ISSUE 85 MARCH 2016

THE

OVER KELLET VIEW

Price £1.00 (but free of charge to every household in Over Kellet)

For the next (April) issue, the closing date for news, articles and advertisements is 15 March 2016. All contributions should be sent to the email address: OKView@overkellet.org

Editorial Board: Liz Brewster and Chris Pogson

Advertising: Jane Meaden

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT Chairs ex-officio of the Parish Council and Parochial Church Council

We are grateful to the above organisations for their financial support

We are happy to accept contributions in any electronic form. Please use Microsoft Word or its equivalent (Arial 14pt, margins 1.5cm, paper size A4). Advertisements should be in a form compatible with PC software. Photos (strictly less than 1MB) and other illustrative material should be sent as separate files—no embedded objects please.

The views expressed in this magazine are those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the Editorial Team or Board of Management. Every care has been taken in trying to provide accurate information, particularly in the Diary, the Directory, on Local Services and with bus times. We apologise if any errors creep in; please let us know if you do find any so that they can be amended for next time.

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

©2016 Over Kellet View Meadowbank House, Craggs Hill

OKView@overkellet.org

Front Cover: ‘Winter Scene’ by Rex Woolstencroft

Printed by Bay Typesetters, Morecambe Tel: 01524 850056, 07710 405864

r.cleet@btinternet.com

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THE MARCH VIEW

While we wait to hear whether we will still have an evening bus service after this April, the idea is circulating that rural communities might organise their own transport services. Villages could, for example, run or sponsor local minibus schemes which could either run to a timetable or according to specific needs. Where such services already exist, the drivers often give their services voluntarily. These buses can run on a door-to-door basis for those who have mobility difficulties or from bus stops for those who want access for shopping, for the railway station, to local hospitals, care homes, etc. A major issue, of course, concerns who pays for the minibus in the first place as well as maintaining and servicing it.

In some ways a simpler solution is for each community to have a list of volunteer drivers who could be contacted by those who have a special need. In this case, each driver would use their own car, although they might need to clarify the insurance situation before volunteering. Local experience indicates that taxis do not meet this type of demand. It may be that our present bus service survives for a bit longer but perhaps we should start thinking about alternatives now as our village encompasses an increasing number of elderly residents without their own transport.

Chris Pogson

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LETTER FROM THE VICARAGE

St Cuthbert’s Church Over Kellet March 2016 Dear Friends,

May the power, peace and presence of the Risen Christ be in your home this Easter, by being in your heart each day.

Childhood Memories

Recently I began reflecting on my days in Chatsworth Street School opposite our home in Liverpool and one thing flashed into my mind, a nursery rhyme we learnt---- ‘Mary had a little lamb…’. As a child it meant nothing to me but, as I recall it now, it means so much and is true. Mary did have a little lamb—we call him the Lord Jesus Christ.

We read in John 1:29:

“Look! The lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”

I read recently that there is only one animal that will not put up a fight when you attempt to kill it, and that is a lamb. A young calf will fight to the end. Even a chicken will flap until it dies but a lamb offers no resistance. That’s why our Lord Jesus Christ is referred to as the Lamb of God. The Lord never spoke out for Himself when He was brought before Pontius Pilate, then Herod and again before Pontius Pilate for passing judgement. He was accused of inciting the people and of disrespecting the Roman government. All these accusations were false. The Bible says that he never opened His mouth; He never said a word. He went to the cross like a lamb to the slaughter for your sin and mine. Today He is ALIVE, risen from the dead and the challenge this Easter is to allow Him to live in our lives by the person of the Holy Spirit, so we can show His peace, power and presence to all we meet. Never forget:

“He was oppressed and treated harshly yet He never said a word. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter” Isaiah 53:7 (For your sin and mine)

Rev. Ken and Sue Clapham

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING—For the election of two church wardens, Church Council members and Sidespersons. All residents in the parish are invited. Sunday 13th March 6.30pm in the Village Hall.

CAR PARKING—David Walling requests thar cars are NOT parked in or near the entrance to the farm during Sunday services or any other times. He needs 24/7 access for large vehicles. The entrance is a DOUBLE YELLOW LINE AREA. Thank you for your help.

AT YOUR SERVICE—The Revs. Ken, Sue and Alan are available for ANY parishioner or visitor to our parish who is ill or in any need at home or in hospital. Please phone 734189 or 07663 794459.

5

CHURCH NEWS

All are welcome to attend the Women’s World Day of Prayer service in the village hall on Friday 4th March at 2pm. The service ‘Receive children, Receive Me’ has been prepared by the Christian women of Cuba. Children from our Village School will take part. Linda Thomas is the speaker and refreshments will be provided.

Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent, exactly three weeks before Easter. Traditionally it was an occasion for people once a year to return home to their Mother Church. Those working in domestic service were given the day off to return home and on the way children would collect wild flowers to give to their mother as a gift. Mothering Sunday is now an opportunity for children to give a gift to their mothers and for us all to celebrate what our mothers have meant to us. Do join us on 6th March for this all age celebration.

On Sunday 13th March at 6.30pm in the village hall is the Annual Vestry meeting for the election of two church wardens and also the annual meeting at which we review the past year, elect members for the Parochial Church Council and sidepersons and plan for the challenges of the future including the implementation of our Mission Action Plan and involvement in the Diocesan Vision 2026.

Services for the celebration of Easter are:

Good Friday Service on 25th March at 10.30am

Easter Day on 27th March—Holy Communion at 8.45am; Easter celebration at 10.30am (including Communion), when we join the worldwide church and proclaim “Christ is risen – He is risen indeed!”

John Halsey

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OVER KELLET NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

It is unfortunately much easier to steal by trickery these days than by burglary. Two recent instances highlight this.

In the first, the ‘victim’ received a letter from the Small Claims Court detailing a claim for an unpaid debt of which the ‘victim’ was totally unaware. This letter went in the bin. The next communication was a Court Order, made in the absence of the defendant (‘victim’), enforcing payment to the unknown fraudster. Such a letter is legally binding and failure to pay could be expensive or legally complicated.

The fraudster hopes, of course, that recipients (often elderly), of such claims will be too frightened to do other than pay up.

The appropriate course of action is for you to reply to the first letter, filing a defence denying the existence of the debt and explaining the circumstances. You then wait for the case to proceed through the court system. Fraudsters will not continue as they will have to pay a Court fee to do so and will also undoubtedly lose.

In the second, an individual wanted some work done on the home. The tradesman, who was known to the person concerned, was busy and gave a date some way ahead. In a few days, however, the tradesman sent an email saying that there had been a cancellation and that the work could go ahead as soon as the deposit on the work had been paid by bank transfer. The deposit was made as requested but nothing happened. Eventually the householder contacted the tradesman who was surprised; he knew nothing about a cancellation or anything subsequent to that. Enquiries showed that the tradesman’s email account had been hacked and that the bank account was not his. The householder’s bank disclaimed responsibility for the money lost because the transfer had been authorised and the bank had acted entirely normally.

Bank transfers are often automated procedures and payments will be made to whomsoever is chosen by the payer and to any account. The best practice is never to make payments, on-line or otherwise, into unknown accounts without checking the validity of the transaction. You can also check the name of the bank to be credited by looking up the sort-code on http://www.paymentsuk.org.uk/consumers/sort-code-checker

Chris Pogson

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WILSON’S ENDOWED SCHOOL NEWS

From A Tiny Ant!

The whole school went to the zoo. Every class headed to Chester Zoo on a draughty Monday in the middle of February. We soon split up across the wide area to enjoy many different animal highlights. The five-month-old baby elephant having a morning bathe was particularly cute and the sloth hanging from ropes above our heads fascinated the children. Likewise the leafcutter ants had the children mesmerised but the real favourites were the penguins who could be seen performing underwater acrobatics through the glass panels.

The zoo staff provided engaging workshops where the children explored food chains and categorised different classes of animals. The children had the opportunity to handle a variety of animal artefacts including examining skeletons and unrolling a large python skin.

Indoor Athletics at Salt Ayre Our eager team have been training hard with Mrs Cross during lunchtimes over the year and their hard work is beginning to show. The activities test both skill and stamina. Our scores at the Friday night competitions over the year have been improving and we came a very pleasing second in this half term’s tournament.

End of Year 6 exam league tables

The national league tables were published recently outlining schools’ performances. These were also reported in the local press and for some reason did not feature Carnforth schools. We are very pleased to report that Over Kellet Wilson’s Endowed CE School was ranked as joint fifth in Lancashire. Follow this link for more information:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/leaguetables/12041251/Primary-school-league-tables-2015-compare-your-schools-performance.html

Jo Williams Headteacher

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PARISH COUNCIL—FEBRUARY

Footpaths—Cllr Nick Ward had met with the owner of the field and footpath off Cockle Hill following concerns that the stile in the wall at the bottom of the field was blocked. Cllr Ward reported that Mrs Shuttleworth was adamant that this path had never been used as an access to the cemetery and she was concerned that leaving it there was allowing her field to be used as a thoroughfare for dog-walkers, to which she objected. She confirmed that although she owned the burial ground she was happy to give permission for burials to take place and for visitors to have access to it by walking down her field from Cockle Hill.

Defibrillator—Lesley Gee gave a presentation on the new defibrillator which will be located on the outside of the Village Hall. Cllr Ward thanked Mrs Gee for her hard work in securing the equipment for the village.

Best Kept Village—It was agreed not to take part in this annual competition following judges’ comments in previous years. Cllr Margaret Fowler explained that inappropriate criticisms had been made about privately owned properties and judges had also criticized the Parish Council for not repairing the ‘broken’ war memorial.

Road Safety—The batteries in the current SPID are lasting only six days. It was therefore agreed that Clerk Michael Watson should contact the manufacturer

regarding the possibility of attaching a solar panel. Lancashire County Council has confirmed that it will not allocate a second SPID to the Village.

Parking continues to be a concern for residents and a further complaint has been received. Cllr Ward pointed out that there was very little the Parish Council could do and that complaints should be directed to the police.

Bees—A letter has been received from a resident asking if the grass on The Green could remain uncut to provide a better environment for bees. Cllr Ward reported that when this was attempted on the Top Green, the Parish Council had received complaints. Cllr Rebecca Lauder queried the impact on visibility. It was agreed that The Green should continue to be mown.

Over Kellet View—The Parish Council agreed a contribution of £800 to the costs of the Over Kellet View.

Email and Website—Cllr Ward had arranged for the Parish Council’s information on the village website to be updated. It was agreed that the Council would have a new email address. Once operational, this will be included on the back cover of the Over Kellet View.

Autumn Event-—Cllr Ward proposed an autumn community event involving the Church, School and Parish Council, the proposed date being 24 September. It was agreed that the Parish Council would contribute £250 to costs.

The full minutes of the Parish Council meeting are available at www.overkellet.org and on display on village notice boards. Next month's Parish Council meeting will take place on Tuesday 8 March at 7.15pm at Wilson's Endowed C of E School. All Parish Council meetings are open to the public.

Angela Huck

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WEATHER DATA FOR JANUARY 2016

As I get down to writing this month’s article the Met Office have again issued a warning for the approach of Storm Imogen. Earlier this month we felt the fury of Storm Gertrude when from the 26th to the 29th we had winds gusting up to 66mph together with over 32mm (1.3in) of rain. It was 2015 when the Irish and British Met Services launched a joint initiative to name storms that crossed our coasts. This agreement between the two services somehow serves to give each storm a personality that will be easily remembered and enable us to draw comparisons between them. The one that I think will be remembered by most people is Storm Desmond in December 2015 with winds gusting to over 70mph and heavy rain which caused power cuts and widespread flooding. The January of each New Year seems to be a long month with shorter days, and fewer sun hours due to heavy cloud cover. For this month there are five seven-day barograph charts: viewed in sequence they clearly show how unstable the atmosphere has been.

The weather for January closely followed the same pattern as the two previous months—very wet, very windy and very warm. During the month we had 23 rain days giving a monthly total of 124mm (5in), well above the 10-year average of 94mm (3.8in). The wettest 24h period was over the 26th and 27th with 19mm (0.8in). We had 24 sun days with 35.6h, again below the average of 45.8h. The warmest day was the 24th when the temperature climbed to 13.6°C (56.4°F) and the sunniest day was the 20th with a remarkable 7.1 sun hours. The coldest night was that of the 16th when the temperature fell to –3.6°C (25.5°F). During the month there were six occasions when the night temperature dropped to below 0°C (32°F). In previous years this number was usually twelve so this decrease serves to indicate how mild the winter night temperatures were.

Cloud Watcher

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THOMAS LEAPER

Leaper’s Wood lies on the hill behind the Eagles Head; Leaper’s View is on the other side of the Nether Kellet Road. Both are named after Thomas Leaper who, perhaps surprisingly, lived in Capernwray, not Over Kellet.

The story starts with George Fox, one of the founders of the Quakers, who spent a considerable time in North Lancashire preaching after 1650. Fox preached mostly in the open air and many people followed his teaching. This was partly because of Quaker beliefs but also from a reaction to the harsh laws that controlled the poorer people of whom this region had many. While spelling was lax (Capernwray appears in various guises, including Copenray and even Caponbarrow), the laws were definitely not.

Although George Fox had his followers, he and those with him met with a multitude of abuses from many ignorant people animated by ‘designing priests’. The Quakers endured the legal penalties as well as the verbal insults and savage beatings with Christian patience and magnanimity.

In 1581 a Law had been promulgated which included ‘Every person not repairing to Church…shall forfeit twenty pounds for every month they so make default’… A pound in 1650 would today be just under £100. A week toiling in the fields would earn about eight old pennies (3p today) so that the fines were very harsh indeed.

Tithes were paid almost exclusively by the poor. About half were levied directly by the local priest, who might often behave leniently, but many tithes, especially in the north, were sold by the church to the much-hated so-called ‘tithe-farmers’ who collected the full sum from the peasants. As an example, the tithes of Warton rectory and parsonage were owned by the Dean and Chapter of far-off Worcester Cathedral, who undoubtedly sold them to local tithe-farmers.

If the tithes could not be paid, the tithe-farmers took property instead (‘distress’) and this could go on for a long time, ultimately leading to long imprisonment.

The Quakers being doctrinally against the swearing of oaths, even those of loyalty to the Crown as demanded by law after the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, also led to imprisonment and beatings; a few died.

Robert Widder of Over Kellet was one of the ‘Valiant Sixty’ commemorated today by the Quakers (see http://www.overkellet.org/?Parish_Appraisal_1996:Page_5). Thomas Leaper was not so included but was a friend of Robert and suffered in a similar way. Between 1659 and 1663 he was fined a total of £33 11s 4d (£33.57)and suffered arrest and imprisonment. Even in 1680, the tithe-farmer relieved Thomas of cattle and corn to the value of £41 16s 4d (£41.82). It was only after the Glorious Revolution and the passing of the Act of Toleration in 1689 under William III that things improved.

Chris Pogson

FREE TO A GOOD HOME

Hedging trees (various) about 4–5 ft tall, suitable for a new hedge or gap filling. Originally from the Woodland Trust. Kath Escolme Phone 732246

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AROUND THE CLUBS—BADMINTON

Around the Clubs is a new editorial feature in the Over Kellet View which is free for clubs and societies in Over Kellet and Capernwray. This month Geoff Fretwell introduces the Badminton Club.

Date founded (approximately): 2000

Contact name for further information: Geoff Fretwell, phone 736771; email: geoffandval19@gmail.com

Number of members: 15

When and where do you usually meet? Village Hall Wednesdays 8pm–10pm.

How much does it cost to join? There is no joining fee but it is £2.00 per night of attendance.

What is the main purpose of the group? Social badminton/ table tennis

What is the reason most people join? To enjoy social sport

What is the highlight of the club's year? The Annual General Meeting

In three words, how would you describe your club?: Social, Friendly, Inclusive.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with readers about your club? Our Badminton club plays at different levels of skill & experience, has a lower age limit of 18 & no upper age limit. The current age range of members is 30 to 69. No one takes things too seriously but all enjoy friendly competition. Some members have come with a gap of 20 years in their badminton experience, enjoy the company and exercise whilst developing their skill levels in both badminton and table tennis. All in all, it is a club of like-minded individuals who enjoy the company of others whilst getting a bit of exercise and having a good laugh. If you would like your club/organisation to be featured here, please email okview@overkellet.org

DON’T FORGET

British Summer Time starts at 1.00am on Sunday 27th March. You lose an hour’s sleep that night as the clocks go forward one hour

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THE DIARY Regular Weekly Events

SUNDAYS 0845 Every Week Holy Communion 1030 Mar 6; April 3 Morning Worship & Fish Club (1015 at school) 1030 Mar 13; April 10 All Age Worship 1030 Mar 20; April 17 Morning Worship with Communion 1030 Mar 25 Good Friday Service 1030 Mar 27 Easter Sunday Service with Communion 1030 April 24 Morning Worship, Methodist preacher

MONDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Mar 28; Apr 4) Playgroup 2–4 Years 1330 Weekly Indoor Bowls 1700 Weekly (not Mar 21) Keep Active 1930 Weekly Scottish Dancing

TUESDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Mar 29; Apr 5) Playgroup 2–4 Years 0900 Weekly (Schooldays only) Playgroup-Toddlers (School) 1400 Weekly Short Tennis

WEDNESDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Mar 30; Apr 6) Playgroup 2–4 Years 1400 Mar 9, 23; Apr 6, 20 Galloways Society 1930 Weekly Church Bible Study 2000 Weekly Badminton

THURSDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Mar 31; Apr 7) Playgroup 2–4 Years 1930 Mar 10; Apr 14 WI

FRIDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Mar 25; Apr 8) Playgroup 2–4 Years

REFUSE COLLECTION IN MARCH AND APRIL Grey bin: Mar 7, 21; Apr 4, 18 Green bin/recycling: Mar 14, 29; Apr 11, 25

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THE DIARY Monthly Calendar

MARCH

Friday 4 1400–1530 Women’s World Day of Prayer Saturday 5 1000–1200 School ‘Nearly New’ Sale Sunday 6 1330 Village Walk—Crook

Tuesday 8 1915 Parish Council Meeting (School)

Thursday 10 1930 WI Meeting—Talk by Costains ‘The Heysham to M6 Link Road’

Wednesday 16 0900 Walking Group—Meal Bank

Friday 18 1930 Hort. Soc. Spring Talk by Kevin Preston ‘Growing for Showing’

APRIL

Sunday 3 1330 Village Walk—Crook Tuesday 12 1915 Parish Council Meeting (School)

Wednesday 13 0900 Walking Group—Whitwell Thursday 14 1930 WI Meeting—Talk by Mr Graham Agnew ‘Venice’

All events take place in the Village Hall unless otherwise stated

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VILLAGE DEFIBRILLATOR UPDATE

I am very pleased to report that the two quarries have donated fully automatic top-of-the-range defibrillators to the villages of Over Kellet and Nether Kellet at an approximate cost of £1000 each. The defibrillator is suitable for use with children and adults.

We are now in the process of buying a stainless steel cabinet with a coded lock which will be sited on the exterior of the Village Hall near the bus stop in full view and easily accessible if needed. The

cabinet will be illuminated, connected to the mains supply and contain a frost protection heater. The connection is low voltage.

We have been very fortunate to receive some grant funding and local donations towards the cabinet cost, installation, insurance, online governance system and training. We will also have ongoing costs for replacement consumables. This means the shortfall is relatively small. If you would like to make a donation to the project, a red marked collecting box will be placed in the shop for the month of March. Please consider supporting this lifesaving initiative for the village.

The defibrillator will be supported by The Community Heartbeat Trust which will provide ongoing support, post-event counselling and an on-line governance system which is registered and accessible to the ambulance service.

The timescale for the installation of the defibrillator is the end of March 2016.

A community awareness training session is to be arranged on Tuesday 19th April from 7.00pm to 8.30pm in the Village Hall; it is hoped that as many villagers as possible will attend the session so that they are aware of the equipment and access in case of an emergency in the village. The defibrillator is very easy to use and the unit fully supports the user. Please look out for posters reminding villagers of the date and time. Please don't think the awareness training is not for you—you never know when you might need to help a neighbour or a member of your family.

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me: Lesley Gee, 733240, lesleygee54@gmail.com

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THE 200 CLUB

The result of the draw for January was:

1st (£25) Mr J Briggs (027)

2nd (£15) Mrs M Cobb (182)

3rd (£10) Finn Harris (062)

Congratulations to all our winners.

Just in case you have doubts about the draw—this involves a computer-based random number selector. It is set up to give random numbers from 001 to 200 inclusively. The same number cannot come up twice in the same draw. Even though it is ‘fool-proof’, we do check it for our own reassurance from time to time. For example, there are as many numbers in the draw below 100 as there are above, and so on. Members subscribe £6 each year for a number of their choice (out of a total of 200 altogether), and there are three prizes, allocated by a random number draw each month, of £25, £15 and £10. Subscriptions can be taken out at any time. We have fewer spare numbers than at this time last year but there are still some left. Why not think about having a go in 2016? If so, please contact us (Chris on 732892, chris@overkellet.org.uk; me on 733877, j.brewster973@btinternet.com).

Liz Brewster

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BOOK REVIEW

Branthwaite’s Lot by Richard Mason

I thought it would be interesting to review a book by a local author and particularly so as it is written in and about our own unique part of North Lancashire.

We meet Bill Branthwaite in 1992 when he is an embittered old man. The story then cleverly takes us back to 1939, the start of the Second World War, when Bill is a young man full of hope. The author vividly describes the harsh realities of farming through the war years and the circumstances that change the young Bill into the cantankerous and unstable man he becomes.

There are tantalising glimpses of local places: he talks about “counting the stations” between Carnforth and Lancaster, which brings home the reality of how our lives and villages have changed.

This is Richard Mason’s first novel and I am looking forward to reading his second one, A Wise Child.

Liz Brewster

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are very grateful to those who allow us to use their photographs in our magazine. This month, we thank Surrey John and the British Wildlife Centre for the picture of a (pine) marten at the Centre.

AN AUTUMN GALA FOR OVER KELLET

At a recent meeting of representatives from the parish council, school and church it was agreed to try and reintroduce a village gala this year but to stage this in the autumn rather than in the busy summer months.

We are therefore planning to hold an Autumn Village Gala on Saturday 24th September with events taking place at the school, village hall, Church Bank ring and church. These will include, amongst other things: a craft fair, stalls from village organisations, sideshows, an autumnal-themed children’s fancy dress competition, fun pet show, horse rides, an Over Kellet vs. Nether Kellet football match and Tug-of-War competition, a flower festival in the church, teddy-bear parachuting from the church tower, bouncy castle, afternoon teas and the day conclude with a hog roast, bar and ceilidh in the village hall.

We hope that as many residents as possible will wish to support the resurrection of this once popular village event. Further details will be published in the Over Kellet View nearer the time but, in the meantime, if you would be prepared to be part of the team organising this event or your particular village organisation would like to have a stall or stage an activity on the day, please contact me. If you are interested in the football or tug-of-war teams please contact Mike Morris (mmorris01@gmail.com, 07961 744668) or the flower festival, Marilyn Whinfield (asw-mw@sky.com).

Make sure you put September 24th firmly in your diary NOW!! Nick Ward (nkdw@btinternet.com, 733947)

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NATURE NOTES

A recent edition of the television programme Countryfile featured a scheme to release martens into the wild. It was stated or implied that large estates and their gamekeepers were responsible for the marten’s demise. It is true that gamekeepers did attempt to eliminate this elusive, nocturnal creature from about 1800 on. They had been previously hunted because of their depredations among poultry and parishes paid a bounty for their heads. A check through several parish records indicate very few killings—an indication that martens were very scarce before 1800, hard to capture or a combination of the two. Martens were probably in serious decline for several reasons before 1800. Recently, however, their fortunes seem to be on the up and there have been recent sightings from southern Scotland, Wales, Cumbria and Shropshire, as well as introductions into the Glen Trool area of Galloway.

Martens, which are fully protected in law, are about the size of large cats but are quite distinctive. Their fur is brownish and there is a yellow-coloured ‘bib’ marking on their throats. They are mustelids, along with otters, badgers and weasels but differ from these in having semi-retractable claws which allow them to be agile in trees as well as on the ground. You won’t see them in broad daylight because they prefer the evenings and nights for hunting. Where they are found, grey squirrels decline and red squirrels do well. Coming home from a walk in the fells in summertime, keep a look-out in any lightly wooded areas for both martens and, more likely, their ‘scat’ which resembles that of the fox but smells of flowers (if you want to try). Any sightings should be reported to the local Wildlife Trust who can carry out DNA tests on ‘scat’ samples.

The Countryfile programme referred to them as ‘pine martens’, which Oliver Rackham in ‘The History of the Countryside’ (1995) feels is incorrect. Rackham claims that they used to be called simply martens but ‘modern academics’ added the ‘pine’. They have no particular preference for pine woods, although The Mammal Society says that the name does seem to have come from the relatively recent finding of dens in fallen root masses of Scots pines in the one area where they have remained common — the north-west of Scotland.

Locally the old name for them was fuemart, a corruption of foulmart or fowlmart, so perhaps our modern academics could adopt that name to avoid controversy.

Bob Escolme

18

BILL TEMPLE (27TH APRIL 1938—9TH

JANUARY 2016)

Bill, aged 77, passed away suddenly at his home on 9th January due to complications caused by colon cancer.

Bill was born and bred in Cumbria and it was only in 1992 when he got a promotion with the Prudential that he and his family moved to Over Kellet. Bill and Joan moved into the village with their three children—Alison, aged 17 and the twins Jeanette & Richard aged 12. They settled quickly into life in a small village.

Bill was hard-working and a really dependable, steadfast worker. He worked faithfully for the Prudential for 23 years and, working from the Lancaster, Preston and Ulverston offices, retired at the youthful age of 60 to enjoy life with his family.

Bill loved his Rugby and would follow the local teams—in particular the Vale of Lune. He loved all the great sporting tournaments, his favourite being the Rugby World Cup

where he took over the TV for the entire time.

Bill enjoyed village life and the rural setting was perfect for walking the dog. Bill would walk miles along the canal or down to Tewitfield and thrived on the exercise a pet demands. He was a regular at the Eagles Head and enjoyed the camaraderie a local village pub can bring, joining in the banter and playing in many a pool tournament.

Bill was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease over five years ago and became an active member of Lancaster & Morecambe Parkinson’s Support Group. This is a group run by volunteers offering support, friendship and a listening ear. It’s a group of caring people who know exactly what you are going through whether you have Parkinson’s or you live with or care for someone who has Parkinson’s.

Many of you reading this would recognise Bill from his daily walks around the village. He was very determined to get out every day even when he found this a physical challenge.

Bill was a true family man, a caring and loving father. He never moaned or complained and was more than happy and content with his lot. He had a great sense of humour and always had a smile. Everyone will remember Bill slightly differently but we all know he will be remembered as a devoted husband, a strong and caring father and a loyal friend.

Jeanette Quainton

19

READING TEST

The best way to read through this is to read it quickly rather than dwell on each word. Can you meet this challenge?

If you can raed the pgasase bloew, you have a sgtrane mnid, too. Olny 55 ppolee out of 100 can.

I cdnuolt blveiee that I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd what I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, syas taht it dseno't mtaetr in what oerdr the ltteres in a word are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is that the frsit and last ltteer sluhod be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can still raed it whotuit a pboerlm. This is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the word as a wlohe. Azanmig? And I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Now try this:

7H15 M3554G3 53RV35 7O PR0V3 H0W 0UR M1ND5 C4N D0 4M4Z1NG 7H1NG5! 1MPR3551V3 7H1NG5! 1N 7H3 B3G1NN1NG 17 WA5 H4RD BU7 N0W, 0N 7H15 LIN3 Y0UR M1ND 1S R34D1NG 17 4U70M471C4LLY W17H0U7 3V3N 7H1NK1NG 4B0U7 17, B3 PROUD! 0NLY C3R741N P30PL3 C4N R3AD 7H15!

20

STRATEGIC HOUSING LAND ALLOCATION ASSESSMENT

Anyone following the progress of the Lancaster City Council (LCC), Local Plan will be aware that further details of the Strategic Housing Land Allocation Assessment or SHLAA, have now been published on their website. Although the SHLAA is not a ‘policy’ document, it will be a “central piece of evidence” when housing sites are being allocated.

Local Planning Authorities use SHLAAs to demonstrate that enough land is available to meet the current and future housing needs across their Districts.

Within the relevant SHLAA portfolio reports, the suitability, availability and achievability of the potential sites are considered. Key issues are then assessed and finally the Officer decides whether the individual site should be considered ‘deliverable’ or ‘undeliverable’.

In total, twelve potential sites within Over Kellet were submitted for assessment within the SHLAA process. The only ‘deliverable’ site is at the Yard Area, Old Hall Farm (SHLAA Ref. 559; 4 dwellings).

Planning applications for housing developments can be submitted at any time regardless of whether they have been assessed within the SHLAA process. Even if a site has been classed as ‘undeliverable’, this does not mean that planning consent could not be granted in the future.

For further details type ‘Lancaster SHLAA’ into your internet search engine or visit www.lancaster.gov.uk

Paul Bond

21

OKV—5 YEARS AGO

In March 2011 there was an appeal for a village reporter for the local newspapers. As far as I am aware that is still relevant today; we haven’t had one since 2011. We certainly don’t have one now—does anyone out there feel like volunteering and putting us on the map?

There was a letter urging residents of Over Kellet to support their local The Eagle’s Head. It was a ‘use it or lose it’ plea, written by Jane Meaden (who has recently became part of the OKV editorial team). It seems the plea was well received because the pub is still going strong today.

There was an interesting article from Andrew Cadman who was organising Big Garden Bird Watch. Overall, 29 species were recorded with six spotted in every garden (Chaffinch, Starling, Blackbird, Robin, Blue Tit, and House Sparrow). The following were seen in only one garden—Pheasant, Jackdaw, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Pied Wagtail, Magpie and Great Spotted Woodpecker. It would be interesting to know how that compares with what we have today.

Parking was as much a problem five years ago as it is today. This was taken from the Parish Council notes: “Community police officer Annette Hoover drew attention to the inability of the police in future to provide cones at local events and suggested that the village might obtain and retain their own cones. In the event of congestion or thoughtless parking arising the police could always be contacted, and, if organizations wished to inform the police of forthcoming events, they could still do so. She was asked what power the public had to place cones and set their own ‘No Parking’ restrictions, and she indicated that she was not aware of any restraints in that regard.”

22

WHAT’S ON

What’s coming up in March?

THEATRE: On Easter Monday (March 28th) at the Dukes at 3.30pm, there is a filmed version from summer 2015 of the award-winning production of The Railway Children. This is a joint performance by York Theatre Royal and the Railway Museum and sounds like an ideal bank holiday entertainment for all the family. All details can be found on their website www.dukes-lancaster.org or at the Box Office 598500.

BALLET: On Sunday 27th 3pm at The Grand you can join Ballet Theatre UK as they tell the tale of a wooden puppet carved from pine with but only one wish…to become a real boy. Pinocchio, set to a classical score, promises to enchant. Box Office 64695 or www.lancastergrand.co.uk

MUSIC: The English tradition of light-orchestral music was developed as musical entertainment in sea side holiday town’s hotels, theatres and ballrooms-as well as the aptly named Palm Courts - some years ago now. Relive or experience for the first time those ‘happy days’ on Sunday 13th at 3pm at The Platform with The Promenade Concert Orchestra of Morecambe. Ticket line 582803 or www.lancaster.gov.uk/platform

On Thursday 17th at 7.30pm in the Great Hall at Lancaster University, Lancashire-born Kathryn Stott promises an uplifting finale concert to the season with Bach, Grieg, Rachmaninov, Ravel and Shostakovich—a wonderful varied programme performed by one of our most creative, imaginative and versatile pianists. Full details on the website www.lancasterarts.co.uk

On Saturday 19th at 7.30pm in Lancaster Priory there is a performance of Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna and O Magnum Mysterium together with Haydn’s Spring from The Seasons performed by the Lancaster Singers under their Director, Duncan Lloyd. See their website for more details: www.lancastersingers.org or phone 68481.

Enjoy the best seats in the Royal Opera House when watching the live-by-satellite showing of Boris Godunov on Monday 21st at 7.15pm at the Reel Cinema Morecambe. Experience the keenly awaited interpretation by Bryn Terfel in the title role—one of the most complex characters in opera. Phone 413935 for more information.

MOUNTAINS: On Wednesday 9th at 7.30pm at the Grand you can experience an evening of extraordinary short films from the world’s most prestigious mountain film festival which is on its world tour from Banff in Canada. An exciting event with adventure, action and travel shot from the far flung corners of the globe. Visit www.banff-uk.com for more details.

LOCAL SERVICES OVER KELLET Village Store and Post Office, The Green Last post collections: weekdays 1645, Saturday 1100

733207

The Eagle's Head Public House, Nether Kellet Road 732457Fishmonger, David Goldspink, Weds 0900-1100, Winder Garth 07477 530965Mobile library Thursdays—Mar 3, 24; Apr 14 0300 123 6703 CARNFORTH Doctors Ashtrees Surgery, Market Street 720000 Out of Hours Service 111 Park View Surgery, 21 New Street 01539 715555 Out of Hours Service, CHOC 03000 247 247Dentists Anne King, Council Buildings 733867 Viva Dental, 29 Market Street 735431Pharmacies Boots Pharmacy, 24 Market Street 732955 Ashtrees Pharmacy, Market Street 727877Vets Alison Lee, 2 Queen Street 735249 Burch Tree Vets, 39 Lancaster Road 720002Opticians Philip Jones, 15 Market Street 730055 S & K Butterfield, 46c Market Street 732724Library Lancaster Road (Mon, Wed & Fri 0930-1300 & 1400-1800;Tues & Sat

0930-1300)

0300 123 6703

BUS TIMES: OVER KELLET TO LANCASTER (Note that these are a guide only—do check!)

Route 55A via Carnforth (journey time approx. 40min; Sch = school days)

Depart OK: Mon-Fri: 0719, 0733 (Sch), 0747, 1605 (Sch), 1650, 1735 Depart Lancaster: Mon-Fri: 1520 (Sch), 1610, 1655

Route 51 from OK Green via Village Hall & Nether Kellet (journey time 22min)

Depart OK: Mon-Fri: 0919, 0939 then hourly to 1539 (not Sch), 1826, 1913, 2038, 2138, 2338

Saturday: As above but with 0839 (not 0919) and 1544 (not 1539). Sunday: 0938,1138, 1338, 1538, 1738, 1938, 2138, 2338

Depart Lancaster: Mon-Fri: 0910, hourly to 1410, 1510 (not school days), 1740, 1910, 2010, 2210, 2400 (Fri only, rly stn)

Saturday: As above but with the addition of 0810, 1613 & 2400 Sunday: 1010, 1210, 1410, 1610, 1810, 2010, 2210

BUS TIMES: OVER KELLET TO CARNFORTH (journey time 10min) This service is Route 51 above with the bus from Lancaster travelling on to Carnforth after Over Kellet, so add 22min to the departure time from Lancaster to get the departure time from Over Kellet. Similarly subtract 10min from the Over Kellet departure time for Lancaster, to get the departure time from Carnforth. See also Route 55/55A above which goes to and from Lancaster via Carnforth.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: Feb 13 to 19 (inclusive).

LOCAL AUTHORITY REPRESENTATIVES VILLAGE HALL

COUNTY COUNCIL Chairman Chris Pogson 732892

Councillor Susie Charles 751200 Secretary Liz Brewster 733877

The Stables, Ellel Grange, Lancaster Treasurer Helen Thomas 735504

DISTRICT COUNCIL Bookings Sec. Lesley Gee 733240

Councillor Roger Mace 733801 Licensee Liz Brewster 733877Maintenance Helen Thomas 735504WI Sylvia Cooper 733524

PARISH COUNCIL Bowls Lindsay Angus 734964

Meet at 7.15pm on 2nd. Tuesday of month Parish Council Rebecca Lauder 733084Chairman Nick Ward 733947 OKDHS Mike Bater 732380Vice Chair Graham Agnew 733407 Church Lindsay Angus 734964

Stephen Atkins 720605 Playgroup Rachel Metcalfe 07884171920Margaret Fowler 720578 Organisers of Activities

Rebecca Lauder 733084 Badminton Geoff Fretwell 736771Clerk Michael Watson 734624 Blind Welfare Sheila Roseman 850875

Bowls Lindsay Angus 734964Scottish Dancing Maureen Haynes 733431

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Short Tennis Joan Shaw 736503

Police Station, Lancaster 101 THOMAS WITHERS CHARITY

PCSO Paul Shepherd Secretary David Mills 732194

Paul.Shepherd@lancashire.pnn.police.uk OK & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

PC Rob Barnsley, Community Beat Manager Chairman Arie Klijn 727692

3573@lancashire.pnn.police.uk Secretary Verity Clinch 734591

Coordinator Chris Pogson 732892 Treasurer Margaret Garlick 730667

Asst.Coordinator Alison Lloyd Williams 734363 WOMENS INSTITUTE

Area Coordinators: Joint Presidents Christine Bolton 735030

Central Vacant Sylvia Cooper 733524

Kirklands Tony Wells 733848 Secretary Lindsay Angus 734964

Western Bev Carling 736393 Treasurer Sheila Cooper 733787

Eastern WALKING GROUP

Far Eastern Chris Pogson 732892 Contacts: Geoff Jackson 736103

Northern Eric Greenough 734479 Ron/Lorna Oswald 736523

Southern Alison Harper 734372 PLAYGROUP

Northeast Ray Garlick 730667 Leader Jackie Bassinder 730904Capernwray Ken Alred 07786803235 TWINNING ASSOCIATION

QUARRIES LIAISON OFFICER Chairman:

Nick Ward 733947 KEEP ACTIVE

FOOTPATHS and TREE OFFICER Contact: Lesley Gee 733240

Ron Oswald 736523 COMPUTING OK WEBSITE

PARISH LENGTHSMAN www.overkellet.org

Mike Ashton - report problems to Cllr Fowler Updated info. to: Gordon Galloway 720872

St. CUTHBERT'S CHURCH OK VIEW

Vicar Ken Clapham 734189 okview@overkellet.org

Treasurer John Glaister 733606 Editors Liz Brewster 733877

Secretary John Halsey 732972 Chris Pogson 732892

Lay Reader Alan Hutchings 701095 Advertising Jane Meaden 732456

Church Warden Eric Butler 730487 200 Club Liz Brewster 733877

Church Warden EAGLES HEAD PUB

VILLAGE SCHOOL Gary & Helena Torch 732457

Headmistress Jo Williams 732097 VILLAGE STORE AND POST OFFICE

Craig & Tracy Burns 733207

OVER KELLET DIRECTORY

12, Ashmeadow Rd, Nether Kellet

Frank McLachlan 734160

mjow.nkc@zen.co.uk

www.maceonline.co.uk

Downderry, Halton Rd, Nether Kellet

Margaret James-Barber 735470

Sandra Klijn-Passant 727692