ISSUE 102 NOVEMBER 2017

THE

OVER KELLET VIEW

Price £1.00 (but free of charge to every household in ) For the next (December/January) issue, the closing date for news, articles and advertisements is 15 November 2017. All contributions should be sent to the email address: [email protected] Editorial Board: Chris Pogson and Peter Clinch Advertising: Jane Meaden BOARD OF MANAGEMENT Chairs ex-officio of the Parish Council and Parochial Church Council We are grateful to the above organisations for their financial support

We are happy to accept contributions in any electronic form. Please use Microsoft Word or its equivalent (Arial 14pt, margins 1.5cm, paper size A4). Advertisements should be in a form compatible with PC software. Photos (strictly less than 1MB), and other illustrative material should be sent as separate files—no embedded objects please. The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Editorial Team or Board of Management. Every care has been taken in trying to provide accurate information, particularly in the Diary, the Directory, on Local Services and with bus times. We apologise if any errors creep in; please let us know if you do find any so that they can be amended for next time.

The Over Kellet View is published every month (except January and August), and distributed to all residents within the parish of Over Kellet. It can also be seen on the village website (www.overkellet.org), in a colour version. We are grateful to the webmaster, Gordon Galloway, for his expert help. ©2017 Over Kellet View Meadowbank House, Craggs Hill [email protected]

Front Cover: Garden Toadstools (Jane Meaden)

Printed by Bay Typesetters, Tel: 01524 850056, 07710 405864 [email protected] THE NOVEMBER VIEW There is a wide range of articles in this edition and we hope you enjoy reading it and find something of interest and/or of use to you. Of note is the information about services offered by the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in this area; last year they helped over 200 people save an average of over £560 on their fuel bills. All you need to do is attend with a fuel bill and details of your current tariff. They even come to Library for outreach sessions. If you, or someone you know, don’t have internet access, this could enable you to take advantage of cheaper tariffs. Angela Huck has been involved with the magazine for several years, initially as an editor and latterly as our reporter at Parish Council meetings. This month will be her last—we are hugely grateful for the substantial contributions she has made to the magazine. What is coming up in the village? There is a meeting on November 21st about the possibility of the Parish forming a Neighbourhood Plan. This project could increase the amount of control the residents have over planning decisions in the village. Please read the article on page 24 for details of this and how it might affect our village. The Christmas tree lights switch on will be along soon—another chance to socialise with your fellow residents following the very successful and enjoyable B4RN ceilidh in October. Jane Meaden

3 CHURCH NEWS At our Harvest Festival service, we sang that ‘all was safely gathered in, ʾere the winter storms begin’ but we are mindful that for our local farmers this has been a difficult wet season. We are very grateful to all who decorated the church so wonderfully for harvest and to all who contributed gifts for the local foodbank. The weight of tins and dried food collected was 58kg and weight of vegetables and fresh fruit was 60kg. This fantastic achievement was received with very sincere thanks by the foodbank who are working to provide help for those in great need. November is a month for remembering not just the ‘gunpowder, treason and plot’ on the 5th but on Sunday 12th we will be joining the nation to remember and honour those who have sacrificed their lives to secure and protect our freedom. Our Remembrance Day service is at St Cuthbert’s at 10.15am to be followed by a service on the Village Green at 10.55am. Do join us for these acts of remembrance which are part of our life, culture and heritage. Thanks to a generous legacy we have been able to finalise plans to upgrade the church kitchen, repair damaged church windows and replace worn aisle carpets which will result in a major improvement to our ancient village church. However, we expect further 'expense challenges' will be raised after our mandatory quinquennial building survey. The maintenance of listed church buildings has always been a challenge for local communities and we are no exception as we are currently struggling to pay the quotas to the Diocese of and the Methodist circuit to support the witness and ministry of St Cuthbert’s. Our church is not only a place for Christian worship but also a valuable resource for the local community. As it is our gift day on 19th November we would be grateful for your generous support whether you are a regular church member or not. Donations can be made in the envelope enclosed in this issue of the Over Kellet View and brought to the service on the 19th and then given to one of the wardens or a member of the congregation. If you are a taxpayer, completing and signing the Gift Aid envelope will increase your gift to the church by 25%. In preparation for the Christmas services we will be having another Christmas window-dressing event to raise money for local and national charities. If you wish to help with this, please contact Marilyn Whinfield (927793).

Future Events 4th November: Fair Trade Breakfast in the Village Hall between 9.00am and 12.30pm. Come for tea/coffee and, if desired, a full English Breakfast. Fairly traded goods and Christmas decorations will be available for all to buy.

9th December: a Christmas Afternoon tea will be held from 3pm in the Village Hall.

If anyone would like to join a small choir to sing at the carols and lessons service on 17th December, please contact Angela Halsey (732972) for more details. 4 CHURCH NEWS CHURCH SERVICES Nov 5 10.30 Holy Communion Rev Derek Raitt Nov 12 10.15 Remembrance Service Mr Alan Hutchings, Lay Reader 10.55 Village Memorial Service Nov 19 10.30 Holy Communion Service Rev Ian Dewar, Hospital Chaplain, Hospitals Nov 26 10.30 Methodist Service Mr Malcolm Smith, Local Preacher Dec 3 10.30 Holy Communion Rev Michael Everitt, Archdeacon of Lancaster Dec 10 10.30 All Age Worship Rev Canon Peter Ballard Dec 17 10.30 Holy Communion Rev Derek Raitt 18.30 Carols and Lessons Service Mr Alan Hutchings, Lay Reader Dec 24 10.30 Methodist Service TBA 23.30 Holy Communion Rev Herrick Daniel Dec 25 10.30 Christmas Day Service Mr Alan Hutchings, Lay Reader Dec 31 10.30 Morning Worship Mr Alan Hutchings, Lay Reader

All are welcome to attend these services and the weekly prayer meeting in church between 10 and 11am on Mondays and the weekly Bible Study in the Village Hall on Wednesdays at 7.30pm. John Halsey

5 OVER KELLET NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH I am glad to say that progress has been made by the police in solving the recent burglaries in Over Kellet and surrounding villages. So we can all relax. But not too much. Now is a good time to devote attention to what security measures we should try to put in place. Last time I wrote in the Over Kellet View about burglar alarms and close-circuit television as ways of protecting your house from breaking and entering. These measures are to prevent any intrusions. Suppose, however, that you are robbed. This could be in your home, while shopping or on holiday. Those who have not suffered this in their lives are inclined to think that it is all right provided that you have insurance. Many who have lost possessions in this way know that it not so simple. Loss of a family heirloom or something left by a friend or family member cannot be made good by payment of a sum of money. Often such items have only little intrinsic value but enormous sentimental value. The police cannot recover items that can be described only in general terms. They have much more success, however, when the property is clearly defined and there is a photograph. Now is a good time to think about the things you value. Take photographs (from several angles) of everything of monetary value or that means something to you. Keep copies of the photos on your computer, if you have one, or in a safe place if you have prints. Remember that fires are more common than burglaries so make sure that ‘safe’ means really safe (in a fireproof box or another house). Make a list of all your possessions in each room. This seems a time-consuming thing to do, but you won’t have to repeat your ‘inventory’ very often; you can check it perhaps once a year. Again keep the list in a safe place. These lists may be very useful if the police ever have to identify stolen articles. Just before going away on holiday, make a check-list of what you are taking with you. That way, you will be able to make a clear statement in the unlikely and unfortunate event that you luggage is lost. There is an organisation that registers and stores safely any list of possessions for you. It is called ‘Immobilise’ and can be found at https://www.immobilise.com/ . There are several benefits of registration, including: 1. Police use ‘Immobilise’ to identify the owners of recovered property thousands of times everyday; 2. Property updates you make are immediately available to the Police nationally. 3. You can combat the sale of stolen gadgets & valuables; alert the second-hand trade and publicly checkable stolen goods, using the database CheckMEND if an item goes missing. 4. You can simplify insurance claims and Police reports with certificates of ownership. 5. If you need to obtain a Loss Report Number for insurance purposes please visit Report My Loss. Chris Pogson

6 WILSON’S ENDOWED SCHOOL NEWS Harvest 2017 The school has had a busy harvest time which began with a celebration in the church. Having given thanks for God’s wonderful gifts, family and friends came to school for a celebration lunch of roast chicken and apple strudel. The children had been busy baking everything from flapjacks to shortbread. These tasty treats were sold and raised £60 for the bishop’s harvest appeal and £60 for the UNICEF hurricane appeal. Visit from Councillor Mace, Mayor of Lancaster Mr Mace joined parents and locals at our monthly community worship. The focus of the worship was the Christian value of service. When asked ‘What does Mr Mace do?’, one pupil replied ‘he serves Lancaster’. Mr Mace talked to the children about his role and responsibilities and answered questions. The children presented him with the school mascot, Wilson Bear, who is now presiding in the mayor’s office and ‘taking note of all that is going on’, according to the mayoress! Oaks’ visit to Our 9–11 year-old pupils had an action-packed day in London in the middle of October. Taking the 7:15am train from Lancaster meant that the group had plenty of time to take in the sites along Whitehall before arriving at Parliament for a guided tour and workshop. Our local MP, David Morris, joined the group at the end of our visit to answer questions. After lunch we walked on to Westminster Abbey to meet colleagues from Blackburn Diocese. They gave us an extra special tour of the Abbey which included visiting Edward the Confessor’s shrine (an area not normally open to the public), and saying prayers for the school. Our final destination was the London Eye where the children tried to beat one another in how many landmarks they could spot and name. The Shard proved a particular favourite but also a bit of a tease, only coming into view when we reached the top of the Eye.

Jo Williams, Headteacher

7 PARISH COUNCIL—OCTOBER After the packed September meeting, there were just five members of the public in attendance at October’s Parish Council, although planning and development issues continued as the main subjects of discussion. Old Hall Farm Proposal—The Highways department of County Council had expressed concerns about pedestrian routes from the proposed site into the centre of the Village. In response, the developers had submitted an illustration to Lancaster City Council’s Planning portal showing ‘Indicative Pedestrian Safety Improvements’; this included the creation of a shared surface space through the cross-roads on The Green and a new pedestrian route across the grass. Concern was expressed about what was described as an “urban solution” being applied within a conservation area. The latest documents relating to this application are available at https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/planning Sustainability—The Parish Council has been invited to take part in a Lancaster City Council survey to help the City Council identify ‘sustainable’ villages which would be capable of supporting additional housing. It was agreed that Cllr Graham Agnew would complete a first draft of the questionnaire for further discussion. Lengthsman—Cllr Margaret Fowler reported that the Lengthsman has been busy cutting grass and that he will spray footpaths with weed-killer when he can be sure of dry weather. He was also tasked with cutting down weeds on footpaths and installing a step on the Top Green below the new notice-board. Road Safety Concerns—Despite numerous letters and the promise of an intervention from County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, there has been no further progress on the repairs to the damaged walls adjoining Over Kellet’s roads. Remembrance Sunday—A ceremony will take place on The Green on Sunday 12 November. Clerk Michael Watson will make arrangements for the necessary road closures and purchase a wreath. Neighbourhood Plan—Further research into the likely benefit of producing a Neighbourhood Plan was inconclusive. Cllr Nick Ward (although not present at this meeting), had suggested a public meeting to canvas views of residents. It was agreed that this meeting would take place in the Village Hall on the evening of 21 November 2017. Emergency Plan—A generator has been purchased in case of electricity cuts. The group is now aiming to compile a list of vulnerable people who may need help in an emergency. Christmas Tree—The Christmas tree will go up on The Green on Saturday 2 December. It is planned to have a lights switch-on event later that day. The full minutes of the Parish Council meeting are available at www.overkellet.org and on display on village notice boards. Next month's Parish Council meeting will take place on Tuesday 14 November at 7.15pm at Wilson's Endowed C of E School. All Parish Council meetings are open to the public. Angela Huck

8 WEATHER DATA FOR SEPTEMBER 2017 There is not much in the way of weather lore for September; I assume that all the phrases relating to flowers and showers have been used up in the lore of previous months! One saying I found predicts that if it does not rain on St Michael’s Day (the 29th) the following spring will be dry but I regret to report that we had 1.8mm (0.06in) of rain on the day. I suppose that September, with its shortening days and the leaves on the trees changing colour, serves as a signal that autumn is upon us. Looking back over this September it seemed to be out of step with the type of weather we expect. It was slightly duller and drier than usual but at least we had no frost. Because of a short time away in Le Havre I made no daily weather observations for the first four days of the month so that my article is based on 26 days of observation. During this period we had 22 rain-days giving a monthly total of 94mm of rain (3.7in), just below the local average of 115mm (4.5in) and the north-west average of 113mm (4.38in). The wettest 24h period was on the 12th with 19mm (0.76in). In this 26-day period the village had 26 sun-days but only managed 121.8h of sun, just above the local average of 118.1h and the north-west average of 120.3h. I suspect, however, that with a total of 23.6h of sun for the days I was absent, there could have been some sun hours on every day. The hottest day of the month was the 5th when the temperature climbed to 19.4°C (67°F), and the sunniest day was the 28th with 8.5h of sun. The coldest day was the 18th, when the temperature reached only 12.3°C (54°F), and the warmest night was that of the 21st with a temperature of 12.9°C (55°F). A review of the four barograph charts for the month showed some interesting periods of instability. At 2am on the 15th the passing of a front was marked on the barograph pen line with a perfect ‘V’ and on the 15th and 16th the pen line became very erratic, possibly indicating some local instability. Looking back in the weather diary, I noted that, at 2am on the 13th, Storm Aileen passed over the village with heavy showers and the wind gusted to 50mph (Force 9); the atmosphere also remained unstable for the rest of the week. Cloud Watcher

9 PROGRESS WITH B4RN

We had a very enjoyable evening at the B4RN Ceilidh. The band ‘Compost’ were excellent and everyone enjoyed the pie and pea supper. £300 was raised which will help provide lunch for our volunteers on our community action days. Work is continuing to complete the connections for the households around all of Church Bank, 51−73 Greenways (odd numbers), and 5−15 Kirklands Road (odd numbers). It is hoped that all the households who wish to be connected to B4RN OK will be enjoying their reliable high-speed broadband connection by Christmas. Next Community Action Day—Saturday 11th November, 9.30am Over Kellet Allotments. Please join us and be involved with the installation of B4RN for Over Kellet. There are jobs for everyone and it's a great way to meet fellow villagers. If you require further information contact: Lesley— [email protected] ; phone 733240 or Nick— [email protected] ; phone 733947. Lesley Gee

10 Guitar Tuition

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11 THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Over Kellet sprinkles a little magic… As a church school, the pupils of Wilson’s Endowed try to reflect a core set of twelve Christian values. They receive awards for demonstrating these values in their daily lives. What is interesting is that, during my time as headteacher, I have witnessed many of our neighbours replicating these very same values. When appointed, I was one of the youngest headteachers in Lancashire and maybe a little apprehensive of my role within the community. Taking up my post, I soon realised that the frequent winds from Morecambe Bay took no prisoners and whistled their way over Carnforth making a beeline for the school grounds. So, in those first few months as head, I fully understood why everyone in Over Kellet needed these unusually ‘hot socks’. Dear Miss Smith helped me out with this one explaining the ins and out of the Horticultural Society aka the ‘HortSoc’. I have to say that initially I was a little daunted by Miss Smith. Being an intrinsic part of the OKHS it was important to call a spade a spade! However, I soon learned that Miss Smith was a lady with an enormous knowledge and equally-sized heart and she always made sure that every child had a little box of Smarties as a treat for entering the annual competition; every now and again she would send a donation saying it pleased her to treat the children. The school is very blessed with the generosity bestowed upon us by the village. Margaret Cobb was a regular visitor to our door. She would collect all sorts of packaging and trimmings for the children to use in craft activities. She would also share most imaginatively her ideas of what the items could become. She had some amazing ideas. The local community are role models for our young people and we are pleased to welcome you to the school and share your expertise. Helen Wain and Pat Woolstencroft’s passion for gardening ensures that our flowerbeds bulge with seasonal fruit and vegetables and exciting flowers—all of which is so inspiring to our band of merry mini-gardeners. Our school library has a brass plaque in memory of Elsie Warburton who in retirement tasked herself with hearing every child read across the school, every week. Her love of reading inspired many a young person and today Mrs Dugdale and Mrs Cowling carry on this tradition. Village organisations also contribute much to life of our school. The Over Kellet WI embroidered our beautiful banner which is used at many special occasions and stands proud in the front hall. The WI have also crafted numerous story sacks to bring books alive for our younger pupils. St Cuthbert’s Church has been a constant support to the school. We have always been warmly welcomed by the congregation, church wardens and clergy. There is a real desire to include the school wherever possible. As a result, once again some of our Year 6 pupils are being confirmed this Autumn. Pupils return to the church for key events after they have left the school because of the happy memories they hold. This article is not intended to be a list of thank-yous. I would definitely run the risk of missing many people. No, I write to express the strength of community that exists in Over Kellet and the benefits that it brings. And yes, Over Kellet epitomises our

12 THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Christian values of compassion, generosity, friendship and more. We don’t have the value of humour perhaps that we should—there’s been plenty over the years…and as Craig in the village shop tells prospective parents wanting directions to the school, “the new head isn’t doing so badly!” In January I will have been here for 17 years. That’s villages for you and I love ‘em and this village is particularly special. Jo Williams

CHRISTMAS COVER As in 2016, we would like to have a child’s picture on our front cover for the December issue.  Pictures should be paintings or drawings of any subject relevant to the season; no photographs, please!  Submissions can be of any size up to A3, but size itself will not be an advantage. One entry per child.  All entries will appear on the village website in full colour.  The deadline for submission is November 12.  Pictures should be sent or taken either to the school or directly to Jane Meaden at West Penwith, Kirkby Lonsdale Road, tel: 732456.  Please make sure that entries are identified by name, age and contact details (but not on the front, please).

13 THE DIARY Regular Weekly Events SUNDAYS 1030 Nov 5 Holy Communion 1000 Nov 12 Remembrance Service & Village Memorial Service 1030 Nov 19 Holy Communion 1030 Nov 26 Methodist Communion Service For Services in December, please see page 5, Church News MONDAYS 0830 Weekly (not Dec 25) Playgroup 2–4 Years 1330 Weekly (not Dec 11, 25) Indoor Bowls 1700 Weekly (not Dec 25) Keep Active 1930 Weekly (not Dec 18, 25) Scottish Dancing TUESDAYS 0830 Weekly (not Dec 26) Playgroup 2–4 Years 0900 Weekly (Schooldays only) Playgroup-Toddlers (School) 1400 Weekly (not Dec 12, 26) Short Tennis 1730 Weekly (November only) Sugar Craft WEDNESDAYS 0830 Weekly (not Nov 1; Dec 20, 27) Playgroup 2–4 Years 1930 Weekly Church Bible Study 2000 Weekly Badminton THURSDAYS 0830 Weekly (not Nov 2; Dec 21, 28) Playgroup 2–4 Years 1930 Nov 9; Dec 14 WI FRIDAYS 0830 Weekly (not Nov 3; Dec 22, 29) Playgroup 2–4 Years

REFUSE COLLECTION IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER Grey bin: Nov 13, 27; Dec 11, 23 Green bin/recycling: Nov 6, 20; Dec 4, 18 (boxes only)

14 THE DIARY Monthly Calendar

NOVEMBER Saturday 4 1000 Fair Trade Breakfast Sunday 5 1330 Walking Group—Cockerham Thursday 9 1930 WI Annual Meeting Tuesday 14 1915 Parish Council Meeting (School) Wednesday 15 0900 Walking Group—Red Nab, Windermere Friday 17 1930 OKDHS AGM Friday 24 1930 OKDHS Talk by Susan Rowley, Head Gardener, Sizergh Hall on ‘Sizergh - a garden for all seasons’; featuring ‘the stumpery’ as seen on TV and national news DECEMBER Saturday 2 1600 Over Kellet Christmas Tree lights switch-on (Village Green) Sunday 3 1330 Walking Group—Witherslack Saturday 9 1500 Christmas Afternoon Tea Tuesday 12 1915 Parish Council Meeting (School) Wednesday 13 0900 Walking Group—Longsleddale OR Yorkshire Dales Thursday 14 1930 WI Meeting—Talk by Marilyn Whinfield on 'Christmas' Sunday 17 1830 Village Carol Service

All events take place in the Village Hall unless otherwise stated

15 LOCAL CITIZENS ADVICE NEWS

HELP FOR PEOPLE LIKE YOU During the year 2016/2017 your local Citizens Advice offices in Lancaster and Morecambe helped 6,277 people with 18,457 issues. The top five issues were benefits and tax credits, debt, housing, gas/electric/water problems and employment difficulties. The two offices also dealt with issues around financial capability (help with budgeting), family and relationships, general legal matters, consumer goods and services. From that list you will see there is a mix of issues, many where money is a key factor as well as issues about citizens rights. The financial benefit to our clients has been calculated using an HM Treasury approved model and comes in at a staggering £8.99 million for 2016/2017 alone. This benefit helps not only individual clients but the local economy also. For example, a family which either does not realise they are entitled to state benefits or are receiving a reduced amount through an error by the Government department concerned, will now be able to receive extra income to spend in local shops and on services.

State Benefits The roll-out in the Lancaster and Morecambe area of Universal Credit (UC), the Government's new umbrella benefit incorporating several previously free-standing benefits, has brought with it many teething problems and serious deprivation for some claimants. A recent survey conducted in the local area discovered that 60% of new claimants for UC have to wait six weeks for their first payment. This delay can lead to mounting rent arrears, other debt repayments spiralling and the need to ask for a referral to the Food Bank. Many clients feel embarrassed at having to ask for this type of help but our helping hand is there.

Housing From the press and TV you will know there is a housing crisis in and Wales. Private rented housing is often in poor condition yet tenants cannot afford to move. Relationships with landlords deteriorate due to problems of disrepair or difficulties in making rent payments. During 2016/2017 we helped 940 people with housing problems. We have also helped clients with mortgage issues, neighbour disputes and a host of general environmental health matters.

Gas/Electric/Water Many people do not shop-around to buy gas and electricity, so pay a lot more than they need to. Last year we helped 208 local people achieve an average saving of £561.87 on their energy bills. Just bring in your most recent energy bills and details of the energy tariff you are signed up to and we will see how we can help.

Debt Debt is an issue which some people know they have but feel helpless about addressing and getting help. The first and often biggest step is to come through the door of a Citizens Advice office or talk to one of our staff at the regular out-reach

16 LOCAL CITIZENS ADVICE NEWS sessions in Carnforth Library, Caton Institute or Halton Centre. Sometimes this moment of seeking help is only prompted by threatening letters from creditors or bailiffs turning up on the doorstep. Your local offices saw 1,194 clients in 2016/2017 and were able to solve 66% of the debt problems raised. We successfully re-negotiated payment plans on behalf of clients relating to £1,378,786 of debt and successfully had £1,714,964 of debt written off. So, if you need help or advice on any of the issues mentioned above, please come to one of our out-reach sessions 'bringing Citizens Advice to the local community'. The

November sessions are as follows: Carnforth Library Wednesday 1st and 22nd 2pm to 4.30pm & Saturday 11th November 10am to 1pm Caton Victoria Institute Tuesday 7th November 10am to 1pm Halton, The Centre th Sunday 5 November 12 to 2pm; look out for publicity on the mid-week dates Alternatively, call into one of our offices. We look forward to seeing you and helping resolve problems which may be concerning you. North Lancashire Citizens Advice: Oban House, 87-89 Queen Street, Morecambe, LA4 5EN 87 King Street, Lancaster, LA1 1RH Both offices open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm Office telephone for both locations: 01524 400404

National CA self-help web site: www.citizensadvice.org.uk The figures quoted in this article are taken from the Citizens Advice North Lancashire Annual Report 2016/2017: Moving forward together.

17 OK VIEW─5 YEARS AGO (NOVEMBER 2012) The October View reflected on the aftermath of the Olympics and commented that there was a huge increase in the number of people offering to help their communities in some way or other, as well as being inspired to take up a sport; the sale of bicycles in particular increased. It is also indisputable that street/green/park parties encouraged people to get to know their neighbours and that meetings and conversations over shared meals contributed to the fun and encouraged new friendships. Perhaps there will be more meeting, greeting and volunteering in the future—the reports contained within this magazine reflect that generosity of spirit quite clearly exists here. The focus of the November issue five years ago was, as is usual in November, Remembrance Sunday. There was a special ecumenical service on the 8th at St. Cuthbert’s Church, continuing at 10:50 with the Act Of Remembrance and the laying of wreaths on the village green. Bob Escolme introduced the Lanes of Over Kellet, explaining the origins of lanes in the parish; he estimated that Maggie Eglin's Lane (which runs past the Methodist Cemetery) was at least 800 years old. Incredible to imagine and finding out a bit more about Maggie Eglin is now on my ‘to do list’. The school hosted the now annual MacMillan’s coffee morning. Once again the smell of sizzling bacon permeated the school corridors from 8.30 am. Coffee and cakes were enjoyed by parents, staff and governors and a total of £171.30 was raised for charity. Also hosted by the school was the Harvest Festival and Harvest Lunch which raised a total of £74.30 for the Bishop of Blackburn’s Harvest Appeal. This was donated to the Christian Aid Charity in Columbia and Malawi. The Harvest Lunch tables were laden with fruit crumble and Yorkshire puddings as the children shared a festive lunch with parents and grandparents. Cloud watcher reported that the village had enjoyed something of an Indian Summer which may have made up for the poor earlier summer. Apparently it was not so much the rain but the low temperatures and the unusual winds that made flowering late and slowed the ripening of our tomatoes. Nothing new there then—we still have green tomatoes in our greenhouse so I think the chance of them ripening now is fairly remote. Liz Brewster

THE 200 CLUB The result of the draw for September was: 1st (£25) Mrs L Agnew (33) 2nd (£15) Mr K Lawson (122) 3rd (£10) Mr N Ward (148)

Congratulations to all our winners.

18 END OF AN ERA After over 80 years of supplying milk to the residents of Over Kellet, the last member of the Metcalfe/Stephenson family involved in delivering milk has finally decided to retire. The Metcalfe family began farming in the village around the start of the 19th century and over the last 200 years have seen many changes and faced many challenges. It was during the agricultural downturn of the 1930s that they first started to supply milk directly to customers. People from the village would come to the farm with jugs and cans and a cream-run to Morecambe was also started. The cream-run involved Joyce and Ethel Metcalfe cycling to Carnforth, catching the train to Morecambe and delivering the cream to shops and hotels, then doing the same return journey. In 1945, Ethel married Edwin Stephenson and they took over the running of Old Hall Farm. They increased the size of the milking herd and began to bottle milk so they could supply more customers. Unfortunately, in 1950, Edwin tragically died leaving Ethel with three young children, John, 5, Jean, 3, and Alan, 7 months. Ethel carried on with the farm but in a smaller way and had to reduce the amount of milk that was bottled—but still made some deliveries locally. Jean and Alan, as they grew up, can remember pushing a wooden bogie up Cockle Hill to deliver the ‘pintas’. When John left school, he came home to farm and, as the herd began to increase again, so did the milk production. This coincided with the expansion of the village in the 60s and 70s with Winder Garth, Greenways, Hall Garth Gardens, Woodlands, Kirklands Road, Bay View and Leapers View all being built—which increased the demand for milk. At one point there were three milkmen in the village and this was helpful for the family because, in 1967, the cattle at Old Hall had to be slaughtered because of foot and mouth disease. This was not because the cattle had the disease but because John had helped out and looked after some cattle away from the farm that had contracted the disease. As the family weren’t allowed to leave the farm and had no milk to deliver, Mr Harrison delivered milk to the Stephenson customers to keep the round going. The farm did restock and milk deliveries continued in 1968 with everyone mucking in. Those of you who lived in the village at that time may still remember Ethel chugging around in the little grey pickup. Originally it was just unpasteurised green-top milk, bottled on the farm, that was on offer but, when Alan bought a milk-round in Morecambe in 1974, he was able to offer Over Kellet customers a wider choice of milk. Changing shopping habits from the 1980s reduced the demand for home deliveries so only one milkman remained. Various family members helped but, for the last 18 years, Alan has delivered the milk on his own. These changes, along with the attraction of long lie-ins and holidays, have finally become too much so Alan is retiring. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the customers he has served over the years and would like to extend a special thanks to the longstanding and loyal customers who have retained their doorstep deliveries until 2017. Christine Stephenson

19 LOOKING FOR HISTORY IN OVER KELLET—5

WHAT'S IN A NAME? Place-names can be a fascinating study but also a trap for the amateur who may be prone to jump to conclusions. One author has stated that more nonsense has been written about place-names than any subject except, perhaps, that of surnames (Reaney, p1). So, in this article, I shall try to pass on information gleaned from standard books of reference. Place-names begin as ordinary words in everyday use which become modified in meaning and form over a long period so that they designate a particular place as opposed to all others. This development usually occurred before the Norman Conquest (1066), and certainly long before the name was written down. When it was first written down (often at the time of the Domesday Survey, 1086), the name was probably recorded in a semi-phonetic way, preserving traces of its original spoken form (Mills, p12). Antiquarians and historians look at three sources when analysing a place name: the results of research into the early forms of English and other languages; early written documents; topography (the landscape where the place-name occurs). From historical records it is known that a large part of northern England, including the area now occupied by our village, was invaded by Scandinavian peoples in the 8th and 9th centuries. There is also evidence that a second wave of invaders came to the north-west when the Scandinavians were driven out of Dublin in 902. There are a large number of Scandinavian place-name elements in Lancashire north of the

River Ribble; most indicate that, in our area, the invaders were Norwegian. In an earlier article (Over Kellet View issue 100, p20), I noted that our village name probably derives from Old Norse and means 'the slope of the spring' (Ekwall, p186-187). According to Ekwall (p187), Capernwray is derived from two Norse elements: kaupmađr 'merchant' and vrá 'corner'. He notes how Capernwray 'stands in a remote situation near a brook falling into the Keer'. Incidentally, the archaic word chapman for someone who buys and sells is derived from this

Scandinavian word. Keer, on the other hand, may be a Celtic word found in Irish as cíar 'dusky', though even Ekwall, an acknowledged expert in the study of place-names, is

not absolutely sure. Ekwall suggests Birkland Barrow is a compound of birkelund (Old Norse birkilundr 'birch copse'), and berg (Old Norse or Old English beorh 'hill'). Helks Wood, near Birkland Barrow, has gone through a transformation from Old Norse into Lancashire and Yorkshire dialect. He suggests that the origin is helkn 'barren, rocky ground' but the loss of ‘n’ probably

20 LOOKING FOR HISTORY IN OVER KELLET—5 took place in English as there is no form without it in Scandinavian languages. In Lancashire and Yorkshire dialect Helks, he states, means 'large detached crags; a confused pile or range of rocks'. Swarthdale is not mentioned by Ekwall but Reaney (p176), notes that swarth is derived from the Old Norse svatr 'black, dark' (the same root as for 'swarthy'), while dale comes from either Old Norse dalr or Old English dael meaning 'valley'. The colour of Swarth Beck (Old Norse bekkr), is dark and peaty, flowing as it does off boggy soil overlying sandstone rock, in contrast with the bright, clear spring water from limestone sources seen elsewhere in the district. However for Addington, located nearby but in the parish of , Ekwall can find no earlier documentary evidence than Yates' Map of Lancashire of 1786. So, not every place-name has ancient origins! References Ekwall, E. The Place-Names of Lancashire. Chetham Society, Manchester, 1922 Mills, D. The Place-Names of Lancashire. Batsford, 1976

Reaney, P H. The Origin of English Pace-Names. Routledge & Kegan Paul, 1960 Correction In Looking for History in Over Kellet—4 the properties referred to in relation to

'watershot' should be Old Hall and Old Hall Cottages. Apologies. Peter Clinch

21 TH ST MARGARET COBB (4 MAY 1932−21 JULY 2017)

AN APPRECIATION Margaret was born in Loughborough. Her father ran an art shop and was an accomplished water colourist. Margaret inherited his talent and was a gifted creator of repoussé work (hammering metal from behind to create a raised relief) in copper and pewter. Her father was a Unitarian; though Margaret did not attend church, her belief in the oneness of God and love for all humanity ran through her life. Margaret attended Sheffield University and read French, Psychology and Economics for a BA(Hons) degree. On graduating she worked in industry for five years, including a spell at Meredith and Drew's biscuit factory in Cinderford, Gloucestershire. It was there in the early 1950s that she met Malcolm at a New Year's celebration organised by an aunt of his. Malcolm was a PhD research student at Imperial College, London; after they married in 1957 they lived in 'rooms' in Aberdeen where Malcolm was carrying out research. He was fascinated by the chemistry of fibres and obtained a job with British Nylon Spinners in Pontypool, South Wales, in 1958. Like many newly-weds they had to take what accommodation they could. The cottage in which they lived for 17 years was subject to flooding. Margaret recounted learning how to stack many small pieces of furniture on top of large, and rolling up carpets quickly to ensure as few items as possible suffered flood damage. There were also structural problems but the Cobbs made a go of it and Margaret's home-making qualities came to the fore. It was in South Wales that their two children, Christine and William, were born and brought up. Company re-structuring forced the family to move to Harrogate in the 1970s. It was here that Malcolm discovered an interest in wood-turning, while Margaret revelled in the cultural and artistic richness of the town. But after eight years there Malcolm was offered a generous redundancy package which included being paid to attend two re-training courses of his choice; he chose wood-turning and 'how to run a business'. His other interest is steam engines. Whilst other family considerations also influenced their move to Over Kellet in the early 1980s, proximity to Steamtown and the chance to buy a property in an attractive situation with an already fitted-out wood-working workshop (the previous owners were Isaac and Norah Wilkes) could not be refused. While Malcolm gradually built up his business, Margaret offered bed & breakfast accommodation for thirteen years. Her skills in making people feel at home resulted in a world-wide network of friends, some of whom corresponded for many years. However the bungalow could not provide the range of services that bigger B&Bs offered and they decided to close the venture in 1996. Margaret wanted to become part of village life as quickly as possible and joined the WI in 1982, soon after they moved here. She remained a member and attended meetings until her health began to fail two years ago. In the late 1990s she was asked to join the Village Hall Rebuilding Committee as its Secretary. Her ability to work as part of a team and record major decisions accurately and efficiently and maintain the archives appropriately was appreciated. Once the new hall was opened

22 TH ST MARGARET COBB (4 MAY 1932−21 JULY 2017) she felt she had accomplished what she had been called on to do and, in her unassuming way, resigned from the Committee. Her part in the successful completion of the project is perhaps her most significant contribution to village life Once the Hall opened she took the initiative in partnership with Eileen Gee to found the OK Club for retired folk, to enable them to socialise and enjoy gentle activities during the afternoon. Her quiet yet wholly professional manner supported Malcolm in his work for the Worshipful Company of Turners of London. In the 1980s Malcolm was asked to maintain the Register of Professional Turners. Margaret assisted in this role and over a period of 10 years travelled with him to more than 20 national woodcraft shows, acting as an ambassador for the Company and recruiting new members. So respected was she amongst the membership that over the years she was presented with a large number of wooden gifts by grateful members; the objects now form an extensive collection in the bungalow she and Malcolm shared in Over Kellet for more than 35 years. Peter Clinch

FREE TO A GOOD HOME Mountain bike, good condition but unused for some time so might need new tyres. 20ʺ frame—would suit an adult with long legs. Phone 01524 733409

OVER KELLET DIRECTORY Please would representatives of all organisations mentioned on the back cover of The Over Kellet View check that the details given are correct and report any changes by e-mail to [email protected]

23 DO WE NEED A NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN FOR OVER KELLET? What is a Neighbourhood Plan? Neighbourhood Planning was introduced in 2012 under the provisions of the Localism Act 2011. It provides a community-led planning framework for guiding future development, regeneration and conservation and sets out the community’s visions, aims, proposals for improvement and provision of new facilities, allocation of key sites for development (if any), green spaces, transport, etc. Once adopted it becomes part of the Statutory Development Plan for the area and Planning Authorities must base decisions on it. The time for which the finished plan can be in force is up to twenty years. How is it produced? Although the Parish Council is responsible for overseeing and submitting the plan it is likely to be drawn up by a steering group comprising volunteers from the community, at least one of whom will be a parish councillor. It is likely that planning consultants will also be involved and government grants are available to cover the cost of this. At every stage of production residents need to be consulted and kept informed. Once the draft plan has been approved by both Lancaster District Council and an Independent Examiner it is put to a referendum. To be formally adopted it needs to be approved by a majority of those voting. What are the advantages of having a Neighbourhood Plan? Every resident in the community has an opportunity of saying how they would like to see the village developing over the next 15 to 20 years and voting for or against the adoption of a final plan. Once this plan has been formally approved it becomes part of the Statutory Development Plan for Lancaster District and will be a material consideration in planning decisions which affect the parish. If demand for houses continues to increase then hopefully land designated in a plan now as not suitable for residential development will continue as such. Without a plan we are at the mercy of speculative developers and planning officers wishing to meet targets. What are the disadvantages of producing a plan? It is a lot of hard work and if one is cynical it is questionable whether it achieves anything. The planners want us to identify potential sites for development whereas we are likely to be protecting the village from further development. All proposals must be evidence-based and informed by full consultation with residents. They must also positively support the strategic development needs set out within the Lancaster District Local Plan and local development in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework. Even though planning permission for a development on land not designated in the plan is likely to be refused by Lancaster City Planning Committee, permission could still be granted on appeal by a planning inspector. The production of a plan could well highlight the attractiveness of Over Kellet for future development! What should be the way forward? Either way, the implications of whether or not we produce a Neighbourhood Plan for Over Kellet could well affect all residents, present and future. It is important therefore that this decision is a reflection of public opinion, not just parish councillors. If there was a majority in favour of a plan then this could then only be implemented if there were sufficient volunteers to form a steering committee to produce it. We would therefore like to hear your views one way or the other either by your attending an open meeting in the village hall on Tuesday 21 November at 7.30pm or writing or emailing me directly by that date. Nick Ward, Cockle Hill Barn, Over Kellet; email: [email protected] 24 BOOK REVIEW The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan (Vintage Books, 2013) Richard Flanagan was already a well-regarded author before this book, which, although fiction, centres on the experiences of prisoners on the Burma railway. The author’s father, who had been such a prisoner, died on the day of publication. The title refers to a major work of classical Japanese literature by the Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō. Dorrigo Evans is a doctor from Tasmania. We follow the life of Dorrigo and his war-time compatriots from their early years, through their time as prisoners of the Japanese and subsequently back in Australia. The atrocities meted out to the starving skeletal prisoners by their captors are terrifying, yet the author deals also with the Japanese need to satisfy their Emperor’s wishes and how they are also trapped by circumstance and custom. Throughout we feel the slightness and fragility of life itself, how precious it is to us and how love can be both transitory and out of reach. The beauty of the perfect haiku necessarily spoken before a beheading creates an emotional tension that is so stark as to be hard to resolve. The author’s ability to express the thoughts and feelings of the Japanese during and after the war is astonishing and humbling. The writing has great simplicity and beauty; one can only agree with the Chair of the Man Booker Prize Committee in 2014 when he described this book as a true masterpiece. Richard Flanagan described this book as a dance in and out of the light. The dark is apparent enough, but the light? Yes, yes, ultimately there is hope here, after the tears. Chris Pogson

LATE NEWS Application Withdrawn: (Ref. No: 17/01077/FUL): Demolition of agricultural buildings, change of use and conversion of three agricultural barns into four 4-bed dwellings (C3) and erection of four 2-storey detached dwellings (C3) with associated access at Old Hall Farm.

25 WHAT’S ON What’s coming up in November? THEATRE: At 8pm on Friday 17th at the Dukes, Hans Rey, the former World Champion, pioneer of Freeride, Mountain Bike Hall of Fame and mountain bike adventurer, will take audiences on an inspiring journey through his 30-year career and show you some of the best trails and destinations worldwide. For lots more information contact the Box office 01524 598500 or www.dukes-lancaster.org MUSIC: On Saturday 11th in the Great Hall of Lancaster University at 7.30pm, the Haffner Orchestra start their season with Ives’ The Unanswered Question, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major and Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony. At 6:30pm there will be a pre-concert conversation between Gina McCormack (soloist), and Jonathon Lo (conductor). Tickets from The Lancaster and Morecambe Visitor Centres, online at www.haffnerorchestra.org or ring 01524 582394. LIVE BY SATELLITE: On Thursday 16th at 7pm at the Dukes there is a screening of the National Theatre’s production of Sondheim’s legendary musical ‘Follies’. With Imelda Staunton heading a cast of 37 plus an orchestra of 21, it looks like one not to be missed! Contact details above. ILLUMINATING EVENT: Light Up Lancaster on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th. Now in its sixth year this is a weekend festival of art and light incorporating the annual fireworks event. For details of all the events, and there are a lot, visit www.lightuplancaster.co.uk or visit the Storey Visitor Information Centre. KENDAL MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL: Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th at the Brewery, Kendal. This is an award-winning event that has grown in size and diversity over the last 17 years. It has become an enormous gathering of outdoor enthusiasts and attracts artists, photographers, explorers and inspirational speakers who share adventures and celebrate the very best in outdoor and adventure sports culture. There is a huge programme so for all the details go to www.mountainfest.co.uk PS—Extra expenditure into the local economy generated by the Festival has been independently calculated to be in excess of £2.5 million! SOMETHING DIFFERENT: Fri-Sat 10-11 November at 7.30pm, NOSFERATU—Live. On the basis of very strong recommendation, The Heron is screening F W Murnau's classic Dracula film, accompanied by a hauntingly beautiful new score, written and played live by Dmytro Morykit. Box Office 015395 64283 or www.theherontheatre.com

26 LOCAL SERVICES OVER KELLET Village Store and Post Office, The Green 733207 Last post collections: weekdays 16:45, Saturday 11:00 The Eagles Head Public House, Nether Kellet Road 732457 Fishmonger, David Goldspink, Weds 09:00-11:00, Winder Garth 07477 530965 Mobile library Thursdays—November 2, 23; December 14 0300 123 6703 CARNFORTH Doctors Ashtrees Surgery, Market Street 720000 Out of Hours Service 111 Park View Surgery, 21 New Street 01539 715555 Out of Hours Service, CHOC 03000 247247 Dentists Anne King, Council Buildings 733867 Viva Dental, 29 Market Street 735431 Pharmacies Boots Pharmacy, 24 Market Street 732955 Ashtrees Pharmacy, Market Street 727877 Vets Alison Lee, 2 Queen Street 735249 Burch Tree Vets, 39 Lancaster Road 720002 Opticians Philip Jones, 15 Market Street 730055 S & K Butterfield, 46c Market Street 732724 Library Lancaster Road 0300 1236703 (Mon, Wed & Fri 09:30-13:00 & 14:00-18:00;Tues & Sat 09:30-13:00)

BUS TIMES: Note that these are a guide only—do check! Sch = School days OVER KELLET TO/FROM LANCASTER Route 49 from OK Green via Village Hall & Nether Kellet (journey time 34min) Depart OK Green: Mon-Sat: 07:56, 09:36 then hourly to 15:36 (not Sch) Depart Lancaster: Mon-Fri: 09:30 hourly to 14:30, 15:30 (not Sch) Sat: As above but with the addition of 17:30 Route 55 from OK Green via Carnforth (journey time approx. 40min) Depart OK: Mon-Fri: 07:18, 07:33, 16:16 (Sch), 17:01, 18:01 OVER KELLET TO/FROM CARNFORTH Route 49 coming from Lancaster and Nether Kellet (journey time 10min) Depart OK Green: Mon-Fri: 10:03, then hourly to 15:03, 16:03 (not Sch) Sat: As above but with the addition of 18:03 Route 55—Times as above

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: October 23 to November 3; December 20 to January 2 OVER KELLET DIRECTORY LOCAL AUTHORITY REPRESENTATIVES TAB]VILLAGE HALL COUNTY COUNCIL Chairman Peter Thomas 298979 Councillor Phillippa Williamson 221788 Secretary Liz Brewster 733877 Denny Bank, Arkholme, Carnforth LA6 1AX Treasurer Martin May 734976 [email protected] Bookings Sec. Lesley Gee 733240 DISTRICT COUNCIL Parish Council Rebecca Lauder 733084 Councillor Roger Mace 733801 Church Lindsay Angus 734964 Downderry, Halton Rd, Nether Kellet Licensee Liz Brewster 733877 www.maceonline.co.uk Activity Representatives PARISH COUNCIL Badminton Geoff Fretwell 736771 Meet at 7.15pm on 2nd. Tuesday of month Blind Welfare Sheila Roseman 850875 Chairman Nick Ward 733947 Bowls Lindsay Angus 734964 Vice Chair Graham Agnew 733407 OKDHS Pat Woolstencroft 733965 Stephen Atkins 720605 Scottish Dancing Maureen Haynes 733431 Margaret Fowler 720578 Short Tennis Joan Shaw 736503 Rebecca Lauder 733084 THOMAS WITHERS CHARITY Martin May 734976 Secretary David Mills 732194 Clerk Michael Watson 734624 OK & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 12, Ashmeadow Rd, Nether Kellet Chairman Arie Klijn 727692 [email protected] Secretary Verity Clinch 734591 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Treasurers Marilyn Whinfield 07753 435792 Police Station, Lancaster 101 Pat Woolstencroft 733965 PCSO Paul Shepherd WOMENS INSTITUTE [email protected] Joint Presidents Christine Bolton 735030 PC Rob Barnsley, Community Beat Manager Sylvia Cooper 733524 [email protected] Secretary Lindsay Angus 734964 Coordinator Chris Pogson 732892 Treasurer Sheila Cooper 733787 Asst.Coordinator Alison Lloyd Williams 734363 WALKING GROUP Area Coordinators: Contacts: Geoff Jackson 736103 Central Andy Bolton 736211 Ron/Lorna Oswald 736523 Kirklands Tony Wells 733848 PLAYGROUP Western Bev Carling 736393 Leader Jackie Bassinder 730904 Eastern Sandra Klijn-Passant 727692 TWINNING ASSOCIATION Far Eastern Chris Pogson 732892 Chairman: Margaret James-Barber 735470 Northern Eric Greenough 734479 KEEP ACTIVE Southern Alison Harper 734372 Contact: Lesley Gee 733240 Northeast Ray Garlick 730667 COMPUTING OK WEBSITE Capernwray Ken Alred 07786 803235 www.overkellet.org QUARRIES LIAISON OFFICER Updated info. to: Gordon Galloway 720872 Nick Ward 733947 OK VIEW FOOTPATHS and TREE OFFICER [email protected] Ron Oswald 736523 Editors Rosie Kakkar 572958 PARISH LENGTHSMAN Chris Pogson 732892 Mike Ashton - report problems to Cllr Fowler Advertising Jane Meaden 732456 St. CUTHBERT'S CHURCH 200 Club Liz Brewster 733877 Treasurer John Glaister 733606 EAGLES HEAD PUB Secretary Linda Thomas 732972 Gary & Helena Torch 732457 Lay Reader Alan Hutchings 561231 VILLAGE STORE AND POST OFFICE Church Warden John Halsey 732972 Craig & Tracy Burns 733207 Church Warden Linda Thomas 738031 B4RN VILLAGE SCHOOL Nick Ward 733947 Headmistress Jo Williams 732097 Lesley Gee 733240 EMERGENCY PLAN GROUP Page PAGE] Paul Bond [email protected]