St Bees Priory ChurchThe Ministry Team

Vicar

The Revd Clifford Swartz (01946 822279)

Retired Clergy with the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate:

The Revd David Cox (01946) 821601

The Revd Canon Dr Trevor Park (01946) 821799

Lay Readers

Chris & Charm Robson (01946) 822468

ServicesSundays

9.00 a.m. Holy Communion (1st, 3rd & 5th - 1662)10.30 a.m. Family Service 6.00 p.m. Evening Prayer

See Calendar for details of Family Services and Evening Prayer

N.B. This pattern may vary at particular seasons of the year. See magazine calendar. The sacrament of baptism is administered at the main service and must be arranged well in advance with the Vicar..

Priory Web Site - www.stbeespriory.org.uk

This magazine is free but production costs are about 35p per copy. Contributions from the Parish Council and our advertisers, to whom we are most grateful, pay for about 50% of the costs. However this leaves a substantial sum to be paid for by the PCC. Donations to the Treasurer* or your Magazine Distributor are most welcome.

Circulation - 900 households in St Bees, Sandwith, Rottington, Linethwaite, Coulderton, Middletown, Nethertown.

* - Treasurer - Dr

DTP & Final Editing - Ian McAndrew

Printed by Printpoint (Cumbria) Ltd., (01946) 64305

G Burgess, 7 Abbey Farm, St Bees, CA27 0DY.

26

Area Visitor / The parish is divided into 30 small areas each with an official Church

Good Neighbour Visitor whose task is to welcome and help people in the name of the

Scheme Priory. Co-ordinator - M Westhead (Tel. 822674).

Arts Society meets every two months on the last Wednesday of the month at the St Bees Management Centre at 8.00 p.m. Details from Dilys Brownrigg (822584) or Alan Hawkins (822330)

Bellringing The Priory has a ring of 8 bells. Those interested in ringing or learning to ring, contact D Sim, 31 Main Street. Practice Wednesdays, 8.00 p.m. Sundays, ring at 10.00 a.m. and Evensong by arrangement.

Bridge Club meets on Tuesday at 6.45 for 7.00 p.m. & Friday afternoons at 1.45 for 2.00 p.m. in Bigrigg Hall. Mike Brewer (Tel 019467 25835).

Brownies meet in New College Hall on Tuesday evenings. Details from Amanda Smith 823933.

Cubs, Scouts Cubs

Scouts Details from Mike Greene, Tel. 824302. All meet in Youth Centre, Outrigg.

Choir rehearses on Sundays at 9.30 a.m. Details from Frank Bowler, the Organist (Tel. 825307).

Churchwardens are leading lay Church members who will be pleased to help and advise on church matters. They are John Kennedy (Tel. 822297),

Rosalie McAndrew (Tel.822326), Derek McGee, & Wendy Mellor. Cumberland meet on alternate Thursdays in Hodgett's Club. Contact Neil Bettinson, Morris Men 22 Main Street, for details of these and of the Traditional Mummers.

Electoral Roll is the list of all church members qualified to vote at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting. E.R. forms are available in church, to be returned to the Priory.

Finance The Church Treasurer is Dr Geoff Burgess, 7 Abbey Farm, St Bees, Tel. 824416, who will gladly explain our Christian Giving system.

First Responders provide an immediate Basic Life Support in association with the Cumbria

Ambulance Service. Contact Phil Buxton 821176 or Andy Brock 823497.

Football Contacts - Seniors Dale Jackson 823631 & Tony Barnett 590640. Association Juniors (U-12) - Alec Morton 823992 & Alastair Billson.

Freemasons St Bega Lodge meet 7:00 p.m. On 2nd Wed of each month, Village Hall. Details: 01946 64275 or www.cumbwestmasons.co.uk

Friends of assists in the conservation of the Priory and encourages interest in its the Priory historical and architectural heritage. Contact Philip Barratt or Tom

Rice, Treasurer, Green Ghyll, Greendykes, Egremont.

Funeral Director in the Village is Malcolm Reid (Tel. 822217).

Garden Society Details from Mark Hewertson, (Tel. 01946 841325). Flower Show is held on the 3rd Saturday in August.

for children aged 8 - 10, meet on Thursdays, 6.30 - 8pm. Beavers & Beavers meet on Thursdays (term time) from 5.00 - 6.00 pm. Details from Sarah

Servant, Tel 01946 729687. meet on Tuesdays from 7.15 - 8.45pm

St Bees Parish ABC Guides meet in New College Hall on Mondays from 6.15 - 8.00 p.m. For further details please contact Lucy Scott (Tel. 821755).

Library is at the Village School (Tel. 822219), Tuesdays from 1.30 - 6.00 p.m. & Fridays from 1.30 to 4.30 p.m.

Local History Research on the Priory and the village continues. Details from History Group (Ian McAndrew - Tel. 822326 or Chris Robson Tel. 822468).

Methodist Church Sunday Service & Sunday School is at 11.00 a.m. Family Service on the second Sunday.

Over 60's Club meets in Hodgett's Club on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month: 2.00 - 4.00 p.m. Details - Mrs M Brannon Tel. 822541.

Parish Council The Clerk to the Council is who

will answer queries on civil parish matters.

Parochial Church meets 10 times a year. Elections for 20 members are held in March Council at the A.P.C.M. Its task is to spearhead the mission and ministry of

the church in the Parish. PCC Secretary - D McGee, E-mail - dm.mcgee@btinternet.com

Pre-School meets in the new building next to the Village School, 5 mornings a week. For children 2 years 9 months +. Contact Pre-School on 823880.

Prayer Group meets on Thursdays from 2.00 - 3.00 p.m. in New College Hall . All denominations welcome.

Priory Fellowship meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.30 p.m. in New College Hall. Details from Gill Richardson, 822394.

Priory Singers rehearse in Old College Hall, Mondays at 8.00 p.m. Details from Hugh Turpin (Tel. ).

Rainbows

St Bees Triers Triathlon Club

Sunday School for ages 3 - 11 meets during Morning Service New College Hall, at 10.30 a.m. Contact - Rosalie McAndrew (822326).

Toddler Group meets every Wednesday in term time only, from 9.30 - 11.30 a.m. in New College Hall, St Bees Priory. Details from

Viillage School exists to raise funds for the school and to foster links between school Association and community. Secretary - via School - Tel. 822392.

Village Hall Management Committee administers Hodgett's Club. For details and booking contact Phil or Valerie Turpin (Tel 823772).

Village in Bloom Details from Eileen B Todd, Chairman, 14 Main Street. St.Bees(Tel 822522).

Village Web Site Information for inclusion should be sent to Ian McAndrew (822326) or imcandrew@stbees.org.uk Address is http://www.stbees.org.uk

Mrs Jane Donaldson, East House, Coulderton. Tel. (01946) 822560, e.mail pc_clerk@stbees.org.uk,

828066

meet in the Scout hut every Monday during term time from 5.00 - 6.00 for girls aged from 5 to 7 years. Leader is Roz Scott 821 755.

meets Seacroft House 7pm Thursday contact Andy Brock (Tel. 823497).

Kylie McCarthy on 822473 or Kerry Reid on 07875562107.

May EditorThe May 2012 issue of St Bees News will be edited by Geoff Burgess, 7 Abbey Farm, St Bees, who would appreciate all contributions not later than Sunday, 8 April please. Telephone 824416. Email: geoffburgess1@hotmail.com

20

St Bees News April 2012

1

In the past few months, I have had several conversations with folks about what we believe about God. Often these conversations lead to questions about what makes Christianity different from other belief systems. I almost always point to the Resurrection of Jesus. The claim by Christians is that Jesus of Nazareth rose from the dead, and lives today. This is an historical claim; if false, then Christianity is proved false. If true, then the logical response is to become a follower of Jesus.

Each Easter, I read in newspapers about a third view of the Resurrection, which is to consider it as symbolic rather than an historical event. Whether by preacher, journalist or professor, the Resurrection has drifted away from history. The post-modern punter demands this, and the consumer is king. A teenager said to me, "well if Jesus did rise from the dead, so what?"

The Resurrection preaching and teaching in the New Testament is that Jesus rose according to God's plan, for the forgiveness of sins to be proclaimed to the world. Easter not only confirms the Cross of Good Friday as accepted by God. It marks out Jesus as Lord. The response of a narcissistic age: "Yes, that's all very nice about Jesus, but please start talking again about what this means for me."

The emphasis of the Gospels on the Resurrection is to primarily to show it happened. In his letters, the Apostle Paul said Jesus rose from the dead, and if he didn't, then Christianity (and indeed life) is pretty useless. Instead, the Resurrection brings joy and hope. Christians are sometimes known as “Easter People”, which is to convey having life overflowing in their hearts. Have you experienced this?

A friend sent me a poem by novelist John Updike which gets across the physicality and historicity of the Resurrection. A couple of lines from the poem are:

Make no mistake: if He rose at allit was as His body;if the cells' dissolution did not reverse, the moleculesreknit, the amino acids rekindle,the Church will fall.

Let us not mock God with metaphor,analogy, sidestepping, transcendence;making of the event a parable, a sign painted in thefaded credulity of earlier ages:let us walk through the door.

(From John Updike, “Seven Stanzas At Easter,” 1964)

If you can show me that Jesus did not rise from the dead, I will cease to be a Christian. If I can show you he did, what will you do? Easter is such good news. We all need it!

Wishing you joy this Easter,

Clifford Swartz

Calendar for April1 Palm Sunday 10.30 a.m. Family Communion & Distribution of Palm

Crosses3 Tuesday 7.30 p.m. Holy Communion with Priory Fellowship5 Thursday 7.30 p.m. Holy Communion (United Service)

Final Session of Lent Course6 Good Friday 2.00 p.m. Service at Methodist Chapel (United Service)8 Easter Sunday 10.30 a.m. Family Communion & Easter Egg Trail

Magazine Copydate15 Easter 2 10.30 a.m. Morning Worship (Baptism)16 Monday 7.00 p.m. Parish Council Annual Meeting, Village hall18 Wednesday 7.00 p.m. Friends of the Priory committee, NCH22 Easter 3 10.30 a.m. Holy Communion

London Marathon featuring the Robsons!23 Monday 9.30 a.m. New book discussion group at the vicarage27 Friday 7.30 p.m. Whitehaven Male Voice Choir and Egremont

Town Band concert in Priory29 Easter 4 10.30 a.m. Family Service

Village in Bloom Evenings - Tuesdays from 6.00 to 8.00 p.m. at Stonehouse Farmyard

Claiming DatesTuesday 8 May NSPCC Coffee Morning 10.30 a.m. until 12.00 Village HallSunday 13 May Confirmation at the Priory- Confirmands from St Bees School and

the VillageSaturday 19 May Proms & Picnics on the Crease, St Bees SchoolSaturday26 May St Bees School Speech Day

Holy Week and Easter Services in the PrioryTuesday 3 April 7.30 p.m. Holy Communion (all welcome to join

Ladies Priory Fellowship)Maundy Thursday 5 April 7.30 p.m. Joint Holy Communion with Talk by Vicar of

MoresbyGood Friday 6 April 2.00 p.m. Joint service - Meditation & Readings at the

Methodist ChurchEaster Sunday 8 April 9.00 a.m. Holy Communion,

10.30 a.m. Family Communion & Easter Egg Trail 6.00 p.m. Holy Communion“Christ the Lord is risen today – Alleluia!”

Priory Sunday School The Sunday School comprises 3 groups – older primary (7 to 11s), younger primary (3 to 6s) and crèche (for tots). It's a lively and energetic bunch of kids, all enjoying being creative and artistic. Do see their collage of “Jesus calling the Disciples” enhanced by a wonderful mix of wildlife in Galilee! Also visit their Mothering Sunday display in church. The families support a variety of good causes with their Sunday School collections – raising funds for deprived children in homes run by BibleLands; Care for the Wild (& our adopted tiger ) in Cambodia; Bransby Sanctuary for Rescued Ponies & Donkeys; and the Children's Society.Thank you all for your donations and for the used stamp collections (in aid of these charities too).

Easter Egg TrailThis is planned for Easter Sunday (8th April) after church service for all children, outside in the Sleeping Child Garden. We have countless secret hidey-holes there, ideal for Easter surprises!

Cornerstone Christian BookshopDon't forget to visit the Cornerstone Christian Bookshop at 5 Church Street in Whitehaven. For sale – Christian books for adults and children, Bibles, cards and gifts for all occasions (including baptisms and confirmations), jewellery, C.D.s, etc. Most Christian bookshops in Cumbria have closed but the Cornerstone keeps going! Please try to support it and keep it open.

Sincere Sympathy Sincere sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Fred Singleton who

passed away peacefully at Woodlands Home at Distington on 6March. Fred and his wife Winnie were church cleaners at the Priory for many years - they took great pride in polishing the beautiful woodwork till it shone. Fred as a widower spent pleasant hours working in his lovely garden at Seacroft Drive.

2

The Albert Hotel1 Finkle Street, St Bees

Free HouseB&B Accommodation available

Home made Sunday Lunches & Evening Meal

Small Parties welcomeDining Room always open

01946 822345

OddfellowsArms92 Main Street

St BeesSunday Lunches - 12 - 4.00

Steak night - ThursdaySmall parties by arrangement

Tel. (01946) 822317

Good Companions Café and Restaurant

Seaview Nurseries, Nethertown by Egremont

Tel 01946 823324Refreshments & excellent food

Meals or snacks

Syke House

Boarding Kennels

St Bees

Tel. (01946) 820489Plenty of hugs and walks

while in our care!

The Manor HouseMain Street, St BeesHome cooked meals daily

Special value lunches Monday-ThursdaySteak night Friday and Saturday

Carvery lunch Sunday 12-4Parties catered for and welcome.

Tel. (01946) 820587Manor.house2011@gmail.com

Priory News

19

St Bees Post OfficeMain Street, St BeesNewsagent, groceries, Off-licence, gifts, etc.

Car Tax & Lottery

Tel. (01946) 822343

East Road GarageEast Road, Egremont

Ford DealersTel. (01946) 820266Fax. (01946) 823980

318

R Napier & Son14 St Bridget’s Lane, Egremont

High Class Family ButcherFinest quality meat

Pork sausage a specialty01946 822151

HartleysBeach Shop and Café

Refreshments and meals served daily

Shop stocks a wide range of groceries and other goods

And of course the full range of our famous ice creams

News from the Village SchoolOur Y2 children took part in a local schools gymnastic competition held at Montreal School. They had a great time. Some of our Y5/6 girls took part in a 6-a-side football tournament at Whitehaven Amateur Ground. They almost scored a number of times!

We recently had a visit from the Life Education Centre. This specially equipped mobile classroom provides an unforgettable experience for the children and assists our school in our health education work. Life Education Centres for Cumbria is a charity providing unique health and drug education programmes which teach children about the wonder of their bodies, how to take care of them, and how drugs (including medicines, alcohol and tobacco) can affect them. All our children have an opportunity to take part in the programme. The aim is to encourage the children to think about all aspects of health, and make positive decisions about themselves. It was lovely this year to be joined by the children from St Bees Independent Preparatory School.

The school celebrated 'World Book Day' by the children and staff coming into school dressed as a character from their favourite book. We also held a coffee morning and book swap stall which raised £250 which the school plans to put towards, appropriately, more books for school. Thank you to all who came along and supported the event.

Our Y6 children visited Workington Magistrates Courts. They spent time looking around the courts followed by a question and answer session led by the lmagistrates there. This is a very informative session which always appeals to the children.

Some of our KS2 children took part in the U Dance Festival yesterday at The Theatre by the Lake in Keswick. The U Dance festival brings together pupils from Allerdale, Carlisle, Copeland, Barrow and Eden schools and youth dance groups to perform and celebrate their achievements in

the dance year. It gives young children a great opportunity for them to perform to a live audience on a professional stage. Our children performed a routine inspired by the Olympics. All pupils showed great dedication and enthusiasm, both on the run up to and during the performance. We are extremely proud of them and would like to thank everyone involved.

thOn Tuesday, 20 March our Y6 children had a visit from Tullie House outreach as part of their World War II studies. This is a valuable resource we can purchase for various topics to enhance the children's learning.

Our Y1 children went along to Tullie House for a workshop session entitled 'Washday Blues'. This gives them an opportunity to take part in a more 'hands on' way of learning about social history in the household.

For a quality bathroom without compromise visit

StamperLloyd BathroomsLatest planning and design system,

and quality installation serviceUnit 5a, Sneckyeat Industrial Estate,

Hensingham, Whitehaven.

Showroom openMonday to Friday

9 am to 5 pm

Saturday

9 am to 4 pm

We look forward to seeing you!

01946 591384

Contact our office today on 01946 817777

**5% off any service by

mentioning this advert**Visit our website

www.aquasplashswimschool.co.uk

Follow us on Facebook

Stop press!

We will shortly be launching a range of kitchen products

St Bees School Swimming PoolSt Bees Pool invites you to enjoy our excellent facilities

We offer Public Swims, Adult Swims, Staff Swims and lessons for young and old!

We have launched new swimming lessons for

children aged 3-16, guaranteeing a maximum of

5 swimmers in a class. We also offer One to One

swimming lessons for children and adults.

For more information, call in or contact

Miss Jenna Harden on 01946 823459

17

Ian Shackley5 Abbotts Way, St BeesCarpet & Vinyl fittingPainting & Decorating

(01946) 823050 after 5:00 p.m.

Seacote Hotel, St Bees Headlands Restaurant

6.00 - 9 p.m. - Sunday Lunch from 12.001 Course £6.95, 2 Courses £7.95 , 3 Courses £8.95

Reduced prices for childrenBar Meals daily from 12.00 to 9.00 p.m.

Live Entertainment Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday

Weddings – Christenings - ConferencesTel: (01946) 822300

www.seacote.com - email: anne@seacote.com

Fairladies Barn Guest HouseMain Street, St Bees

Family run Guest HouseFully Licenced

Beer Garden to the rearSmall parties catered for by

arrangementTel. (01946) 822718

E-mail - info@fairladiesbarn.co.uk

Old College HallRecently, the Whitehaven News ran a story about the Old College Hall renovations at the Priory. It was nice of them to do so, and I hope this makes people aware of a resource for our community being reopened and updated. However, the article used the word “windfall”, as if the money just fell from the sky. Not so!

It's right to give thanks to God for the marvellous heritage we have in the village, including the buildings of the Priory, and to be thankful for the funding being provided for the repairs. It is also good to thank the people and organizations that worked to bring this funding together. So a public word of thanks to the funding team leader, Ian McAndrew, and to Simon Walker, who were largely responsible for the “windfall”. Thanks also to those others who helped research and apply for grants, as well as raise other funds. The successful grants were from the Copeland Community Fund, CWMET and English Heritage, and also from the Friends of the Priory, to whom we can all be grateful for restoring a community resource.

As the work goes on, please do look forward to using the Old College Hall for events and meetings. It is intended for community use, and non-profit, charity or community groups using the space do so at a lower rate than the cost of upkeep.

You are always welcome to visit the Priory, on a Sunday or otherwise, for quiet prayer and reflection, or a look around this historical jewel on the Cumbrian coast.

Clifford Swartz

The Friends of the PrioryThe Friends ran a successful Quiz Night on Friday, February 17th. As usual the questions were devised by, and the quiz run by Sandee and Alan Hawkins, to whom we owe a big thank you. There was wine and a light buffet organised by Mr Colin Wadey.

Having successfully applied for a faculty from the Diocese, The Friends are funding a board to be placed in the church to list the former Priors and Vicars of St Bees Priory. In addition, following his talk in February, Mr Tom Rice has written a booklet on the medieval Priors of St Bees. The Friends are to sponsor this booklet which will be available when the installation of the board is complete. All profits from the booklet will go to Priory funds.

Dates for your diaries:-

Friday 27th April. A concert by Whitehaven Male Voice Choir and Egremont Town Band in The Priory at 7.30 p.m.

Annual General Meeting Wednesday 23rd May 7.00 p.m. in NCH.

Festival Choral Evensong Sunday 17th June at 4.00 p.m.

4

HappyTalk Speech and Language

Therapy Service

Does your child need some help with speech or language?

I offer a friendly, professional service in your child's school or home

Mrs Clare Sewill BA(Hons) MRCSLT MASLTIP, HPC registered

01946 696521

516

Alfie EversfieldMr. Guy Mawson has put into the History Group's care this pencil sketch of Alfie Eversfield. It dates from around 1900, and is the work of J.D. Kenworthy of Seacroft, who described himself as a "Gentleman Artist". A few may remember him in his later years - possibly for his paintings or for his salmon and trout-fishing expertise, but more probably for the tea-parties he hosted each Empire Day for the village schoolchildren. Most surviving Kenworthy pictures are landscapes, but he also liked to make portraits of village children. One such, a painting of an auburn-haired girl, hung for many years in the Post Office.

So who was Alfie Eversfield? Born in St. Bees in 1887, he was the son of Master Mariner George Eversfield. Before marriage his mother had been Elizabeth ("Minnie") Walker, and Alfie's grandfather was the "Goldrush" Walker who had come to St. Bees from Australia with the small fortune he had made prospecting there. Fanny Hartley, our schoolmaster's wife, was Alfie's aunt.

Alfie spent his early years in Liverpool, where he attended Waterloo College. By the time he was eleven he and his sister Isobel were in St. Bees, with their grandmother at 3 Grindal Place. Alfie entered the Public School as a day boy, and in 1901 became a Foundation Scholar. A cricketer, his final year saw him in the school's First Eleven.

In 1904 George Eversfield emigrated to Canada. He started a new life in Stavely, Alberta. Alfie joined him a year later, sailing on the SS "Victoria" on an Assisted Passage scheme - technically as an agricultural labourer (as his father had done before him). In 1906 his mother left for Canada too. Only Alfie's sister Isobel remained in the village.

What happened to Alfie then? After Stavely the trail goes cold. It seems that his father may have bought a farm there, and that Alfie became a representative for agricultural produce in America, but neither theory is as yet confirmed. There are certainly Eversfields around Stavely to this day (as I learnt from a coast-to-coaster from Alberta!) but enquiries there have so far produced nothing.Yet ... in the fifties Eversfield descendants visited us from Canada. Is it possible that somebody remembers them?

If so, or if anyone can add to what we know of the story, we would be delighted to hear.

Bob Jopling Village History Group

I am grateful to Dorothy Walker of London for some of the information in this article

Complementary TherapiesLocal therapist Carolyn Nixon BSc.,

MICHT

Relaxing, Rebalancing & Rejuvenating Treatments

Reflexology, Aromatherapy Indian Head Massage

0771 9921564 or 01946 821497www.cntherapies.co.uk

For Families and BusinessConveyancing Matrimonial

Wills & ProbatePersonal InjuryEmployment

Clifford Court, Cooper Way, Parkhouse,

Carlisle CA3 0JG01228 888999

4 Main Street Cockermouth

Ca13 9LQ01900 820800

www.bpkcumbria.co.ukEmail: reception@bpkcumbria.co.uk

St Bees JoineryQuality joinery undertaken by a skilled

local craftsman with many years’ experience

Call Alan Armstrong for a free estimate

Tel. 01946 822107 or 07811 324171

Email – alan@stbeesjoinery.co.uk

www.stbeesjoinery.co.uk

SerenoMain St, St Bees

Fish Pedicures, Swedish Body, Indian Head, Myofascial Release, Hot & Cold Stone and Seated/Acupressure Massage Techniques, Eyelash & Brow Tinting,

Waxing, Manicures, Pedicures, Facials, Spray Tanning

Tel: 01946 822426

Graham R Wood,

C.Eng. M.I.StructE Have a structural problem?

Looking to extend? Surveys, Drawings, Calculations,Submissions for Planning and/or

Building Control For a free initial consultation contact

01946822446 or 07881821668

Stonehouse FarmFriendly family run B&B located in

a large modernised Georgian farmhouse in the centre of St Bees

Tel. 01946 822224

csmith@stonehousefarm.net

www.stonehousefarm.net

Easy DriveFriendly, female driving

instructor based in St Bees

(01946) 821176

156

you don’t have to go out

of the area for specialist

legal adviceMilburns have the

local solution

Need specialist advice?

Get in touch!

25/26 Church StreetWHITEHAVEN

01946 694818

www.milburns.org

Established 1988

MARK McCARTHY & SONICI DULUX APPROVED DECORATORS

High quality professional painting and decorating from a local firm with over 30 years experience in all areas of the trade.

ALL COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC WORK UNDERTAKEN, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR.

EXPERT PAPERHANGING, PAINTING AND WOOD FINISHING.

FREE ESTIMATES AND QUOTATIONS

FULLY INSURED.

TEL; 01946 823346

MOBILE 07768664554

e-mail mark@mccarthy7.wanadoo.co.uk

GARDEN LOVERSLooking for someone to give your precious Garden

some Tender Love and Care?

Price ranges from £8.00, £10.00 or £12an hour according to difficulty of work Rose Pruning a speciality. References are available

Please contact Sarah McLaughlin Email:sarahmac@sarahmac1.plus.com

Phone: 825 931 after 6.00pm please.If no reply; please phone 822 285 after 6.00pm and ask for Lynne.

Tip of the MonthNow that roses have been pruned remember that roses have peripheral surface roots that do not like to be disturbed so take care when turning the soil over. Then be sure to give them sufficient water - I know that you think they get plenty of rainwater but they need plenty. When all of this has been attended to feed them well - I like a little 'Bonemeal' followed by a small quantity of 'Top Rose'. Water in and you are done. Happy gardening.

14 7

OCH Project - Work starts this monthThe Old College Hall restoration project will be starting shortly with work on re-roofing the hall. Scaffolding will be erected first and this phase of the work will take until the end of June to complete. The next phase, work on the paint will start mid-June. Lighting, heating and furnishing will then follow so we still hope to be finished by the autumn. Parking – while it will still be possible to drive up to New College Hall drop off or collect passengers, please do not park in this area.

That's the good news. The bad news is that WREN, has turned down our application. Because of the high level of support we have had from English Heritage (£65,000), Copeland Community Fund (£60,000 – we asked for £50,000!), and CWMET (£7,000, we were optimistic that our application for £50,000 would be accepted and at worst only reduced. We have written to WREN asking for more details as to why they had concerns about community use and access when clearly all other funders didn't!

Back to good news – sort off! Although we had applied for £50,000 on the basis of estimated costs of the project, the quote for the roof work has come in much lower than English Heritage and our architect expected. We have also had around £5,000 in donations towards the project from individuals and organisations for which we are very grateful. As a result the shortfall in funds is around £25,000 which we will need to raise from other funders. We had hoped, and still hope, to carry out this entire project without asking the community for donations and we hope to still be able to do so by applying to other funders for the shortfall, However, should anyone feel like making a donation or running an event in aid of the project, as several individuals and organisations have already, we would of course be most grateful!

Details of the project are at and also in the Priory. Donations towards the deficit may be given to Geoff Burgess, PCC Treasurer or any of the church officials. The easiest way may be to use the on-line giving we have setup at

(note the httpS not http). You can use your cards to donate to the project and if applicable, ensure that we benefit from any Gift Aid entitlement.

Calling all Junior Artists! Start painting for the Jubilee Art Exhibition being held over that weekend. Choose your subject, but pictures of the beach, school, your house, your family, perhaps The Queen seem appropriate. Further details from Chris Robson (822468).

www.stbees.org.uk/priory_project

https://mydonate.bt.com/charities/stbeespriory

Love and prayersOur love and prayers for healing and comfort go out to all who are ill at home or in hospital. We pray for those recuperating from operations.

We remember Olaug Park, Betty Robertson, Scott Woods, Edie Butler, Bob Wilson and Peter Lowe. Our thoughts are with you all.

The Ladies Priory FellowshipLadies Priory Fellowship will meet for a Holy Week Church Service on Tuesday 3 April at 7.30 p.m. in the Priory. Followed by Bring & Buy and refreshments in New College Hall. All welcome.

Priory Fellowship Meeting Tuesday 8 May at 7.30p.m. New College Hall (Please note change of date). Our speaker will be Dr Claire Summers.

Sadly this will be our last meeting of the group. Night-time meetings, dwindling membership and no interest from new members are making this group impossible to continue. We have all enjoyed meeting up each month, but perhaps the drop-in morning will fill a gap for friendship and fellowship to continue. Gill Richardson

Methodist NewsWe are delighted to have been presented with a painting of Castle Crag by former St Bees resident and Methodist Church member Mrs Vera Mitchell. Vera presented the framed painting, which now hangs in prominent view in the Schoolroom. Our most eminent visitor in recent months, Rev Richard Teal (Chairman of the Cumbria District) said a few words of blessing over the picture when he preached in the church on 4th March.

During April, a course called 'mission shaped intro' is being given by Revd Paul Dunstan (Methodist District Evangelism Enabler), in Egremont Methodist Church

th thHall on Thursdays at 7.30pm from April 19 to May 24 . The course explores the 'why' of creating fresh expressions of church rather than the 'how'. The 90-minute sessions are delivered through presentation, movie clips and stories with active participation. Anyone is welcome to attend.

Finally, we would like to say an enormous 'thank you' to Gweneth Denson, who has decided to retire from playing the organ at our regular Sunday services. Gweneth has played for us for over 20 years, initially battling with the harmonium until we got the organ we have now, even though she only intended to help out for a few weeks. We have had many visitors who have commented on the quality of the playing, echoing our own appreciation of Gweneth's talents. Gweneth - you have the very best wishes from everyone at St Bees Methodist Church.

Churches Together in Egremont & DistrictWalks with the Cross from church to church - April 2012Sunday 1 April 3.00 p.m. Egremont Parish, round the town to RC ChurchMonday 2 April 6:30 p.m. Egremont Catholic to Thornhill MissionTuesday 3 April 6:30 p.m. Thornhill Mission to BeckermetWednesday 4 April 6:30 p.m. Beckermet to CalderbridgeFriday 6 April 5:30 p.m. Calderbridge to Haile for service about 6:30 p.m.

You are welcome to join these walks of witness or the services if you wish.

138

AmtekBathroom, Kitchen and Tiling

specialists

We can provide anything from a bespoke bathroom or kitchen

installation to a simple re-grout, no job is too big or too small!

Domestic or commercial

Warranty provided on all installations. Fully insuredExcellent value for money!No obligation quotations at a time to suit you. See our web site www.amtek-ltd.com or phone 07869997221

A Brief History of St Bees in BloomIn 1972 St Bees Heritage & Tourism Group was formed & one of their first decisions was to enter Cumbria in Bloom. Two residents, Eileen Todd & Enid Smith decided to plant some surplus plants in Stonehouse garden & in doing so set the seeds of St Bees in Bloom Group. Eileen & Enid are still involved.

The group was launched in 1994 with 15 working members. The hard work soon paid off – winning the large village section of Cumbria in Bloom many times & representing the County in Britain in Bloom.

We stopped entering competitions due to:-

1) Financial costs2) The ever changing criteria of the competition3) Shortage of helpers

We now have 6 working members with a small group of volunteers who help with watering. We spend many hours growing many hundreds of plants and maintaining the following public areas:-

1) Stonehouse Garden - formed to commemorate the Queen's Silver Jubilee2) Entrance to village car park - this was started when we first entered the competitions.

It was a “grot-spot”3) Bridge Garden - planted up by St Bees School ground staff using plants & bushes

purchased by Parish Council. No-one maintained it so we took it on.4) Railway Station - this was adopted by St Bees WI who made the small garden area

by the signal box & placed hayrack planters on the restaurant wall + 4 containers supplied by British Rail. When the WI disbanded they asked us to take it on - we did!

5) Flowerbed in Beck Edge & the small courtyard area. Again this wasn't maintained - we took it on!

6) Cross Hill - this was another “grot-spot”! Heritage & Tourism persuaded the local authority to pave it & make a feature of the “rimming stone” which was uncovered from all the weeds, stones, etc. The group makes a feature with wrought iron street furniture.

7) “St Bees” flower bed at the bus turning circle was made by a group of residents but after a couple of years we were asked to take it on. Bob Jopling volunteered to do this - long may he continue!

8) The Beavers Garden & Bert's Garden on Coach Road are fairly recent additions to our garden collection!!

As you can see we do a lot to keep our village in blooming good order.

Eileen B Todd

Flower Rota1 Lent Palm Sunday 8 Easter - The Biglands Family15 TBA 22 Mrs M McGee 29 Mrs Gill Richardson

Village School FêtePlans for the Village Fete to be held on the Jubilee weekend, Saturday 2nd June are progressing well. The programme of entertainment on the field is taking shape and the stall holders, both old and new, are starting to think about their stalls. We will of course have the beer tent serving alcohol, the profits of which are kindly donated to the School by Mr. and Mrs. Smedley from the Queens Hotel, and the usual attractions for children. In order to make this year a really special event, the organising committee invite you to start thinking about how you might like to get involved with the fete. We will be having the tug-of-war event as usual, so how about getting some new teams together; Fairladies versus The Crofts and similar perhaps. It’s never too early to start training!

We will be having the usual plant and bric-a-brac stalls and would be grateful if anyone can start growing plants for June and start collecting bric-a-brac. This year we will be having a second hand book stall, so any book donations will be gratefully received.

Finally the organising committee invite as many homes as possible to get into the spirit of the jubilee celebrations by decorating their windows in red, white and blue and also invite you to enter a float into this year's parade. The parade will leave the turning circle at 1p.m. on the Saturday, led by the Whitehaven Brass Band. It would be great to see lots more floats and walking groups involved this year.

For further information about the fete and how you can get involved, please contact Helen Sharpe on 820633

Parish Council NewsFootpath from Beach Rd to Abbots Way - Over the winter months several residents have complained about the surface of the public footpath which links Beach Road and the beach estate. This is a public right of way which is the responsibility of the county council but they have insufficient funds to resurface it. The Parish Council has negotiated an arrangement with CCC and it has been agreed that the Parish Council will fund the cost of materials and the county council will provide the labour to put a new layer of stone on the path to provide a firm surface 1.2m wide. The work should be carried out soon and should ensure the path is walkable even in damp weather.

Annual Parish Meeting- The Annual Parish meeting will be held on Monday16 April at 7.00pm - see the noticeboards for details of venue and agenda. This is a meeting open to all electors in the parish and is an opportunity to learn what the parish council has been doing over the last year and what is planned for the coming year. If you have comments or suggestions there will be an opportunity to put them forward.

Police Matters- We have a new police community support officer covering St Bees - Simon Kane. He is patrolling around the village whenever he can and is keen to meet people and to hear of any problems. He has been active with his colleagues in tackling speeding through the village and a number of motorists have been stopped and several have been offered the choice of penalty charges and points on their licence or attending a speed awareness course at their own cost. He is also keen to promote neighbourhood and farm watch schemes - anyone interested can contact him via the police non-emergency number.

Broadband update - Cumbria County Council has launched a project to roll-out faster broadband to rural areas that are less economic for the major providers to provide good service to. Currently around £40m of funding has been secured for Cumbria but to provide fast broadband to all of rural Cumbria could cost £200m. Currently the bidders are BT and Fujitsu, and a winner should be announced in May, together with information on what coverage should be provided and where. It is estimated that a 3 year roll-out programme will be involved. Broadband speeds in St. Bees are generally amongst the worst in the local area. At this stage we have been asked to gather information on local speeds and the level of interest in superfast broadband - the higher the level of interest the more likely we are to receive it. So test your speed at

and email Jane Donaldson on with the result (e.g. 1Mb / sec) and if you wish to register a

provisional interest in receiving superfast broadband. There is no obligation but the more interest we have, the more likely it becomes that St. Bees receives better provision - so please get voting and encourage others to do so. Superfast broadband could mean an end to the frustrations we all suffer from when using the internet. Some house websites now even list fast broadband as a search option in finding suitable properties. Regular updates on the project are also provided on the St. Bees website.

http://www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.ukpc_clerk@stbees.org.uk

912

3

Whistling Jacks Guest HouseRottington, Nr St Bees

01946 821550/07799 536592

Bed & Breakfast in a very quiet location10 min walk to beach

All rooms ensuite & very spaciousEvening meals available

Parking available

St Bees Borough Councillor

Dr Ian Hill01946 823305

Should you need to contact me as your borough councillor

please phone between 7.00 & 9.00 p.m

Monday to Friday

Rosegarth Farm

Camping & Caravan Site(Adult only)

Nethertown, EgremontCA22 2UH

01946 822501mark.seldon@sky.com

www.rosegarthfarm.com

Julie Cox

Pilates InstructionClasses in St Bees from March 2012

Small group sessions and individual tuition available

Contact 07743267527

cox.clan@btinternet.com

1110

Toddler Group - From April the Toddler group will meet every Wednesday from 9.30 to 11.30, during school term times, at the New College Hall in St Bees. For further information please contact Kylie McCarthy on 822473 or Kerry Reid on 07875562107.

Go Green this year and join the Cumbria Wildlife Trust or check them out at their next event. The West Coast Local Support Group will meet on Wednesday 18 April at 7.30 p.m. in Seascale Methodist Hall. The AGM will be held first, followed by a Talk on Golden Eagles by CWT's Senior Conservation Officer, Neil Harnott, focussing on the Riggindale eagles near Haweswater. All welcome.

New Book Discussion Group starting April 23, for six weeks. For women of all ages and walks of lifeThe Book “One Thousand Gifts: A Dare To Live Fully Where You Are” by Ann Vosskamp. Mondays 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the Vicarage. Childcare available if needed. Please contact Katie Swartz at 822279 if interested.

Congratulations to Keith & Caroline McCarthy (nee Millburn) on the birth of their daughter Caydee Jade born 21st February. Also to Steven Rose & Sophie Agnew of 6 Peck Mill on the birth of your daughter Tilly born 23 February, a welcome sister for Nia.

Mary and Ernie Branford - Mary and Ernie wish to thank everyone for the kindness and good wishes received on the birth of their granddaughter Layla Edlington.

New in St Bees - Zumba Kids, Zumba session for children aged 3-12 years,

katharine.swartz@gmail.com

Saturday mornings 10.30 - 11.15am £3.50 per session in the village hall.

The London Marathon - Chris and Charm Robson are intending to run the London Marathon on 22 April to celebrate their Golden Wedding! If you would like to sponsor them, in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK, the easiest way is to go to

. Alternatively there will be a sponsor form in the Priory.

St Bees Village in Bloom - Volunteers will be more than welcome to help us support the Queen in her Diamond Jubilee year. We are planning a patriotic colour scheme for our flowers, something to brighten up the station platforms & an "open yard" afternoon on 3rd June 2012 1pm - 3pm. Work nights start on 1st Tuesday after Easter, 6pm for approx. 2hrs at Stonehouse Farm yard, Main St.If you are interested but would like more details phone Eileen Todd 822522 or call & see Enid Smith, Stonehouse Farm.

Amnesty International West

Cumbria - Amnesty West Cumbria have planned their programme of events for 2012 and invite members and supporters to join forces at their fundraisers for human rights and justice.

Amnesty Annual Sponsored Walk for Life – Saturday 12 May –via the Coastal Way from Whitehaven to St Bees (and return if possible!) Meet at the Market Place in Whitehaven at 10.00 a.m. to walk 6 miles to S Bees Beach or 12 miles there and back. Refreshments provided at the Lighthouse and at St Bees Beach park. Sponsor forms available from R. McAndrew (822326) or Alan Alexander (810444).

http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CharmRobson

Grassroots Diamond Jubilee Plans First Event to Launch the Programme – “Proms & Picnics on the Crease” at St Bees School

Saturday 19 May - 3.00 - 7.00 p.m. St Bees School will host a brilliant Music-Fest. Various styles – classical, opera, folk, gospel, rock and pop!Presented by Cumbrian and local artistes and children's choirs too!Al-Fresco if possible –if not, wet weather option in the Sports Hall on Wood Lane.Bring your own Picnic – Prizes for Best- Dressed Table. Bar serving Best of British Ale & BeerNo charge and not ticketed – just come and enjoy the celebrations! Stop Press! – All villagers invited for Panoramic Parish Photo – Time:- T.B.A.All on the terrace and school field and organised by St Bees School Family Assoc.Everyone welcome - all villagers and families from the village schools.

Programme of EventsTours of Priory & Exhibitions - Open Friday through to TuesdayThursday 31 May – Organisations set up exhibitions & floral arrangements in PrioryFriday 1 June – Launch of Jubilee Festival of Flowers & 60 years of HistoryWine & Nibbles served at 7.00 p.m. in Priory. Art Exhibition opens in New College Hall.Saturday 2 June – Village school Fete starts at 1p.m. with Parade in Main Street. Lots of Attractions & Stalls, Sideshows, Beer Tent, Hot food and much more Evening Barbecue on Village Schoolfield with Band & BBQ, etc. Volunteers required to help with serving hot food, please! V.S.A. team will be occupied clearing file after Fete.Sunday 3 June –Civic Thanksgiving Service at Priory & Big Jubilee Lunch in PrioryService at 10.30 a.m.; Lunch 12.30 p.m. BYO Picnic & Buffet indoors & out.Village-in-Bloom “Open Afternoon” at Stonehouse Farm , from1.00 to 3.00 p.m.Sunday afternoon – Beach Event with Races, Team Games, Sandcastle Competition, Kite-Flying, etc.Leaders of Youth organisations requested to offer help with beach activities, please!Monday 4 June Have a Rest! Why not visit Tours of Priory & ExhibitionsEvening at dusk –Lighting of E2R Firelights on Tomlin to be lit by St Bees Scouts.

thTuesday 5 June -Musical Extravaganza & Jubilee Tea Party in Priory, afternoon(Official Jubilee Day). Songs of the Decades & Singalong & Celebration.

Anyone interested in supporting or lending a hand with events (especially BBQ or Beach Event) please do contact Tom Kelly - or phone 822525. Thanks.

tom1.kelly@gmail.com