ColtonColton The results of a community consultation 2003 Parish Plan

•Lakeside

•Finsthwaite

•Bouth

•Oxen Park

•Rusland

•Nibthwaite ContentsContents

1. Foreword ...... 2 5. Summary of Survey Results ...... 28 - 30 by the Chairman of the Parish Council Analysis of the AHA report on the Questionnaire

2. Introduction and Policy ...... 3 6. Residents comments from questionnaire ...... 31 - 33

3. The Parish of Colton ...... 4 7. The Open Meetings Brief ...... 34 report on the three open meetings held and comments and points 4. Response from Organisations and Individuals ...... 5 raised at the meetings Information provided by various organisations Rusland & District W.I...... 5 8. Action Plan ...... 35 - 37 Bouth W.I...... 6 Young Farmers ...... 7-8 9. Vision for the Future ...... 38 Holy Trinity Parish Church Colton ...... 9 Saint Paul’s Parish Church, Rusland ...... 10 10. Colton Parish Councillors ...... 39 Tottlebank Baptist Church ...... 11 Rookhow Friends Meeting house in the Rusland Valley ...... 12 11. Appendix ...... 40 Finsthwaite Church ...... 13 Copy of the Parish Plan Questionnaire Response from Schools ...... 14 - 15 A Few of the Changes in Fifty Years of Farming ...... 16 - 17 National Park Authority owned properties in Colton Parish ...... 18 Response from the Lake District National Park Authority ...... 19 Response from Cumbria County Council ...... 19 South Lakeland District Council ...... 20 Rusland Valley Community Trust ...... 21 Forest Enterprise ...... 22 Hay Bridge Nature Reserve ...... 23 Lakeside & Finsthwaite Village Hall ...... 24 Rusland Reading Rooms ...... 25 Bouth Reading Rooms ...... 25 Oxen Park Reading Room ...... 25 Rusland Valley Horticultural Society ...... 26 - 27

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 1 1.1. ForewordForeword

Colton Parish is one of the larger rural generally. It has also had the effect of parishes within the Lake District National diluting what was a very close-knit society Park. It covers some 20 square miles, years ago. bounded on the west by the shore of Lake Windermere, and on the east by the shore Over recent years the rate of change has of Coniston water.The topography of the accelerated, speeded along recently by the Parish divides it into three valleys running tragedy of the foot & mouth epidemic, and roughly north/south, one being the indications are this rate of change is Windermere, one Coniston, and the third likely to continue.The purpose of this the Rusland valley in between the other Parish Plan is to enable the Parish Council two. to try meet this challenge, and to specifically address the problems which Each valley has its own particular you, the people of the Parish, have character, and interests, and as a result is a highlighted. challenging Parish to administer as a whole. In recent years the Parish has The Council were delighted with the changed from a predominately farming response to the survey, with some 66% community to one where farming is now a replies.This has enabled us to obtain a less dominant activity, and there is much clearer profile of the Parish which more reliance on tourism and other hopefully will help us to be more effective activities for income (in particular as a Council in both understanding Lakeside, which is now very orientated to concerns and decision making. tourism).The population has changed too, with more retired and elderly people Please do take time out to read this, and coming into the area, which has the effect we would welcome comments: the Parish of inflating house prices to the point Council is, and must always be, a two way where it is almost impossible for young affair, we need input from you to help us couples to get on the housing ladder.This to work for you. is leading to a scarcity of young families with the consequent adverse effect on Bobbie Dobson local schools, and the local community Chairman of the Parish Council

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 2 2.2. IntroductionIntroduction

THE POLICY OF THE Colton Parish is situated in the southern Action Cumbria, Colton Parish Council set appropriate. Presentations of the proposed PARISH COUNCIL area of the Lake District National Park, up a steering group to examine the future plan would be made at the Rusland Show and lies within South Lakeland District of the Parish.The steering group consisting in the summer of 2002 and another in the The Policy of the Parish Council is to Council’s area of responsibility. Its of eight people was set up with two Parish spring show 2003. promote the well being of the boundaries, shown on the map, are the Councillors, Parish Clerk, and five community as a whole, with A590 to the south, the shores of Lake members of the public. One of the The Steering Group would design and Windermere to the east for a distance of steering group became a Parish Councillor produce a SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE, particular regard to where there three miles and a northern boundary during the preparation of the plan. which would and circulated and collected may a conflict of interests. stretching across to Coniston Water to by the committee to all the homes in the the West.This western boundary runs in a The Objectives of the report Parish.The results of the Survey would be It is also the policy of the council to southerly direction back to the A590. were to professionally analysed by a Marketing strongly represent the interests of Company. the parish in areas where they have The Parish embraces the settlements of • Set out an achievable and long-term no direct control of the decision LAKESIDE, FINSTHWAITE, BOUTH, vision for the future. Three meetings would be organised to making. OXEN PARK, RUSLAND, NIBTHWAITE discuss the results of the Survey and COLTON. • Identify local problems and Questionnaire and other relevant matters. opportunities. The population consists of a mixture of These public meetings would be organised farmers, a large proportion of retired • Prepare a plan of action to achieve to discuss the results of the Survey people families and residents who mainly this vision. Questionnaire.These would be held at The work outside the Parish and a sizeable Boathouse Hotel, Lakeside,The Manor number of holiday homes. Background House, Oxen Park, and The Red Lion, Lowick Bridge adjacent to Nibthwaite. The nature of the Parish is very diverse, The Steering Group set up a series of Refreshments would be provided. split into three valleys, with the eastern meetings to formulate the Plan. It was side having a high proportion of tourist decide to produce a document listing the Steering Group meetings would be held at activities and the rest devoted more to HISTORY - PRESENT - FUTURE of the regular interval throughout the farming. Parish. formulation of the Plan to monitor the progress and decide the final structure of Objectives A map of the Parish of Colton would be the Colton Parish Plan. produced highlighting the nature of the Acting on a government initiative, with Parish. Local organisations would be Detailed reports on all the actions financial help from the Country Side contacted and asked to contribute to the mentioned in the Introduction will be Agency and assistance from Voluntary plan, complimented with photographs if found elsewhere in this document.

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 3 3.3. TheThe ParishParish ofof ColtonColton

History and characteristics of the Haverthwaite, Finsthwaite and Rusland, charcoal which was made in the woods the Parish Haverthwaite is now an independent length and breadth of the parish. parish. Colton parish has a parish council There are four village schools serving the of nine members. Colton parish was a very busy and quite area, but they are located in adjacent industrial parish in the 1700s the woods parishes, six places of worship, three In 1613 James 1 granted to William and were used for charcoal burning, bark was Church of England, one Baptist Church and George Whitmore the manor or bailiwick collected for tanning, Basket making, hoop one Quaker Meeting House, five public of Nibthwaite with lands, the manor or making, bobbin turning, iron smelting, and houses/hotels, four village halls and two bailiwick of Colton with mansion house potash making which was for the woollen church halls, two outdoor centres, one and demesne land, lands in Sales, Crake, industry.All over the woods today can be residential home, one garage (repairs only) Bouth, Haybridge, Kirkthwaite, Oxenpark, found evidence of charcoal burner's huts, two nature reserves, there are no shops, Bandrake Head,Abbot Park and potash pits and of course coppiced but the area is served by mobile traders, Ickenthwaite and all perquisites of the woodland. one village playground, run and maintained court and manor of Colton, except 56s 8d by a Sub-Committee of the parish council. bloom smithy rent payable to the bailiff of The Manor House, Oxen Park Hawkshead, lands in Finsthwaite, Stott Park Colton is first mentioned in old Lancashire and Rusland.The Whitmores at once records in 1202 when King John was on proceeded to sell in parcels and so Colton the throne. Hawkshead and Colton were has come into the hands of a number of formerly a chapelry under Dalton, and was land owners. one parish, but did not become an independent parish until 1587; a century What is the origin of the name Colton? Is later in 1676 Colton became independent it from the Saxon personal name of Cola from Hawkshead. Coleton was the first or from Kolt or Koir which is old norse, spelling of the name in 1202 and Coulton or does it relate to Colton beck in flood was the usual spelling until about 1850. Kola - the coal black one - being a reasonably common Norwegian (and Lakeside There are seven customary divisions or Viking) name for such streams, or can it be hamlets, the parish consisted of Colton from the same word but meaning coals or East,Colton West, Nibthwaite,

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Rusland & District W.I.

Rusland and District W.I. was founded on weddings.The formation of the choir August 15th 1944, and there were 35 helped to increase membership. members at the first meeting. There was a lot of interest and the membership had We attend many county functions and risen to 44 by 1947. It peaked in 1972 at enter competitions. Several members are 50, and has steadily declined since, and involved with the W.I. Market at Ulverston. currently stands in the low 20s. Several members started playing tennis at W.I County tennis evenings and 3 are still In the early days members came mainly playing 20 years later! from Rusland, Satterthwaite and Grizedale and the local taxi would transport some Locally, most of our social activities seem members as access to a car was limited to involve food- we hold a Safari Supper and many women did not drive. Nowadays annually as well as the Carol Evening, and a we have members from Oxen Park and Pudding Evening. Haverthwaite as well. One of the main benefits of W.I. Meetings are held once a month and membership is the fun, friendship and alternate between Satterthwaite and teamwork, which comes from meeting Rusland. We have a mixture speakers, people regularly and working together in demonstrations and slide shows on a wide the community. variety of topics. Several of our members have passed on their expertise or We hope to continue, but our main worry recounted their stories and these meetings is that we do not attract the younger are especially popular. members, which seems to be a national trend. In the early years, women did not We have a strong group who prepare have access to so many leisure activities. entries for shows and W.I. competitions, However, all of us hope the W.I. continues Rusland & District W.I. and they have been very successful. to progress and that future members gain as much from the organisation as we have. Our W.I. Choir was formed in 1979, when we also held our first Carol Evening.This is now an annual event and part of the pre- Christmas celebrations.The choir have entered competitions and sung at

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Bouth W.I. The first meeting of the newly formed hours for the return journey - there has Bouth Women's Institute was held in the been little progress! Reading Room, Bouth on Thursday 18th November, 1943 at 7 pm. From the Talent has always abounded. In the 1950's seventeen ladies present Mrs Fawcett of Drama Festivals in the Reading Room Lindeth was unanimously elected as were popular, these being replaced by President, Mrs Croasdell of Yew Tree Craft and Hobbies Exhibitions in the Cottage undertook the secretarial duties 1990's. Bouth's beauty and atmosphere and Mrs Chorlton the Treasurership. has served us well when competing in the Best Kept Village Competitions - In the first year the monthly meetings many certificates and trophies being had lectures, which ranged from awarded, the WI being instrumental in demonstrations on how to re-model and promoting the entry. trim a hat to camping on the Great Game Park of the North Transvaal. A Fun and Friendship abounds. Members Marionette Theatre shown by Miss take every opportunity to partake of Rhodes is recorded as been greatly new interests whether it is gold panning enjoyed. One meeting was run in in Scotland to learning of a new skill or conjunction with the “Salute the Solider topic at our monthly meetings. Campaign”. Special efforts were arranged to support the raising of £1000 for the Sixty years of WI in Bouth beckons in YMCA's mobile Canteen and £10 was 2003. Whatever the celebrations we forwarded to the St. Dunstans Fund. hope that Mrs Croasdell our remaining founder member will do us the honour In 1956 it is recorded in the National of cutting the cake. Press that “Bouth WI is proud to report they have at last achieved a water supply and telephone kiosk - and are wondering what next to agitate for”. Their agitation for a better bus service still continues - in 1956 a visit to Barrow could take five

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 6 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- YoungYoung FarmersFarmers

Rusland Young Farmers' Club need to be from a farming background.The and more importantly had driving licenses! gave the club a good morale boost which only prerequisites were to be between the This was a real bonus for the club, as kept the members' enthusiasm and The Rusland Young Farmers Club began in ages of 10 and 26 years old, to have an getting to an event had always been quite commitment going for a good few more 1949 when the Wilkinson Brothers, former interest in rural life and a keenness to be difficult for some.There was also a certain years. members of Furness Y.F.C, moved in to the part of a group that were learning new 'cease the day' attitude where the events valley and decided to get a club together. skills. Regular club meetings would be held and competitions were attended for the Some of the competition winners from the With a strong amount of enthusiasm and with guest speakers ranging from, Mr pure hell of it! (even if there was no hope District Field Day would go forward to the support from others, Rusland Y.F.C. was Rawlinson 'The Rat Man' to Mrs.Dickinson of winning the members would just give it Northern Area and National Finals. born. Before too long the club was involved talking on her 40 years of being a Nurse; a go).This newly formed group just seemed Likewise other events from the YFC in inter-club competitions and also Stephen Johnson, with a slide show of his to enjoy doing 'stuff' together. They would calendar such as Drama and competing at national level.This brought on YFC trip to New Zealand to a Games travel all over the county and wherever Entertainments, Poultry trussing and a new and exciting social life as these Night either on the show field in the they needed to be - just for fun.There jointing, Stock-judging, Floral Art, Craft and young people were integrating with an Reading Room.There were also plenty of were the traditional rural skills Commentary, Debating, Brainstrust experiencing a much more widespread trips too - a mystery tour that ended up at competitions through to drama, public- ,Quizzes and even a Boys Fashion Show. community as they travelled between the BBC studios, farm visits, exchange visits speaking and sports days.Also, many gained There was an eagerness to do their best counties for different events. with other clubs from around the country. a great deal from being involved on the and the more effort put in, the more County and Northern Area Committees rewards they reaped. If they didn't know As with all Y.F.Cs, Rusland was affiliated to Towards the end of the 1970s the and for those really committed they were how to do something they wouldn't the National Federation of Young Farmers' membership for the NFYFC was one rarely at home in an evening. hesitate to ask for advice and would seek Clubs (N.F.Y.F.C.) and its structure was that million; over three thousand of which were out the best;Traditional carpentry from the of all the other clubs. Officers needed to in Cumbria. It was an amazing time for all Then came a year when Rusland Y.F.C. National Trust, a professional Magician for be elected by members at an AGM and those involved from Club to National Level seemed to acquire the midas touch for a circus acts, (oh yes they did those too!), those duly elected would take up their and, in particular, if you were a member of wee while (and deservedly so!)… flower arranging at night class, basketry, positions as Chairman, Secretary,Treasurer, Rusland YFC! Prior to this the numbers public-speaking tuition etc. However, one Press Secretary, Speaker Secretary etc. attending the meetings at the Reading One of the big events of the year was competition that did seem to defeat them Straight away these young farmers would Rooms had dwindled but there was still a always the Southern District of Cumbria for a few years was the Tug o' War. begin to gain skills in the arts of taking a core of members who were doing their Field Day.There were over 30 clubs Undeterred they set about to get a chap meeting, administration, organisation and a best to keep the club going.Then, competiting against each other in such from Hawkshead, notorious for his range of traditional crafts and skills.Then Ambleside YFC came to an end and from events as stock-judging, arts, crafts, fun strength, who gave them instruction as they there was always an elected President and that Rusland gained a few extra members competitions, sports etc.As a club, Rusland hauled a tractor through a field to hone an Advisory Committee of either ex-Young from the Hawkshead and Coniston areas. decided to enter every competition on their technique.This was true Farmers or people who were interested in Fortunately these new members were of offer. Result? Rusland YFC won the day.The determination that paid off! With drama supporting the club. The members did not an age where they were quite independent feeling was quite euphoric and certainly and entertainments there was so much

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effort put in for the actual competition care for one another.There were also the that they would extend the acts and put rites of passage experienced together and on a show for the senior citizens.This lifelong friendships that were formed. increased in popularity and so a whole Wherever the Rusland YFC went, they show was eventually put on at the Theatre seemed to be together.They shared in the Forest each year.The proceeds went everything and enjoyed each others to a chosen charity as did quite a large company They knew how to celebrate percentage of money raised by the club. their successes too! For a dance they would think nothing about organising a Another branch of the NFYFC is the coach and going off to Silloth, Preston, International Exchange Programme that Blackpool or Carlisle.The truth is they offered scholarships all over the world for didn't need an excuse because for most of up to 2 years at a time. Over a few years, the members it was a continual three members from Rusland were celebration of rural life. Smiles and priviledged to be selected for this fabulous laughter will always appear on the faces of scheme.As 'Young Farmers' Ambassadors' those recounting past events. Oh boy! for England & Wales' they travelled as far could they tell a tale or two? away as Hong Kong. The National Federation of Young Farmers The Young Farmers' Federation is known Clubs has a motto - 'Good Farmers, Good as 'The Youth Movement for the Citizens, Good Countryman'. Countryside' and this was certainly the case in Cumbria.All the while, the Young Rusland YFC has proved to be a fine Farmers were learning and developing new example of this. skills on physical, social, traditional and academic levels.There were also many subtle achievements that occurred as a result of the NFYFC. All members learnt how to support, encourage, respect and

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Holy Trinity Parish Church Colton

A “mean unconsecrated chapel” existed on ancient Holy Well of St. Cuthbert, restored become part of a larger unit with Leven the site of the present church long before in 2002. Valley, Hawkshead, Rusland, Sawrey and the16th century. Following its consecration Satterthwaite to form a “group ministry”to in 1578, the church was virtually rebuilt by The East window and one in the transept be known as the “High Furness group”. 1603 “on the green belonging to the are of Victorian glass,and the remaining Rawlinsons of Greenhead” stained glass windows are all 20th Century Parish Issues and of good quality. The only major additions since then have Additional sign posting TO COLTON been the vestry in 1762, and the north The current project is to install a further CHURCH at the Tottlebank crossroads transept (which was completed in 1721 window to commemorate the Queen’s and on the triangle on the road to Bouth, having been resisted by parishioners who Jubilee. would greatly assist visitors new to the attempted to demolish it more than once) area. they were sent to gaol before it was Colton became a church parish in 1676, finished! and included Rusland, Haverthwaite and The regular collection of rubbish from the Finsthwaite which have since become church gate. A restoration in 1890 involved the removal separate parishes. of the west gallery, and replacement of the Creating a speed limit of 50 on the old pews. Since 1968 it has been linked with country roads with a limited number of Satterthwaite and Rusland sharing a parish signs not like Finsthwaite. Mediaeval features include the 14th priest. In 2002 on retirement of the century monastic bell from Conishead present priest in charge, the plan is to link Priory, and a red sand stone font which Colton Church with Lowick and Egton probably replaced the need to use the cum Newland in one benefice,which will

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Saint Paul’s Parish Church, Rusland Rusland was part of the parish of The building is plain; a tower at In 1954 the parish was linked with Colton. In 1745, a chapel of ease the western end, the nave, and the Satterthwaite, and in 1969 with was built for the local people; it chancel, with a vestry to the Colton as well, apart from a break was consecrated on June 29th by north. between 1994 and 1996 this link the Bishop (of Chester, in whose has continued to the present. It is Diocese this area then belonged) The tower contains one bell dated now proposed that following the 1752. retirement of the present priest, In 1868, the parish priest had the the parish will become part of a main part of the building The best glass is said to be the group ministry of High Furness demolished, leaving only the East window; showing the and in the new benefice of tower and foundations.The tower Crucifixion, healing the blind, and Hawkshead, Sawrey, Satterthwaite was raised to the present height, freeing captives, it is said to be by and Rusland. and the new church was Holiday, and is dated 1873.There extended to the East to form the are three other stained glass Parish Issues present chancel. (This extension windows, commemorating local was over part of the old families.There are several wall Transport churchyard; and the arch over a tablets, and the war memorial grave slab covering a family tomb (World War 1) is an illuminated Housing can be seen on the south wall). parchment under glass Whilst the rebuilding was in Local Services progress services were held in the In the churchyard there are graves Friends’ Meeting House.The of George Romney’s wife and churchyard was extended in 1868 other members of the family, and and again in 1999. the ashes of Arthur and Eugenia Ransome.

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Tottlebank Baptist Church served the church for 50 odd years (1840 The chapel at Tottlebank is a plain barn-like suffered from damp during the period of -1896), his energies were not restricted to structure, with rubble rendered exterior the church closure in the 1980s but has his own immediate flock, for he served the walls and a slate roof. The seven been well maintained since. Redecoration whole area in a variety of ways, a service segmented arched windows of the front is presently taking place, but no major that was fully recognised in celebrations to facade are enlargements of an original changes are currently being planned for mark his jubilee. Furness, North Lancashire square shape.The original symmetry of the the building. and parts of present day Cumbria were building has been lost with the addition of involved, as well as Colton and its an extra bay at its western end.This For three years, from 1999 until the end of neighbourhood. western end now houses the entrance August the church enjoyed the luxury of a lobby with an up- to- date cloakroom and regular minister. David Hughes was doing The 20th century followed a pattern a meeting room large enough to provide his probationary three years after leaving Tottlebank Church enjoys the distinction common to many churches. Periods of space for a well equipped kitchen and Spurgeons College. Particularly during the of being the oldest Baptist Church in the growth followed by alternated with serving area. A minister’s vestry is foot and mouth outbreak, but on other historic county of Lancashire. It was periods of decline.Two brass tablets provided at the opposite, eastern, end of occasions as well, he proved himself to be founded by a group of seven men who commemorate a number of men who lost the building. a most caring and conscientious worker in were of the Independent Persuasion, their lives or served in the Great War, but the area, often with people with no actual rather than specifically Baptist.Within 30 there is no record of any who may have The chapel itself, the central and main contact with the church but who had a years, taking advantage of a more liberal served between 1939 and 1945. Despite portion of the structure, will seat some need for his help and support. It is the religious climate, it was strong enough difficulties, suggestions that the church 160 people in its box pews which replaced devout hope of the church fellowship that numerically and financially, to build its own should capitalise on its real estate assets the original ones in the mid 1860s.The in time it might be possible to replace him. meeting house.This building, not greatly were invariably resisted, so that the farm early 18th century communion table, with In the meantime without fail the church is altered, is still in regular use today. bought over 200 years ago to ensure its stop-chamfered legs stands in front of a open every Sunday morning at 10.30 for proper provision for its ministers is still in raised Victorian pulpit,and is flanked by worship. During the course of the 18th century the church ownership today. two late 17th century ladder- backed Church gradually adopted a Baptist stance; chairs. This central pulpit area is fronted The church would seem to have nothing in adult baptism was first carried out in the Ultimately, however, other problems by a communion rail with particularly particular to ask of Colton Parish Council River Crake, and later in a pond dug out caused the closure of the building in 1980, arched ends.The church still has its base except, maybe, to remember that we exist for the purpose in a field adjoining the and it remained unused for some nine metal communion goblet and plate, though as a church and have a very reasonable building.At the same time the adjacent years, until repair and restoration allowed they are little used. meeting room and car parking. Perhaps we graveyard was coming into more regular a re-opening in 1989. Now supported by as a church might have something to offer use. an increasing membership and The organ, built by Albert Keates of the parish? congregation, its future seems once more Sheffield, was installed in the building in Outstanding among a number of very able secure. 1910, replacing an earlier reed organ, it ministers was the Rev.Thomas Taylor who

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Rookhow Friends Meeting House in the Rusland Valley without stigma by Friends. Despite trials, Century Census states those dwelling here at 7.30pm.The Meeting House is frequently imprisonment and forced emigration, the are woodcutters. It is likely the woodland used by other denominations for study days movement thrived, holding meetings in was intended to be the living for the and retreats. And in 1991 local Friends houses, barns and in the open. An early caretakers from the outset in what is decided the stables at Rookhow, which had meeting at Causey End near Haverthwaite, charcoal burning and bobbin turning fallen into disrepair, should be restored to is thought to be the property now called country. Of course the Rusland Valley was beneficial use and be available to Quakers Cobblestones. once quite intensively industrial. Coppice and non Quakers alike. timber went to make charcoal which fuelled Purpose built Meeting Houses appeared So the Rookhow Centre was created to iron smelting furnaces - bloomeries. from the 1680s onwards, locally at provide budget accommodation for people Margaret Fell's family owned the bloomery Rookhow is a fine old Quaker Meeting Ulverston, Swarthmoor, Hawkshead of all denominations and of none. It is used at Force Forge from 1659 to 1681 and had house, a listed building of Architectural and (Colthouse) and Cartmel Fell (Height). by inner city groups, the scout and guide shares in it for some years after. For a while Historic Interest, of the Religious Society of Meetings were held at least weekly but each movement, religious groups on retreat, it was managed by her daughter Sarah. An Friends known as Quakers. It is a special month neighbouring meetings gathered to special needs schools and hospitals, schools iron forge in the 17th Century managed by building and to understand its purpose it further the aims of the Society. But and colleges generally, conservation and a woman - it would make headlines now! helps to know the background to the travelling was onerous and in 1723 it was humanitarian groups, orienteers, climbers Society. decided a Meeting House equidistant from The economic tide in the valley has ebbed and artists. Quakers have also welcomed them all should be built for the purpose. In and flowed but Rookhow has continued its inspiring speakers and lecturers to make South Cumbria and North Lancashire is of 1724 came the minute:“a Monthly Meeting work. In the 1800s Friends welcomed the presentations to public meetings here. profound importance in the history of house . . . be builded at Abbott Oak Green Anglican community to share Rookhow Recovering after Foot and Mouth Disease, Quakers. In 1652 the preacher George Fox in a close of ground purchased...for when Rusland church was being refurbished Quakers are now raising funds in order to from the English midlands found a great £65.0s.0d.” The Meeting House and cottage and for over 12 months the Meeting House make the Centre, the woods and the welcome in an existing network of religious were built in under 11 months for £150. acted as the Parish church. Later there was Meeting House, accessible to people with meetings called the Westmorland Seekers There was a 'gig' house and stables for even a shop in what had been the stables. disabilities. on the fringes of Lakeland. He then came to horses. Refreshments were to be provided There have been great changes but today Ulverston and to Swarthmoor Hall where Rookhow Meeting House is acknowledged by caretakers on an open range in a room Rookhow is still the Monthly Meeting the Fell family were to give the embryo by people of various denominations, and of off the porch still known as Friends Kitchen. House of Swarthmoor Quaker Meeting, Quaker movement succour during years of none, as an inspiring place in which to meet. The first Meeting was held on June 3rd important committees meet here and once persecution which followed. Margaret Fell Rookhow's woods, which were once 1725. a year it is used by the Westmorland became a staunch Friend while her husband cropped to charge iron furnaces, are now General Meeting consisting of the Quakers Judge Thomas Fell crucially was able to Rookhow, variously spelled Rookhowe and perhaps even more important to those of South Cumbria and North Lancashire.A provide a degree of protection. 'Quakers' Rook Howe, has over 12 acres of mixed seeking a personal charge from this public meeting for worship open to all is was a derogatory term soon accepted woodland known as Quakers Wood.A 19th beautiful and historic place. held on the first Wednesday of each month

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 12 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- PlacesPlaces ofof WorshipWorship

Finsthwaite Church

the Diocesan Church Extension Society as Cartmel forms part of the Leven Valley The village school closed many years ago being especially suitable for a ‘mountain Benefice with The Reverend Derek as did the shop and we have no pub.The chapel’. Goddard as Priest in Charge. St Peter’s church, therefore, is an important focus of currently has a regular weekly attendance village life.We know that the residents of The church consists of a nave, central of around fourteen parishioners although Finsthwaite and Lakeside regard the church tower and chancel, with a vestry, organ there are thirty two on the electoral roll. as an important element in the makeup of chamber and store-room built to the The pattern of services is: two Services of their community and we would like to north of the chancel which has an open Holy Communion per month, one being have that recognised in the Parish Plan timber work roof and is painted above the Common Worship, one using the Book of from two points of view. Firstly, that the sanctuary.The east window, lectern and Common Prayer; one service of Evensong church is enabled to play a leading part in altar table were the gift of Newby Wilson. and one United Service (Holy the life of the community and secondly, Richard Pedder of Finsthwaite House gave Communion) which rotates between that where possible, the church can have the reredos, by Salviati of Venice, the plate, Haverthwaite, Staveley in Cartmel and the support of the Parish Council in a silver flagon, chalice and paten and a Finsthwaite. Mattins is celebrated on the securing the resources and finance brass gilt alms dish.The pulpit was given by fifth Sunday whenever this occurs.The necessary to maintain the fabric and life of the Bigland family.The organ and font were building is used regularly by the community the church within the parish. presented by the Lewthwaites of Stott for weddings, baptisms and funerals.The Park. church is kept open during daylight hours The present building was erected on the for locals and visitors to enjoy periods of site of an earlier one which was In a case on the north side of the chancel quiet reflection.The churchyard is demolished in 1873. Mr Thomas Newby is a set of altar vessels made by men maintained by two or three volunteers and Wilson of The Landing, Lakeside, gave two serving in Italy in 1918.The church clock, there is a rota for the cleaning of the pieces of land to extend the churchyard by William Potts of Leeds, was installed in church itself.The major problem facing the and paid for the rebuilding of the new 1919 as part of a peace memorial and congregation is finance! Our payment to church which was consecrated in 1874 by subscribed for by the parish in memory of the Diocese in Carlisle currently runs at Henry Whitehead, Bishop of Carlisle.The its dead. over £7000 per annum. On top of this we architects were the Lancaster partnership need to heat and maintain the fabric of the of Paley and Austin.Their design had won The church, together with St Anne’s, church. Quite a challenge for a small first place in a competition organised by Haverthwaite and St Mary’s, Staveley in number of worshippers.

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 13 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- SchoolsSchools

What children dislike about our What children like about Parish our Parish • Can’t imagine living anywhere else. • Some children said “ Nothing!!” • The country-side . . .views, scenery, hills, • Friends - living too far apart to visit. trees, rivers. • Not enough “get-togethers”. • Natural places to play ...woods, forest, • Not enough sports facilities and clubs. fields and trees to climb. Rivers, water, to play in. Changes children would like to Rosie wrote : • Rubbish on the road side. see in our Parish In the summer I can lay on the grass with • Green grass to run on and flowers the dog licking my face. • Over-grown hedges making walking on around. • People to take their rubbish home. I can look at the shapes the clouds are the road dangerous. making • Peaceful and quiet ...very few cars and • Public transport - especially for young • No public transport. little other traffic. people. In the spring I go to Grandma’s house and watch the lambs over the wall. • Lack of shops and post offices. • Animals . . . surrounded by animals in • The hedges at the road - side cut back the fields, wild animals and birds in the a bit. In the winter I build a snowman with with • Farm smells woods. warm and fluffy gloves on. • Playgrounds provided near houses for Then I come inside and sit by the fire with • Playgrounds provided near houses for • Friends ...going to play with friends at children to play together. hot chocolate waiting for my rosy cheeks children to play together. their homes. to fade away. • Shops within walking distance to cut • Shops within walking distance to cut • Houses and homes and churches down on the pollution of using cars and In the autumn I run about with the leaves down on the pollution of using cars and country buildings with space outdoors buses to go shopping. flying up beside me buses to go shopping. to to play on climbing frames, swings etc. • Provision of places for young people to Jo wrote : • Provision of places for young people to “get – together” to share interests and The countryside is special. “get-together” to share interests and • Absence of litter, clean air and activities. In the woods I can be a squirrel. activities. environment. In the long grass, a lion and in the short grass, a watchful deer. • House doors open on to streams, gardens, hills and flowers.

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 14 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- SchoolsSchools

Sarah Boyren wrote . . . much of a success.We had a special trail teacher and taught me lots of different made outside, we had all sorts of stones routes, in town and around school. 1 found Because there is no school in Colton, from and bridges to cross. It was good fun to these very difficult at first but eventually the ages of 4-10 1 went to Lowick School. cross and 1 used to walk it every day. remembered them.When 1 was there, 1 1 really enjoyed it and everyone was very also learned to swim. 1 received lots of kind to me. Things were good inside school as well. 1 swimming awards and won several ribbons had 2 teachers to help me learn braille and ion our annual sports days. Because 1 have no sight, people thought it learn to do things that sighted people can would be difficult for me to manage but 1 do.Two days a week 1 would go in to the 1 loved going to Lowick. Every one was did.The people at school made me a special room that was built when I was at very helpful and 1 learned a lot.There special sound garden with lots of wooden the school.There 1 learned to play the were lots of nice people and they all poles that 1 could bang together and they piano, read and tie my shoelaces.The understood me and were willing to help in would make music. school bought me a braille machine any way they could. attached to a printer so that other people There were lots of places to walk around could read my work.When this wasn’t as school and we sometimes went out to successful as planned, they bought me an collect things for our lessons. For example electronic brailler, which if attached to a flowers or leaves.Also 1 had a special herb printer would print my work automatically. garden bought for me.When we were in 1 also had speech put on to some of the the infants, the rest of the class and 1 all computers, which was useful for everyone. planted something in it. Me and a friend When we worked in groups and did were responsible for looking after the graphs 1 could do some of the typing and garden and making sure it was watered it would talk back to me. every day. Later my parents bought me one for home, unfortunately that wasn’t as 1 learned to find my way around, my support assistant became a mobility

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 15 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- FarmingFarming

A Few of the Changes in Fifty Years of Farming

A farm Spring Work: ploughing, harrowing, May, making life much easier for the the barn.With the advent of the tractor all near Oxen Park "tatie" planting and rolling hay-fields, all farmer, who could then turn his attention this changed.There was a cutter bar on which had been done by horse-drawn to his green crop - "thinning" plants, the tractor meaning the grass could be implements, were completed in half the "moulding up" potatoes and crawling mown at anytime of the day not having to time by tractor work.The first tractors in through lines of carrots, kale, turnips, etc consider the amount of work being too the parish were Ferguson tractors and removing weeds. Next came washing the much for the horses.You could mow 4 cost approximately £470.They ran on sheep in preparation for "clipping" - sheep times as fast and there were lights on the The first big upheaval in farming in the past Tractor Vapourising oil, not diesel, and had shearing.The beck was dammed with sods tractors so you could continue to work 50 years was the introduction of no cabs, no safety frame, and were about and stones.The farmer stood inside a after dark. Machinery was produced to get tuberculin testing of all cattle. Prior to this 30-horse power.The driver needed to be barrel in the dam and the sheep were the hay ready; there were scalers, turners milking had been done by hand with no well wrapped-up to withstand the caught, passed to the farmer, who washed and balers to attach to the tractors and particular hygiene restrictions with regard elements being exposed to biting winds the grease from the fleece and then elevators in the barn to make life so much to buildings and environment.This was left and freezing rain and often snow, but the allowed the sheep to swim out.A week easier. to the individual farmer.Any cattle failing difference these tractors made to the later, weather permitting, clipping started. the test had to be removed from the herd. amount of work, previously done by All neighbours came and helped and the Autumn Work: The area was not really The buildings had to be fumigated, sealed horses, was amazing.Today's tractors are children would come and roll-up the suitable for cereal growing although all and not entered for 3 weeks, all fodder mostly between 90 to 120horse power fleeces. A big roast dinner for at least farmers did grow a few oats to crush for destroyed and, in some cases, complete and are 4 wheel drive.They have cabs with twenty would be produced at mid-day, cattle feed.Then barley became more herds had to be replaced. all the amenities you would find in a followed by roly poly pudding. popular and some wheat, all of which were modern car - heaters, radios, windscreen sown broadcast with a fiddle - drill, the The next enormous change was from wipers, computers etc, even floatation Very rarely did this area get any June hay, sower walking up and down the field in horses to tractors, in fact the introduction seats, not like the solid metal ones the July was the hay-time month. Mowing with lines about 6 yards apart. Due to weather of much mechanisation, including milking "Fergies" had where the bottom of your horses could begin between 3 and 4 on conditions harvest was a "hitty missy"' machines. Most country people, fifty years spine felt every bump and the only the morning, as soon as there was enough occasion.The field was "opened out" by a ago, were virtually self sufficient in concession to comfort was a folded potato daylight to see. A fresh set of horses swathe being cut around the outside edge, producing their own vegetables - having a sack.The modern tractors can cost would be taken to the mower in the field, the oats were gathered up by hand, tied green crop field.There were no anything between £25,000 to £35,000 and along with his breakfast - interrupting the with twisted stalks into sheaves, which supermarkets, or freezers to store can turn 40 acres of rough ground into a work as little as possible. Getting the hay were stood up into the hedge side.The vegetables or meat so pig killing took place seed-bed ready for planting in one day. ready for carting was done by hand, binder then cut the field and the sheaves, in what is known as the "back-end", turning, shaking out, raking and then which were stood up in "stooks" with the autumn, of the year and the meat, black Summer Work: Stock, dairy and beef loading loose into the cart and forking grain at the top and left to dry of,“3 pudding, sausages, brawn and bacon were cattle were "turned out" onto pasture in loose onto the hay stack or hay-mow in church bells”.The first combines in the kept in the cellars during the winter.

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 16 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- FarmingFarming

area came in the early '60s and were tied up by the neck all winter in the sawdust and various ailments and pulled by tractors.The harvesting was shippon. Now cattle are "loose housed", conditions treated, such as foot trimming. done in one continuous process, the baler able to walk around freely and feed as they following the combine and completing the wish on a self-feed system. Dairy cows are On good dry, frosty mornings muck would operation in one day.This brought an end milked in a milking parlour, where they be carted out onto the fields, put out in to the "harvest home" and the threshing walk through in turn and a herd of ninety heaps in lines 7 yards apart and 7 yards day which previously had been highlights in cows can be milked by one man in one between the heaps, and then "scaled", the farming fraternity's year, providing hour. In hand milking it took a very spread with a fork, the man working at a rate of 60 heaps to the hour.Today's cattle social events culminating, like the sheep competent man to milk ten cows in the uncertainty of haytime, and all done by are mucked-out automatically by a scraper clipping, in huge communal meals and get- hour. Cattle feed, "cake", was brought in machinery. On smaller farms the harvesting into a slurry pit, all the liquid as well as the togethers. one hundred weight bags, now it comes in is done slightly differently.The grass is solids going into this pit, whereas in the bulk and is blown from the delivery wagon baled in big bales and wrapped tightly in Winter Work: after the harvest had been past the liquid was allowed down the into bulk bins in eight to ten tonnes in one plastic wrap, making it airtight and is called gathered it was time for potato-picking, drains.The slurry is sucked out of the pit delivery. Machines in the milking parlour haylage.This procedure is so efficient that lifting "mangolds" - beet and turnips and and spread on the land by tanker. In some measure out each cow's appropriate ration the same acreage of farmland now has a turning attention to farm maintenance. cases the slurry is pumped directly from for their individual milk production. Milk hundred percent improved stocking rate, Hedges, ditches and walls all needed the pit in the farmyard onto the fields was collected in twelve-gallon kits (milk this means, for example, a farm carrying attention. Laying a hedge is a skilled job, through a 4 inch diameter pipe known as churns) by a flat wagon from a milk-stand 100 dairy cows can now maintain 200, and using a billhook, axes, saw and heavy an umbilical pipe, which reduces the at the farm entrance. Bulk tanks were a labour force of three men can be leather mittens. Nowadays hedges are cut damage to the land which can be caused installed, in about 1965, in the farm dairy reduced to one man. Here we see an with a flail cutter reducing working time by by heavy tankers travelling over it. where the milk went via glass pipes indication of why so many country folk at least a third.There has been little straight from the cow into the refrigerated have left the land, so much efficiency has change in walling which, for the farmers, is To return to the feeding of dairy cows, tank.A bulk tanker comes to the farm and removed their jobs.The employment of mostly repairing gaps caused by stock. their winter diet used to consist of hay collects the milk. contractors and the availability of advanced Ditches were all cleaned out by hand using and roots, turnips, mangolds and kale with machinery means that the old skills, once a spade and fork, whereas now a Because all stock was housed indoors for "bought in" concentrates. Most of the oats passed from farmer to his sons, are no mechanical digger is used with the the winter much more work was involved produced on the farm would be fed, with longer needed and with them are lost so operator not needing to leave his seat. in cattle management.They had to be fed hay, to the horses.The change in modern many other interacting aspects of our twice a day, mucked out twice a day and diets for cows is silage which has taken country culture. Young stock would be brought into the dairy cows milked twice a day.The over from hay.This is grass ensiled as early housing in September before the weather as May and which can be gathered in 3 muck was carted out by barrow-load into This is progress, but at what cost? turned cold, followed by cows, which were a midden and the cattle bedded with cuts during the summer, removing all the

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 17 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- LocalLocal AuthoritiesAuthorities

High Dam, Finsthwaite

National Park Authority Rangers Summer House Knott and 1.4 Background Policies Report on owned properties in Waterside Knott. 24.6 ha. 1.4.1 The management of these sites is Colton Parish Woodland site at Lakeside. Public access site guided by the following policies: 1. The Management of Authority owned • The Purposes of the National Park, properties High Dam. 34.8 ha. Woodland site and reservoir at which are; Finsthwaite. Public car park and 1.1 The Authority owns a number of • To conserve and enhance the natural public access area important properties in the parish; beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage Parish has responsibility for the of the Park; and management and maintenance of Rusland Woods. 153.66 ha. 1.2 Purpose of the Plans these sites.The Ranger works closely Woodland site in the Rusland Valley. 1.2.1Each individual site has a 5 year • To promote opportunities for the with other Authority staff, local A Site of Special Scientific Interest understanding and enjoyment of the authorities and agencies who have an (SSSI) and candidate Special Area for management plan.The purposes of these plans is to: special qualities of the Park by the interest and responsibilities for these Conservation (cSAC). Public access public. properties. Copies of all these site. • Provide a framework of management management plans are forwarded to And also the duty of the National Rusland Moss. 22 ha. Colton Parish Council during the • Enable any interested person to Park, which is: draft consultation process. Raised mire in the Rusland Valley. understand how and why decisions National Nature Reserve (NNR) and are taken, in respect of the reasoning • To seek to foster the economic and 3. Local Liaison and Communication Site of Special Scientific Interest behind policies and proposals for social well-being of local communities (SSSI). Public access site action by working closely with the agencies 3.1 It is the responsibility of the area and local authorities responsible for ranger to regularly report to the Thwaite Head Woods. 48.7 ha. • Draw together in one document all these matters, but without incurring parish council on aspects of the Woodland site to the north of the factors that affect the significant expenditure. property management. Regular site Rusland Valley. Public access site management of this property visits and meetings are organised to 1.4.2 The management proposals are ensure that the local community is Stony Hazel Woods and Stony 1.3 Audience guided by objectives in the Lake Hazel Forge. 37.6 ha. well briefed and involved in a District National Park Management partnership approach. Woodland site and Scheduled 1.3.1 The plans are aimed at anyone who Plan 1998. Ancient Monument to the north of is involved in the management of the 3.2 The area ranger can be contacted in Rusland Valley. Public access site. properties. Furthermore it will 2. Location of Management Plans the following ways: inform other statutory bodies, our Glass Knott. 8 ha. stakeholders and neighbouring 2.1 These are located at the National Woodland site in Rusland Valley. landowners. Park Offices in Kendal.The Public access site Authority’s Area Ranger for Colton

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 18 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- LocalLocal AuthoritiesAuthorities

Planning Response from the Cumbria County Council National Park Authority

Highways Early years - childcare

The Parish of Colton lies within open • development of highways infrastructure • employment of a development officer countryside where Policy NE1 of the - improvements to the A590, being to support new parent and toddler Local Plan applies.You will note that it is a The County Council has supported the lobbied for by Cumbria CC groups, after school groups, etc or to restrictive policy which does not allow for development of parish plans in a number help existing groups prosper large scale or intrusive forms of of parts of South Lakeland and would be • maintenance of highways infrastructure development. happy to provide particular support as - winter maintenance; verge • financial support (grants for setting up appropriate. maintenance or sustainability) through the Council's There is no statement of future policy for Local Committee for youth groups the Parish of Colton as such. Future The County Council provides a large • support for express Kendal/Barrow developments are governed by policies in number of services within this area service Grants to support local community the Structure and Local Plan relating to including highways, education, social groups such issues as hotel extensions, caravan services, libraries, trading standards, fire • support for community transport - sites, new houses and conversion of services to name only a few. If there were provision of a new community minibus • Low Furness and Ulverston traditional buildings etc. specific issues which you felt caused in Ulverston & area; Rural Wheels Neighbourhood Forum particular concern 1 would be happy to project; promotion of a number of It would be useful however to have a list respond (or if a technical specialist issue additional trial public transport Help to develop local initiatives of issues which you as a Parish Council arrange for a response). services consider need to be addressed; for • Through the local Neighbourhood example sites for local housing, problems From experience many parish plans have Youth services Development Officer of access or car parking etc. included comments about local transport arrangements and youth services, early • employment (through Young Cumbria You will no doubt be aware that it is the years and support for community groups. (formerly Cumbria Association of Youth government’s intention to replace Each of these services is managed locally. Clubs) of a youth development worker Structure Plans and Local Plans with With respect to these it may be helpful to to support development of local youth Community Action Plans in conjunction provide some further information about clubs/activities.) with the Local Councils and it will be at initiatives planned or in hand: this stage that your ideas can be discussed • financial support (grants for setting up more fully. or for rent) through the Council's Local Committee for youth groups

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 19 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- LocalLocal AuthoritiesAuthorities

South Lakeland District Council These reflect our priorities, some of which must be made to the Lake District Local Parish issues for inclusion in an I expect will have been identified through Plan, via the National Park Authority. action plan your questionnaire work. Future Policy I do not have specific proposals but would The Council complements the Strategic encourage consideration of local actions Plan with more detailed strategies, Perhaps the most significant development that could assist in the resolution of issues especially in service areas which the is the South Lakeland Local Strategic for the District's rural areas: Council has a statutory duty. An example Partnership and its remit for developing is the Housing Strategy (2002 - 2006). This the 'South Lakeland Community Strategy'. • Provision of Affordable housing General strategy declares five priorities:Access to This work is very much in its early stages Maintaining housing needs surveys and and will form a single, most important identifying opportunities (land) where The District Council does not produce and provision of affordable housing,Access strategy for promoting the economic, new affordable housing schemes could Parish specific policies, rather its work is to and provision of Housing related social and environmental well being of the take place if needs are proven. directed by a series of District Wide plans. support, (Housing) Stock condition and improving energy efficiency and combating communities of the District. It will be • Action to stimulate and diversify the Policy for Parish of Colton fuel poverty. closely connected to the land use planning and development control system. local economy, Ensuring local The South Lakeland Strategic Plan (2003 - The Council also delivers services for businesses are aware of the 2006) identifies six visions which the which it has discretionary powers rather Parish Plans may play an important part in opportunities that rural regeneration District Council and its partners are than statutory duties. An example is the informing the development of the Strategy. funding through the North West working towards: Economic Development Strategy.This Development Agency, DEFRA and focuses the Council's work and that of its Otherwise, the Strategic Plan referred to Europe could bring to help develop new 1. Homes which meet need partners to encourage the growth of new above, contains the thrust of policy products and markets, applicable to and existing businesses, to invest in development over the coming years. agricultural, manufacturing and tourism 2 Opportunities for enjoyment workforce training and improve Individual strategies will be reviewed and businesses. employment prospects, to provide access we will be embarking on the review of the 3. Quality jobs in a diverse economy to suitable sites for business premises and economic development strategy during this • Maintaining and improving local services, to improve communication between year. post offices, food shops, public and 4. Good transport facilities businesses and the local authorities. community transport. Financial support may be available to help the provision of 5. A high quality environment I can supply copies of these strategies if it services. would be helpful. 6. Healthy and safe communities • Meeting the needs of young people, The District Council is not the planning helping to ensure young people have a authority for the Parish and reference future in our rural areas.

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 20 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- RuslandRusland ValleyValley CommunityCommunity TrustTrust

History Current and planned activities RVCT is originating a project designed to RVCT sees an important role as finding restore as many of the orchards in the pastimes for youngsters which make use of The Rusland Valley Community Trust In the past year RVCT have provided area as possible.This will start with a Fruit the facilities of the area (orienteering). (sometimes referred to as RVCT) is a grants to the Satterthwaite Recreation and Day (at Rusland Reading Room ) on 27 th charity (Registered Charity No. 1085846). Play Area (new equipment for playground) October 2002 and with the help of outside The area covered by RVCT is not The administration address of the charity and Rusland Reading Room (safer kitchen funding, it is planned to continue with a coterminous with the Parish of Colton as is The Dower House,Whitestock, Rusland, equipment for community activities). professional survey of orchards in the area. it includes the (ecclesiastical) Parish of Uverston, Cumbria LA 12 8L13. Satterthwaite and only the ecclesiastical It has paid for professional computer It is intended to set up a Rusland Valley Parish of Colton which is smaller than the RVCT is governed by a Deed of lessons for members of the community website which will be run by youngsters in civil parish. Settlement dated 10th May 2000 as which have been held at Satterthwaite and the area who are interested in media amended by a Deed of Variation dated Rusland School (thus giving an income to studies etc. 18th March 2001 ("The Deeds"). It was the School). RVCT has supported registered as a charity in March 2001. orienteering activities by a group of 12/14 It is intended to continue the above under 16 year olds which have been activities although the computer classes The objects of the charity are to promote expertly run by Carol McNeill.The idea and first aid classes will probably depend community activities and projects in the behind this is to provide an alternative upon demand when the present classes Rusland Valley and in the neighbouring focus to the Rusland Young Farmers given finish. Parishes of Satterthwaite and Colton. the small number of youngsters now taking RVCT has its own endowed capital which part in farming. Parish Issues it holds in the form of shares and cash at the bank.The purpose of the charity is to First Aid classes have been organised to RVCT sees its role as filling in gaps which provide financial support for charitable start in November with training provided other bodies within the area cannot fill. In activities from the income generated by by St John's Ambulance.The cost will be particular by increasing the skills of the the capital although at their discretion the born by RVCT.These will take place at mature members of the community Trustees may also use the capital for that Rusland Reading Room (thus giving (computers) and making the area more self purpose. additional income to that facility). reliant (first aid).

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 21 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- ForestForest EnterpriseEnterprise

FOREST ENTERPRISE these roles provide employment for local Forest Enterprise do not have any issues people, both full time and contract. to raise with the Parish Council and thank them for their interest and support over The three woods within Colton Parish forest design plans.They reiterate that have a similar long term objective, to their plans are long term and progress will promote and encourage locally native be made at intervals and would ask people broadleaves, so that in 20 to 30 years they to be patient if there does not seem to be In Colton Parish there are management blend in more sympathetically with much happening. One very important plans for Bessy Bank (around Bandrake adjacent broadleaf woodland in the valleys. request is that when working in the woods Head and Nibthwaite), Old Hall Wood (at This will be achieved by a combination of it very often involves machinery and we Bouth) and Linsty Green(near Backbarrow felling areas and replanting, using self would ask that warning signs are respected and Haverthwaite).The majority of the seeding, and by selectively removing a to ensure that forests remain safe places latter comes within the Haverthwaite proportion of the conifers every five years to enjoy. Parish. in thinning operations.This should make a more attractive landscape and improve Activities are managed from the district biodiversity. office at Grizedale, where there is a forest park.Activities within the Parish can Recreation usage will remain low key and broadly be described as woodland informal because of the close proximity to management which includes conservation, the extensive range of facilities at recreation, timber production and Grizedale. providing an attractive landscape.All of

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 22 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- HayHay BridgeBridge NatureNature ReserveReserve

Hay Bridge Nature Reserve

Hay Bridge Nature Reserve Society was collections of birds’ eggs and butterflies, registered as a charity with the Charities mostly originating from the naturalist Commission in 1972. Its remit is to Herbert Fooks, in whose memory the conserve and enhance the natural beauty reserve was created by his late wife. and amenity of the countryside and its native wildlife for the benefit of its In the summer the reserve is used as a members, the public generally and to resource by school groups who are taken provide educational facilities. out by qualified tutors for pond-dipping and generally learning what the The reserve, near Bouth, encompasses countryside has to offer. some 90 ha. but within that relatively small area many separate ecological habitats can The present Committee and the be found, including tidal river, fen, raised landowners, the John Strutt Conservation bog, pasture and hedgerow, mixed Foundation, are currently managing the woodland, fell, flush areas and open water. reserve by fencing off certain areas to Evidence of the historical use of the land encourage tree regeneration, returning for coppicing, charcoal-burning and other part of the woodland to a coppice regime, woodland industries can also be seen. and fencing off field margins to provide more ungrazed areas. It is hoped to A converted barn within the reserve complete a Nature Trail and accompanying serves as an office and information point, leaflet to enable visitors to see the sites of and houses a museum with a display of particular interest. animal skins, antlers and ‘trophy’ heads, and

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 23 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- VillageVillage HallsHalls

Lakeside & Finsthwaite Village Hall

revenue obtained from Summer and other • Who should we be encouraging to use The building is now in need of re- lettings. the building? furbishment and upgrading.As it is the only Community building in the local area, the Many suggestions were made and the As the building was not defined as a Village Committee is keen to ensure it’s future, following well supported activities have Hall many potential sources of grant aid particularly meeting the needs of the since taken place in the Hall :- were not available.The format of the community of Lakeside and Finsthwaite. current Trust to re-define the building as a However, it is clear that we need to seek • The Art Group Village Hall for Lakeside and Finsthwaite new sources of funding for the desired was undertaken in 1999. • Tia Chi development which will include improved • Line Dancing heating, lighting, furnishings, kitchen After working with the Charities facilities, toilets and disabled access. Since the school closed in 1969 the Commission and the current Trustees, • Afternoon Tea Parties building has had two main functions :- Village Hall status was granted and we • Parish Council Meetings The Management Committee are very were able to proceed. committed to this project and working • as a village hall for a variety of • Community Parties towards this goal. community and church events. The object of the Charity is the provision (in aid of fund raising) and maintenance of a Village Hall for use • as a residential study centre (summer • Coffee Mornings by the inhabitants.They were asked the months only) for groups of young following :- • Book Swap people and families • Church fund raising events • What would you like to see going on in These were managed by the School the community? • Gardening Club Management Committee which took responsibility for the use, upkeep and • Do you have any new suggestions for • plus the 28 days lettings to family maintenance of the building using the activities or use? groups. • What kind of facilities would there be?

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 24 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- VillageVillage HallsHalls

Rusland Reading Rooms Bouth Reading Room Oxen Park Reading Room

This work had to be undertaken to qualify for grants towards the cost of the work. Applications for grants and other sources of funding were made.

Fund raising events were organised and volunteers worked very hard on DIY jobs to alleviate costs. Fund raising is still a In the beginning of 1990 there was no priority to maintain the Hall. Oxen Park Reading Room was built 100 water supply and the interior of the Bouth Village Hall or Reading Room was years ago by public subscription. It was building was very shoddy.To continue the The project was completed and is fully provided by the gunpowder works around built on common land thus no one actually use of the hall for the inhabitants of supported by user groups and for Church 1910 for the pleasure and education of owns the building.This is a problem now Rusland the Committee decided to activities :- their employees and families. It was in that we would like to apply for grants to refurbish the building. It was found that those days equipped with a library of renovate the room. • Shows there were no deeds or prove of books, billiard table and a dart board. ownership - Lease and Trust Deeds were • Flower Festival Dances were often held in the hall. Over the years the room has been used drawn up on the 1st April 1993. • W.I. for reading and as a meeting place for Today the Hall is still an important asset • Young Farmers various groups in the community; the This was a large project to undertake and for the village and is used regularly by the Women's Institute,Watch,Young farmers • Christian Aid Committee included :- WI and for village events. etc. • PCC • Mains Water • Parish Council Meetings Fund raising is always required to keep the Recently the room has declined in use as hall in good condition.This aspect would • Septic Tank • British Legion it has become a little dilapidated and it is be helped if the local/national government currently used only for a whist drive once • Toilets • Parties and Anniversaries authorities were more generous with their a month, an annual Halloween party and as • New Kitchen (crockery, cutlery etc.) • Funeral Teas assistance. a polling station. • Repairing areas inside and outside the • Meetings building The Hall is a registered charity and is run If we could renovate the room in would • Decorating by a Committee which holds its AGM in have a somewhat more secure future and November. provide a more useful meeting place for • New curtains community activity.

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 25 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- HorticulturalHorticultural SocietySociety

Home-produce at Rusland Show The Rusland Valley Horticultural society until it could afford to buy-out the come back to the Society RVHS tent committee.The tents were much show and run the fell smaller in those days and were followed by race! In the year of 1871, a group of no more Bell Tents until now when there are no than 6 farmers and gardeners came up fewer than 8 marquees lining the show The real delight of with the idea of holding a small flower field like giant cloches protecting the the show is the show and plant sale.This was to be the delicate exhibits below. As the shift was taking part and beginnings of The Rusland Valley made from small to large tents, gaps would although a cliché it is Horticultural Society. However, those appear and so the gardener from Rusland true.There is, of founding chaps could not have predicted Hall would bring large displays of flowers course, the possibility what would grow from the seeds they and plants to create a more abundant that you could win planted at their first ever show.The event, atmosphere. As the show grew and trends one of the 30 held in the Old School at Rusland, was an changed, the number of classes increased. trophies that are immediate success and soon attracted the These days there are sections for the presented each year come to the show as it was considered whole community by introducing childrens' children's competitions, crafts, home- and there is a certain amount of kudos one of the "must do" things each year. competitions and races. produce, handicrafts and of course attached to this, particularly if there has Compare that now to, instead of buses, at horticulture.We must not forget the beer been a high standard in the tents or out least 500 cars visiting and we can see an As with most plants, the show needed to tent where there is always a good crack on the field. obvious change in lifestyles. be moved outdoors and was situated in a and the catering tent which in the early field near to Rusland Vicarage until it found days was run by the local ladies. The fell-running events have always been This can create a slight logistical problem if its final flowering position in the meadow popular and in the 1950s and 60s the show has been blessed with rain but at Whitestock where, it has matured and At the opposite end of the show field are competitors would arrive by the bus load even pushing cars out of the mud and back flourished. Good gardeners know that any the hound trails.These began after the first from far and wide. Ask any of those who on to the road has always been carried out prize-winning plants need nurturing, world war and have remained popular. It is do compete and they will tell you that in a jovial manner. nourishment and attention to detail which one of those events where work behind Rusland Show is a very special event on is how the Rusland Show became a winner. the scenes will never be seen. Few people the running calendar. Fifty years before the It is this ethos and esprit de corps that have laid these trails with the rags covered London Marathon was even thought of keeps the show going and there are many Each year on the 3rd Saturday in August in aniseed.Very often the same person has there was a legendry character who would involved who accomplish tasks with no you will see the familiar sight of marquees made the 10 mile walk around the valley run 22 miles on show day just for the fuss but just a quiet commitment. Here I in the meadow. These are the result of the on show day for at least 10 consecutive spectacle and sheer joy of it. will mention someone who, during the entrepreneurial nature of the original tent years until eventually the job would be week before the show, would stop on his committee who bought tents with their passed on to someone else. In one case There also used to be a special bus service way home from working on the Forestry own money and sub-let them to the one of these chaps would lay the trail, from Ulverston for the general public to

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 26 4.4. ResponseResponse fromfrom -- HorticulturalHorticultural SocietySociety

Commission and mark out some of the keen interest.The original dance floor was this team of stalwarts from getting athletics tracks. He would repeat this each only replaced because a bigger one was on with the job! night to make sure the job was finished by required and the fiddle player made way Saturday. However, enthusiasm has been for a piano followed some years later by As a great grandchild of one of the known to wane slightly when volunteers an electric powered band. founding members, 1 will be were required to take down the latrines eternally grateful for having learnt after the show! A silent pleasure is now The committee meets several times a year the pleasures of horticulture and felt since the arrival of “Portaloos” and the to review what has gone before and what baking, the importance of responsibility of their removal is certainly can be done to improve and enhance what community and the value of not missed. already exists. It is quite a task for those Lakeland customs. farmers and gardeners who, for five There is in fact a great deal of work that generations have tended to this event.They The Rusland Valley Horticultural goes on behind the scenes from arranging have planted, re-potted, fed, pruned and Society always offers a warm the judges to handing out the prize money; reaped what they have cultivated - a welcome with a good-hearted crowd; a Rusland Show sorting out the chaos of the pet show to magnificent Lakeland specimen of a show fine display of talent; plenty of marking out the marquees for the exhibits; that blossoms faithfully every year. entertainment and competitions galore but erecting marquees and organising the craft the show is much, much bigger than that. demonstrators, stewards, publishing and The stories and people that surround this In this ever-changing world, the RVHS has the list goes on. wonderful annual meet are as rich in kept a foot in tradition while adapting with texture and colour as any of the interiors the times and more importantly held on to Some things change (there is no longer a of the show marquees.They are an eclectic the true essence of the show. It is laundry class), but others stand the test of mix of sportsmanship, rivalry, camaraderie immeasurable.Through dedication and time, like the 70 year old square posts that humour and graft that are as old as the passion, friendship and hard work, the mark out the ringside.There is no longer a show itself. For over the years the show continuity of skills and experience has kept long jump, pillow fight or tug of war but has become symbolic of a thriving on flowing from generation to generation there is a full programme of races on the community that works together through for over 130 years and all from a few track, five fell races, 5 hound trails and thick and thin (wet and dry!), using the flower seeds. displays in the show ring ranging from local people, skills and resources available falconry to clog dancing. In total there are to make it a great day out. Only the 170 classes providing an opportunity for external forces of two World Wars and the anyone with a competitive streak or just a Foot and Mouth Disease would prevent

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 27 5.5. ColtonColton ParishParish SurveySurvey 20032003 -- MainMain ResultsResults

ABOUT THE SURVEY PROFILE OF HOUSEHOLDS IN homes or holiday lets but it is likely that if women and just over half of men) continue THE PARISH AND USE OF they were included, at least half the Parish to use mobile traders on a weekly basis. This survey was conducted between FACILITIES community has come here to live (or No doubt much of this is for milk and February and March 2003 as part of the invest) in less than a decade. papers rather than other supplies although process of producing a Plan for Colton 1. Age and Retirement. meat and fish are available to some Parish. The survey questionnaire was 3. A very rural community. residents from mobile traders. devised by Parish Councillors with the The survey reveals that Colton Parish support of a research professional, residents are primarily middle aged and Colton Parish is a deeply rural community 5. Internet access. distributed and collected to all households older. Nearly six out of ten (59%) with some 35% of residents living in a in the Parish by volunteers, and the work residents are over 51 with less than a village (with shop and/or pub and/or Colton Parish is now a 'switched on' was supported by the Countryside Agency quarter (23%) aged 31-50. 12% are under church) while over half (53%) live in a community with just over two thirds of all and by Voluntary Action Cumbria. The 16 and just 6% are 17-30. The over 50s hamlet or other small settlement with no households having access to the Internet results were analysed professionally by the divide roughly half and half between those village facilities and10% live on a working (67%). The figure is close to 90% for those AHA marketing consultancy based in 51 to 64 and those 65+. farm. In other words, two thirds are rural under 50 but, surprisingly it is still more Ambleside. This short summary of the dwellers living outside villages. On the than one in three for the over 65s. It is, of main findings is for general information and Consistent with the age profile, the survey other hand nearly six in ten live within a course lower in the over 75 group. When access to the detailed tables is available to indicates that around 40% of residents are mile of a pub (95% within 3 miles) with asked if respondents would like to be sent those who seek further information. retired - many clearly having retired in similar figures for proximity to a village hall occasional news reports and e-mails when their 50s or even earlier. The changing and/or church. Four out of ten did not live Colton has its own website over seven out Some 450 households were contacted and profile of the over 60s in the 21st century within 3 miles of a shop/post office, of ten of those with access said 'yes'. we achieved a response rate of around (60 is the new 40) is undoubtedly relevant however, with indications that the over 75s 66%, which is a remarkable achievement to this Parish. were worst off in this respect. for a survey of this type. Bearing in mind that around a quarter of all households in 2. Length of time in Parish. 4. Use of local facilities and the Parish are now used as second homes mobile traders. or rented as holiday lets - and that this Almost one in three respondents were survey took place in Winter when usage of born in the Parish (28%) and 34% have Pubs and village halls are used regularly by such properties is low - the response rate lived here more than 25 years. At the a sizeable minority of residents with nearly is even more impressive. Some of the other end of the scale there are clearly 50% visiting a local pub at least monthly questions were for one person in the many newcomers with 14% having lived (around half that proportion weekly) household to complete; the others were here less than 4 years and four out of ten Village halls were being visited by one in for completion by individuals in each (40%) less than 10 years.We do not have four residents at least once a month while household aged 11+. the profile of those who own second a remarkable number of residents (63% of

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 28 5.5. ColtonColton ParishParish SurveySurvey 20032003 -- MainMain ResultsResults

6. Residents in work. LIKES AND DISLIKES OF 8. Likes of living in the Parish. LIVING IN THE PARISH By summarising responses from different The likes identified in the survey questions we can conclude that one in The Parish likes and dislikes obviously focus almost exclusively on the three Parish residents are in employment reflect the profile, for example the age, of quality of the local environment and (full or part time), one in five is self residents.The summary below reflects also rural way of life. The words employed (full or part time) and that very the feedback gained from three public 'friendly,' 'countryside,' 'scenery,' small numbers (under 2%) are variously meetings held in the Parish to debate the 'peace and quiet,' 'seclusion' and unemployed/job seeking or unable to work survey findings. Basically the great majority 'quiet roads' were variously for health reasons. Some 5% are at home of residents like what they have in what identified by more than half of caring for children or the elderly. 4% are they clearly identify as a peaceful and residents. Local community spirit registered disabled, although these are attractive corner of the Lake District and and knowing one's neighbours are mainly over 65. The balance of residents is do not want it spoiled by the noisy also well-recognised benefits of Finsthwaite & Lakeside Party retired (around 40%). intrusions of so much of modern leisure. local life. 10. Dislikes of living in the Parish. Overall, up to one in four Parish 7. Satisfaction with local recreation 9. Ideas for new facilities and households (25%) has someone in it facilities. improvements. Not surprisingly dislikes focus on the undertaking paid work from home. We do things that are considered to threaten the not have trend data for this but would Most residents (between six and seven out Answers are wide-ranging but focus on qualities already identified as 'likes.' Chief expect that it has increased significantly of ten) were satisfied with the facilities for underpinning and maintaining the same among the specific dislikes and the things over the last decade. Paid work from leisure and recreation in the Parish. qualities of life noted in 8 above.There is a many would wish "to be stopped or home may well be a key pillar of rural Predictably the under 16s, although few in general wish to see the local shop/post curtailed" are the visual and noise living in this part of Cumbria. number, were much less enthusiastic with office supported, roadside hedges and walls intrusion and path erosion caused by 4 well over half being dissatisfied about local better maintained, introduction of wheel drive vehicles on the fells and by off- facilities. In terms of facilities within about broadband access in our area (for internet road motorbikes and mountain bikes on an hour's drive the satisfaction figure rises users) and so on. Anything that protects footpaths and bridleways. Speeding traffic, to 95% and satisfies most of the under-16s the well-appreciated quality of life appears heavy lorries and coaches in narrow lanes too. Although more is always possible and to have support.There is also very strong generally (especially Hawkshead traffic) are local village halls provide valuable venues support for recycling facilities in the Parish all criticised and the litter that is thrown for future activity, these must be with over two out of three residents out by passing cars is clearly an issue. considered to be very high levels of overall (67%) noting that they consider it "very Linked to interests in sustaining housing satisfaction with what the area offers. important." Less than one in ten residents for local people there is concern about the thought it "not important." number of houses being bought up for use as holiday homes in the Parish. Kite flying in Finsthwaite

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 29 5.5. ColtonColton ParishParish SurveySurvey 20032003 -- MainMain ResultsResults

11. Use of local services and rating of 12. Involvement in the planning decision service quality. process and rating of service.

Respondents were asked to indicate which of a range Respondents were also asked if they or a close of local services they had used 'in the last 2 years' neighbour had been involved/had any dealings with and the users were asked to rate them. Usage ranges the planning decision process in the area. Those that from 97% for refuse collection, 89% local GPs, 73% had were asked to indicate how satisfied they were local hospital but falls to 24% for police services, 22% with the process. Just over half of respondents had for other emergency services and 17% for adult had some involvement in the process and the users education. Use of other services (less than 7% each) were fairly divided on this issue with 36% rating the was too low to produce a usable response. process very good or excellent. A similar proportion (37%) rated the process as very poor or dissatisfied With ratings of over 75% for the top two categories with the remainder in between. (very good and excellent) residents are clearly satisfied with local hospitals, GPs, other emergency services and refuse collection. None of these scored more than 10% for the bottom two categories (very Rusland Golden Jubilee Celebrations poor and dissatisfied). On the other hand police response to emergencies was rated at only 37% for the top two categories and 43% for the two worst rated categories. Adult education (used by only 17% of respondents) was rated at 54% for the top two categories and 22% for the bottom two categories.

Full results of the findings are available to view from Colton Parish Council. SLDC Refuse Collections (Please see contacts at the back of this report.)

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 30 6.6. ResidentsResidents commentscomments fromfrom questionnairequestionnaire -- DislikesDislikes

• Erosion of paths by 4 wheel drive dual carriageways are coming • Council tax should be in relation to the • YMCA should control their students at vehicles services provided 2.00am • Lack of warm, comfortable, • Gritting needed in winter multipurpose village hall. • Cow muck on roads and fields • Just the noise from the scramble bikes on the fells • Improvement in services • Would like to get more involved with • Difficulty in protecting environment local activities from new projects ie buildings, sewage • Lack of a village shop • Lack of public transport projects etc • Any plans for further development that • Lack of affordable homes for local • Large coaches using the road from some organisations think we need • Distance from shops people. Too many holiday homes Newby Bridge to Hawkshead (too wide for road) • Bad road surfaces. Verges and hedges • Distance to get to work, shops and • Lack of local hall functions need attention friends • Litter problem, verge and hedge • House prices! maintenance required • Dog fouling

• No facilities/shops • Don't like the isolation

• Poor state of road maintenance • Minimisation of fireworks after 10pm

• Smell from Lakeside • Heavy lorries/coaches on Hawkshead Road • Speed of traffic on roads • Don't like all the new mph signs that • High cost of housing for local people • Speeding traffic through Newby Bridge have appeared (cut to 30mph) • High council tax • Behaviour of Windermere ferries • Better public transport • Too many holiday cottages • Isolation, long journeys to work and • Being under the jurestriction of the facilities • Lack of mains gas and sewerage. • Too many second homes NPA - an unelected, undemocratic, • Junction at Swan dangerous. Coaches on unaccountable group of power crazed • Frequent loss of electricity • Too much council tax for what we Hawkshead road, could make it one way bureaucrats receive around the lake. • Large vehicles travelling too fast on • Cannot walk down many of the roads roads • Too much traffic • Traffic blowing horns • More encouragement and support for • Tourist traffic and lack of signs • Control over the crossroads at young people concerning road details ie when the Tottlebank (dangerous)

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 31 6.6. ResidentsResidents commentscomments fromfrom questionnairequestionnaire -- DislikesDislikes

• Need speed limits in the village • No work, no village shop, no young • Services too far away, prices too high in • The interference of people and people area authorities who have no knowledge of • New speeding signs are being ignored true rural life • Offcomers moving in and not joining in • Silage bales near houses • Safer cycling routes. with the community • The ongoing deterioration in rural life ie • Trees/hedges need cutting back church and school closing • Poor TV reception • Some roads are in bad condition. • The speed of traffic past houses • Problems with water supply Ageing population due to house prices not good for balanced community • Too many coaches • Sad more local schools and shop are having to close • Speeding cars and motorbikes through • Too many low flying aircraft • No more building or changes at the village at weekends • Too many tourists driving too fast Lakeside • The abuse of speed limits and lack of • Tourists • No newspaper deliveries policing on this matter

• No public transport • The dirty, messy farm

Rusland Beeches

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 32 6.6. ResidentsResidents commentscomments fromfrom questionnairequestionnaire -- LikesLikes

• Community spirit • My home

• Friendly - Countryside - Scenery - • Newsletter, supportive community, Peace and Quiet - Lake District wonderful landscape, no traffic noise, access to pubs, access to fells • Quiet roads and peaceful environment • Nice postman • Access to road system, wildlife • Not much traffic. • Born here • No pollution. • Caring community High Dam, Finsthwaite • Bluebells • Easy to get to work • Old fashioned qualities of countryside • Everything life, concern for neighbours etc

• Feel safe • Privacy, seclusion

• Friendly inhabitants, easy access to • The friendly residents Windermere Lake • The people • Geographical • The pleasure of living in a small • In the country with few tourists community.The absence of intrusive activities Lakeside & Finsthwaite Village Party • It's away from shopping centres and over crowded cities. You know • The rural environment everyone. • The views, the people • Knowing most people. • Unspolit area of the Lake District • Quiet • Way of life • Lack of development, scenery, air quality, lack of traffic

Brandrake

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 33 7.7. ParishParish PlanPlan PublicPublic MeetingsMeetings

The Parish Plan steering group held • The principle of 100% Council Tax • One member of the public felt that three Public Meetings on 1st, 2nd and for all was welcomed and funds a vision for the future was 3rd April at the Boathouse Hotel at made available for affordable necessary and posed the question Lakeside, the Manor House Hotel in homes. "what would the parish be like in Oxen Park, and the Red Lion at 10 years time?" Lowick Bridge and refreshments • 4x4s and trail bikes were were provided. considered a big problem. Some • As one parishioner said "… people thought that the provision although the list of dislikes is The requirement for a Parish Plan of special tracks at Grizedale were longer than the likes, they are not was explained and questions were encouraging people into the area, 'life threatening'. In our parish we answered. People were concerned who then went off the permitted are not afraid for our personal that the document produced would tracks in other parts of the parish, safety, or that of our children, and be ignored and would not have especially in the Colton area. in reality, the likes, peace, lovely sufficient authority to influence countryside, supportive community change. It was explained that the • The 'rat-run' from A590 at Bouth and safety outweigh the dislikes, Public meeting at The Red Lion,Lowick Parish Plan initiative is government Tollbar to Spark Bridge was which are mainly ones of slight sponsored, run through the considered a problem, as was personal inconvenience or we Countryside Agency, and is part of a speeding traffic at Lakeside. wouldn't be living in this beautiful process that will enable local people part of the country." in rural communities to have greater • Concern was expressed regarding influence on the decision making that the sewage smells at Lakeside. effects their lives. • People felt that certain issues A number of issues and concerns could be addressed with a likely were raised at the meeting which are measure of success and raised the summarised as follows : - following: litter clearing, hedge and verge management, providing • Village halls are used to a greater pavements where traffic is or lesser extent in different parts dangerous, and providing more of the parish. It was suggested that recycling sites. joint activities could be organised to bring the whole parish community closer together.

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 34 8.8. ActionAction PlanPlan

Lobbying issues identified Proposed Action To be taken by

1. Changing and ageing population of Represent rural related issues of an ageing/retired population. Respond to the rapidly Colton Parish Council liaise with :- the Parish changing with the influx of new residents and an increasing proportion of second/holiday LDNPA homes. Cumbria County Council, SLDC Morecambe Bay Health Authority

2. Cost of Council Tax related to the Better information on the cost of services provided. Equality of access for the Parish to Colton Parish Council liaise with :- services received services paid for out of Council Tax.Identify needs as and when they arise, to inform Cumbria County Council SLDC and Cumbria County Council, of issues with regard to the services provided that SLDC, Police, LDNPA are considered important by local residents.

3. Diminishing facilities located within Support the key role in the community of local pubs, village and church halls and mobile Colton Parish Council liaise with :- the Parish traders and remaining retail and post office facilities. Encourage new service and retail LDNPA providers and assist through links to SLDC, the NPA, Cumbria County Council and Cumbria County Council funding assistance bodies to help provide any necessary support SLDC

4. Protection of the peace and quiet Lobby strongly for planning policies that protect the attractions of the quality of life, Colton Parish Council liaise with :- qualities enjoyed in the Parish recognising how quickly the composition of the Parish is changing and how intrusive LDNPA especially the use of footpaths, aspects of modern leisure can be on valued peace and quiet of Parish. Cumbria County Council bridleways and green lanes SLDC Lobby where appropriate for restrictions on the use of local footpaths, bridleways and green lanes by off road vehicles and motorbikes.

5. Requirement for more flexible Lobby for more responsive application of planning policies that currently inhibit mixed Colton Parish Council liaise with :- planning policies to assist the local use of residential buildings in order to support local residents' livelihoods and Cumbria County Council economy encouraging small businesses by allowing for efficient working from a home base. SLDC LDNPA Identify possible opportunities for shared workspace and discuss with the NPA the feasibility of providing such a facility

6. Protection on the visual amenity of Opposing major visual intrusions proposed for the area that might arise through planning Colton Parish Council liaise with :- the Parish applications in order to preserve the unique visual amenity of the Parish LDNPA

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 35 8.8. ActionAction PlanPlan

Lobbying issues identified Proposed Action To be taken by

7. Resistance of applications for further Lobby for greater resistance of applications for further holiday lets unless they support Colton Parish Council liaise with :- holiday lets within the Parish other rural objectives LDNPA

8. Increased and speeding traffic within Maintain objections to speed and especially the use of lanes by coaches and other heavy Colton Parish Council liaise with :- the Parish and a limited further traffic not conducting business in the Parish Cumbria County Council application of signposting. Provision of better signposting

9. Provision of Recycling facilities Develop the provision of local recycling facilities in collaboration with SLDC Colton Parish Council liasing with SLDC

10. Increased amount of litter Discuss with SLDC and Cumbria County Council the feasibility of introducing measures Colton Parish Council liaise with :- particularly adjacent to roads passing that will assist in curbing indiscriminate litter dumping. Cumbria County Council through the Parish. SLDC, LDNPA

11. Overhanging hedgerows on local Press for better maintenance of hedgerows, verges and walls (for example by securing an Colton Parish Council liaise with :- roads and poorly maintained verges. earlier cut and a selective second cut) LDNPA, SLDC & local land owners

12. Better communication through Act to develop a Web site for better communication, working with others as the option Colton Parish Council in collaboration electronic communication emerges (e.g. Rusland Valley Community Trust) and providing links to other websites in with Rusland Valley Community Trust the Parish. Support broadband access.

Encourage the greater use of computer skills courses within the Parish, in particular the use of the mobile learning facility.

13. Encouragement for newcomers and Develop proposals that will help to involve newcomers to the parish and offer them ways Colton Parish Council liaise with :- assistance in helping them to to integrate with the established community. Various local organisations integrate into the local community Collaboration with the Village Halls and Churches,Women's Institutes, the Rusland Valley Community Trust, the Horticultural Society, the newly formed Oxen Park Cinema Club and various other organisations that provide a facility for the community

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 36 8.8. ActionAction PlanPlan

Lobbying issues identified Proposed Action To be taken by

14. Better Public Transport Support any initiatives for providing and improving public transport within the Parish Colton Parish Council liaise with Including: and raise through the High Furness Transport Group and • Rural Wheels • Post Bus liaise with Cumbria County Council Community Transport South Lakeland • Transport for Young Persons • Other initiatives put forward by the High Furness Transport Group

15. Better facilities for young persons Consider collaborative action with centres where people congregate with a view to Colton Parish Council living within the Parish providing better notice boards and places where important documents can be read such as

• Local Church display boards • Village display points

• Village Hall display boards • Local Public Houses

• Hay Bridge • Internet

• Local Newsletters

To provide focal points for communicating awareness of Parish actions.

16. Better community understanding of Address the whole issue with regard to provision of facilities for young persons living Colton Parish Council liaise with :- the work of the Parish Council with the Parish from provision of playgrounds to sporting and leisure activities. Various local organisations and Public Houses

MONITORING OF THE PLAN

AN IMPORTANT INGREDIENT OF ANY PLAN IS TO MONITOR ITS PROGRESS AND ASSESS ITS SUCCESS. THIS IS MORE DIFFICULT WHERE IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO SET FIRM COMPLETION DATES,AND THEREFORE IN ORDER TO ENSURE AN ADEQUATE SYSTEM FOR THE PARISH THE SUB-COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW PROGRESS EVERY SIX MONTHS AND WILL RECOMMEND TO THE COUNCIL ANY NECESSARY ACTION OR REVISION OF THE PLAN.A FULL REPORT OF THE PARISH PLAN WILL BE MADE AT THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING.

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 37 9.9. VisionVision forfor thethe futurefuture

Premises and Housing Balanced Community

Schools & Local ECONOMICECONOMIC Organisations Transport FUTUREFUTURE

Environment New Businesses (electronic work from home)

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 38 10.10. ColtonColton ParishParish CouncillorsCouncillors

CHAIRMAN Mr D Dunford Mr B Dobson Charley Crag Farm Whitestock Hall Finsthwaite Rusland Nr ULVERSTON NR ULVERSTON Cumbria LA12 8BN Cumbria LA12 8LB Telephone:015395 31553 Telephone:01229 860223 Mr I Cunliffe VICE CHAIRMAN Springfield Cottage Mr J Johnson Colton Bandrake Head House Nr ULVERSTON Colton Cumbria LA12 8HE Nr ULVERSTON Telephone:01229 861440 Cumbria LA12 8HN Telephone:01229 861357 Mr W J Jackson Oxen Park Farm COUNCILLORS Oxen Park Mrs M Dryden Nr ULVERSTON LA12 8HE Boretree Cottage Telephone:01229 861323 Oxen Park NR ULVERSTON Mr J Watson Cumbria LA12 8HG New Close Farm Telephone:01229 861432 Oxen Park NR ULVERSTON Mr G Mather Cumbria Top row (left to right) : Bottom row (left to right): The Copse Telephone 01229 861450 Finsthwaite Mr G Mather Mrs M Dryden Nr ULVERSTON Mrs Sylvia Nichols Mr J Watson Mr J Johnson (Vice Chairman) Cumbria LA12 Robin Ghyll Mr W Jackson Mr B Dobson (Chairman) Telephone:015395 31271 8 Landing Close Mr I Cunliffe Mrs S Nichols Lakeside Mr D Dunford Mrs J Shuttleworth (Clerk to the Council) Nr ULVERSTON Cumbria LA12 8AP Telephone 015395 31573

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 39 11.11. APPENDIXAPPENDIX 11

Copy of Colton Parish Plan Questionnaire

Colton Parish Plan 2003 Page 40 Colton Parish Plan Questionnaire

Dear Resident of Colton Parish

Parish Plan to meet the Needs of Local People

As you may have read in the local papers, we, Colton Parish Council, are preparing a Parish Plan with the aim of influencing future policies affecting our area.We will be producing a written report which will include an action plan.

The plan will contain information about the parish including its size, location of settlements and population, as well as the history of the parish, changes which have taken place in recent times and current activities that are organised in the parish as well as identifying the action needed to tackle any problem areas, and ways in improving the quality of life for people living in the parish.

The enclosed survey asks for information that will enable the Parish Council to identify opportunities and problem areas and in particular help us understand the views and wishes of local residents. It will enable us to produce a fuller picture of the state of the parish and identify action priorities based on the views of local people.

We would be grateful if you and other members of your household will please spare a few minutes to complete the questionnaire which will be collected in the next seven days or so. Please note that the white paper questionnaire (Section A 1-10) is for completion by one person per household, the green questions (Section B 1-10) are to be completed by each person age 11 and over.

Yours sincerely.

Margaret Dryden David Dunford Sylvia Nichols Colton Parish Councillors SECTION A: To be filled in by one person for the household

1 Household composition and age 6 Were you born in this area? (Write number in relevant boxes) Yes

males 0-4 5-11 12-16 No 17-21 22-30 31-50 7 Do you have access to the internet and/or email 51-64 65-74 75+ at home?

females 0-4 5-11 12-16 Yes 17-21 22-30 31-50 No 51-64 65-74 75+ 8 When, in the future, Colton Parish has its own Website, would you like to be sent occasional a2 Type of location lived in: news reports and e-mails? village (with shop and or pub and or church) Yes hamlet/settlement No (group of houses but no village facilities) Does not apply to me on a working farm

...... Other (please write in) 9 (IF EMPLOYED OR SELF EMPLOYED) Does any member of the household regularly 3 From where you live, about how far is it to the undertake paid employment work from your nearest home ?

under 1 mile; 1-3 miles; over 3 miles Yes

Pub No

General shop and /or post office 10 Have you or a close neighbour been involved in/had any dealings with the planning decision Church process in this area?

Village Hall Yes No 3.4 About how often in the last couple of years have you or others in your household visited/made If yes, please note how satisfied you are with this process (No. 1 means involved but not satisfied with the use of: weekly more than less often not in last once a month 2 years quality of the process; No.5 means involved and found the quality of the process was excellent) A local pub 1 2 3 4 5 Local village hall Mobile traders (eg milk/papers/meat)

4a5 Length of time lived in Colton Parish

50+ years 11-24 years Please would you now fill in Section B on the

25-49 years 5-10 years reverse of this page.

less than 4 years

Thank you for your time. SECTION B - One side (questions 1 - 10) for each person aged 11 & over

11 Are you currently: (please tick one only) 9.6 Thinking of access to and quality of facilities available to local residents, please circle on a At School scale of 1-5 each service you have actually used College in the last two years. Employed:- (No.1 means used and not satisfied with the quality; No.5 means used and found the quality excellent, N/A full time part time seasonal means not used)

Self-employed:- The quality of hospital services 1 2 3 4 5 N/A

full time part time seasonal The quality of local GP services 1 2 3 4 5 N/A

2 Do any of the following apply to you? The quality of Home Care services 1 2 3 4 5 N/A Retired The quality of post 16 sixth form colleges 1 2 3 4 5 N/A At home, caring for children The quality of further education 1 2 3 4 5 N/A At home, caring for the elderly The quality of adult education 1 2 3 4 5 N/A At home, caring for a disabled person Police response to emergencies 1 2 3 4 5 N/A

Unemployed/job seeking Other emergency services (fire/ambulance) 1 2 3 4 5 N/A

Unable to work on health grounds Refuse collection services 1 2 3 4 5 N/A None of these apply to me 7 How important is it to you that recycling 3 Are you registered disabled? facilities should be located within the Parish?

YES NO Very Not very Not important No view on this 4 In your view are facilities for leisure and recreation in our area adequate? 8 What do you personally value most about living (a) within the Parish YES NO in Colton Parish?

(b) within about an hour's drive YES NO ......

IF NO, PLEASE STATE WHAT YOU THINK IS LACKING ......

......

...... 9 And what do you like least about living in this ...... Parish - or would seek to change (apart from the weather!)? ......

5 Are there any leisure activities you would wish ...... to see controlled or stopped in the Parish? ......

...... 10 Finally, are there any new facilities/changes or improvements to our Parish area which you would ...... like to see over the next five years or so?

......

......

......

Thank you for your time. Person 1 The Parish Plan has been funded by The Countryside Agency and Low Furness & Ulverston Neighbourhood Forum

People who have helped with the plan - thank you

INDIVIDUALS RESPONSES FROM SCHOOLS, PLACES OF WORSHIP AND ORGANISATIONS

Doreen Johnson Elspeth Cooper Voluntary Action Cumbria Bouth Village Hall Jimmy Johnson David Baxter Lowick School Rusland and District WI Walter Phillipson Sue Potts Satterthwaite and Rusland School Bouth WI Ann Lewis David Dunford Penny Bridge School Rusland Valley Community Trust Nigel Williams Sylvia Nichols Leven Valley School Rusland Valley Horticultural Society Kate Rowland Smith Sue Warner Holy Trinity Parish Church Colton Forest Enterprise Victor Middleton Gorden Wilkinson St. Pauls Parish Church Rusland Cumbria County Council Christine Jackson Jean Wilkinson St. Peters Parish Church Finsthwaite LDNPA Area Rangers Report Sarah Jackson John Dryden Tottlebank Baptist Church LDNPA Senior Planning Officers Comments Robert Straughton Margaret Dryden Rookhow Friends Meeting House A.H.A. Marketing Doreen Harrison Bonzo Johnson Lakeside and Finsthwaite Village Hall South Lakeland District Council Tony Hill Ron Mein Rusland Reading Rooms Hay Bridge Nature Reserve Judith Shuttleworth Bobbie Dobson Oxen Park Reading Room Rusland Young Farmers