ISSUE 187 APRIL 2015

EDITORIAL The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editorial team, who reserve the right to edit submissions for reasons of space, content or grammar. Items for publication should bear the name of the author, with address and telephone number - although this information will not necessarily be printed (we may need to contact the author for clarification or further information.)

The final day for submission of items for the next issue – June 2015 – is 10th May. Items for inclusion should be submitted to

Christine Holdsworth, Editor, 21 Main Road, 736179 [email protected]

John Bentham, ‘The Bungalow’, Halton Road 734353 [email protected] Peter Riley, 3, Channel Head, 734008, is responsible for distribution Steve Hinde deals with advertising (commercial or “small ads.”); contact via The Barn, Halton Road, 734135 [email protected] Remember – this is YOUR magazine We welcome your views and contributions

Cover photo

Spring has arrived!

Our new editor

We are very pleased to announce that Christine Holdsworth (contact details above) has volunteered to act as the editor for Round and About.

She takes over the position previously held by Harry Fancy. Christine should be the first point of contact for articles to be published in Round and About. NETHER COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Visit to Back Lane Quarry Our Year 1, 2, 3 and 4 children have all recently visited Back Lane Quarry on an exciting visit to find out all about limestone linked with our work on the Planet Earth. They subsequently wrote reports explaining how the quarry works.

An Explanation for What Happens at The Quarry (by Connie Stainton Y4) The Blast:

First there has to be a blast so the area must be clear for safety reasons. Then they count down from ten before 45,000 tons of rock explode! Excavators come in and start loading the dumper trucks. But what happens after that? Read on to find out!

The Crushers! Next the dumper truck takes the rock to the primary crusher where it must be crushed into smaller pieces to be sold. They load the rock into the crusher from the huge tipper truck. Inside there are magnets which are metal detectors because if a tooth of the excavator gets in the machine it will be ruined.

1 After that a conveyor belt takes the smaller rock to the secondary crusher where it is crushed even smaller and sieved to sort it into different sizes.

Then a truck parks under a filter so that the correct crushed rock goes through and the rock that is too large is crushed again.

What happens next? Last of all it is taken to be sold. It is used for concrete, bridges, and roads. The trucks are weighed and drive out of the quarry to deliver to the buyer and the

The Romans & Volcanoes

Y3 and 4 children are currently learning about the Romans linked to their work on Vesuvius and Pompeii. In the following piece, they wrote a sentence each to set the scene on the last day before Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption. The Last Day in Pompeii (by the children in Y3 and 4) Olive groves grew in neat rows following the river down the slopes of the great mountain towards the glowing red tiles and tall white pillars of the forum. A narrow white road rested in the middle of the town of Pompeii and a jostling, shoving crowd filled the uneven stone streets. A tall man called out, “Ripe, juicy lemons for sale!”

2 The large yellow lemons hung from the wooden market stalls whilst the chickens in their pens clucked around hurriedly hoping not to be chosen. Baskets of peacock eggs were piled high and a sweet orange honey cake on the window sill was waiting to be bought.

The crowded market place was full of clay pots balanced on the uneven road with slaves pulling huge wooden carts full of wares. They hung rabbits, peacocks, chickens and onions from the stalls and cut the cheeses with a big sharp knife. There were lots of people wearing dark tunics and brown sandals made from leather straps. A small boy fell over in a heap on the sharp stones and looked up at his mother in pain whilst his father tasted samples of a rich, creamy cheese. A cobbled path led from the market where the smells from the bakery were tantalising. Close by, silvery grey sardines from the shimmering sea were lying in an oval blue pot on the warm stone stall.

Brave, much-admired gladiators roamed around the stony roads wearing their heavy armour, reading signs from their heart throbs scratched on the stone pillars. Inside a wealthy man’s villa, marble tables stood on colourful mosaic floors; paintings decorated the walls and food was laid out on the table: zesty yellow lemons, honey cakes, stuffed dates, pears, grapes, cheese and wine. Meanwhile, in a dark room in the street opposite, three slaves did the washing, stamping on the clothes, whilst warm urine bought from the streets outside was poured into the fullerene.

Suddenly and without warning………..

Morecambe Bay

Our Year 5 and 6 children have recently been learning about Morecambe Bay linked with a visit from Morecambe Bay Partnership. They wrote short poems based on scenes and wildlife from Morecambe Bay to put into books that they made. (We were all surprised to find out that there are seals in the Bay, none of us has seen one yet but we are keeping our eyes peeled!) The children also did artwork to decorate their books. Buzzard (by Tyler Woodcock)

A buzzard is strong, A buzzard has brown, beige and white feathers, A buzzard has a long sharp, pointy beak. A buzzard has talons to kill. 3 Birds (by Luke Shepherd)

A buzzard gliding in the sky, Searching for its prey Powerful brown creature. Arctic tern snow-white wings flapping fast swallow-like.

Oyster Catchers (by Holly Hodson)

Bright fiery orange beaks, Swooping low, Skimming the water’s surface for fish, Calmly spearing through the air, Oyster in sight, That’s tea for tonight!

Red Deer (by Aimee Hobbs)

Shy and alert, Bristly rose red-grey fur. Long, sharp pointy antlers, Twigs for a crown! Munching crunching on the crispy leaves, Standing in a clearing in clouds of warm breath, waiting.

Seal (by Jack Stephenson)

Emerging from the misty blue sea, A cute wet nose pokes up from the waves, Two glistening eyes like emeralds in cobble stone, Slowly but strongly he waddles across the soft smooth sand, He stops and searches looking for a friend!

4 A MEMORABLE MEETING

I am Fred Taylor from Ashmeadow Road. When I was nearly 8 years old I left my home in Danzig, now known as Gdansk, Poland. The reason my sister and I were taken from our family was because the holocaust had started in 1932. I went with 35 other children in May 1939 to escape the holocaust just before the start of World War 2. We were put on a train to Holland by the Jewish community of Danzig and told we were going to England. I was aware later that there was also another group of 35 children making the journey, it was known as ‘The Kinder Transport’.

We arrived at the Hook of Holland and went by boat to Harwich, where we were put on a train to Liverpool Street Railway Station, London. From there we were sent to different parts of the country to meet our foster parents. Two boys in the group were sent to America.

I was sent to Preston where I lived with my foster family, my sister went to another member of that family. Automatically I was called Taylor after my foster family.

Out of the blue in October 2014 I was contacted by the AJR, which is a Jewish welfare and social service, it was an invitation to a lunch in Liverpool, but I felt I didn’t want to go and refused the invitation. I then got a phone call from the secretary to tell me that a lady that had attended the lunch had informed them that she was a refugee from Danzig and could she be given my phone number, of course I said yes. After a number of other phone calls a meeting was arranged.

On the 22 February 2015 a Fay Healy and her husband Frank and daughter came to my house. After coffee and reminiscing and looking at old photographs it became apparent that Fay was part of the Kinder Transport and had been on the same trip as I had, one of 35 children. Amazing that after all these years that two refugee children should meet 76 years later in Nether Kellet.

I then showed them around Carnforth where I used to live and work, not forgetting my time in the fire service. Faye and her family now live in Liverpool.

I will not be leaving it 76 years before our next meeting.

Fred (the old wrinkle)

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6 NETHER KELLET FOLK

Marion Preston

What is your occupation? Retired legal secretary to Managing Partner of Solicitors.

What was your first job? Telex operator at Jas. Williamson , Lancaster.

When did you move to the village/ and why? I was born in the village. My maternal ancestors have lived here since at least the 1600’s (I haven’t so far traced them back further than that).

Has the village changed much since you came and what would you do to improve it? Over my lifetime it has changed very much. Old houses demolished, new houses and bungalows built where there were only fields, and although home deliveries are now becoming more popular, it is not quite the same as butchers, bakers, fish vans, the battery man to replace the batteries in your wireless, the co-op, Mr. Postlethwaite with his mobile hardware shop (candles, pegs, paraffin etc) who all came each week to meet the needs of the residents of the village. There were possibly only about half a dozen cars in the whole village and a bus service consisting of a 6.50 am bus to get the workers to Lancaster and another at 8.30 a.m. to get the children to school There was no return bus until 5.50pm from Lancaster bus station to return the workers home. We had to catch a bus to Bolton le Sands and walk the rest to get home from school. In addition to that there was a bus on a Tuesday and Friday lunchtime for the ladies to go to Lancaster for any shopping the needed and I think about three on a Saturday. The last bus leaving Lancaster about 9.30 pm. Most houses did not have electricity and there was no sewage system in the village. No streetlights of course. Many houses did not have hot water.

7 Your favourite memory of the village Memories – there are so many. Getting up early in a morning and going to pick mushrooms out of the pointer field (at the junction of Kellet Lane and Bolton le sands road. Picking a good helping of watercress out of Lunn beck (now long gone under the motorway), spending endless hours searching for and picking beautifully perfumed wild primroses out of the hedgerows together with wild violets and strawberries from the end of Shaw Lane – just beyond Clark’s Farm ( now the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Rudkin).Going to school dressed in a woollen vest, fleecy liberty bodice, home knitted wool jumper and wool cardigan, long black wool stockings held up by garters made from knicker elastic and at playtime drinking the bottle of milk provided and trying to bring back some warmth into my frozen solid white fingers on the radiators which varied between stone cold and luke warm. When it snowed school finishing early and collecting sledges from Mr. George Harrison who lived in Bank House, some of them holding three or four, and sledging down Ash Meadow when it was the school field. Watching a friend forgetting to turn into the trees at the bottom left corner and going straight over the wall, dropping down onto the road – good job it was then and not now! There hardly being any traffic in those days. Having to walk up the village to Gorst’ farm for milk for my parents and also for our neighbours and being terrified to walk past the Chapel (Methodist Church) in the dark, only having the light off my father’s bicycle to show me the way. And I hardly dare admit this – sorry Herbert but I was one of that gang of kids that persistently sneaked into your dad’s barn and made tunnels into the bales of straw and slid down off the hay mow (mew). This must have severely tested the patience of Roy and Dick who had constantly to come down and pile it back up again and make sure the bales were stacked safely. (you must have some wonderful ghosts Steve!)

Your best childhood memory Getting a three wheel bicycle for Christmas – wow! Wheels of my own, I could not believe it. How times have changed.

Your favourite food and drink Roast beef and roast potatoes together with a nice bottle of Chateauneuf -du –Pape

Your favourite song/artist Dire Straits – Mark Knopfler

Your favourite TV show Antiques Roadshow

What is your most embarrassing moment? 8 Hmmmm! Attending a get together of all our branch offices for nibbles and drinks to be followed by an evening meal at a local restaurant. Moving around chatting with all my colleagues, nibbling, drinking, and not noticing that my glass was never getting any emptier, making our way to the restaurant where I was placed on the right hand of the Senior Partner of the firm. I remember ordering my meal and the next thing I remember was wakening up in the Ladies room, violently ill. When it was time to go home I went back downstairs to be told that I had passed out very gracefully onto the lap of my boss. However, I had the last laugh. Because I had been so ill I did not have any hangover, and being the keyholder to the office, found no difficulty in arriving first at the office. When everyone else arrived, much the worse for wear, they could not believe I was there, thinking that I would at least take the day off work. Served them right.

What is your worst fear? I have already had it. Nothing can be worse than losing your daughter in a horrific car crash.

Do you have any regrets? No. Well maybe only a very slight regret or really not even that. I was offered the position of secretary to the Home Sales Manager at Williamsons. This meant travelling the Country with him to seminars, sales conferences etc and staying away from home for days and even week-ends. Having weighed up the pros and cons ( I was already engaged by this time and not really wanting a long term career) I refused the position. He subsequently went on to be Managing Director of Nairn Williamson and I sometimes wonder whether it would have made any difference to my life if I had taken that position. But no, I don’t regret taking the decision I did.

Do you have a hobby or pastime? Well, yes of course. I am treasurer of the Bowling Club which I have enjoyed for several years. I enjoy playing bowls and hope that I may be able to play again before very long – hope springs eternal. I also enjoy tracing my family history and would like to devote more time to this end.

What is the worst thing about living in the village? Don’t think there is a worst.

What is the best thing about living in the village? What can I say. I certainly could not live in a town. I enjoy the peace, friends, surrounding countryside and when Charlotte died I was overwhelmed by the friendship and offers of help etc from all the village. Nether Kellet is the only place for me. 9

10 Nether Kellet Indoor Bowling Club

The club continues to operate on a Thursday morning and on a Wednesday each week, the times for which are set out on the rear cover of this little publication. Whilst we have a regular number of members attending each session, new members are always welcome and it is essential, as with all activities that take place in the village, that we attract more new blood. Whilst it is not a difficult game to pick up, from past experience, most people who join us are soon able to hold their own with many of the established players. So, if you feel that you would like to give it a try don’t just stand by. It is surely better than daytime TV or evening TV come to that. We are a very sociable bunch and it is sometimes a bit of a struggle to persuade people on to the mats as they are deeply engrossed in conversation.

On the 19th February, the annual meeting of the club was held. Both Jean Crabtree, who has served as Chairman of the club for many years as chairman and Marion Preston, who has held the position of Treasurer for even more years, had already expressed the wish to relinquish their roles but had agreed to continue on the committee if required. They were both thanked for the valuable contribution each had made to the running of the club. In their stead Michael Watson was proposed as Chairman and John Harding had agreed that he would be willing to fill the role of Treasurer. The committee was unanimously re-elected by the membership as were both the new treasurer and chairman. Catherine Williams is to continue as Secretary and she also received a vote of thanks.

It was agreed at the meeting that for the next year the annual subscription should remain unchanged at £5 per person and that the charge for each session would also remain at £1.50 for players and 50 pence for non-players, to cover the costs of refreshments.

On Wednesday evenings, early in the year, members compete for the Angela Redford trophy and at the time of writing Roy Clement, Robert Whitaker and Michael Watson are left to fight for a place in the final. This is an interesting competition insofar as in each qualifying round it is competed as the best of three games of seven ends. The final is fought out as the best of five games with the first to win three games gaining the trophy.

There are four other competitions that are run during the year and on the 26th February nine entrants competed for the Jack Walton Trophy, which is a knock-out competition for single players (they can be married!) and each game is over seven ends. I am told that it was a thrilling final with Bill Muckle and Michael Watson level on six points each after playing six ends. Each player plays four woods in turn and after Michael had used three woods he was two ahead. However, Bill then stole these away with his third wood and was holding one which left him in a winning position. With his last wood Michael stole this from Bill and therefore held one winning wood. Unfortunately for Bill he was unable to alter the position with his last wood and Michael was declared the ultimate winner. I can truthfully say that this was

11 one of the most enjoyable games I have ever played and it was a travesty of justice that either of us had to lose.

The club has established a relationship with a club from Tebay and in fact one of the players from Tebay, Brian, has for a number of years also been a member of our club. Over the past few years members from Nether Kellet have visited Tebay and they have in turn come to us. On Monday 23rd March a contingent from Tebay will be visiting us at Nether Kellet. These are always enjoyable occasions with a bit of very friendly rivalry and food and drink and chat. Michael Watson

LUNE VALLEY QUILTING (Saturday group )

We would like to invite everyone to our annual fabric sale. Doughtys bring hundreds of fabrics for our perusal, utopia for all quilters and sewers.

Come along and bring a friend no charge to enter.

WED 15th APRIL 10.30.TO.1.30

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Barry Hiley Joinery, 8 Grange View Road,

Nether Kellet

A time served Joiner with City and

Guilds Qualifications

Over 20 years experience in all

aspects of Joinery.

Call 07776 206115 for a quotation.

13 For Your Bookshelf

Sam and Billy of Carnforth Bookshop recommend some great books for reading at your leisure.

Ross Poldark Winston Graham £7.99

This classic novel has once again become a popular read with the BBC remaking the iconic series. The book sees Ross Poldark, tired from the war in America, return home to his land and his family. Upon returning he discovers unfortunate news of his family, his estate derelict and the woman he loves engaged to another man.

Growin' Up in Lancashire: Memories of a Northern Childhood Brian Carline £7.99

This is a wonderfully funny book that is perfect for anyone who grew up in Lancashire during the 1940`s or 50`s.

With mentions of Izal loo paper to Dolly Blue and from days at the seaside to wearing patched up trousers and hand-me-downs, this is a fantastic present for anyone who enjoys reminiscing about their childhood.

The Maze Runner James Dashner £7.99

This exhilarating series has now developed a cult following.

When the doors of the lift crank open, the only thing Thomas remembers is his first name. But he's not alone. He's surrounded by boys who welcome him to the Glade, a walled encampment at the centre of a bizarre and terrible stone maze. All they know is that every morning when the walls slide back, they will risk everything, even the Grievers (half machine, half animal creatures that patrol the corridors), to try and find out.

/CarnforthBooks @CarnBooks

More information is available through our website www.carnforthbooks.co.uk

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15

16 Focus on Warblers ~ Sylviidae

I suppose it is partly because individual species of this family of birds, many of which are not uncommon, are largely insectivorous that they are frequently overlooked. They are, generally speaking, conspicuous by their absence from garden feeders. Most members of this species are summer migrants although the Dartford Warbler is a resident but its range is restricted to the south-east of the country. Others of the species are very difficult to spot with the exception of when they are singing; even then they tend either to sing from within deep cover or from very high vantage points.

By the time that you receive this issue of “Round and About”, the first of the Summer migrants will have made their presence known. Amongst the first of these will be the Chiffchaff so called because of its repetitive song, which is hardly melodious and for warblers is a bit of a let-down. This can usually be heard in the parish by the end of March. Although they nest on the ground, they usually sing from very high vantage points and because of the lack of vegetation in early spring, can usually be spotted fairly easily. The next to be heard is the Blackcap, which has a much more melodious song and, whilst sometimes to be heard in late March, I have rarely heard one before the first week in April. Unlike the Chiffchaff, this attractive little bird is often very difficult to spot as it has a habit of singing from deep within cover. When seen, the male has a distinctive black cap as its name would suggest and a soft grey back and even lighter grey under-parts fading to white. The hen bird, if you are lucky enough to see it, sports a brown cap.

The next arrival from this interesting family of birds is the Willow Warbler, which happens also to be Great Britain’s most numerous summer migrant. It is almost indistinguishable from the Chiffchaff in appearance and although its song is not as musical as the Blackcap’s, it nevertheless sings a delightful cadence and I always feel that once I have heard the song of the Willow Warbler the warmer days cannot be far away and that Winter is but a distant memory. They can usually be heard from about the 12th of April onwards and, unlike many of their close relations, often sing from prominent fairly low down perches. Both the Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff have subtle olive tinged upper parts, although the Chiffchaff is browner; both have paler under parts and sport distinctive eye-stripes.

One of the next to come is the Garden Warbler, which despite the nomenclature is quite a rarity in any but the biggest garden. Its song is often confused with that of the Blackcap but tends to be more extended in length and in variety of notes. Whilst the

17 Nightingale, a member of the Thrush family, has by far the best song of any bird present in the wild in this country, both the Blackcap and the Garden Warbler are next in line and in fact the Blackcap is sometimes referred to as the northern Nightingale. The Garden Warbler is even more difficult to spot and although obviously singing very close at hand it tends to sing from deep cover. It also suffers from the fact that it has very few defining features, being the archetypal “little brown job”.

Whilst there are other birds of this family that can be seen or heard in the district time and space means that they must be left for another day. It should be added that, without exception, species from this family of birds, although being very varied in other ways, are amongst the most elegant and dainty of our native birds. Most warblers that nest here spend the Winter months in Africa and the Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff for example are smaller than out native Blue Tits; Blackcaps and Garden Warblers are about the size of Great Tits. Michael Watson

Neighbourhood Watch Report

Recent updates have been supplied by our local Police Liaison officer.

Tips and advice on safer internet use can be obtained by accessing www.saferinternet.org.uk

The police are appealing for witnesses to a serious collision in Carnforth on 31st January at 11pm. A pedestrian crossing Scotland road near the junction with Market Street was in collision with a Mitsubishi Shogun.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number 1428 of 31st January.

What can we do as individuals to help others and be a good neighbour?

Here are a few suggestions:

• Get to know your neighbours and greet them when you meet • Help by putting bins out and away if they are infirm or on holiday. • Have a name of the next of kin to contact in an emergency and perhaps hold a key. • Keep an eye on empty houses (whether they are unoccupied or the residents are on holiday). • Check on neighbours who are elderly or confined to their homes to see if they are ok or need anything. • Offer lifts or help with shopping or collecting prescriptions.

18 Please be careful about who you let into your home. The Police are urging people, particularly the elderly and those who live alone, to remain vigilant and to ensure that their home is secure at all times and not to allow anyone without valid identification access to their home. If you’re unsure, don’t let them in and keep the chain on the door whilst talking to them and check with the company that the person is purporting to be from. Do not become the victim of a distraction burglary.

REMEMBER • Bogus officials can work alone or in groups. • Always be very cautious when anyone calls at your door who you do not know. • Do not be pressurised into letting ANYONE into your home – no matter what excuse they give. A criminal may claim it is an emergency (e.g. water pipe has burst and they need to check your taps) in order to gain access. • DO NOT be tempted by a caller who offers to do work (e.g. “has noticed a few slates loose on the roof”). If you need work doing, call a reputable company. Ask a relative, friend or neighbour for recommendations. If you need advice on who to call, you can ring Help Direct and they will assist you to select a reputable company. • Criminals can be dressed in smart suits or what appears to be a uniform. Do not be deceived. • If you do answer the door, remember to (1) make sure your other door is locked (2) put the door-chain (or door bar) on before opening the door. • Genuine callers will always be happy to make an appointment to call back. • If you are in any doubt – DO NOT OPEN THE DOOR. • If you are suspicious – then call the Police immediately on 101.

If you would like a Neighbourhood Policing Information card to display or an invisible marker pen to label your valuables, please contact me. If you would like to meet for a chat, I intend to be at the last Friday of each month coffee morning at the Congregational schoolroom 10pm-12 noon. Steve Marsden

19 Halton Pharmacy

110 High Road Halton Lancaster LA2 6PU

Tel: 01524 812149 FAX: 01524 812168

(Incorporating Post Office ~ open Mon Wed Fri) Customer car park for easy access

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm

www.haltonpharmacy.co.uk

Sign up for our FREE Prescription Collection / Delivery Service to your home

Ash Trees Pharmacy

Market Street Carnforth LA5 9JU

Tel: 01524 727877 FAX: 01524 730421

EXTENDED OPENING ~ 100 HOURS Monday to Friday 7am to 11pm Saturday 8am to 6.30pm Sunday 8am to 6pm

www.ashtrees.co.uk

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Local Plumbing,

Heating and Gas

Specialists

Tel: 01524 720438 Mobile: 07887 565 509

www.johnladell.co.uk

One Waybend Cottage, 75 Main Road, Nether Kellet, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 1EQ

AUGHTON ROAD BOARDING KENNELS

High Snab Farm, Gressingham, Lancaster, LA2 8LS

‘Individual care and attention for your dog’ ‘Spacious kennels in rural location’

Contact Helen on

07766446272 or 015242 21347

[email protected] www.aughtonroadkennels.co.uk

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CARNFORTH CHIROPODIST

Chiropody & Podiatry Services

Carol M Sedgwick

BSc (Hons), HCPC, MChS, MInsChP

Private Clinic & Member of the Health & Care Home Visits Profession Council

Mb: 07725300290 Hm: 01524 730179 ‘Your wellbeing comes first’

www.carnforthchiropodist.co.uk

22 Nether Kellet Parish Council

It continues to be disappointing that despite frequent reminders to “County Highways”, the long ago promised enhancement of white lining and slow signage on Back Lane has still not been completed, although in their last response, it was stated that the necessary works would be completed as ‘soon as possible’. The surfacing around a number of manhole covers on Main Road is showing signs of breaking up and it has been brought to the attention of the highways team. This also applies to the surface surrounding the joint to the west of the bridge over the M6.

Our community beat officer PC Linda Head has been transferred to operate from Morecambe and her replacement is PC 3573 Rob Barnsley whose email address is [email protected] We thank Linda for all that she has done in service to the parish and welcome Rob Barnsley in his new role. Linda has completed the application for funding of the proposed “SPID” device and we now await confirmation as to whether or not the bid has been successful.

A new number for reporting defective street lighting to the County Council is 0300- 1236701. This is a free number and can be used by any member of the public. The caller will receive a reference number from the operator which can be referred to if the works are not attended to or if the problem returns.

It is pleasing to note that the application to create a dwelling utilising the site of the long derelict premises opposite the Limeburner’s Arms has received the approval of the planners. At the meeting of the parish council on the 4th March the councillors raised no objections to three recently submitted planning applications which involved firstly, an extension to 14 Hornby Bank, secondly a dormer to 32 Bridge Road and thirdly, an extension at 1 Intack Bungalows.

Over the last week, Mike Ashton had busied himself in clearing the pavements in the village in preparation for the City Council Road Sweeper which came on Thursday 5th March. He also accompanied the operator on the day and this co-operation between the lengthsman and the City Council has produced results leading to a very much improved appearance to the roadways and pavements in the village.

In the last “Round and About” was an article referring to the creation of “Wild Flower Refuges”. It is most unlikely that anything of this nature will be brought about this year but due consideration will be given to this initiative over the next few months in order to identify suitable sites and also to ascertain the amount of interest and willingness of volunteers to participate in their creation and maintenance. In the meantime we have been invited by Erica Sarney to observe a team in action at Arkholme Close in Carnforth.

Spring-time gives an opportunity to identify tasks that are in need of attention. The parish council has a responsibility for the care and maintenance of items such as the play equipment in the children’s play area as well as numerous seats within the parish both in the built-up area and in other parts. A list has been drawn up for 23 example of painting jobs and these will be prioritised. There are some works to our footpaths which ideally could be considered but anyone who has used the footpaths of late will be conscious of the number of great improvements that have been made over the past year. However, it is to be hoped that some further works can be achieved in the near future to assist users.

On the 7th May, in addition to the general election, elections for the City Council are due to take place as well as elections for the Parish Council. Should anyone wish to consider themselves as a candidate to serve on the parish council, election packs will be available from 12th March and there will have been a briefing session for prospective councillors held at both Lancaster Town Hall. Nomination papers will need to be at Lancaster Town Hall by noon on the 10th April. This is a legal requirement and will apply to existing councillors as well as to new candidates. It is anticipated that a flier will have been distributed to each household in the parish alerting residents to the parish council elections and also requesting that individuals consider standing as prospective candidates.

As always, all our meetings are open to members of the public and we would especially welcome residents to attend the annual meeting of the council which will take place on Wednesday 6th May. Michael Watson ~ Parish Clerk

Along with the daffodils, this is another harbinger of Spring!

Female Marsh Harrier hunting over a pussy willow in the Leighton Moss reed beds

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Walk Number Two ~ Limestone Country

Nether Kellet, Laithbutt’s Lane, Swantley Lake, Green Hill Lane, Dunald Mill Lane, Hill Lane, Nether Kellet Length ~ 4.5 miles 7.25 kilometres Time Allowed ~ one and a half to two hours

This walk takes in the varied countryside which includes many limestone features and viewpoints to the east of the village.

Start: Limeburner’s Arms Nether Kellet. Cross the Main Road from the Limeburners and head on a steady gradient uphill passing the congregational church on your left. Keep going ignoring any side roads and cross Back Lane to head towards Over Kellet. Turn left into Laithbutt’s Lane and continue past the houses to access a track to the right of a field gate. This is an opportunity, of which there are many, to pause and look at the splendid view over the northern part of Morecambe Bay and nearby Warton Crag across to Grange-over-Sands, the Furness peninsula and the Lakeland Fells on the far horizon.

Keep going up the track to reach an open area on which you will find a seat; another excuse for a rest. From here can be seen most of the village of Nether Kellet with Morecambe, Lancaster, Clougha across the Lune Valley and if you are lucky, on the clearest of days, Blackpool Tower and the ‘Big One’! Open the gate in front of you 25 and follow alongside the field until a large wooden kissing-gate is reached. To the left, on occasions, the distinctive shape of Ingleborough can often be seen and the gaping hole left by the extension to Back Lane Quarry and its more recent amalgamation with Leapers Wood Quarry. It seems impossible to think that the path that we are following at one time headed straight across this great divide! This part of the path was created as a result of quarry extensions

Once through the gate the path passes through some new woodland and shortly on the right is a feature known as Hawthorns Crags. This is a site of varied wild flower displays throughout Spring and Summer months and the whole of this stretch of the path attracts a variety of wild life. The path then descends passing a concrete trough after which it bends left to meet a gate leading on the left to pass in front of a lime- kiln to reach the entrance to the offices of Aggregate Industries. At the entrance join the road turning left until a junction is reached on the right.

Take this turning and up a short hill past Wayside on your right and then pass a small wood on the left, and continue, until where the overhead power lines cross the road a gate on the right appears leading to Swantley Lake. Go through this gate and head diagonally left across a field to a wooden step stile by a gate, which gives access to an area of gorse and rough pasture; another haven for wild-life. The route of the path is officially shown to go straight ahead, but it is advisable to deviate to the right towards the derelict toilet block. Just before the block, turn left up the slope and in about 100 yards turn right on a wide grassy track. In a short while, look to the left where a stile leads on to Addington Lane. Cross over the stile. Once in the lane, immediately on the right is a gate with a stile to its left. Cross over this to access Green Hill Lane.

This is a mainly grassy track from which outstanding views to the west and north can be enjoyed. Parts of this lane can get very wet and unless in ‘wellies’ or the like, care should be taken where feet are placed. About 200 yards in, on the right are a couple of ponds, which again attract a variety of wild-life. Throughout this part of the route look out for and listen for Lapwings, Curlews, Oystercatchers and Buzzards as well as, in the right season, several different warblers. When Dunald Mill Lane is reached pass through the gate and turn right.

If you have time, a visit to the pond just a few yards up on the left may prove to be worthwhile. Dunald Mill Lane has a wide selection of wild flowers during the period from March to September. This is also an opportunity to view the interesting crags to the west of Green Hill Lane. Continue along the lane passing the Gas Compressor Stations on your left. The lane then narrows and as Dunald Mill Cottage is passed on your left, just to the right, a stream disappears into the hidden entrance to Dunald Mill cavern. If you peer over the fence just before a large tree, you will notice a limestone cliff face beneath which is the concealed entrance to the cave.

At the next junction keep right, to pass the works of Dunald Mill Quarry to the right, with the large abandoned quarry on the left. Keep going and descend the hill until a gateway appears to the left before the buildings of Newlands Farm on the right. Go 26 through the metal kissing-gate and ascend the grassy track, observing some interesting rock formations in the field to the right. The track curves to the left around at the top, and a seat is situated to the left of the path, which enjoys an extensive view across the north of Morecambe Bay to the Lakeland fells (on a clear day). To the left is the deep crater in which the quarry is located, with views across to Ingleborough. A gate then blocks the way but this should be opened and the track kept to until the top of Hill Lane is reached.

It is difficult to believe that Hill Lane kept straight on in an easterly direction to join with Longdales Lane, which was passed along between the junction with Dunald Mill Lane and the metal kissing gate. In many ways I am always amazed at how well the quarries are hidden from view. If you look over the gate ahead of the track, there is a view to Lancaster, the Forest of Bowland and on a clear day, to Blackpool Tower and the Big One. It just leaves a turn to the right to descend Hill Lane, passing Hill Top Farm on the left. Ahead there are views across Lawson’s Farm with Dale Barns Farm further on and the rest of the village to the right. At the bottom of the hill turn right into Shaw Lane and then right again into Halton Road to the starting point.

Michael Watson ~ March 2015

to Nether Kellet

Jean and Robin Baines and Andrew Lowther 83 Main Road

27 What's on in Nether Kellet?

Saturday 4 April Family Easter Bingo Nether Kellet Village Hall

4-6 p.m.

Wednesday 15 April Lune Valley Quilters Nether Kellet Village Hall annual fabric sale 10.30 - 1.30 p.m.

Sunday 26 April Bacon Butty Brunch Nether Kellet Village Hall

11.00 a.m.

Beryl Vernon would like to thank everyone for their cards, flowers and gifts given to me during my recent stays in Blackpool Victoria hospital. Also thank you to those of you who visited me. I really value the support of my friends in the village.

200 club

The February winners are:

First prize £ 50 Mrs Tina Riley

Second prize £25 Mrs Maggie Johnson

28 12

VILLAGE HALL ACTIVITIES

Village Hall Social meetings on 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month, Club 9.00-11.00 p.m.

Bowling Wednesdays: 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. Thursdays: 10.00 - 12.00 noon Jean Crabtree: Pump Cottage 732771

Rainbows Thursdays: 3.30 - 4.30 p.m. Mrs T Stott: 17 Bridge Road 733545

Brownies Thursdays: 5.30 - 7.00 p.m. Mrs T Stott: 17 Bridge Road 733545

WI 2nd Friday in the month: 7.30 p.m. Mrs J Mace: Downderry, Halton Road 733801

Quilting Last Saturday in the month 10.30a.m. - 4.00 p.m. Club Mrs Y Beal: 16 Church Hill 736578

Bacon Butty Last Sunday in the month (usually) Brunch Joyce Mace (Village Hall Committee) 733801

Booking Clerk Mrs Y Beal: 16 Church Hill 736578

If you are a local business and would like to advertise your company in this magazine, please contact Steve Hinde, The Barn, Halton Road, Nether Kellet. Tel 734135

Prices are as follows-: full page advertisement £8.00 per edition half page advertisement £4.00 per edition quarter page advertisement £2.00 per edition

VILLAGE ACTIVITIES ELSEWHERE

Congregational Morning Service 10.45 am Church: Evening Service 6.30 pm Sunday School in Church Hall approx 11.15 am

Coffee Morning: 2nd and 4th Friday in the month 10.00 - 12.00 noon in the Congregational Schoolroom Jean Towers 812103 Muriel Ward 737895

St. Mark’s Services every Sunday at 9.00 a.m.; Church: Family Service each fourth Sunday in the month. Vicar - Revd. Nancy Goodrich, The Vicarage, Main Road, Bolton-le-Sands. 823106

Mobile Library: Every other Thursday: Hornby Bank 11.05 - 11.15 a.m. approx Meadowcroft 11.20 - 11.40 a.m. “ Village Hall 11.45 - 11.55 a.m. “ Laithbutts Lane 12.00 - 12.20 p.m. “

Police: Police Station, Lancaster 63333 Paul Shepherd PCSO ([email protected])

PACT Surgery: 4th Friday each month, 10.00 a.m. - 12 noon At the Congregational Schoolroom, Main Road

Neighbourhood Watch Steve Marsden Co-ordinator: 19 Bridge Road 730024

Twinning Secretary - Christine Holdsworth 736179 Association: Chairman – Margaret James-Barber 735470

Nether Kellet Head Teacher - Mrs N Brough 733778 Community Primary School

City Councillor Roger Mace Downderry, Halton Rd., Nether Kellet, LA6 1EU 733801 for Kellet Ward ([email protected] & www.maceonline.co.uk)

County Councillor Susie Charles ([email protected]) 01772 537577 07710 513468

Chairman Parish Chris Halhead 732937 Council

Parish Clerk Michael Watson 734624