Priory Church Rev’d Becky Gibbs, Priest in Charge (01946 822279)

Retired Clergy with the Bishop’s Permission to Offi ciate: The Revd Jim Marshall (01946 64259) Revd Canon Jim Baker MBE and Revd Anne Baker (01946 822498) The Revd David Cox The Revd Canon Dr Trevor Park MBE Lay Readers Chris & Charm Robson (01946) 822468 Sunday Services 9.00 a.m. Holy Communion (1st, 3rd & 5th - 1662) 10.30 a.m. Family Service 6.00 p.m. Evening Prayer (1st - Evensong; 3rd Holy Communion) See Calendar for details of Family Services and Evening Prayer The sacrament of baptism is administered at the main service and must be arranged well in advance with the Vicar. For weddings, baptisms, funerals and other religious occasions, please contact 01946 822279 or email [email protected] Priory Web Site - http://www.stbeespriory.org.uk Hire of Priory & Halls The church, Old College and New College halls are all available for hire for meetings, functions, lectures, concerts and recitals, etc. Contact booking offi cers for details. Booking Offi cers Ian & Rosalie McAndrew - 01946 822326 or [email protected] Priory Secretary - [email protected] Magazine production & distribution This magazine is free but production costs are about 50p per copy. Contributions from the Council and our advertisers, to whom we are most grateful, pay much of the costs. However this leaves the balance to be paid by the PCC. Donations to the Treasurer* or your Magazine Distributor are most welcome. Circulation - 900 households in St Bees, Sandwith, , Linethwaite, Coulderton, Middletown, . * - Treasurer - Andrew Oldham, 2 Fairladies, St Bees, CA27 0AR. DTP & Final Editing - Ian McAndrew Printed by Printpoint (01946) 64305 22 i St Bees Parish A B C History Group works towards improving knowledge of local history. Lectures Area Visitor / The parish is divided into 30 small areas each with an offi cial arranged periodically. Details from Chris Robson 822468. Good Neighbour Church Visitor whose task is to welcome and help people in the Methodist Sunday Service & Sunday School is at 11.00 a.m. Family Service on Scheme name of the Priory. Co-ordinator - M Westhead (822674). Church the second Sunday. Over 60’s Club meets in Hodgett’s Club on 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month: Arts Society meets every two months on the last Wednesday of the month at 2.00 - 4.00 p.m. Details - Gill Richardson Tel. 822394. 8.00 p.m. Venue to be arranged. Details from Dilys Brownrigg Parish Council The Clerk to the Council is Mrs Jane Donaldson, East House, (822584) or Charm Robson 822468. Coulderton. Tel. (01946) 822560, e.mail [email protected], who Bellringing The Priory has a ring of 8 bells. Those interested in ringing or will answer queries on matters. learning to ring, contact D Sim, 31 Main Street. Practice Parochial meets 10 times a year. Elections for 20 members are held in March at Wednesdays, 8.00 pm. Sundays, ring at 10.00 a.m. Church Council the A.P.C.M. Its task is to spearhead the mission and ministry of the Brownies Brownies meet on Tuesdays. Further details can be obtained church in the Parish. PCC Secretary - from Amanda Smith or email [email protected] D McGee, E-mail - [email protected]. Cubs, Scouts, Cubs for children aged 8 - 10, meet on Thursdays, 6.30 - 8pm. Playgroup meets every Wednesday in term time only, from 9.30 - 11.30 a.m. in (Toddler Group) New College Hall, . Details from Deanna Gozlan Beavers Beavers meet on Thursdays (term time) from 5.00 - 6.00 pm. Details 07542502419 Email [email protected] from Graham Young & Andy James. Scouts meet on Tuesdays from 7.15 - 8.45pm. Details from Dave Kennedy, Tel. 824511. All meet in Pop-in Cafe Every Thursday from 10.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon - Pop-in Cafe in New CCF Hut, . College Hall. Everyone welcome - Coff ee and homemade cakes. Pre-School meets in the new building next to the Village School, All day, 5 days a Choir rehearses on Sundays at 9.30 a.m. Details from Frank Bowler, the week. For children 2 years 9 months +. Contact Pre-School on 823880. Organist (Tel. 825307). Prayer Group meets on Thursdays from 1.45 - 3.15 p.m. in New College Hall . All Churchwardens are leading lay Church members who will be pleased to help and denominations welcome. advise on church matters. They are John Kennedy (Tel. 822297), Priory Singers rehearse in Old College Hall, Mondays at 8.00 p.m. Details from Frank Rosalie McAndrew (Tel.822326), Derek McGee, & Wendy Mellor. Bowler. (Temp). (01946) 825307 Councillors Copeland - Dr Ian Hill - 01946 823305, 7.00 to 9.00 p.m Monday Priory Web Site The Priory web site has up to date information on the ministry team, to Friday. - Cllr Chris Whiteside, 01946 67575 or church services and activities. See http://www.stbeespriory.org.uk 07798667678. E-mail [email protected] Seagalls meets fi rst Tuesday of month at 7.30pm in the Seacote Hotel. Contact Lynne Smith - Tel. 822285 - or Judith 07772523742 Electoral Roll is the list of all church members qualifi ed to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. E.R. forms are available in church St Bees Triers Friendly running club for all abilities. Every Thursday 6pm & 7pm. Email [email protected] Tel. 823497 Web www.triers.co.uk Finance The Church Treasurer is Andrew Oldham, 2 Fairladies, St Bees, Tel. 820409, who will explain our Christian Giving system. St Bees Youth meets 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month at 7.00 p.m. in New College Hall. Group All youngsters of secondary school age are welcome. Contact organisers First Responders provide Basic Life Support in association with the Ambulance on 07518 394297. Service. Contact Andy Brock 823497 Sunday School for ages 3 - 11 meets during Morning Service New College Hall, at Football Contacts - Seniors Tony Barnett 590640. 10.30 a.m. Contact – R McAndrew (822326), Vicky Bearman.. Association Juniors (U-12) - Alec Morton 823992 & Alastair Billson. Village School exists to raise funds for the school and to foster links between school Freemasons St Bega Lodge meet 7:00 p.m. On 2nd Wed of each month, Village Association and community. Secretary - via School - Tel. 822392. Hall. Details: 01946 64275 or www.cumbwestmasons.co.uk. Village Hall Management Committee administers Hodgett’s Club. For details and Friends of the assists in the conservation of the Priory and encourages interest in booking contact Phil or Valerie Turpin (Tel 823772). Priory its historical and architectural heritage. Contact Philip Barratt or Village in Bloom Details from Eileen B Todd, 14 Main Street. St.Bees. (Tel 822522). Tom Rice, Treasurer, Green Ghyll, Greendykes, Egremont. Village Web Site Information for inclusion should be sent to Ian McAndrew (822326) or [email protected] Address is http://www.stbees.org.uk Garden Society Details from Mark Hewertson, (Tel. 01946 825468). Flower Show is Women’s meets 2nd Monday of month at 7.30 p.m. usually in New College Hall held on the 3rd Saturday in August. Institute (see program). Contact Roxanne Benson Tel 823137. Guides meet on Tuesdays from 7.00 – 8.30 p.m. Further details can be . ii obtained from Amanda Smith or email [email protected] 21 Calendar for April St Bees News April 2018 1 Easter Sunday 10.30 a.m. Easter Communion & Easter Egg Hunt Happy Easter! This year Easter Day is on April 1st, April Fools Day. I have to say that I’m 3 Tuesday 7.30 p.m. Seagalls’ Vino and Pasta Night, feeling a little nervous. I am aware that some villagers like to play pranks on unsuspecting vicars on the fi rst of this month and it being Easter Sunday I won’t be able to hide! 8 Sunday 10.30 a.m. Morning Worship 12.00 - 5.00 p.m. Robsons’ Garden Open Day, High House Road I won’t be the fi rst “fool” on Easter Day, Easter was last on April 1st in 1956, and it could be said that many were made to look foolish that fi rst Easter Day 2000 years ago. The day Magazine Copy Date that a dead man disappeared from his grave and consequently reappeared, alive, to many 9 Monday 7.30 pm WI Wine, Cheese and Tapas Evening, NCH people. This was embarrassing for the authorities since they had made certain Jesus was 10 Tuesday 2.00 p.m. Over 60s Bingo, Hodgetts dead before they took him down from the cross and guards had been posted outside his 5.00 p.m. Pond Dipping with Neil Bettinson, Families invited tomb. 14 Saturday 8.00 a.m. Men’s Breakfast, NCH Of course, some would argue that Christians are foolish for believing that Jesus rose Over 60s excursion to Calder Bridge from the dead. This isn’t new. Christians have been responding to such criticism since 15 Sunday 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion the birth of Christianity itself. The apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Corinthians in 16 Monday 6.30 p.m. Parish Council meeting, Village Hall. approximately CE 55 “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God 21 Saturday 8.00 a.m. Family Breakfast, NCH chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong”. 22 Sunday 10.30 a.m. Morning Worship On 14th March Stephen Hawking died, fi fty-fi ve years after being diagnosed with Motor 24 Tuesday Pickups 9.00 a.m. Over 60s visit to Barton Grange & Rotary Tea Neurone Disease. Hawking was a truly exceptional man and a brilliant scientist. He fought 27 Friday 6.30 p.m. VSA Prize Bingo, Village School adversity to deepen his own understanding of the world and educate the rest of us. But 29 Sunday 10.30 a.m. Worship & APCM, Priory, with Lunch at 12.30 p.m. what if he’d been born in a slum and not educated at University? In the world’s eyes Hawking was weak physically; in so many places and in so many times his intellect may have gone unnoticed. I wonder how much brilliance, beauty and greatness is missed because we don’t expect to fi nd strength in weakness and wisdom in foolishness? Looking back over the last month, Methodist News when have you felt most foolish? When has weakness felt like your enemy? We welcome these preachers to our April services on Sundays at 11.00 a.m. Our March began with the unhappy realisation that Asher could no longer live with us. He 1 Alan Moore Holy Communion was a danger to other dogs if off the lead for just a second and had learnt to jump over our 8 David Andrews fence. He has gone back to Animal Concern to be rehomed. In other news, in the middle 15 Keith Hudson of the month, the vicarage and St Bees School were home to over fi ve hundred bras, 29 David Andrews Holy Communion stuff ed into suitcases and delivered with joy (and a little trepidation through customs) to Note:- 22 April, Hensingham Circuit, 2.30 p.m. women living in ghettos in Ghana. March has had more than its fair share of funerals too, and bedside prayers, and deep sadness. When I look back at these times I see a mixture of weakness, strength, foolishness and wisdom but I can’t always be sure which is which. The physically weak have strength of will and heart that stops me in my tracks and wisdom comes when I acknowledge my foolishness. But even then how can we sure that we are strong or wise? To be sure of these things surely suggests the opposite is true. Editor - May Magazine What can we say? Well I may be a fool but I believe that Jesus lived, died and rose again. The May issue of St Bees News will be edited by Geoff Burgess, 7 Abbey Farm He did this for you and me. This April, let us put aside our worldly wisdom and withhold Cottages, St Bees who would appreciate all contributions not later than Sunday 8 April our strength and let the message of Easter Day rule in our hearts. please. With love from Becky and prayers for a blessed Easter, Email: jgeoff [email protected]. Tel. 01946 824416 Reverend Becky Gibbs, St Bees Priory and the Mission Community

20 1 Priory Notes News from the Village School The Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) will be held in the Priory on Sunday Yoga - Key Stage 1 children have been enjoying Yoga lessons during their PE sessions. 29 April during and after the service – followed by a Bring & Share Lunch in New Yoga is being taught increasingly to children in schools throughout the UK. These College Hall. The annual review will feature reports of church activities and projects this lessons promote gentle exercise as part of healthy living and have been found to have a past year and the fi nancial accounts. Church councillors and offi ce-bearers will be elected. greater impact on concentration, behaviour, fi tness and wellbeing, and children who do You are welcome to come and hear about the life and work of our church! not normally enjoy physical activity can fi nd themselves fully engaged. The lessons will Reports – Leaders and secretaries of church organisations or those affi liated to the continue and will be rolled out to Key Stage 2 children next term. Priory should please send their reports to the PCC secretary, Derek McGee, Briery Bank, World Book Day - World Book Day was a great success with children making a Middletown, CA22 2UH, by Sunday 15 April, a fortnight before the APCM. Email – tremendous eff ort in coming to school dressed as their favourite character. Classes carried [email protected] out activities linked to literature throughout the day and had a fantastic fun fi lled time. Many Thanks to Mary Branford’s team of fl ower ladies who prepared hundreds of Many thanks to those parents who came in to read to the children. beautiful posies for Mothering Sunday, for the children to present to their mothers and VSA Film Night - Our thanks go to the VSA for holding a Film Night in the school hall. grandmothers, and many more – all very much appreciated. We wondered how long this The children watched ‘Toy Story’ and enjoyed snacks and drinks. The money raised will tradition had been followed at the Priory, as Sunniva Park remembers this delightful go towards school funds. custom when her father Canon Trevor Park was vicar here in the 1970s. Also we wonder Favourite Recipes - The VSA are on the hunt for favourite recipes to be made into a whether this is unique to the Priory, as it’s not known in other local churches. Any ideas or book, to raise funds for school. If anyone in the village has any old family recipes, we reminiscences? would be very grateful if you would like to share them with us! Special Thanks to the Priory children for their contribution to the Mother’s Day service VSA Bingo - Our VSA is holding a Prize Bingo Evening in the school hall on Friday, and to the Priory Orchestra with maestros Frank Bowler and Jackie Walker for their 27th April starting at 6.30pm - doors open at 6.00pm. Everyone welcome - tickets will be musical accompaniment. Thanks also to guest storyteller Rev. Kimberley Bohan and to available either from the School offi ce or on the door. If you have any suitable items that Wasdale Mountain Rescuer David Kennedy for their contributions. Fortunately no callouts could be used as prizes, we would be delighted to receive them at the school offi ce. This is during the service! always a popular night and good fun!! What’s On at the Priory Fashion Show - The fantastic VSA have organised a fundraiser for school. They are holding a Fashion Show with ‘Colours’ on Friday, 25th May 2018 at the Memorial Hall, Men’s Breakfast – Saturday 14 April from 8.00 a.m. to 9.30 in New College Hall. You St Bees School. Tickets will be priced at £10 to include Cheese & Wine. Show will are invited to come along for a good breakfast and lively debate – all welcome. start @ 7.30, lasts around 1.5 hours, then there is time to browse / buy the clothes & Family Breakfast – Saturday 21 April from 8.00 a.m. to 9.30 in New College Hall. A accessories. Clothing ranges are from High Street stores and cover the whole spectrum family occasion with food, fun, discussion and activities. More info from Rev. Becky (for ladies of all ages). They are off ered for at least 50% less than the retail price. All Gibbs. welcome and tickets will be available to buy from the Village School offi ce and from our From the Priory Registers VSA representatives. Christian Funeral Save the date 14 March Enid Margaret Smith Stonehouse Farm Cottage, St Bees Friday, 27th April - VSA Bingo in School Hall 16 March Peter Marshall 4 Hollins Park, Moor Row Friday, 25th May - ‘Colours’ Fashion Show at Memorial Hall, St Bees School

In Memoriam Flower Rota - April 15 February Ronald Harrison Bethshan Nursing Home & Lakeland View, 1 Flower Fund: Easter 8 Dr C. Summers Nethertown 15 Mrs B. Arch 22 Mrs G. Richardson 29 Flower Fund 2 March Roy Pearson Emmaus House & Lakeland View, Nethertown, formerly St Bees. May May God’s blessing be upon you all and your families. 6 Mrs D. Brownrigg 13 Mrs K. Steele 20 Mrs E. Cotes

2 19 18 3 Sincere Sympathy Sincere Sympathy is off ered to the family of Enid Smith of Stonehouse Farm on their sad loss – to Carole & Tony, and their daughters Sarah and Jo. A remarkable lady well-known in the village and county all her life, Enid was involved in many facets of village life and led the way in equestrian circles and community gardening. Enid had an indomitable feisty spirit, generous and funloving. She aimed high and achieved much. She and Joe founded the Wyndham Pony Club, their team qualifying for Wembley several times. Enid gave time, energy and total commitment to her passion, training them in triathlon, pony care, and team support, and leading YHA treks. After Joe’s early death in 1976, she was determined to continue farming and pony club activities. Another great passion developed, of community gardening with the Village-in- Bloom committee, using Enid’s greenhouse as their base. She loved competitions and winning – and was thrilled when the group won the Copeland Shield. She loved to achieve and to encourage others to achieve. She lived life fully and wonderfully, and with great courage and determination. Her passions reached out to so many others, who became livelong friends. Enid will be remembered with aff ection and admiration. Deepest Sympathy is off ered to the family of Peter Marshall who sadly died in hospital after a motorcycle accident – to Mavis, David & Christine and Paul & Helen. He was a very happy man who lived life to the full and was loved dearly by all who knew him, especially his wife Suzanne who died two years ago. His friends the Bikers remember his humour and enthusiasm – his passion and fl air for planning rides at home and abroad, such as scenic Alpine routes. He founded the ‘Workshy Breakfast Club’ of Bikers and the West Coast Motorcycle Club and was training for the Blood Bikes organisation. Peter was a kind and lovely man who will live on in the hearts of all who loved him. West Cumbria Hospice at Home celebrated their 30th Anniversary at the Priory with a special service of thanksgiving attended by Bishop James of and many members and supporters. Richard Stout spoke of the achievements since their founding and thanked all who keep Hospice at Home in action - doctors, nurses, supporters, befrienders and fundraisers. The collection at the service raised £350.75, a superb total. Thanks to the Ukelele Band who provided entertainment! Love & Best Wishes for health and strength go out to those who are ill in hospital or recuperating at home. We remember especially Dorothy Warbrick receiving rehabilitation in Cockermouth Community Hospital after a leg fracture; John Kerr of Sandwith in Carlisle Infi rmary; Rachel Walker receiving therapy; Anya Robson in Montpelier Hospital; and Andrew Tyson receiving palliative care in West Hospital. You and your families are all in our thoughts and prayers. We send warmest wishes to those recovering at home from operations or illness – Hugh Turpin; Lorna Stanwix; Tim Jones and Phil Turpin. Many Blessings on you all.

4 17 Parish Council News Defi brillator at beach toilets. Advertising space available St Bees Parish Council has installed a Community Public Access Defi brillator (CPAD) Would you like to advertise your at the Seacote Beach toilets. This means that members of the public can use it in an business and support the emergency as it is a computerised device that “talks” you through the procedure without magazine? training or an instruction manual. Contact Ian McAndrew When a 999 call is made and the emergency services decide the symptoms described [email protected] indicate a cardiac arrest, the ambulance service will direct the caller to the nearest CPAD defi brillator. The principle being that it could be deployed quicker than waiting for an 01946 822326 ambulance - and every second counts. The CPAD is in a locked cabinet with keycode access. The Ambulance service gives the unlock keycode over the phone allowing the caller to access the device. The beach toilet CPAD is now registered with the North West Ambulance Service Although the CPAD guides the user, some people may be happier with some familiarity on how to use such a device. To help with this, a well-attended training session has been held at the Seacote Hotel. Further training sessions are being considered. Ring 07989 310439 to book a place. There is no charge, and the course would also cover CPR (CardioPulmonary Resuscitation). The council has purchased two defi brillators, and the second will be installed somewhere near or on Main Street in the near future. Sea Mill Bridge - the new bridge is now complete and open to walkers. The legal formalities of diverting the offi cial right of way will take a little longer to complete but signage will then be put in place. We hope to have an offi cial opening in the near future. Street lights on Coach Rd - the lights have been out now for some time as a result of one lamp post, which provides the electrical supply to the other lights, being damaged by a vehicle. The damaged lamp post has now been replaced but we are now waiting for Electricity North West to reconnect the supply. Outrigg - there were a number of incidents during the snowy and icy weather and a vehicle demolished the lamp post and school sign. The County Council have to give priority to gritting Priority 1 & 2 routes throughout the County and on that day there were severe problems in other parts of the County. .Outrigg needs to be treated with caution by drivers in icy/snowy weather due to its steepness and it does not get the sun early on. It is a 3rd priority route for gritting so it may take time for gritters to arrive. There are grit piles on the verges which can be used by drivers. Next Parish Council Meeting The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place on Mon 16 April at 6.30 p.m. in the Village Hall. All residents are welcome!

16 5 Grassroots Welcome to Catherine Ballard & Mark Donnelly, along with their dog Oscar who have moved in to the grey bungalow on Seamill Lane to the left of Calla Fell house.. They are both members of St Bees Triers. Welcome also toRichard and Debbie Lee on their move to 20 Abbey Vale. Also a belated but warm welcome is extended to Rebecca and Karl Sye at No 25 who moved in a while ago. All good wishes to Ken and Anita Bradford following their move from Abbey Vale to . Village in Bloom: This year the RAF are celebrating 100 years since the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps & the Royal Naval Air Service. Their idea is to promote it with “RAF in Bloom” which is where the Village in Bloom group are assisting with the Centenary (April - September). We have lots of ideas, not just fl owers, but would like to involve other Village groups & residents. If you are interested please contact Kathie Nesbitt, 32, The Crofts, St Bees, CA27 0BH or any Committee Member. Blanche Arch would like to say a very big thank you to all the people that have sent cards and good wishes during her stay in hospital. I feel quite overwhelmed. And thank you for the support show to Edward as well. Surgery still to come but I know your thoughts and prayers will carry me through, thank you Mr and Mrs W. Forbes and family would like to thank all who sent sympathy cards and fl owers on the recent death of Miss Florrie Tyson (Aunty Flo) who passed away peacefully at home on 31st January 2018, after suff ering from Parkinson’s for some long years. Donations given to Parkinson’s Charity amount to £101: thank you to everyone for donations. Mavis Marshall, David and Paul and families would like to say a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who sent their love and sympathy on the passing of their son and brother Peter, following a motorcycle accident on Monday 12th February. He died suddenly on Friday 2nd March following a period of time in critical care in the Royal Preston Hospital. He was a happy man and had many good friends. He will be missed by all who know him, particularly his close family. Over 60s Club: On April 10th in Hodgets Club we will be having Bingo with tea and hot cross buns. Once again we have been invited to Calderbridge for afternoon tea and entertainment hosted by the Rotary Club: this is on April 14th. On April 24th we will be visiting Barton Grange Garden Centre near Preston. The bus will leave at 9a.m. - usual pick-ups .This trip is open to non-members: please contact Gill Richardson 822394 if you would like a seat. Sad news - We hear that Frank Irving, formerly of St Bees, has died in Stoke hospital and his funeral is on 26 March at the Priory. Also Jeff Evans of Abbeyvale, former teacher at St Bees School died in West Cumberland Hospital after a heart attack. His funeral is at the Priory on the 4 April at 1.00 p.m.. Deepest sympathy to their families.

6 15 St Bees Seagalls Begamere Following Judith Anderson’s demonstration on how to decorate a candle and make (Inspired by a wet stroll along the Dandy Walk. ) a greetings card, we each received our own pack in an attempt to produce the same In winter when the rains appear ourselves! After much sticking, pasting and hilarity we all managed to complete a candle And soak the ground both far and near, and card each in the short time allotted to us - as it was a very full house and we each had A grassy pool will oft appear to take turns in using the equipment needed to complete this task! However, I am sure Known to some as Begamere. the experience will come in handy as, in my mind’s eye, I can see you all busy beavering away making your own greetings cards and decorating candles for future birthdays and As Bega once sought refuge near Christmas presents!! So the wild life gathers here. We will all be meeting up at Casa Romana in Whitehaven for a Vino & Pasta Night on Gulls, ducks, heron without fear Tuesday 3rd April. The meal is booked for 7.30pm and you will need to arrange your own Visit the waters of Begamere. transport. A number of us are catching the train into Whitehaven - so please check train Awaiting those waters to disappear times - and arranging lifts back - so no having to stumble your way home in the dark! Sheep graze and long for skies to clear, Can’t wait! Trusting that spring will soon be near. If you are interested in joining us on that night please add your name to the list as soon They sip the waters of Begamere. as possible by ringing Judith on 07772523742 or see our Facebook page for further information. Looking forward to seeing you all and having a great night out! Like sheep I too am fi lled with drear St Bees WI News Thinking - is this the wettest year? I hope everyone enjoyed the talk on “Pathology” by Dr Ian Hill. A huge thank you to Longing soon to be fi lled with cheer Ian for a most interesting talk: our ladies were intrigued, also having an insight into the As I see the last of Begamere! making of the BBC hit drama “Silent Witness”, and other fi lms Ian has been involved in, John Kennedy was amazing! Thank you to Wendy Mellor, Lesley Rutherford, Helen Bushby and Jan Wilson for bringing wonderful cakes and biscuits to share, and to all the volunteers who made teas and/coff ees and helped with the washing and tidying up! The competition was ‘guess how many dressmakers’ pins were in the box,? This was won by Barbara Hewetson who guessed the closest 410 and there were actually 409! How good is that? Well done, Barbara, who won a selection of Easter treats. Our next meeting is on Monday 9th April in New College Hall starting at 7.30pm. We are having a bring and share Cheese, Wine and Tapas evening. There will be Sangria on arrival, and diff erent types of Tapas food to sample made by all our WI Ladies. There will be a holiday atmosphere with Spanish music, so bring along your castanets and maracas, wear a holiday hat/poncho (optional)! The competition is a Spanish item. There will also be a raffl e, plus tea/coff ee/soft drinks for those of you who are driving. As usual visitors are welcome £4. Full membership also available, so do come along and join us and become one of the two thousand members in 91 WI’s across the County of Cumbria. There are lots going on in the Modern WI at Local, County and National level, from crafts to cookery demonstrations to days/nights out, plus excellent speakers on a wide variety of subjects, the list is endless! There is something to interest everyone of you, so don’t think about it any longer, do come and join us right here in St Bees Village, your local WI is on your doorstep, you will be made very welcome, we look forward to meeting you. Further details from Roxanne Benson Tel 823137. Facebook page www.facebook.com/St- Bees-WI and village notice boards.

14 7 8 13 The Friends of St Bees Priory Grassroots On February 23rd , The Friends held a Quiz Night in OCH. Over 50 people participated in Strictly Come Sprinkling! Budding and mature gardeners are welcome to meet at Ursula the quiz which, as usual, was run by Alan and Sandee Hawkins. Rowlands’ home at 21 Main Street on the third Thursday of the month at 2.30 p.m. – for a We are always indebted to Alan and Sandee for the time they give, not only running the social chat about garden problems and delights; sharing helpful tips or seed packets; and quiz, but also for the time they take in producing the questions and the preparations they passing on ideas. Cuppa tea and cake too! See you on Thursday 18 April. make for the evening. Best Wishes to Dorothy Warbrick on her 80th Birthday and sincere thanks to everyone The questioning was broken with cheese and wine and the whole evening enjoyed by all. who donated so generously to her grand-daughter Natasha’s favourite charity, Manchester Tuesday 10th April. Mr Neil Bettinson will oversee pond-dipping in Priory Paddock. The & Bury Homeless, which she is actively involved in. Over £800 was raised at her party to session will begin at 5.00 pm so that younger members of the village can attend. her delight and amazement. Amnesty International West Cumbria Special good wishes are sent to Dorothy for a sound recovery after a fall at home resulting Amnesty West Cumbria Have planned their programme of events for 2018 and invite in a fracture and hospital care. Thinking of you, Dorothy, and get well soon. members and supporters to join forces for their fundraisers for justice and human rights. Florence Arts Centre Exhibition by students of Lakes College Art & Design will be held Amnesty Annual Sponsored Walk for Life – Saturday 5 May – on the Coastal Way from from Friday23 March to Saturday 7 April, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (centre open Wednesdays Whitehaven to St Bees (and return if wished!) Meet at the Market Place in Whitehaven at through to Sundays). 10.00 a.m. to walk the 6 miles to St Bees Beach (or 12-ish there and back). Refreshments Crowdfunding for Florence Arts Centre – Unfortunately the facility is struggling to provided at the Lighthouse, and at St Bees Beach park (coff ee & cakes!). keep afl oat and is aiming to raise £10,000 by Justgiving to maintain the centre, resources Sponsor forms available from R. McAndrew (822326) or Alan Alexander (810444). Do and programme of events. The centre off ers a Gallery, Shop, Paintmakers products, please join the walkers and be sponsored, or sponsor ohers. Come and enjoy a dramatic Exhibitions, Live Music, Film & Theatre, Workshops for all ages, Florence Mine history walk! and so on – a hub for arts & crafts. New College Hall FAC belongs to the community and its passion, enthusiasm and vision is limitless but its Work towards the improvements to New College Hall continue and an application for the funds are not! We need your help to survive. fi nal amounts required, around £14,000, has been made to Copeland Community Fund. Please go online to donate at – www.justgiving/crowdfunding/fl orence-arts-mine We shoud know how susccesful our application has been by the end of April, so watch out for an announcement (hopefully) in the May magazine. Lent Lunches in February/March raised a fantastic £1000 (and more coming in) to be Local fund raising continues, and since the February magazine I am pleased to say that a shared between NSPCC (local branch) and OXFAM (Syrian Refugees). Grateful thanks few hundred pounds have been added to the total. So your donations to the project asre go to all involved in the success of the lunches – our hosts and their teams, helpers and always welcome, and if we exceed our target, as we did for Phase 1 of the project, the guests – for their support and generosity. The meals were not exactly frugal but no one extra will go towards even better facilities in NCH. The biggest planned improvement is objected! The food and friendship were much enjoyed and two great causes benefi tted. the central heating - which will include the toilets and hot water at the sinks! St Bees Village Post Offi ce update Users of our post offi ce and shop will have noticed the recent refurbishment, which has moved the P.O. counter to the front of the shop and improved circulation areas. It’s worthwhile reminding people that the counter handles more than just traditional post offi ce activities, and is available for general banking services on behalf of major banks. This includes deposit and withdrawal of cash, and cheque services. The hours have been extended, and the P.O. counter is now open until 2.00 p.m. on Saturdays.

12 9 Village History This was all done to keep us healthy. Being healthy and smart was something we were prided on. I loved looking shipshape and remember how our teacher checked every Helping to win the war day that our shoes were shiny and our handkerchiefs clean. Anyone suspected of In our Village School Mrs. Hansen’s class has been investigating the Home Front in World carrying unpopular fl eas and lice was sent home – immediately! And anyone considered War Two. For this month some children have pretended to be pupils at the end of the War, undernourished (mostly evacuees) was given extra milk and a heavenly Carr’s describing their part in the National Eff ort. Thank you Abigail, Finn, Georgia and Rowan Sweetmeal biscuit, for free. Oh, I forgot to tell you: Mr Chad popped up everywhere, to for producing this account for us. remind us that despite the shortages “Better safe than sorry” should be our motto. Bob Jopling Of course the War had to be paid for. We helped by having Savings in school. For sixpence you could buy a stamp, and when you had thirty you could change them for The fi rst thing we remember is Mr. Meeks fi tting us with gas masks. It was before the a Savings Certifi cate which went up in value if you kept it. Then there were special War started, and most of us thought it exciting! Then at the outbreak of war our school “Weeks” like Wings For Victory Week and War Weapons Week. Our school beat its became a Reception Centre for evacuees, which meant two weeks’ holiday for us. When it target every time: for Wings for Victory Week our target was £250 and we raised £350. re-opened we had to squeeze in nearly fi fty extra children from Newcastle. It wasn’t easy, Enough, we were told, to put a wing on a Spitfi re! but nothing happened during the “phoney war” and most of them soon went home again. Now it’s 1945 and the War in Europe is over. We are glad, of course – but when (as the Later when bombing started in earnest, a lot of big boys arrived from the Ocean Road Government posters said) we were “All In It Together” we were proud to help our school School, South Shields. Some stayed a long while. play its part. Like everyone, we soon ran into shortages. “Mr.Chad” and his “WOT? NO ....” message seemed to be chalked up everywhere. At least he made people smile instead St Bees Lifeboat of grumble. The Government tried, but at times we had St Bees RNLI were recently involved in a major multi agency operation at St Bees to do our paintings on newspaper, and manage without beach. The volunteers were paged at 6:28pm March 1 2018 after a person was seen nibs for our pens. We even went without school milk entering the sea at St Bees. The St Bees lifeboat Joy Morris MBE was immediately once or twice, because there were no bottles To make launched and began searching around St Bees Head. The remaining crew, wearing dry our writing books last longer we wrote fi rst along the suits and life jackets, began searching along the shoreline. A major search and rescue lines, and then turned the page to write crosswise. operation was soon underway when both Whitehaven and Coastguard, along The worst thing was the shortage of coal; in winter with the Coastguard Search & Rescue Helicopter 912, joined St Bees RNLI in the 1942 the fi res were not made up after two o’clock, and search. RNLI was also launched joining forces with the crew of St Bees sometimes school closed early because the rooms were lifeboat using their searchlights to check along the cliff s around St Bees Head. West so cold. On just a few days that winter it did not open Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service soon arrived helping with the search using their thermal at all. imaging equipment and supplying additional lighting. Cumbria Police, along with their dog handlers and West Cumbria Ambulance Service, made this a major multi agency During the war we salvaged many things for recycling. We children helped with this, operation. collecting items such as tins, bottles, bones, rubber and rags. Something we collected majorly was paper; once we collected 17 cwt. in school before sending it to the After an extensive search along the coastline, further out to sea and around St Bees Head Mills. Another time, we went all round the village asking for books that were fi nished nothing was found so all the teams were stood down. with. Amazingly, we brought 4,631 into school, which went away to be re-pulped into Dick Beddows St Bees RNLI Operations Manager said ‘This was a great example of all new paper. the emergency services working together’. Something I liked doing was collecting rosehips from the hedges. It was rather a prickly Fern Bank Open Garden Sunday 8th April 12noon till 5pm. job and you did get scratched a lot. If you collected enough you would get a badge, so it was worth it in the end. The rosehips tasted horrible, but they were sent to a factory where There is much more to our garden than can be seen from the road, poetry as well as they were made into a nice syrup and a spoonful a day gave you a lot of vitamins. We got fl owers and there will be home made teas. ‘ a very good cafe with a garden attached. Virol in school, paid for by the Government, and cod liver oil and malt. These were dark Profi ts to NGS Garden Scheme. Admission £3.50, children free. and gooey syrups which most of us liked a lot. Come to the Robsons’ garden at Fernbank, High House Road, St Bees.

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