PARISH PRATTLE Issue No. 53 Halton-with-Aughton Feb/March 2010

Welcome to the first Prattle of 2010!

What a start to the year! Whilst snow looks pretty on the fells and the fields, once it is compacted and frozen the pavements and side roads become dangerous! The children (and a fair few adults) have enjoyed the best sledging for years but other folk have been trapped in their own homes, fearful or unable to get out in the treacherous conditions. Not surprisingly it has generated some commentary inside these pages!

We have had many phone calls and comments about the number of good neighbourly acts around the village in the past few weeks - too numer- ous to mention each one, but if you have been a good neighbour and watched out for those more vulnerable members of our community by clearing snow from their property or getting in their shopping, then a big thank you from both them and the Prattle team!

Jan & Dave Editors

CONTACT DETAILS FOR THE PRATTLE ARTICLES to: [email protected] WHAT‛S ON to: [email protected] ADVERTISING copy to: PAULA on 811766 or HELEN on 812679 DISTRIBUTION: CAROL on 811444 WRITTEN ARTICLES: FAO CAROL @ EXPRESSIONS HAIR or tel 811444. DEADLINES for Apr/May Advertising Rates: Copy: Wed 10th Mar 10 Box Ad: £10 Adverts: Wed 10th Mar 10 Double Box Ad: £20 Delivery: Fri 2nd April 10 Classified Ad: £1 - 20 words All adverts are published in good faith. The Editorial team can offer no guarantees as to the quality of services advertised. THE CHURCHES OF HALTON-WITH-AUGHTON

ST. WILFRID‛S, HALTON THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH Rector Minister Rev. Pauline Bicknell, Rev. Yolande Burns The Vicarage, 2 Summerfield Drive, The Manse,11 Marine Drive, Slyne, LA2 6AQ Tel: 822128 email: [email protected] Hest Bank. LA2 6DZ Tel: 824027

Services in February Services in February 7th 10am Parish Communion 7th Rev. Robert Canham 14th 8am Holy Communion 14th Rev. Geoff Lear 10am Morning Prayer 21st Rev. Yolande Burns 21st 10am Parish Communion 28th Mr. Michael Pickles 28th 10am Morning Prayer

Services in March Services in March 7th 10am Parish Communion 7th Rev. Yolande Burns 14th 8am Holy Communion 14th Rev. Roy Chapman 10am Family Worship for (Mothering Sunday) Mothering Sunday 21st Rev. Yolande Burns 21st 10am Parish Communion 28th Rev. George Barton 28th 10am Morning Prayer (Palm Sunday) FROM HALTON REGISTERS: Baptisms in St Wilfrid’s Church: 31st January Emily Faye Leeming ST. SAVIOUR‛S, AUGHTON Clara Lily Leeming

ST. JOSEPH'S R.C. CHURCH Services in February 14th 11.30am Holy Communion Saturday Vigil at 6.30 pm, Sunday Mass th throughout the year at 11.00 a.m. 28 11.30am Morning Prayer Clergy: Fr. Andrew Broster, Deacon Stephen Pendlebury, Services in March St. Joseph's Church 14th 11.30am Holy Communion Slyne Road, Lancaster, LA1 2HU 28th 11.30am Morning Prayer Tel: 01524 32493 Page 2 AUGHTON CHURCH weather was always the same? It is the BEETLE DRVE big topic of conversation for us and, on IN AUGHTON VILLAGE HALL reflection, I think it tends to bring out AT 7PM the best in people. For some reason SATURDAY 13 FEBRUARY those we meet in the street are more chatty and cheerful, more willing to Dear Friends, engage in a conversation. There has A rather belated Happy and Peaceful been a tremendous outpouring of gen- New Year to you all! erosity, both in financial and practical It’s hard to believe that just two weeks terms, towards the victims of the ago (as I am writing) it was Christmas floods. During this cold, snowy spell Eve. What a lot has happened weather- there has been concern and care for wise in those two weeks. The snow and friends and neighbours who have been ice have been the worst we have expe- unable to get out and about. Drivers rienced in this country for a long time. have been more courteous – giving a It’s been difficult for the elderly and push to other drivers in tricky situa- for those travelling about the country. tions or a wave and a smile as cars have Keeping warm has been a major issue passed slowly on an icy road. The dire for many people. To compensate, in weather situation seems to have some part, the scenery and the views brought us together more as communi- across Bay, along the coun- ties! try lanes and along the canal have been Perhaps if we were to make a belated stunning – photographers must have New Year’s resolution it could be to had a heyday and I guess the children continue with this community spirit – have enjoyed having extra time away being more cheerful, looking out for from school. Just before Christmas others and generally being better here in Hest Bank, snowmen sprang up neighbours to those around us. with great abandon - some tiny and With my very best wishes to you all, others 6 or 7 ft tall. It all added to the seasonal feel. Yolande The weather featured greatly in the autumn and winter of 2009, beginning AUGHTON CHURCH with the floods that devastated parts EASTER BINGO of the country including Cumbria, just IN AUGHTON VILLAGE HALL up the road from us, and then leading SATURDAY 20 MARCH 7.30PM on to the coldest December for many MEAT PRIZES, BOTTLES & years. What would we British do if the EASTER EGGS.

Page 3 VILLAGE NEWS

1ST HALTON SCOUTS GROUP- school in the community centre. We CHRISTMAS POST 2009 will be opening every Wednesday and On behalf of the Group I wish to thank Friday 9:30-12:00pm for free taster/ especially Dave & Grace Westworth settling sessions for the rest of the Newsagents and Derrick Brookes spring term from Wed 24th Feb. Butchers for selling the stamps and Parents are welcome to come along and allowing us to have a post box in their meet the staff, have a stay and play shops. session or arrange enrolment and set- My thanks to the Leaders, Parents, tling in sessions for the following term boys & girls and others who delivered when we will be eligible to accept the the cards in the village. Nursery Education Grants and will Just over £300 was raised for group open properly Mon-Fri. All welcome to funds. Lastly a big thank you to all the Open Day on 24th Feb. those who continue to support the Scout Group by buying the stamps. Louise Morris Furnace Barn Day Nursery Ralph Squire – Organiser. CO-HOUSING UPDATE FURNACE BARN DAY NURSERY - We now have what we hope are worka- Pre-School opening, The ble plans for the redevelopment of the Centre@Halton - Thank you for your Luneside Engineering site on Mill support and interest in opening a pre- Lane. We hope to be ready to put in a 1 – 1 Computer Tuition LUXURY FLORIDA VILLA P Get on the net 5 bed / 3 bath home (sleeps 11), P Use email private south facing pool with P Digital Photography lake views. Within easy reach P Write Letters P of Florida’s many attractions, Home Accounts beaches, and golf courses. Don’t let another year go by wishing www.floridavilla-rent.com you could do it. An hour of 1:1 tuition Visit our web-site for more infor- is sometimes better than hours of book mation and a 360° virtual tour or learning. call Jean - 01524 811600 - happy to John Airey 01524 770475: 0781 601 4773 help with flights, car hire etc. [email protected] Discounts now being given.

Page 4 HORNBY OCCASIONALS Our production of

by W.S. Gilbert & A. Sullivan Will be performed at the Hornby Institute

On Wednesday 24th, Thursday 25th, Friday 26th and Saturday 27th of March 2010, at 7.30pm

Tickets: Adults £5.00 and Children £3.00 Available from Hornby Institute (015242 22227) from Monday, 1st March. planning application by the end of NORTH WEST CANCER March. We have organised a "preview" RESEARCH FUND ANNUAL of the plans for local residents on COFFEE MORNING Wednesday 17th February at The Cen- The Annual Coffee Morning of the tre @ Halton. Please drop in at any time Caton and Halton Branch will be held at between 6.30 and 8pm. The Victoria Institute, Caton, on Sat- urday 17th April from 10.00 a.m. till We will have large scale copies of the noon. plans and it will be an opportunity to meet us, discuss the plans and make There will be all the usual stalls - cakes comments and suggestions. & produce, books & games, plants, bric- a-brac, raffle & competitions. Admis- Jon Sear, 01524 555919 sion will remain at 75 pence & will include tea, coffee & home- Thank You - from the elderly ladies of Harrowdale Park to those kind neigh- made biscuits. bours who cleared their paths of snow and ice in the recent bad weather. We would welcome all the support you can give - by buying tickets, donating Page 5 raffle prizes or items for the stalls, take place on Thursday afternoons, helping on the day & by attending. will last approximately 30 minutes and Now that Lancaster University has a need to be booked in advance to en- Medical Department, more of the re- sure a place. search is likely to take place there. Have you ever wondered exactly how Several of us were invited to visit last much electricity you are using summer, when we heard about work on throughout the day? You can now bowel & intestinal cancers, prostate borrow an energy monitor, free, from cancer and skin cancers. We were im- the library. The monitor is issued for pressed by the enthusiasm of the young one week and it will give you an insight researchers, who were very keen to into where the electricity in your explain what they were doing & grateful house is being used. for the funding received from local Parent and toddlers - don't forget we groups. hold Little Listeners’ Storytime on Thursday afternoons from 2.30- We look forward to seeing you on 17th 3.00pm. All pre-school children are April. Thank you. very welcome to come and join in the fun!

Mary Headley tel: 770149 For more details of any of the above please call in to the library of ring us HALTON LIBRARY on 01524 811265. We are hoping to set up a Home Library We are open Mondays 10.30-1.00. Service, with door to door delivery on a 2.00-5.00pm and Thursdays 2.00- fortnightly basis of books, talking 5.00, 5.30-7.00pm. books, DVDs and Music. The service is intended for local residents who are restricted to their home through age, HOLIDAY IN TENERIFE? infirmity or disability. If you know of anyone who would benefit from the service please contact Gina or Maxine at the library. We are also planning to start one to one sessions in the library for computer novices using the Myguide website, which offers easy to use courses on Please ring Mike or Val for more information lots of different subjects, from the basics of getting started on a computer 01524 811817 to online shopping. The sessions will Page 6 W.I. NEWS

My first job as Press Secretary for but also enjoying some new experienc- 2010 is to thank Jane Mealor for her es and making some new friends. We informative and witty reports over the would also like to see some fresh fac- past years. She has been promoted! es at our monthly meetings - choose Our November meeting was the A.G.M. from: a fun quiz, walks from Caton, and we give our grateful thanks to retir- dine with a jacket, history of The ing members of the committee for their Lune Valley or listen to Sandi Toksvig hard work over the years and wish our speaking at Southport. Mr Steele will new members well for the future. be visiting us in March with a slide The A.G.M. was followed by a Jacob’s show and talk. I know from experience Join. As usual this was a great success, that this will be an exciting evening. with an amazing selection of goodies. This is an ‘Open Meeting’ when every- The December meeting was our birthday one is welcome. For more information party when we enjoyed meat and potato please ring Jane on 812702. pie with mushy peas, pickled red cab- bage and sliced onions, followed by a May I wish all our members, future, varied selection of desserts. The meal past and present, All The Best For was accompanied by a glass, or two, of 2010. wine or a soft drink. Elaine Ward from Ingleton then entertained us with songs Wendy Shanks from the forties and one or two from the noughties. I understand she per- suaded some of our members to visit Caton Post Office Ingleton in July for its ‘40’s weekend’. 3 Hornby Road, Caton LA2 9QW The raffle brought a very enjoyable Tel & fax: 01524 770315 evening to a close. Open Mon-Fri 9-5.30 December was also the time for St Sat: 9-12.30 Wilfrid’s School Fair and coffee morn- All Post Office services including: ing at Halton Hall. Following true W.I. bill payments (BT), banking services, tradition some of our members provided car tax, rod licences, a wide expert help on the cake stall at both of range of financial services, these events. travel products, fax/photocopying, We are looking forward to our 2010 greeting cards, stationery, gifts and toys. evenings together when we will be meet- FREE parking next to Post Office ing some old favourites to entertain us

Page 7 UNITED REFORMED CHURCH NEWS

Lent Prayers Our speakers will be Rev. Geoff and There will be a short time of prayer Mrs. Jean Lear who will give a talk and meditation for Lent at 9:30 am at about Beatrix Potter. the URC on 23rd Feb, 2nd, 9th, 16th, At our meeting on 10th March, Mr. 23rd and 30th March. These meetings Raymond Hirst will talk to us about the will be led by our minister, Rev. Yolande Morecambe Lifeboat and the RNLI. Burns, and everyone will be most wel- Both meetings start at 1:45 pm and will come. be followed by tea and biscuits. All ladies are welcome to join us. Women's World Day of Prayer For further information please contact An ecumenical international service is Mary Curwen on 811414 to be held at St. Wilfrid's Church at 7:30pm on Friday 5th March - a moving MMM - Jonah the Moaner and meaningful service to which all are There will be another MMM (Meeting very welcome. The theme this year is Making Munching) day on Saturday "Let everything that hath breath 20th February from 10:30am to 3pm. praise the Lord" and has been prepared at Bolton-le-Sands URC. There will be by the women of Cameroon. creative activities suitable for all age groups and a Jacob's Join lunch. Eve- Coffee Mornings, URC 10:00 am ryone is very welcome to join in this The first coffee morning of 2010, on real "fun-day". Saturday February 6th, will be hosted by the Richards family team. ASHTON BLINDS The March coffee morning will be held on Saturday 6th when your Venetian - Roller Conservatory hostesses will be the Proud family. Vertical - Roman - Wooden We look forward to seeing you there.

Choose from the latest range URC Women's Guild in the We are very sorry that the New Year comfort of your own home! Party had to be cancelled because of For a FREE No Obligation Survey & Quotation CALL: the exceptionally cold weather. The next meeting of the Guild will be 01524 770100 held on February 10th.

Page 8 ABBEYFIELD NEWS

It is very sad to have to report that make the Halton Abbeyfield a place two of our residents passed away where something good is always hap- rather unexpectedly in the run up to pening - and this makes all the differ- Christmas. Olga Porter, who died in ence! November, had been with us for less At the time of writing (Jan 13) we can than a year but long enough to contrib- offer two vacant rooms, one upstairs , ute actively to the life of both the one downstairs. If you would like to House and the village. Trixie Wiper, see them and see the House, and learn well known both in Halton and Lancas- about the way of life they offer, and ter all her life, finally returning to the conditions and charges, the best Halton when painful arthritis made it way to do this is to contact the House too hard for her to live on her own, had Manager, Loraine, (811910) and arrange been with us for several years, cheer- a visit. ing and inspiring all who met her by the In a nutshell, the Halton Abbeyfield way she put up with her problems, and provides “supported sheltered” hous- the unfailing warmth of her friendship. ing for people fit enough to move Both will be sadly missed and remem- around the house and take care of bered with great affection. their own rooms. The monthly charge We had a great celebration on Decem- includes all meals, all heating, lighting ber 5th of 21 years since the House etc., and covers everything except opened, at which the your personal telephone. Every room Handbell Ringers – annual visitors at has its own shower and toilet, and you Christmas - gave their best concert furnish it from your own familiar pos- ever. The rest of Christmas and the New Year were festive as always for Daisies Domestic the residents and friends who joined Services us, despite some travel problems Established 2004 caused by the weather. Abbeyfield was a great place to keep warm! A family run home cleaning service to In the autumn we initiated a weekly cater to your individual domestic “drop-in-for-tea” every Thursday af- requirements. No job too big. ternoon, and this has been really suc- Reliable, honest and trustworthy staff. Local to Halton and hours to suit. cessful. If you are free to drop in between 2.30 and 4.00 any Thursday Please call Tricia on: 07703 020640 or you will get a warm welcome and a hot 01524 812027 where an appointment cuppa, plenty of conversation and can be arranged to visit you and discuss your cleaning requirements. friendship, and you will be helping to Page 9 sessions. If you need to make arrange- Sunday evenings: (6:30pm) Feb 21st, ments for your personal care or for Mar 21st, April 18th . cleaning your room you are free to do so yourself. All emergencies are cov- Geoff Cleaver ered by a call-out system. Residents are free to come and go, and ************* entertain friends just as they wish, and LOCAL NUISANCE there is a good tradition in the House Halton Surgery is most concerned by of fellowship with other residents and the regular incidents of trespass, lit- the local community. The Abbeyfield tering and damage to the property. movement started in 1956 to enable Having spoken to the Police who are older folk to shed the hassles and anx- keen to prevent this type of intrusion iety of managing by themselves while on local business, and will take further keeping as much independence as possi- reports very seriously, anyone found on ble. But if you want to see what all this the property without permission will be means in practice, please arrange a visit. reported to the Police. Anyone found guilty of damage to the property will be DATES prosecuted. Other local businesses Tuesday Club: (2:00pm) Feb 2nd, Feb have also reported similar problems, 16th, Mar 2nd, Mar 16th, Mar 30th, including threatening behaviour. Please April 13th. be aware that we have zero tolerance to any anti-social behaviour, & we ap- Coffee Mornings: (Friday, 10:00am) peal to anyone witnessing such inci- Feb 12th, Mar 12th, April 9th . dents to please contact the Police.

All Aspects of Domestic & Commercial Works Undertaken

· Rewires & New Installations · Fusebox Upgrades · Alarm Systems · Shower Installations · Inspection & Testing · Fault Finding Office: 01524 230534 Mobile: 07946 161 306 Email: [email protected]

Page 10 MEMOIRS OF A MORECAMBE mild flu and decided to take his tem- VET PART 2 perature. So, no point putting the ther- Some of you will remember the halcyon mometer in his mouth as it would only days when we had a Marineland at the get chewed up by those pearly white end of the Stone Jetty which housed a teeth, so I asked the trainer to hold virtual menagerie of exotic animals and him whilst I gently inserted the ther- reptiles. mometer into the only safe orifice, Geoff Hudson, my partner, and I were namely his bottom. Unfortunately this thrown in at the deep end - literally, as did not appeal to the chimp who Geoff had to dive in with the dolphins promptly brought his big hairy hand in order to examine them at close quar- round, grabbed the thermometer and ters and also to take blood samples. I hurled it across the cage! well remember the day when I was I now decided that his temperature called in to examine a chimpanzee for was not that important and declared the first time in my early career. I that I would give him an injection of arrived at Marineland with extreme penicillin. I thought the trainer looked trepidation to be confronted with a at me a bit oddly but I still decided to chimp nearly as large as myself. Fortu- proceed on this course of action. So nately he was a very friendly fellow with the trainer getting a good strong who enjoyed being examined and was hold on his body I gently inserted the only too keen to show me his gleaming needle with the syringe attached into white teeth with a huge grin spreading his back leg. Again things went wrong; across his craggy face. After that the big hairy hand came round again, everything started to go downhill; I grabbed the syringe and needle as he noticed that he was suffering from a had decided to inject myself and the

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Baldrand House 194 Lancaster Road 12 The Square Bowerham Road MORECAMBE MILNTHORPE LANCASTER 01524 32696 01524 410867 015395 62770 www.bayveterinarygroup.co.uk Page 11 trainer. We were pursued around the cage by an irate chimp determined to Choice get his own back. Both of us headed 1st for a very small exit door, fighting to Blinds be the first out of the cage. This was “The Blind Man” the end of my attempts to inject and Choose at Home Carpets chimps and ever since I have given antibiotics in a tasty fruit drink - a wise We are a local, family firm offering a friendly, decision! professional service, supplying and fitting all types of blinds, carpets, vinyls and Fortunately for modern treatments, laminate flooring. many drugs are in the form of palatable We do free quotes and fast fitting. tablets or liquids and we also have long Just leave everything to us. acting injections that save owners hav- Tel: 01524 36259 any time ing to fight with irascible cats trying to Or 07796 914841 (mobile) push tablets down their throats. Details of all these modern treatments HAFFNER ORCHESTRA and facilities can be found on our web- CONCERT site www.bayvets.co.uk and also our newsletter reporting on our Puppy So- The next concert will be on Saturday cialisation Parties, articles on stick in- 13th February, 7.30pm in the Town juries, pet diabetes awareness month, Hall, Lancaster. The orchestra will be keeping your pet safe and rabbit rescue. playing Dvorak Slavonic Dance No 1, Roger D Salmon BVSc, MRCVS Sibelius Karelia Suite and Rachmani- nov's Symphony No. 2.

MICHAEL WILSON A pre-concert talk will be given at JOINER & FLAT ROOFING 6.30pm (no charge) by Natalia Luis- SPECIALIST Bassa, the conductor of the orches- • Time served joiner tra. • Flat roofing • Fascias and guttering Tickets are available online from • General property repairs www.haffnerorchestra.org, from the • Fencing Visitor Centres in Lancaster and FREE ESTIMATES Morecambe, or on 01524 65531 01524 811760 (Haffner Ticket Sales). Mobile 07886119082 Tickets cost £11.50 (£10 conces- www.michaelwilsonjoinery.co.uk sions), 18 years and under are free.

Page 12 YOUR LOCAL COUNCILLORS

HALTON WITH AUGHTON PARISH COUNCIL LIST OF COUNCILLORS AS AT 22nd June 2009

Cllr. Brian Jefferson, Tel. 811837; [email protected] Cllr. Carol Slinger, Tel. 811027; [email protected] Cllr. Patricia Gallagher, Tel. 811314; [email protected] Cllr. Carol Holman, Tel. 811444; [email protected] Cllr. Stephen Landles, Tel. 811110; [email protected] Cllr. Tim Sarney, Tel: 812114; [email protected] Cllr. Tim Dalke, Tel: 811921; [email protected] Parish Clerk - Margaret Mason, Tel. 811933; [email protected] ************************ LANCASTER CITY COUNCILLOR Cllr Paul Woodruff, Tel 811770; [email protected]

Page 13 PARISH COUNCIL MATTERS Contact: The Clerk, Margaret Mason, 811933, [email protected] Full minutes displayed on Notice Boards ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH ROAD GRITTING Progress is being made re the pur- Several complaints have been made to chase of the land beside the Centre. the County Council regarding the bad conditions of icy roads in the village, NEW COUNCILLORS also the lack of salt in the Salt Bins. Tim Dalke was voted on as Co-opted The response was that they will make Member. a Grit Assessment and will attend to the problem as soon as possible – we GENERAL have requested a response by mid General plans are underway for im- February. The PC is putting into place provements to the aqueduct and sur- a cold weather plan for next year. rounding areas. This is still at the planning stage. NEW PLAY RECREATION AREA Equipment has been purchased and LANCASTER CO-HOUSING tenders received for the new play PROJECT area at the Centre. John Sear, Project Manager, brought Plan 8 of the proposed site for the Mill CLAUGHTON WIND FARM Lane Development – to be submitted to Council voted in favour of supporting Planning by end of March. the objections to the wind farm.

Elliott Eternal Gorst Gardens Painter and Decorator Garden Maintenance, Specialising in: Renovation and Construction Artexing Interior Design Friendly, Reliable and Professional Paper Hanging Gardening Service from a Rag Rolling Knowledgeable Plantsman Colour Washing Most aspects of Soft and Hard Colour Effects FREE ESTIMATES Landscaping undertaken Marbling Call John Elliott on (01524 811360) Tel: 811819 or 07961 616933

Page 14 HCA Hill, War Memorial and adjoining gar- There was a good response from volun- den, the Plantation (the triangular area teers who helped to decorate the cen- between Low and High Road), the Vil- tre. Thanks to Maureen Richardson for lage Green on Quarry Road, 3 play are- supplying lunch on all 3 days. Many as, bus shelters and litter bins. thanks to all concerned! The Parish Council currently have a BIG LOTTERY FUND vacancy for a Parish Councillor. If APPLICATION anyone is interested in participat- £450K application submitted and re- ing please contact the Clerk, Margaret sponse expected by the end of March. Mason on 811933 for more information.

Cllr. Pat Gallagher Cllr. Carol Slinger

PRECEPT WINTER WONDERLAND? The Parish Council has set its Precept The snow and ice this year has been for 2010-11 at £25,867 for the next great. But after the excitement wore financial year; a 1% increase on last off we were left with roads that were year. This is the figure budgeted by dangerous and footpaths that were the Council to cover the costs of lethal. The few grit bins around the maintaining Parish facilities. village quickly emptied and for a long The Parish Council is responsible for time there seemed precious little ac- the burial ground, allotments, Castle tion to grit the roads or pavements. GWL Services Specialists in Hog Roasts George W Leathard Barbecues, Weddings, Corporate Events, Established 1995 Office and Garden Parties, Funeral Teas * * * Why not let us do the hard work and Interior / Exterior take the stresses and strains of food Painting & Decorating preparation for your event? We are Home Maintenance CATERERS * * * a friendly family run business No job too small contact us for a quote Good quality work at affordable prices Telephone: 01524 811564 Reliable and trustworthy Mobile: 0780 791 7020 Local to Halton www.borwickbbq.co.uk For free estimates telephone Beechdene, Halton Hall Lancaster 849495 Halton-on-Lune LA2 6LP

Page 15 The result was a real curtailment in our BED AND BREAKFAST ability to get around the village and a few bruises for some of those that Accommodation available tried. in Halton at Several residents were concerned ”Little Acorns” enough to contact the Parish Clerk Bill & Alison Green 811408 whilst another resident lobbied the Brochure available Parish Council Meeting. Gritting the gether a local action plan for dealing roads and pavements isn’t a Parish with snow and ice. Councillor Tim Dalke Council responsibility but we worry has agreed to look into this and report that city or county may never see back to the Parish Council. We know Halton as a high priority. So we won- it’s unrealistic to think we can avoid all dered to what extent we could use disruption from heavy snow falls; but some ‘self-help’. For example, if the we do think we can make a better fist Parish maintained its own stockpile of of it than this year grit could we spread it using volun- teers? After discussing the issue at the Par- Cllr. Stephen Landles ish Council meeting we decided to STOP PRESS - Police request any adopt a twin track approach. We would information about the damage which call on city and county councils to im- was done to numerous vehicles along prove what they are doing for this High Rd in the early hours of Sunday season. But for next year, we would morning 17/01/10. investigate whether we could put to- A SYMPATHETIC AND UNDERSTANDING FUNERAL SERVICE Serving the Lune Valley for over 150 years We’ll take care of all the arrangements with care and sensitivity Call us 24 hours a day PRESTON BOWKER Paul Wilson Dip.F.D. : David Wood Dip.F.D. Tel: 01524 64023 20b Queen Street, Lancaster. LA1 1RX

Page 16 1st HALTON SCOUT GROUP

Apologies group. Please do not leave bags of paper Many thanks to everyone who put out in the lane outside the scout hut if your their papers on Boxing day for the paper is not collected on the day - you scouts paper collection; unfortunately could be reported to the police for due to the very icy conditions paper littering or fly tipping on a public high- collection had to be abandoned as it way. Please call me to arrange collec- was not worth risking injury to anyone tion of your papers or call down at the falling on the ice or causing damage to hut on a Tuesday or Thursday night any vehicle. Because of the continuing during cubs or beaver meetings. ice and slippery conditions of some Paper collections take place on the last roads and pavements, collections have Saturday of each month; we meet at also not been made to anyone contact- the top shops at 10am and all cubs and ing me as a result of the abandoned beavers, with their parents, are ex- collection. Please continue to leave pected to help out. If you can offer your papers outside on the last Satur- any help to collect and sort the paper, day of each month to be collected at please come along and join us. Although the next paper collection. we are currently collecting enough pa- per, the funds of which cover the es- Paper Collection sentials bills for the scout hut, we could Many thanks to all the families around do with more funds. Please ask friends the village who have saved newspapers and family in the village to save their and magazines and helped to raise paper for us and to leave it out on the much needed funds for the scout last Saturday of each month. More paper collected equals more funds for Stewart Cross Ltd the group and this in turn means we can do more and provide more for the chil- Dormers Built / Refurbished dren in the scout group. Loft Conversions Beavers (ages 6-8) – Extensions & General Maintenance The new Beaver section has now com- pleted their first year and they have Registered done so much. They are currently Velux Window Installer meeting from 6.30pm until 7.30pm in the scout HQ on Foundry Lane, Halton Tel: 01524 811283 and have 8 invested beavers and a very active programme of activities. Recent Page 17 cub section in action. Again we are looking for helpers and assistant lead- Design and manufacture of ers for this section so please get in bespoke kitchens, bedrooms and touch if you can help. At the moment finely crafted furniture with the number of warranted leaders Contemporary and traditional, fitted and we have in the cub section we cannot freestanding. Sustainably sourced timbers. Nontoxic finishes. accept any more cubs as we are at our maximum with the leader to child ratio Also a new generation of Timber Sliding Sash Windows that can also tilt open for and we are now having to start a wait- cleaning and have a B energy rating. ing list. If we can get one or two more 25 years of fine furniture and design ex- perience servicing to the local community warranted leaders in the cub section, we can increase our numbers again. Mill Lane, Halton. Tel: 01524 811968 Scouts (ages 101/2–14) – Unfor- activities have included making poppies, tunately this section has now been playing games, planting bulbs, cheese suspended as we are without leaders. tasting, decorating biscuits and making We are hoping that helpers and lead- aeroplanes. There are a few vacancies ers will come forward to get this sec- at the moment within the section so if tion meeting again, because without you have a child that is interested why the Scout section there is nowhere in not pop down on a Thursday night during the village for the older cubs to move term time and see what goes on. We up to. Once Scouts start to travel to are desperately looking for a new lead- another group out of the village to er and assistant leader for this section continue their scouting, they are then so please get in touch if you can help. not part of Halton group, the one they Cubs (ages 8-101/2) – have grown up with, they have lost

The cub section is doing well; we now TEMPTATIONS have 16 invested cubs. Recent activities 31 Main Street, Bentham have included cheese tasting, road 015242 61868 safety, games, bulb planting, biscuit Stockists of Poppy, Paul Separates, decorating and looking at our promise Finn Karelia, Playtex and Elle and law. Before Christmas the cubs Now stocking swimwear joined with the beavers for a fancy Cash’s Name Tapes dress party, which was well attended Haberdashery and everyone had a great night with fun Knitting Wool and games. We also have vacancies Needlecraft and Card making supplies within this section so call in on a Tues- Dolls house miniatures day night during term time and see the Page 18 EXPRESSIONS Hair

Tel: 01524 811392 OPENING TIMES - TUE to SAT, 9 - 5 Air conditioning & answer-phone REDUCTION DAYS FOR SENIORS - GENTS - CHILDREN their scouting friends and have to find EXPRESSIONS HAIR NEWS new ones and the additional travelling often leads to the child leaving scouting The Christmas raffle in aid of Air before they should. Ambulance & Stroke rehabilitation We know that there are children in the raised £63 and was won by Jean village who are keen to be scouts, we Coulton. just need adult support from parents or adults willing to become new leaders or Can You Help? sectional assistants and to help and We are desperately looking for new support the current leaders out leaders for all sections of the scout through this difficult time. Please con- group so if you are interested and tact me if you can offer any help in fancy taking on a challenge why not getting the scout section back on track. become a warranted leader or adult We currently need uniformed leaders assistant with the Beaver, Cub or for cubs and beavers and both sections especially the Scout sections, please need sectional assistants. contact me on 811051 without delay. All parents are being included on a Thank You parents’ rota for their section for Thank you from the cubs and beavers to which a CRB check will need to be all the parents and helpers who have carried out, and all parents will be given up their time to spend an hour or required to help out with monthly two with the cubs or beavers, we hope paper collections on the last Saturday you have enjoyed your evenings in each month. throughout the year and are ready to Come and get involved, join scouting, help out again when called upon. have some fun, meet new friends, gain Page 19 some badges and start your adventure. just cut the grass or clean the gut- The scout headquarters are on Foundry ters, then please get in touch and help Lane, Halton and during term time, the us out. cubs meet on Tuesday evenings from If you require any more information 6.45pm until 8pm and the Beavers meet regarding scouting in Halton village or on Thursday evenings from 6.30pm un- you wish your son or daughter to join til 7.30pm. beavers or be placed on the waiting list If you are able to offer help in any way, for cubs, please contact me on 811051 whether it be a formal role such as a without delay. leader or sectional assistant, or are good with fundraising or applying for Anne Haythornthwaite, grants, or you just want to offer to do Cub Scout and Beaver Scout Leader some simple maintenance at the hut or

SATURDAY 27th February 10.00 – 12.00am Nursery Equipment * Toys Household * Refreshments * Cake Stall £8 table in advance only

Entry Adult 50p/Children FREE

Contact Sarah Stevens on 07968 436761 Halton Community Association Charity No 506984

Page 20 High Road, Halton. LA2 6PS Tel: 01524 811063 and 07980 301653

• ALL YOUR CAR AND LIGHT COMMERCIAL, MOT, SERVICE, EXHAUSTS AND REPAIRS. • ALL THE LATEST ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT. • AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE.

MICHAEL, SALLY AND STAFF ARE FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL

THEY ARE THERE TO HELP WITH ALL YOUR MOTORING NEEDS Factory trained at Land Rover; Austin Rover; Mercedes Benz & Daihatsu Good knowledge of all makes and models. Please make use of your Local Garage

Page 21 WHAT’S ON IN HALTON-WITH-AUGHTON? All events are at The Centre @ Halton unless specified otherwise AUGHTON VILLAGE HALL: THE CENTRE @ HALTON BOOKINGS 812063 BOOKINGS 811444

WEEKLY EVENTS Saturdays: Halton Rangers: Junior Football: 10:30-12 Weekdays N. Wilson 811684 Mon - Fri Junior Football under 5's: 10:45–11:45 Lou- Kids Club: 8-9am, 3:15-5:45pm, URC ise 39017 07816317310 (moves to Centre after half Senior Football: 1-4pm Ian Black term) 07817746359 New Preschool 9:30-12 (after half term) Louise 811811 (Wed & Fri only until Easter) Sundays: Halton Rangers 14's Football: M Wilson Mondays: 811760 Cash Bingo: 1pm Greyhound American Square Dancing: 7:30-10pm Brian FORTNIGHTLY EVENTS 811444 Tuesdays: Tuesdays: Chimps Toddler Group: term time URC Lunesdale Camera Club: URC 7:30pm 10–11:30am 811854 733020 Indoor Bowls: 1:30–3:30pm 811198 Abbeyfield Tues Club: 2pm. 811940/811273 Stretch & Tone: 6:45-7:45pm 811558 Thursdays: Country Dance: 8–9:30pm 412754 Greyhound Quiz Night: 8:30pm Cub Scouts: 6:45–8pm term time 811051 MONTHLY EVENTS Wednesdays: Gymnastics: 2-6pm 812571 2nd Sat: Rough Stuff Cycling 811843 2nd Wed: Parish Council Meeting. 7:30pm Thursdays: The Centre 811933 Toddler Group: 9:30–11:30 811854 from 21 2nd Fri: Abbeyfield Coffee Morning, Feb 12:30 – 3pm 10:00am Tots Story Time: 2:30-3:00pm term time, 3rd Wed: W.I. School 7:15pm Jane 812702 Keep Moving: 3-4pm 07979715041 Last Wed: HCA meeting 7:30pm 811444 Beavers: 6:30-7:30, Scout HQ - 811051 Last Fri: St Wilfrid’s Hall Nursing Home Circuit Training: 7-8pm 811854 Coffee Morning - all welcome. Carpet Bowls: 7:30pm Aughton Hall. 811078 Last Sat: Scout paper collection Weight Watchers 5:45-6:45pm - 832522 Last Sat: Cash Bingo – Greyhound 7:30pm Last Sun: Quiz Night, Halton Social Club

WHAT’S ON ENTRIES Email: [email protected]; Tel: 811444 ... Or Carol at Expressions Hair

Page 22 MONTHLY CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February

Sat 6 Coffee Morning at URC, 10 am Wed 10 URC Women’s Guild meeting - talk on Beatrix Potter, 1.45 pm Fri 12 Abbeyfield Coffee Morning, 10:00am Sat 13 Aughton Church Beetle Drive – Aughton Village Hall 7 pm Sat 13 Haffner Orchestra concert – 7:30 pm, Lancaster Town Hall Tickets 65531 Wed 17 Co-Housing – Mill Lane. Preview of planning application – all welcome from 6:30-8 pm at ‘Centre’ Sat 27 Nearly New Table Top Sale – 10-12 am @ Centre. Info - Sarah 07968436761

March

Sat 6 Coffee Morning at URC, 10 am Wed 10 URC Women’s Guild meeting - talk on Morecambe lifeboat and RNLI, 1:45 pm Fri 12 Abbeyfield Coffee Morning, 10:00 am Sat 20 Aughton Church Easter Bingo – Aughton Village Hall 7:30 pm Wed 24 - Sat 27 ‘The Yeoman of the Guard‘, Hornby Institute 7:30 pm

April

Sat 3 Coffee Morning at URC, 10 am Fri 9 Abbeyfield Coffee Morning, 10 am Sat 17 Cancer Research Coffee Morning – Victoria Institute, Caton 10 am - 12

Page 23 SERVICES IN BRIEF

BUS SERVICES - Timetables are available in the library.

No 49 Daytime, every 1/2 hr to Lancaster Halton – Lancaster 18 to and 12 past hour Lancaster to Halton 10 to and 20 past hour

No 431 to Morecambe Mon – Sat. Halton War Memorial O9:16 & 13:33 from Morecambe (Morrisons) 12:35 & 16:30

Evenings and Sundays No 81A & 81B Halton to Lancaster at 10 mins to hour, hourly.

No 81A Halton to Kirkby Lonsdale via Caton, Hornby, , Arkholme - 2 hourly from 11:28

No 81B Halton to Kirkby Lonsdale via Caton, Hornby, Wray, Wennington - 2 Hourly from 10:28

OTHER SERVICES

LIBRARY: Mon 10:30am - 1:00pm, 2 - 5pm; Thurs 2 - 5pm, 5:30 -7:00pm.

SURGERY: Halton Medical Centre, 110 High Rd 811226. Mon to Fri 8:00am- 12:30 pm and 1:00–6.:30pm, Dr Hobbs & Dr Khattab

POST OFFICE – (In the Pharmacy) Mon, Wed, Fri 9:30 – 12:30 & 1:00 – 4:00

PHARMACY – Mon – Fri 9:00-12:30 & 1:30–5:30; Sat – 9:00-12:30 tel 812149

POLICE SURGERIES: Top Shops, 2nd Wed: 10 Feb, 10 Mar, 7 Apr - 6:45 to 7:15pm

PHONE PACT SURGERY - 01524 596407 Last Thursday monthly, Feb 25, Mar 25, Apr 29, 6:30-7:30pm

Page 24 POLICE INFORMATION

P oli ce websi te: CRIMES REPORT 6/11/09 - 3/1/10 www..police.uk/halton.html 1. Between 6 & 12 Nov ,several manhole Emai l: covers were taken from Mill Lane, at [email protected] Halton Mills. Contact detai ls: 2. Coping stones taken from top of wall P hone: 999 emergency along roadside - Green Lane, between 01524 63333 Lancaster Control Room midnight & 6am, on 13 Nov. to report an incident, a crime or re- 3. Handbag & a laptop stolen from quire a Police Officer to attend unlocked car parked outside a livery 01524 596522 Voicemail (N ON UR- centre/farm on Kirkby Lonsdale Rd, be- GEN T) to get in touch with P C 2801 tween 3-5pm on 24 Nov. Joanne Humphrey or P CSO Annette 4. Farm on border with Hoover about a community issue had a cow trailer & a quad bike taken - POLICE S URGERIES : 6:45-7:15pm afternoon of 28 Nov, between 3:15-4:15. Top Shops 2nd Wed monthly 5. Between 19 & 21 Dec a bathroom sink P ACT P hone S urgery: Last Thursday left out on a driveway has been removed every month 6:30-7:30pm on 01524 without permission. 596407 (Outside these times please do 6. Between 24 & 29 Dec a wing mirror of not use this number as there may not be a vehicle parked on the surgery car park any officers available to take your call.) was smashed. Nothing was seen or heard. 7. At 12:35hrs on 31 Dec, two males were seen to break into a vehicle parked on Foundry Lane. The offenders smashed the rear window and removed handbag. A witness saw them make off in a black Volvo 4x4 vehicle towards Slyne. Males described as white, aged 40-50 years, one with a bald head. Driveways...Decking...Paving... Unfortunately the males were never Trees felled and hedges pruned... traced. Fences and Gates repaired etc. 8. Overnight between 2 & 3 Jan - front Also minor building work considered nearside window of a vehicle was smashed. Nothing stolen. A secluded street & nothing was heard by neigh- bours. Page 25 Crook O’ Lune Car Park prepare a draft design to assess the There has been an increase in reported feasibility of this option. The closing incidents at this location involving rac- times of the toilets are also to be re- ing vehicles, loud music from vehicles & evaluated. beeping of horns at an unreasonable hour. Residents affected by this be- PACT surgeries Weds; 10 Feb, 10 haviour have been asked to report any Mar, 7 Apr between 6:45 & 7:15pm incidents to enable us to build a more outside top shops High Rd. realistic picture as to what is actually happening during the hours of dark- Phone-in Surgery ness in and around this car park. The public will be able to ring and be guaranteed to speak to either PC Hum- A meeting was held on Friday 11 Dec at phrey or PCSO Hoover. This phone sur- Crook O’ Lune car park with Nick Haigh gery will run on the LAST THURSDAY & Nick Osborne (Lancashire County EVERY MONTH BETWEEN 6:30 & Council), an engineer from Highways, 7:30pm ON 01524 596407. Outside PC Jo Humphrey and PCSO Annette these times there may not be any offic- Hoover. This meeting was very useful ers available to take your call. and enabled the problems in the car At other times please call 01524 63333 park be reviewed using a multi-agency or leave a non-urgent voicemail for approach. It was agreed that the Jo/Annette on 01524 596522. Council would erect some signs warning Should people want to contact us via of police patrols in the area. They also email please send all enquiries to agreed to revisit the idea of closing [email protected] the car park off at night and are to

Page 26 Tuesday 10:00-12:00 Term-time only

£2.00 per family Includes drinks fruit and biscuits Craft Toys Music

CHIMPS Chimps started as a group for child- minders and parents fourteen years This toddler group meets at the Unit- ago. Although the number of child- ed Reformed Church, High Road, minders in the village has dwindled in Halton Tuesdays (Term-Time) 10:00am recent years the group has remained to 12 noon. strong and is well attended by parents, We are a small friendly group of par- grandparents and children. ents and carers, who meet weekly, to If anyone would like to like to find out enjoy a friendly and creative time with more about Chimps or is interested in our children. becoming a childminder and would like The cost is £2.00 per family and in- to find out what is involved, please cludes drinks, healthy snacks and craft contact Maureen Richardson Tel activities. 01524 811854.

Page 27 Have you seen our new website? We offer a dedicated, friendly service to pets and their owners based in a modern, fully equipped, purpose-built surgery. Please feel free to call in, meet the staff and tour the facilities. Lancaster Veterinary Centre, 195 Bowerham Road, Lancaster, LA1 4HT Tel : (01524) 84 00 33 www.lancastervets.co.uk

Canine cupcake anyone? how tasty is Kobe beef fillet to justify As I write there are about 347 shop- a price tag of £149 per kilogram? I ping days to Christmas (and although it doubt we will be seeing it in Derrick’s is early January cream eggs are in the anytime soon! Who would possibly sit shops – the world’s gone mad!!) so per- down to lunch at the fish counter and haps it’s time to think about Christmas order a 125 gram serving of Caviar for presents. A few weeks ago one very £425? I suppose if you need a drink to kind present (some theatre tickets) cope with those prices you’d probably took us to London just before Christ- choose champagne. mas to see War Horse (from the cele- After a long and enjoyable detour via brated book by children’s author the toy floor we ended our trip round Michael Morpurgo). We had a great this incredible shop in the pet depart- time, the Christmas lights and shop ment. I could wax lyrical about the windows were as spectacular as we £3000 puppies or £800 kittens on sale, remembered (Debbie and I lived in the jewel-encrusted collars, the £100 London for six years), the play was water bowls or the £60 “dressing up amazing and we even got to end up like outfits” for dogs but what made my day snowmen in a December blizzard. complete was a section of the shop Having asked the children if they had given over the Canine Cookie Company. any requests to see particular things This relatively new but fast growing we ended up at Harrods. As their eyes business specialises in handmade, gour- popped at the displays in the food met pet treats, canine confectionery halls mine exploded at the prices. Just and celebration cakes for dogs.

Page 28 ”Whether you are looking for a gour- haps even 10kgs (22lbs) overweight. met meal for your pet, a birthday cake The outlook is for joint problems, ar- or pet party planning, the Canine Cookie thritis, various increased disease risks Company has everything you need for and a markedly shortened life. fine doggie dining”. The owner and I I patiently and politely explain this to had a very friendly chat and he told me the owner and suggest strategies and of the rapid and successful expansion support to help get the excess weight of his business. A Happy Barkday cake off. A loss of 1% of weight per week is for £45, a box of four E-claws for £5, our target so we should get from the Mutt-fins at £2.50 or eight Paw-fiter- current 40kgs to a reasonable target olls for £7. If you want the ultimate of 32kgs in just 5 months. As the client they will organise a birthday party for leaves they book a nurse appointment your dog complete with invitations, food, cake, party games and music (“Who let the dogs out”?) – price, not Dave and Grace of surprisingly, on application. (Those of Halton Village News you who know me can probably imagine wish all our customers me reaching for my blood pressure pills!) a Happy New Year!

Now I suppose that if you pay £149 for To help you zip through a hamburger and £425 for a mouthful those post Christmas and of fish eggs you won’t bat an eyelid at New Year chores, we now prices like that for your dog but as a sell a varied selection vet I find it somewhat disturbing. I of cleaning materials! very much want my clients to love and (GREAT! - HA! HA!). care for their pets but we are increas- ingly seeing pets being turned into And for those post festive small people and spoilt accordingly. As heads, tums & lungs, a result we are seeing a whole raft of we now have a range of the same problems in our canine and medication to suit all your feline patients as my medical col- sensitive areas (OOOH!). leagues see in us. Obesity, lack of exer- cise, diabetes, emotional (behavioural) We now sell de-icer (BRRR!). problems, dental disease, and skin dis- ease – all are on the rise and much of it is owner-inflicted. If you have any difficulty reaching us, call 811401 I weigh a Labrador during an annual to arrange delivery. health check and find he is 6, 8, per- Page 29 for our free of charge weight loss clin- Woodie’s and buys their dog its own ic. Sadly they don’t turn up. bacon sandwich. I know my waist line is too large but that is entirely down Jump forward 12 months. The same to me, I choose when and how much I Labrador arrives for his annual check- eat. I know I should be on my bike up. As the client enters the room I more and in my car less. Your pet re-read my notes from the previous doesn’t have that problem. If you year and the dog waddles to the scales don’t feed them they don’t eat – if and clocks in at 43kgs. I sigh inwardly they are overweight you have no-one and patiently begin over but fear I am to blame but yourself. wasting my time. During the Spring we are running a Who’s fault is it that the dog is 1/3 weight loss campaign to trying to find heavier than it needs to be and it can’t the “Biggest Loser” in our practice – exercise properly? The dog’s? – Well, helping pets become smaller, lighter he does eat everything put in front of and healthier. As I walked out of Salt him. Mine? – well, perhaps my explana- Ayre Leisure Centre this evening I tion and support could be more effec- noticed an almost identical campaign tive. In truth there is only one person for their owners. It’s good to see the to blame. The person who opens the health service is copying our good ide- cupboard and scoops up too much food, as! the person who shares their toast each morning, the person who allows the dog If you pet has slowed up, is looking a to beg at each mealtime and obliges little portly, has lost their waistline or every time, the person who goes to is beginning to resemble an extra cof- fee table then please don’t just as- sume they are “ok”, “cuddly” or “have D.C. Seward a slow metabolism”. In partnership with your vet you can make a differ- ence, restore their sleek shape and PAINTER AND DECORATOR get them back to exercising better Serving Halton & surrounding and enjoying themselves. Make a New Year resolution to speak to the vets areas for over 20 years. and nurses at your practice about Enquiries welcome their weight loss clinics – you’ll be ESTIMATES FREE taking good advice.

01524 811281 James Glass, LVC.

Page 30 Holywell Care Services www.holywell-care.org 54 Westminster Road [email protected] Morecambe 01524 418090 LA4 4JD 07886 719031

We focus on you, promoting your independence to suit your lifestyle and specialise in person-centred dementia care.

We would like to know how we could support you.

Thursday 7pm-8pm

£3.00 Adult £2.00 under 18’s

Fitness class for all the family

Children from age 11 years Teenagers and Adults

Enjoy exercising in a relaxed atmosphere

For more information Contact Maureen Richardson 01524 811854

Page 31 JOTTINGS FROM THE PAST, NO 32...... By Bill Hosfield

Halton and the Railway, Part Two. mund Sharpe’s son, Edmund junior. When first built, the line was but a The lattice side girders and cross single-track and a system known as beams of the present bridge were ‘working the staff’ was used to ensure transported here from Lancaster that there was only one train on the line where they had previously formed part at any one time. In this system the of the forerunner of the present stationmaster at Wennington would ‘Greyhound Bridge’ when it was a rail- hand over the ‘staff’ to the engine driv- way bridge. er before he could depart for Lancas- On the 3rd of April 1907, sparks from ter; there the ‘staff’ was handed over the engine of the early morning boat to the stationmaster who would then train from to St Pancras ig- hand it on to the driver of the next nited some 20 barrels of naphtha that train to depart for Wennington. were on a wagon in the siding; this set On inspection of the stone piers of the fire to the goods shed and soon spread former railway bridges at the Crook of to the station buildings, all of which Lune it is still possible to see where were built of wood. Though the engine they were extended to carry the extra from a passing train attempted to line when the track was doubled in the move the wagons clear of the station, 1888/9. To give the village access to only one coal wagon was saved. The fire the new station it was necessary to brigade was summoned from Lancaster construct the first ever bridge over and arrived on the scene about 6-30 the Lune at Halton; this was a timber a.m. and around the same time a special structure slightly upstream from the present bridge. The construction of this began on the 29th October 1849, and the rector’s wife, Mrs Mackreth, Respiratory Physiotherapy & recorded that she first crossed over it Buteyko Teacher available to treat on the 24th of December, “the last part your Asthma, Hyperventilation and many more breathing problems. being on planks”. This bridge lasted until February 1869 when it was swept away Alison Harrison CSP by a flood; it was then replaced by Registered with the another timber structure, which in turn Health Professions Council was replaced by the present iron Tel : 01524 549683 bridge, which rather aptly was opened [email protected] on the 13th of February 1913, by Ed- Page 32 train arrived from Lancaster with about lorries were crossing the bridge. 30 railwaymen who formed a bucket Perhaps the most exciting times chain from the river to help douse the were summer weekends in the years flames. Despite all the efforts the sta- before 1939 which saw the arrival tion was burned to the ground, and only and departure of troop trains bring- the twisted metalwork of the wagons in ing men of the Territorial Army for the sidings remained. The station was their fortnight’s summer camp in then rebuilt, with the goods shed being the village. The soldiers made a won- built of brick, but the buildings on the derful sight as the marched through platform were again built of timber and the village, each unit being lead by were very similar in style to the ones its own band. lost in the fire. With the closure of Halton Mills in A photograph from the early 1900s 1935 and the loss of passengers to shows the stationmaster and five mem- the buses the staff was finally re- bers of his staff. This was when Halton duced to just one man, and passen- Station was in its heyday. Not only was ger traffic on this line finally ended it the only means of transport for peo- when a train for Lancaster left ple coming or going from the village, but Wennington at 7:53p.m. on the 1st the transport of goods also formed a of January 1966. Today the railway major part of its trade. With the Halton is but a memory, of childhood trips Mills alone requiring some ten tons of to Morecambe for a day out; the coal per day for its boilers, and the site of summer excursion trains transport of incoming raw materials, and bringing people from the Yorkshire outgoing finished products, a continuous towns to Morecambe; and being on procession of horse drawn carts and the riverside watching as the same trains returned in the evening with Lune Valley the happy trippers all waving from the windows; seeing the fast trains Pre-School Centre like the ‘Residential Express’ which We welcome all 2 - 4 year old every morning took businessmen children. from their homes in Morecambe to Pre-School sessions held their offices in Leeds or Bradford; Mon, Wed & Fri. 9 am - 12 noon Tues returning with them in the evening; & Thurs 12.30 - 3.30 pm and the sound of the ‘Boat Trains’ as We also run sessions on Tues & Thurs they raced down the valley to Hey- from 9 - 11.30 am for 2 - 3 yr olds. sham. Details from Alison Webb on 07751 907358 Bill Hosfield, February 2010

Page 33 BEN SLINGER RECALLS HIS final and the top 10 riders join the RECENT TRIP TO AUSTRALIA automatic qualifiers for the semi-final where again the top 8 go through to AND NEW ZEALAND (Part 2) the final. Last issue I finished in Australia by fulfilling one of my ambitions to surf on The competition in Rotura was held in Bondi Beach before a 3 hour flight to the town with a whole street being Auckland in New Zealand. closed off. Danny easily qualified for the semi-final. The semi-final took We arrived in Auckland in the evening place in the pouring rain on the Sunday and again spent a luxurious night in a morning and both Danny and I qualified four star hotel before collecting yet for the final. The final was in the another camper van on the Wednesday afternoon and luckily the rain had morning. We spent a couple of days eased off enough for the sections to travelling down the coast relaxing be- dry out a little. fore arriving in Rotura on the Friday for the 5th and final round of the UCI Following another gruelling ride and World Cup 2009. keeping my cool I finished in 4th place (only 2 points off 2nd place). Danny In World Cup competitions riders have managed to finish in 7th place. This rankings based on results from previ- result meant that I was now ranked ous World Cups (I was currently at 3rd overall in the World gaining a podi- number 7). The top 10 riders automati- um place with the world’s professional cally qualify for the semi final. The Elite riders (something I had only ever remaining competitors ride the quarter

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Fully registered for examinations with I.S.T.D. The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing Recognised as an Awarding Body by the Qualifications & Curriculum Authority ANNUAL SHOWS – EXAMS – FESTIVAL WORK CLASSES HELD IN CARNFORTH, HALTON &

Enquires: 01524 736320

Page 34 dreamt about). The gruelling 26 hour PARISH LOTTERY flight home seemed less daunting as I This year only 237 members joined the was comforted by the huge trophy Parish Lottery. However we will still and the Number 3 ranking. pay out £2,000 in prize money and the I would like to thank my parents for balance £370 will go towards the their support (especially financial) Halton Recreation area. The winners without which I would not be able to for the first 6 months are listed on compete and look forward to 2010. Page 36. Although no dates or venues have yet The Big Lottery Fund Stage 2 applica- been confirmed for the World Cups tion has now been submitted and we the World Championships will be in eagerly wait on a decision of a Quebec, Canada at the beginning of £450,000 grant (due end of March). September. Work will commence at the beginning of February to re-contour the area My business Trialsdisplay.co.uk con- currently used by the builders at HY- tinues to do well and we already have ACC and create an older children’s play a good number of bookings for 2010. area. This will consist of a large Octa- Locally, I will be performing at Caton net climbing frame, Supernova rounda- Gala in June and am also looking for- bout and a Giant Nest swing with safe- ward to entertaining the village with a ty surfacing and landscaping. The cost free demo at the Centre @ Halton’s of approx £70,000 has been part Grand Opening Week in May 2010. funded by grants from Playbuilder of £47,000 and the Lancashire Environ- Ben Slinger mental Fund of £17,500. If the Big Lottery Fund application is successful the whole recreation area Your first port will be completed which will include a of call for Quality Cruises younger children’s play area, multi-use games area, skate-park, BMX trail, Cruise Petanque court, leisure & picnic areas. Connections Cllr. Carol Slinger Willow Mill, Caton Thank You - the elderly residents of For great deals and expert advice Pennystone Rd wish to thank the kind contact us today: 01524 771701 considerate people who offered and [email protected] www.cruiseoffers.com gave help in the recent bad weather! ABTA no E4353

Page 35 PARISH LOTTERY FUND Sponsored by the Halton Community Improvement Group WINNERS JULY 2009 NOVEMBER 2009 Number 145 Number 202 M Haswell P Armstrong £50 £50

AUGUST 2009 DECEMBER 2009 Number 443 Number 132 J Pearson Bob Cridland (C/O £50 HCA) £500 SEPTEMBER 2009 Number 350 Number 137 L Barrow S Hollingshead-Fox £100 £250

Number 31 Number 153 H Bardsley E Cowgill £50 £100

OCTOBER 2009 Number 18 Number 51 K Bryne J Welbourne £50 £50

Page 36 GRANDMA’S RECIPES

The best recipe for Welsh Rarebit In the days before grills, the toast that I know is one which was given to would be toasted on a toasting fork me by the cashier of Reece’s restau- over the fire. The fire shovel would rant in Liverpool. This once busy res- have already been heated until it was taurant no longer exists, but their red hot, then, it was held a few inches extra special Welsh Rarebit is a fitting away from the cheese topping in order memorial. I would like to think that to melt and brown it. Quite dangerous the recipe was given to them by the I would say! ladies of North who came en Welsh Rarebit, at its most basic, is masse into the city on Thursdays. It cheese on toast but it is usually given a was quite an invasion and the buzz of bit of pzazz by the addition of a few Welsh chatter threatened to over- crucial ingredients. Often the grated whelm the Scousers (although that cheese is moistened by milk but in Lan- could never be a possibility). cashire it’s not unknown to add a table- However, it’s unlikely that Welsh Rare- spoon or two of beer instead. bit originated in Wales. It is more The recipe I am giving you has another likely a dish invented in or different twist. It’s a very quick and . Unfortunately, the original easy meal but I think it’s in danger of name of ‘Welsh Rabbit’ was probably being forgotten now that we have piz- intended as an insult to the Welsh by zas and the like. Hopefully, I can re- suggesting that they were too poor to mind you that it’s well worth a try. afford real rabbit and therefore had to substitute cheese. For Personal Caring Attention Cliff Small Funeral Service Independent Family Firm Private Chapels, Prepaid Funeral Plans Monumental Masonry

20 Brookhouse Road, Caton. Tel: (01524) 770886 (24 hrs) 33 Claremont Road, Morecambe. Tel: (01524) 424072 (24 hrs) 91 Main Road, Bolton-le-Sands. Tel: (01524) 736166 (24 hrs)

Page 37 WELSH RAREBIT ‘Oooh’ factor when it comes out from (Serves 4) under the grill. So make sure that 4 slices of thick crusty white bread everyone is seated in position to eat 225 gms (8oz) of grated Lancashire their rarebit straight away. or Cheddar Cheese You may have heard of a Buck Rarebit. 1 large egg This is simply a more substantial ver- Pinch of mustard powder (optional) sion of Welsh Rarebit made by adding Quarter teaspoon of Worcester a poached egg on the top: just the Sauce (optional) thing for ladies to eat after a tiring day of serious shopping in the city! Method Preheat the grill and toast the bread Bernadette Needham on one side only. Beat the egg and add to the grated KITCHEN cheese together with the mustard INSTALLATIONS and Worcester Sauce. Mix them to- North West Ltd gether thoroughly. Divide the cheese mixture between Supplier of German Kitchens the slices of toast. Spread evenly by "Schuller" over the untoasted side of each slice. A local family firm with over 15 years Place under a hot grill until nicely experience and our reputation built browned. upon recommendations. This recipe creates a delicious and Kitchens - Utilities - Studies fluffy cheese topping which has an Replacement work surfaces in lami- nate, granite, zodiac and encore. We provide a complete installation D.J.Platts service which includes joinery, building, plumbing, electrics, (Of Caton) Est 1988 floor and wall coverings. GREENBANK . CATON Visit our showroom by appointment LANCASTER . LA2 9JD Unit 3, Low Mills, Mill Lane, Telephone: 01524 770200 Low Bentham Telephone 015242 63388/61236 APPROVED CAR or 07831 151839 www.kitcheninstallationsnw.co.uk BODY REPAIRERS Email:[email protected]

Page 38 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Applications Pending 09/00932/ADV - St Wilfrid’s nursing home – non-illuminated signs. No objec- 09/00800/FUL – Enlarged parking tions area at Riverside Cottage for Mr 09/01053/FUL - solar hot water panels Cadman – comments regarding flood at Halton West - supported risk assessment and tree survey – riverside impact Applications Refused 09/01242/FUL : 09/01242/LB – Change of use of barn into 2 dwell- 09/01119/FUL - two-storey extension ings for Captain Finley at 24 School House Lane – PC offered 10 /00011/CU: -Change of use from no objection funeral parlour to residential dwelling 09/01055/FUL - sunroom extension at at 111 High Rd, Halton 2 Shefferlands Cottages – PC offered 09/01075/FUL - ground floor exten- no objection sion at 69 Beech Road – position of boundary not clear. No objections Applications Withdrawn 09/01068/FUL – Installation of 09/01063/FUL - enlarged agricultural Wind Farm at Claughton Moor – PC building at 21 School House Lane – No objected objections 09/00294/LB & 09/00290/CU - Change of use and residential conver- sion at the White Lion - comments made and change of use reluctantly accepted. TIM DOOTSON Applications Approved Joiner & Builder 09/01094/FUL - external corridor All aspects of property and covered play space at St Wilfrid’s School - supported maintenance & renovation 09/00800/FUL – Enlarged parking For prompt attention call ... area at Riverside Cottage for Mr Cadman – comments regarding flood 01524 63093 risk assessment and tree survey – riverside impact Mobile: 07771 566994

Page 39 Thursday 9:30-11:30 Term-time only

£2.50 per family Includes drinks toast biscuits and fruit Parents grandparents and carers with children from babies up to pre-school age welcome ‘Come and join the fun’ For more information Contact Maureen Tel 01524 811854

Page 40 THE CENTRE @ HALTON Halton Community Association Charity No. 506984

Bookings/Information 811444 The volunteer management have had Grants & Donations. quite a stressful time during the build We have been extremely fortunate to up to Xmas. Along with all the usual have been awarded a grant of £9,000 problems expected with the building from Sustainable work, the temporary radiators were Development Fund to be used towards struggling to provide enough heating the grey water system. (Water from for our large hall as winter began to the roof collects in this tank & is used bite. The ring main for the hall sockets for flushing the toilets in the building) suddenly gave up which meant no heat Thank you to Halton Horticultural at all, so a new main had to be fitted Society for their fantastic donation of pronto, something we’d not budgeted £969.04, which couldn’t have come at for. a better time. Then shortly after the heating & elec- Thank you to Bob Cridland & the 500 tricity were reconnected the water club as his donated ticket was drawn to pipes froze. Two large dance parties win the big prize of £500 & given to were booked in close proximity to these H.C.A. problems but the repairs were complet- ed in time and both the dances went Donations In Kind. with a swing. We are a positive thinking Thank you very much to Paint & Deco- group & have so much to be grateful for. rative Supplies Ltd (PADS) of White

Plumbing; Gas (including LPG); Oil; Heating;

Complete Bathrooms; Lead work Specialist Tel: 01524 811742 2 YEAR GUARANTEE Mobile: 07713900773

Friendly, Reliable Service CORGI REGISTERED OFTEC REGISTERED

Page 41 Lund, Morecambe for donating 6 x 5ltr For all the activities on offer at the cans of paint for the store rooms. Centre see the Centre Pages of the Thank you to a local lady who wishes Prattle or the notice boards at the anonymity for paint & varnish value, Centre. £50. Plans are being made for a grand open- Thank you, Maureen, Carl, Brian, ing on Friday May 28 with other events Carol, Carol S, Debbie, Cyril, Dami- over the days following. Any help, ide- an, Helen, Angela, John & Chris for as, information or expertise that will helping to prepare & paint at the hall help to organise this would be very over Christmas break. much appreciated. Thank you to Elliott Gorst Decorating Of course even when the building is Services from Halton, who has of- completed there will still be loads to fered to help when we decorate the do, more funds to find for the lift and new annexe Jan /Feb. main kitchen as well as loads of equip- Thank You to George Leatherhead, ment needed. GWL Services, (painters & decora- tors) who has offered his help when The Outside Area we decorate the new annexe Jan/Feb. The project kicks off as soon as the building is handed over starting with General the new adventure playground and The weather has severely hampered preparation of the young children’s the exterior building works but the area. An additional grant of £450,000 building is expected to be completed has been applied for from the Big at the end of January. We will still have to decorate & furnish (helpers Cragg View Pet Services are needed) and I expect there will be Complete service for all your dog's needs. some outstanding work on the exterior Home from home dog boarding with to be finished but we are all looking plenty of exercise and socialisation. forward to being able to offer more Doggie day care - full and half day places . space. New activities to the centre are Clipping, bathing and grooming. Weightwatchers on Thursdays, Lune Burns food stockist. Valley Ocean Wavers, Square Dancing Every stay tailored to suit on Mondays & the start of a new Play- your dog's needs. group & relocating of the ‘Before & For further information please contact After School’ Kids Club planned for Julie on Crooklands 015395 67288 the end of February, Mondays to Fri- or Mobile 07847 970906 or email days. [email protected] Page 42 Lottery Fund. Should we be success- TRUE GRIT ful, (everything crossed,) we will be able to complete the master plan The Winter of Discontent continues, as project, providing a superb skate park, do the treacherous conditions, on the Astro-turf MUGA, Petanque court, roads and footpaths within the Parish of car park & lighting among other things. Halton with Aughton. Whilst the main See the master plan in ‘Lancastle’ win- roads and bus routes have been kept dow at the top of Quarry Rd. relatively clear, all side roads and foot- paths on the residential areas have re- Events mained untouched by grit. Movement Do get involved and help make the from homes has been difficult at least, official opening in May a really special and in some cases, impossible! community effort. I am sure you will Many residents have, wherever possible, enjoy the experience and make many done their best to keep their locality as new friends and rekindle old friend- clear as possible. The few grit bins ships along the way. within the Parish were emptied quickly, Make sure you come & see the Lancas- and unfortunately remained so through- ter Co-Housing pre plans 17 Feb, for out. The County Council’s policy of no Mill Lane & pick up a bargain at the refill was even extended to no grit avail- Table Top Sale 27 Feb. Do come able for collection at the depot in Caton. along and see for yourself the differ- That is no reflection on the people there ence to the building. - it is County policy. Of course this has been (and still is) an Carol Holman, tel 811444 exceptional period of fairly extreme weather. It may however become the norm, given the possible climate change - or is it global warming? (Ask the ex- Fully equipped detached house with perts - there are plenty on both sides of garden and balcony. Sleeps 6 - 8. the debate!) Air-conditioned. Use of communal pool. In the shorter term we need better Situated in authentic Spanish village, preparation for all eventualities. 15 mins to unspoilt beaches of We need more grit bins available. Costa de la Luz. This is a County Council policy matter. If Easy access to Portugese Algarve and you feel strongly about the issue tell beautiful Andalucian countryside. your County Councillor - Cllr. Susie 50 mins drive from Faro Airport. Charles, [email protected]

Lancaster City Cllr Paul Woodruff

Page 43 Halton Pharmacy

110 High Road Halton Lancaster LA2 6PU

Located opposite the Shops on Halton High Road, adjacent to Halton Surgery (Incorporating Post Office ~ open Mon Wed Fri) Customer car park for easy access

Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm - plus Saturday morning Sign up for our FREE Prescription Collection / Delivery Service to your home Tel: 01524 812149 Fax: 01524 812168 www.haltonpharmacy.co.uk

Ash Trees Pharmacy Market Street Carnforth LA5 9JU EXTENDED OPENING ~ 100 HOURS

Monday to Friday 7am to 11pm Saturday 8am to 6.30pm Sunday 8am to 6pm Tel: 01524 727877 Fax: 01524 730421 www.ashtrees.co.uk Located 5 minutes from junction 35 on the M6

Page 44