Drigg shortly afterwards. All three were given funerals here, and subsequently the Ivey family erected the headstone which still stands today at their father’s grave. When all the legal business was completed, William Ivey’s possessions were returned to his family. They included the £4.13. 7d. found in his pocket, his knife, three one-penny stamps, and – of course – his flannel drawers hemmed with blue. Bob Jopling, Village History Group

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RNLI News from the Village School

St Bees RNLI volunteer crew were paged at 10:30 p.m. on Friday 19 June to go to the Following what feels like a long and strange absence, I am very much looking forward to aid of a small vessel with engine failure close to the shore near Whitehaven Harbour. welcoming all children back to school on Wednesday, 2nd September and returning to Conforming to the many challenges that make safely launching a lifeboat difficult during some sort of normality. At the end of the Summer term, parents received a very detailed the Covid19 crisis, the crew launched in under 20 minutes from being paged. With the letter with lots of information as to how things will work when we return to school. tide pushing the broken-down boat nearer the rocks, the RNLI crew quickly made their way to the vessel. The small boat had deployed their anchor, but the power of the tide I would like to thank parents and carers for managing the last few months so well and was still dragging them towards a supporting your children with their learning . I would also like to express my appreciation for the school staff for all their efforts to ensure children were able to access local landmark, Whitie rock, just north of the harbour. On arrival at the vessel, the online learning, communications and provision of learning packs. None of us anticipated lifeboat volunteers checked that both people on board were ok. In the large swell that the circumstances with which we were forced to adapt, I am very proud of what we have was making life uncomfortable for those onboard, the small craft the lifeboat crew accomplished together. The support we have received from parents, carers and members attached a towline. They then towed the stricken vessel in to the safety of Whitehaven of the public has truly been heart-warming. Our children have had to adapt to a new way Harbour where they were met by members of the Whitehaven Coastguard Rescue Team. of learning at home. They have shown resilience and strength and have amazed us all - The lifeboat then returned to the station to have everything disinfected and made ready Well Done! for the next shout. Special thanks to the Lifeboat crew for all their help with furniture removals! Dick Beddows St Bees RNLI Operations Manager said ‘The two people onboard the pleasure craft did the right thing. They deployed their anchor to help them from being E Sharp, Headteacher dragged onto the rocks and used a VHF marine radio to call for help as soon as they got into difficulties. This is, however, the third shout in recent months that our volunteers have been called to where lifejackets were not being worn. A lifejacket will save your life, but is useless unless worn. Don’t wait until you are in difficulty before putting one The Sandwith School Trust – applications for 2020/2021 academic year on. The next casualty we get called to may not be so lucky.’ The Sandwith School Trust was registered with the Charity Commission on 12 December Just before midnight the volunteers at St Bees RNLI were requested to launch to reports 1977, following the closure of Sandwith School. The Trust was formed for the benefit of of a dog struggling in Whitehaven harbour. At 11:54 p.m. on 15 August St Bees RNLI villagers in the old parishes of Sandwith and Rottington. volunteers were paged by Belfast Coastguard. A small dog had fallen into the outer harbour at Whitehaven and was unable to make their own way to safety. As there was a Funds are available for young people under the age of 25 years, in Sandwith, Rottington risk of a member of the public going in after the dog, the lifeboat launched and quickly and a portion of Abbey Vale for such things as their academic materials, educational made its way to Whitehaven. As soon as the RNLI crew arrived at the harbour, members experiences, and Christian instruction. The trustees encourage children and young people of Whitehaven and Mayport Coastguard Rescue Teams directed the lifeboat to the to take advantage of this resource, and submit applications. Trustees generally welcome frightened dog, who was now on a ledge close to the water. A RNLI volunteer went into one application per academic year. the water and successfully got the dog back to the lifeboat. Once on board, the lifeboat took the dog to the shore, where the local coastguard and a very relieved owner met Grant application forms are available by emailing [email protected] them. Applications are now invited for the coming academic year, 2020-20201. The Cut-off St Bees RNLI spokesperson said “It was the right thing to do in this situation calling for date for receipt of applications is 30th September. Applications will not be considered help. If your dog gets into difficulties in the sea, do not risk your life going in after it. outside of the meeting of the trustees and any applications received after this date will be deferred until the next meeting in 2021 Call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.” Completed applications can be returned by post to the address on the form or by email to [email protected].

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Grassroots Priory Digital 900 Years Photo Competition Claire Summers would like to say a big thank you for all the lovely messages on her This year is the start of celebrations of 900 years of the Priory, and events have been retirement. It has been a very special time despite lockdown. Stay safe one and all. postponed, but the Priory will hold an on-line photo competition and one of the classes for both adults and children is “900 Years of the Priory”. Congratulations to Katy Taylor-Hamilton with mum Emma-Jane on her Virtual Donor Walk round St Bees on 1 August in aid of the FHLTA – Freeman Heart and Lung Description and rules Transplant Association. She completed 5 K from home via Sea Mill and Peck Mill, The competition will be run entirely on-line but limited to residents in St Bees parish. Dandy Path and Wood Lane, back home! This was due to the British Transplant Games The subject for photos are being cancelled this year. Well done Katy – you’re a St Bees champion! See 900 Years of the Priory – illustrate the 900 years anniversary of the Priory #VirtualDonorWalk online. Garden Scene – Spent lockdown in the garden ? Show us the result. Hodgetts Village Hall has now reopened. Following a rigorous programme of risk Lockdown activity – Varied and ingenious were the lockdown pastimes. assessment, we are delighted to be available once again for bookings. Please note we have had to reduce maximum capacity to comply with Covid regulations. For details and For children aged 5 to 9 conditions, please contact Val Turpin on 0785 7008462. Photo of a vegetable animal. Photo may be taken by child or adult. Macmillan Coffee Morning At Home – On Friday 25 September, if you live in St Bees, Aged 10 to 15 I can deliver a slice of cake to your door. Choose from lemon drizzle cake, iced Photo (or scan) of an A4 size drawing or poster illustrating 900 Years of the Priory (If chocolate cake or iced coffee cake. I will also be making a “free from” chocolate produced digitally on a drawing app, then send that). brownie that is free from milk, eggs, gluten and nuts. Please let me know by Wednesday 23 September your cake choices ([email protected] 01946 447614). It would be great if you could take a picture of yourself or your small group enjoying your cake. Photos may be of any size but must be submitted digitally by e-mail to I'm hoping to put together a collage of us all, so if you could share your picture [email protected] afterwards via email, that would be lovely thanks. You can donate to Macmillan with by closing date of 20 September. We cannot accept prints nor entries via any social cash when I drop off your cake or via JustGiving: https://www.justgiving.com/ media. eg Facebook. fundraising/stbeesmacmillancoffeemorning Thank you for your support! Minimum recommended resolution should be at least 1200 pixels along shortest side. Best Wishes to Carl Boyd and Chelsea Bewley taking over St Bees Post Office & Shop Smaller sizes will be considered but bear in mind that small photos do not do themselves justice. after Alan’s retirement – and thanking them for the smooth and efficient transition, just as the Covid pandemic started. Many customers in St Bees and West Cumbria have been, Please note and still are, very grateful for the wonderful free delivery service. Congratulations also Entry fee is by donation made via JustGiving – to Carl & Chelsea on the birth of their baby girl on 17 August - it’s been many years since a baby was born to the Post Office family! https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/prioryphotocomp. Suggested minimum is £2 for up to 5 entries total 40p for each additional one. (£2 is the Sincere Thanks to Alan & Mandy Bewley who have been managing the Post Office and minimum than can be donated via JustGiving). Shop since 2005, wishing them well for the future.

St Bees Little Learners Nursery – At Abbots Court, Abbey Road Payment cannot be accepted any other way as we cannot readily manage this. The nursery for babies and children 0-4 years has been successfully open now since So that we can link entries to donations, if you make your donation anonymous please June, welcoming more children and staff with their new safety measures in place. The enter a nickname in the Comments box in JustGiving and quote this when sending in new children are settling in really well and they have a few spaces available to start at the your entries. nursery in September. Do please get in touch to arrange a visit – All proceeds from the competition will be donated to St Bees Priory. [email protected] or phone 07840 458870 Open for 50 weeks per year, Mon. to Fri. from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm. Flexible hours Photos received will be displayed (minus name) on the village web site – offered. Use funded grant for 3 and 4 year olds. Many play-learning activities provided www.stbees.org.uk/photocomp where you can find more information. and lively games in the lovely garden at Abbots Court. Winning photographs will be identified on the web site after judging day.

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