ISSUE 87 MAY 2016

THE

OVER KELLET VIEW

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

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

Editorial Board: Liz Brewster, Rosie Kakkar 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: ‘Maypole’ by kind permission of James Griffin

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

r.cleet@btinternet.com

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THE MAY VIEW

The picture on our front cover of the top of a maypole may remind many residents of times gone by when maypoles were more common and dances were held in traditional costumes on May Day. Why are they so infrequent nowadays? The cynical among you may mutter ‘Health and Safety again’ or ‘European something or other’ but it’s more likely that the disappearance is to do with a general decline in community activities.

I am not sure that Maypole Dancing was ever as popular in the north of England as in the south, probably because of the greater unpredictability of good weather further north on May 1st (as it was then held). But any attempt to go back and resuscitate very old customs is always likely to be doomed to failure. In the circumstances, it is cheering that Over Kellet is to revive its Gala this year, at a time of year when we can expect warmer and drier days. We hope that residents will support this venture either by getting involved in helping with the activities themselves or by turning up and contributing on the day. With a bit of luck (and some advertising) we may even attract some ‘foreigners’ to come along.

Chris Pogson

Jo Williams, Headteacher of Wilson's Endowed CE School, has asked us to publicise the following:

‘The general public are welcome to use the school grounds after school, at weekends and during school holidays.

To be neighbourly, the grounds should not be used after dusk and certainly no later than 9pm. Once again, from May, a tennis net will be put up at weekends and during the summer months on the yard for all to enjoy.

The field is regularly used for sport and for the children to explore and enjoy playtimes. So that the field and play areas are kept clean and safe for all users DOGS ARE NOT PERMITTED ANYWHERE in the school grounds.’

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LETTER FROM THE VICARAGE

St Cuthbert’s Church

Over Kellet

May 2016

Dear Friends,

REMEMBER WHEN......?

Isn’t it strange how a smell, a song or a casual glance at something can evoke memories of our past, our younger days? A short time ago, having parked my car, I glanced at a car parked nearby whose registration plate was CWE. Immediately my mind flashed back to our first family car, a 1936 Morris 8, registration CWE 657. I began thinking how I helped Dad to replace the piston rings and rebuild the engine—or at least I thought I helped him (I’m not sure he would have agreed!). Then, how we would have Sunday afternoon trips to the countryside and each summer we would pack our cases for our summer holiday at Squires Gate Holiday Camp, Blackpool. All these memories returned because of three letters on a registration plate in a car park.

As Sue and I prepare to leave Over Kellet and continue our journey into a new ministry with the Lord, we remember and thank the Lord for his calling to the ministry, his guiding, supporting and opening doors for over 36 years since my Ordination and his faithfulness to us in keeping the promises he gives us from Scripture. One such promise is

‘The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable’ (Romans 11:29)

Sue and I look forward to our REFIREMENT not retirement, because God never withdraws his calling to serve him. Have you promised to serve God as a Godparent, at Confirmation, in being a Sunday school teacher or in 1,001 ways? God never recalls his claim on your life. It’s never too late to return and serve Jesus; why not do so today?

Your friends, Rev. Ken and Sue If you know of ANY parishioner or visitor to our parish who is ill or in need, please notify Rev. Ken and he will do everything he can to help them 24/7—phone 734189.

FLOWER ROTA

The Flower Rota for this year is awaiting your attention in church. Why not celebrate an Anniversary or a Blessing by putting flowers on the Communion Table in Church?

WHY NOT JOIN US?

Our services are in The Diary—regular weekly events. We have a room open under the Tower with heating, speaker system and toys for young children; this is available for use during every service, so bring the family to join us.

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CHURCH NEWS

Following the recent announcement by Rev. Ken Clapham of his retirement from St Cuthbert’s Church in July, many have been asking “What is the future for our Village Church?”

It has been agreed by the Diocese of Blackburn and the Church Commissioners that St Cuthbert’s will no longer have a full-time Vicar solely responsible for our small community; we will become part of a shared benefice with Holy Trinity Church, Bolton-le-Sands. The Rev. Nancy Goodrich will be the new incumbent of this combined benefice. There are many practicalities to be agreed about how this new arrangement will work; the Archdeacon will be chairing meetings of the two Parochial Church Councils to facilitate this, aiming for a smooth and timely transition.

Although this is a time of uncertainty, we can look back on our inheritance and forward with faith and enthusiasm for the new opportunities that this new ministry will offer.

Our mission values will remain unchanged: To be a witness to Jesus Christ in Over Kellet and the local community; To worship God in a way which brings comfort, joy and a challenge to all

present; To work with God to show care and concern, not only for the members of

the church but for the whole community.

We are very mindful that we live in beautiful, peaceful surroundings and, unlike many Christians in the world, are free from persecution and fear. As we look to the future, we are confident of the hope and assurance that our faith in Jesus Christ gives us as members of his church.

John Halsey

VILLAGE GALA UPDATE

Village Organisations

Preparations are progressing well for the Over Kellet Autumn Gala on Saturday September 24th.

Please would any village organisations that would like a stall at the gala (so that they can promote what they do to the rest of the village), contact me on 735254 for more details.

Over Kellet v. Nether Kellet Football Match

Part of the Village Gala will be a football match (adults), between Over Kellet and Nether Kellet. For this to happen, we need a village team! If anyone is interested in joining the team, please contact Mike Morris at mmorris01@googlemail.com

Lynn Fotheringham

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OVER KELLET NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

A little while ago Lancaster Police removed two suspected fraudulent devices from the two ATMs at the Santander Bank on Penny Street. The Police are still looking for the culprit(s) and want to find out whether any bank accounts have been affected. If you used either of these ATMs on Saturday, 26th March, please check your account and tell your bank if there is anything suspicious. There have recently also been reports of suspicious activity at other Santander ATMs. Please take extra care when using Santander ATMs.

While I was writing this article, my computer had a brainstorm, only cured by a complete install of Windows 7. This made me realise that computer failures are more common than serious fraudulent attacks. In the past I have included a number of hints about avoiding scams, etc., but not much about how to ensure that your data are safe. When the computer stops working, for whatever reason, the first response is often mild panic, when all the emails, holiday bookings, birthday reminders, etc., are lost. This can be transitory if you have taken care to back-up your important document files, so that all can be restored quite quickly. If not, then disaster looms! You can back-up onto a second hard disk although this then goes away with your computer to the repairers. It is better to purchase a separate external drive which can store your valuable files, still accessible when the drive is connected to another computer―or to store your data on the internet (‘in the cloud’). There are many free or cheap programs which can be set to make back-ups regularly without any attention. It really is worth it!

Chris Pogson

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WILSON’S ENDOWED SCHOOL NEWS

Staff News—Mrs Dianne Cross

We have said our fond farewells to Mrs Dianne Cross as she left us at the end of the Spring term to take up her new post in April as Headteacher at Dolphinholme School.

Mrs Cross with Oaks Class

Dianne joined the school seven years ago as Deputy Headteacher, teaching the older pupils in Oaks class. In her time at the school Dianne has worked with the School Council and been an active governor. She has shared her passion for sport working to further physical education provision in the school as well as having fun with the children as an avid Barry Manilow fan! Her post is currently advertised, with the governors hoping to appoint an experienced teacher for September. In the interim term, Mrs Williams and Mrs Sowerby will be working together in Oaks.

Hatching Happiness!

The children have enjoyed an ‘eggstra special eggsperience’ in school! Not only have the children made chicks as part of Easter crafts, they have been in awe watching chicks hatch in a special incubator. Over Kellet resident Helen Wain organised for the eggs to be in school ready to hatch. She kept a daily watch on the new arrivals who will eventually move to Helen's allotment in the village. The children have watched as the little chicks pecked their way out of the eggs. They have been fascinated to see them stand and learn how to peck for food. The chicks are black because they are the Wyandotte breed. The children learnt how to hold the chicks feeling their warmth and fluffiness. As the chicks grew, so did their lungs and their chirruping could be heard around the school as they demanded food and attention! We look forward to visiting them in their new home on the allotment.

Jo Williams, Headteacher

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PARISH COUNCIL—MAY

Cllr. Bryning—It was a pleasant surprise to all present to welcome Cllr. Bryning (City Cllr responsible for Rural Affairs). He introduced himself and was questioned by the Councillors and members of the public regarding his role as he viewed it. Some questions were directed in particular to his views on new housing in rural areas and the proposed Parish Council charge.

Bus Shelter—Quotations have been received for the shelter and were discussed at the Meeting. A desirable style for the shelter and potential costs were discussed at length. It was decided to do a little more research on the appropriate style versus its cost before reaching a final decision.

Allotments—Lengthy and detailed discussions regarding the new Tenancy Agreement were held with representatives of the Allotment Association and a mutually agreeable solution was arrived at.

Parking—Potential solutions regarding the issue of inconsiderate parking by some Village Hall users were discussed and it was suggested that perhaps on occasions where a large number of people are expected to drive into the Village, designated parking areas could be identified and highlighted to users at the time of booking. The possibility of a parking charge was also discussed. Cllr. Lauder reiterated that the Village Hall Committee is stressing the importance of considerate parking to its users. She has also promised to look into other possible solutions.

Autumn Gala—A provisional programme has been formulated for this exciting event. Attractions, which would include stalls, a craft fair and bouncy castle, an afternoon tea provided by the WI, a pet show and hopefully a football match and/or tug of war with Nether Kellet amongst others, may involve the use of the central grass on Church Bank. Permission from the City Council for the same has been applied for.

B4RN—Cllr. Ward said that he would be holding meetings with interested parties to see how best to take this forward. He also mentioned that a visit to a neighbouring village, which had successfully installed B4RN, is being planned.

Road Safety Concerns―The possibility of a solar-powered unit for the SPID were discussed alongside potential costings for the same in order to save time and effort involved in the frequent changing of the batteries for the current unit.

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 10th of May at 7.15pm at Wilson's Endowed C of E School. This Parish Council meeting will combine the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council. All Parish Council meetings are open to the public.

Rosie Kakkar

VILLAGE WEBSITE

Past and current issues of the Over Kellet View, including photographs in full colour, are available for download from the Village website at www.overkellet.org

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WEATHER DATA FOR MARCH 2016

Whilst looking for a suitable piece of weather lore for this month’s article, I came across an old Wiltshire saying that states “Better to be bitten by a snake than feel the sun in March”. However, speaking for myself, any sunny and warm March days are more than welcome, to complement the colourful groups of bright spring flowers.

Looking over the month’s records it would appear that March always intended for snake bites to be a feature of the month.

The village did quite well in the sunshine stakes with 28 sun days giving 132.2h above the average of 123.8h. The warmest day was the 13th, when the temperature climbed to 14°C (57.2°F), and the sunniest day was the 17th with a remarkable 11.8 sun hours. The coldest night was a tie between those of the 3rd and 4th when the temperature fell to –2.2°C (28°F). During the month there were eight occasions when the night temperature dropped to below 0°C (32°F). There were 11 rain days, giving the total rainfall for the month of 66mm (2.6in), just above the average of 59mm (2.1in). The wettest 24h was from March 3rd to March 4th with 16mm (0.6in). One notable feature of the month was a rain-free period lasting 14 days between the 10th and 23rd.

A review of the month’s barometer charts showed that for three weeks the atmosphere was unstable and, looking back in my weather diary, I see that the Met Office signalled the approach of Storm Katie. It was this storm that triggered two heavy hail showers on the 28th and the 29th. Another feature of this instability occurred on the 15th with a fine display of Lenticular Cloud to the northeast of the village. On the 20th we passed the Equinox and on the 23rd, my brother reminded me that it was World Meteorological Day, also known as National Weatherman’s Day.

Cloud Watcher

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Tickets are available at a discounted price from the Village Shop

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KELLETS TWINNING ASSOCIATION

We held a very successful wine tasting event in the village hall last month that confounded initial expectations. With only days to go before the event itself, we had concerns that takings from ticket sales would not even cover our costs, let alone raise any funds for future twinning visits.

However we need not have worried because in the last few days leading up to the event, there was a sudden surge in interest and orders for tickets soared! On the night, approximately eighty ‘wine buffs’ enjoyed tasting three red and three white wines with accompanying cheeses, salami, pâté, bread, oatcakes and crisps, etc. John Bentham both educated and entertained us with his introductions to and information about the wines. In addition, the band ‘Out of the Blue’, formerly known as ‘Jazz Café’, provided three sets of popular jazz music during the course of the evening.

Not all the bills are in yet but we estimate that the event will have raised about £400. Chris Holdsworth

CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WITH COFFEE & CAKES

The next bimonthly coffee morning sponsored by St Cuthbert’s Church will take place in the village hall on Saturday 11th June and will be a celebration of HM The Queen’s 90th birthday. Everyone is welcome to join us between 10am and 12 noon for tea, coffee and cakes. There will be no charge for admission but donations to defray costs will be appreciated.

Do you have any royal memorabilia which others may be interested to see? If so, do bring it along on that morning from 9.30am and we will arrange to display it.

If you have a favourite charity for which you would like us to organise one of our coffee mornings please contact Jane Ward (01524 73394, nkdw@btinternet.com).

Friendship, Fun And French Cuisine At A Reasonable Price We have just heard that our French friends are happy for us to visit from 28 July to 2 August. For those of you who haven’t been to Bussières before, visiting involves staying with French families and enjoying a number of organised activities and excursions, not to mention French cuisine. The only costs are for travel plus personal spending money—AND children’s travel is subsidised. You will find the atmosphere very friendly; don’t worry if you can’t speak French—it really isn’t a problem as many of us can testify!

If you are thinking about coming along, please telephone Chris Holdsworth on 736179 or email demdike@tiscali.co.uk for more information or speak to anyone on the committee. We are particularly keen for families with children to join in but, of course, everyone is welcome.

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THE DIARY Regular Weekly Events

SUNDAYS 0845 Every Week Holy Communion 1030 May 1; June 5 Morning Worship & Fish Club (1015 at school) 1030 May 8; June 12 All Age Worship 1030 May 15; June 19 Morning Worship with Communion 1030 May 22; June 26 Morning Worship, Methodist preacher

MONDAYS 0900 Weekly (not May 2, 30) Playgroup 2–4 Years 1330 Weekly Indoor Bowls 1700 Weekly Keep Active 1930 Weekly Scottish Dancing

TUESDAYS 0900 Weekly (not May 31) Playgroup 2–4 Years 0900 Weekly (Schooldays only) Playgroup-Toddlers (School) 1400 Weekly Short Tennis

WEDNESDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Jun 1) Playgroup 2–4 Years 1400 May 4, 18; Jun 1, 15 Galloways Society 1930 Weekly Church Bible Study 2000 Weekly Badminton

THURSDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Jun 2) Playgroup 2–4 Years 1930 May 12; Jun 9 WI

FRIDAYS 0900 Weekly (not Jun 3) Playgroup 2–4 Years

REFUSE COLLECTION IN MAY AND JUNE Grey bin: May 3, 16, 31; June 13, 27 Green bin/recycling: May 9, 23; June 6, 20

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THE DIARY Monthly Calendar

MAY

Sunday 1 1330 Village Walk—Staveley Tuesday 3 1900 Defibrillator practical session

Thursday 5 0700–2200 Election for Police and Crime Commissioner

Friday 6 1930 Demonstration and talk on Hanging Baskets and Tubs (at Bay View Garden Centre’s Potting Shed Café)

Tuesday 10 1915 Parish Council Meeting, including Annual Meeting (School) Thursday 12 1900 Open Meeting about the B4RN project (School)

Wednesday 18 0900 Walking Group—Cowan Bridge

JUNE

Saturday 4 0900 Hort. Soc. Visit by coach to Bodnant National Trust Gardens Sunday 5 1330 Village Walk—Chapel-le-Dale Thursday 9 1930 WI Meeting—Talk by Mr Paul Gee ‘Organ Recital at The Helks’ Saturday 11 1000–1200 Coffee Morning—Celebration of The Queen’s 90th Birthday

Tuesday 14 1915 Parish Council Meeting (School)

Wednesday 15 0900 Walking Group—Muker Tuesday 21 TBA Special Midsummer Walk—Grey Mare’s Tail Thursday 23 0700–2200 European Union Referendum

All events take place in the Village Hall unless otherwise stated

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SETTLING IN OVER KELLET

The North West of England sounded so romantic―a lovely part of the world to settle in and raise a family…

We were looking for a new home as we changed jobs. But it wasn’t easy to choose a location―the only thing we were sure of was that we did NOT want a house in the city. So we set about searching―all the way from Windermere to Halton! Over Kellet took our fancy but we were still not sure until Rahul met a complete stranger in France at one of the Orthopaedic conferences. This stranger told Rahul that he was born and brought up in Over Kellet and that it was a beautiful place to live in; he was none other than Tim Halsey! We took that as a sign from above and …here we are!

We moved into the house in July 2014 and instantly realised how lucky we were. I remember looking out of the window late one night and seeing the water in the Greenways Pond shimmering in the moonlight, with a few ducks still out and about, the stars twinkling over the hilly fields and the view of the bay with the mountains in the backdrop. I thought “Does it get any better than this” ?

The first summer in Kiln House confirmed our opinion ― scuttling squirrels in the backyard, waddling ducks all over the place, the mooing of cows every morning; we loved every minute of it! To add to that was the friendliness of the neighbours and the warm welcome we received from all we met.

Driving into the village on our way back from work is in itself an experience―the worries and stresses melt away, a smile slowly creeps over the face as we spy the lambs in the fields and the people bustling around the quaint Village Shop.

Every now and then, though, we wondered if we had somehow disadvantaged the children―they attended school in Scotforth and all their friends lived in the city. Until one day when I voiced my thoughts aloud and asked my daughter if we should think about moving into town. And she cried out “But I LOVE this house!” I think that settled it for me…it had been the right choice!

Every morning as I drive out from Craggs Hill, I see the mountains and the Bay and hear the cows and sheep in the fields and I feel blessed.

Thank you all, for making this decision so worthwhile. Rosie & Rahul Kakkar

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THE 200 CLUB

The result of the draw for March was:

1st (£25) Mrs N Butler (100)

2nd (£15) Mr G Galloway (140)

3rd (£10) Mr T Shaw (74)

Congratulations to all our winners. We are glad to be able to tell you that the amount of numbers not yet assigned is going down. If you want any (or indeed all), of the numbers outstanding, contact me as soon as possible. Subscription for the rest of this year is now (May) only £3.50 per number. We keep detailed records of our winners, of the numbers that are ‘drawn’ each month and so on. If any subscriber wants to see that all is above board or suspects that some numbers are chosen above others, let me know and all will be revealed.

Liz Brewster (733877 or OKView@overkellet.org )

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HYPERFAST BROADBAND?

Following the article in last month’s Over Kellet View I have received a number of expressions of interest in the possibility of bringing hyperfast broadband to the village as part of the B4RN project. If you are interested in finding out more about what this would involve, irrespective of whether or not you have already contacted me, you are invited to an open meeting on Thursday 12 May at 7.00pm at the school.

Further information about the B4RN project generally can be found on their website, www.B4RN.org.uk.

Nick Ward

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BOOK REVIEW

A Classless Society: Britain in the 1990s by Alwyn W Turner (Aurum Press, 2013).

The size of this book, at all but 600 pages, may put you off but it is an easy read and is often very funny. We mostly think of History ‘finishing’ many decades ago and that anything more modern is being written too soon for any balanced judgement. Our views will doubtless change but Alwyn Turner has written an absorbing and convincing account of what most of us have lived through and (think we), remember. He covers the period between Thatcher leaving Downing Street and Nick Bateman leaving the Big Brother house, a comparison that highlights the change in public interest over these same years.

Turner concentrates on Major and Blair, the two prime ministers. He concludes that, although both were in office, they were not in power. They were in some ways rather similar—both had meritocratic instincts which came up against the general anti-establishment tone of the decade.

Major was recognisably human, reassuringly apparently dull, struggling and failing to control the countervailing trends in his administration. Blair comes over less sympathetically as a master of presentation but without much conviction about party or policies—his meaningless verbless ‘sentences’ and repetitive catch phases contrasted with Prescott’s mangled syntax, which somehow managed to contain more emotional impact.

Major was saddled with ‘the bastards’ and Europe (seem familiar?). Blair had the opportunity, with his huge majorities, to devise a modern welfare and health system and frittered it away—losing interest in home affairs in favour of foreign adventures. Both failed to overcome and even exacerbated the growing disparity between incomes at the bottom and top of our Society (also familiar?).

But there were successes and Turner deals well and fairly with these—including Northern Ireland for both prime ministers, changes in education and resolution of the fighting in Sierra Leone.

Was it possible to have done better? Perhaps, but it would have taken a bigger person than either Major or Blair to do it.

Chris Pogson

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NATURE NOTES

One of the largest and most obvious birds around at this time of year is the pheasant. Many of us will have had to take action on the minor roads around us to avoid hitting one of these birds. One road I like particularly runs through Halton Park to the Crook of Lune—a bit longer perhaps than the most direct route but needing great care because of the literally hundreds of pheasants that seem sometimes to have a death-wish.

There are over 50 kinds of pheasants, all native only in Asia. The word pheasant is neither Greek nor Roman in origin but comes from the ancient town of Phasis, the predecessor of the modern port city of Poti in Western Georgia. Although not native here, it has been in England for well over 1000 years, largely as a game bird. It disappeared in the 1600s but was then ‘re-discovered’ in the 1830s for sporting wealthy Victorians. Rather surprisingly, it was only introduced into the USA at the end of the 19th century. It is common in China where it is known unromantically as ‘Mountain Chicken’!

Male and female pheasants are very different in appearance as shown in the photo. Coloured plumage in males is often associated with sexual competition for female favours, and a devil-may-care attitude to the resulting progeny; it is a little surprising therefore that male pheasants also help in rearing the young. These may be in several broods as polygamy is the norm.

It is generally thought that pheasants only eat seeds. The truth is that they have a wide variety of vegetable type-food but also like other meatier fare such as snakes, lizards, small mammals and even the occasional bird. They are gregarious birds and, when not breeding, gather in loose flocks. They are always timid, not unreasonably becoming used to associating humans with danger. When frightened, pheasants prefer to run but they are good fliers over short distances. Their wing shape (low-aspect ratio), allows them to take off almost vertically, giving warning calls to others as they do so. You, or your dog, won’t easily be able to catch a pheasant because they can fly at well over 50mph.

If shooting takes your fancy, the open season is from the beginning of October until the end of January. Perhaps that is why pheasants come out and display themselves in the Spring!

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THOMAS LEAPER REVISITED

Chris Pogson’s recent article raises a number of interesting points. Thanks to the necessity of record-keeping by early Friends, we can add a little detail.

Failure to make an oath of allegiance to the authorities, perhaps not unnaturally, resulted in both parish missionaries, Leaper and Robert Withers being seen as ‘security risks’. Wither(s), or Widder, had his house searched, he being suspected of harbouring ‘arms, ammunition, seditious papers and pamphlets’. Law-abiding parishioners had their concerns and gave the thuggish tendency an opportunity to make mischief. Over the years both of these missionaries were attacked by mobs and manhandled.

George Fox recounts a visit to Withers at Over Kellet. They went by road for a meeting at Leaper’s house, passing Capernwray (Old) Hall on the way. This was owned by Sir Robert Bindloss J.P. of Borwick Hall, a firebrand Puritan with ‘form’ of beating up Quakers. At Leaper’s, Fox was made aware of trouble brewing and, with Withers, returned to Kellet through the fields. Thwarted of an intended ambush, Bindloss’ ‘Rent-a-Mob’ broke into Leaper’s house disguised and laid about the occupants with ‘naked swords and pistols, cutting and hacking among the people...who held up stools and chairs before them to save themselves’. People were then driven into the fields, bound and left there on a wintry night. Of course, no action was taken against Bindloss.

By holding meetings in private houses, Withers and Leaper aroused further suspicions of their intentions. These meetings could be, and were, seen as clandestine plotting—hence the heavy gaol sentences passed on both. Withers was sent to Lancaster prison ‘many times’ including one sentence of two and a half years. Fox, Withers, Leaper and others petitioned the king and had audience with him, without resulting easement (relief).

Chris has mentioned the hardships involved in the tithes issue. In the instance he quotes, Thomas Leaper had five separate visits in June 1678 from the tithe-farmer, who seized goods. In the same year Withers had goods, at present-day values of about £10,000, distrained (seized); his fine was a third of that figure. These seizures may have marked the lowest point for the Friends in the parish. Perhaps perceptions of the Quakers had changed. Perhaps there was a realisation that the meetings were for prayer and contemplation, that not going to church was their own affair. Whatever the reason, no-one was subsequently sent to prison; fines for non-attendance at church or holding meetings were modest.

Quaker records do not mention the payment of great tithes. Small tithes to the perpetual curate do occasionally appear. The absence of fines for non-payment of great tithes is puzzling, if the entries were indeed complete. Did some wealthy sympathiser become tithe-owner and excuse Quakers? It seems very improbable that Quakers were quietly let alone after 1680! It would seem toleration at the local level predated Government action by a decade.

Bob Escolme

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DEFIBRILLATOR

There will be a Defibrillator practical session covering CPR (Chest Compressions and Rescue Breathing) and an opportunity to use a training defibrillator on a dummy on Tuesday 3rd May 2016 at 7pm at the Village Hall. This session is run by The Red Cross and is free but places are limited and must be booked in advance. Please call Lesley Gee on 733240 to book.

Many thanks to those who contributed towards the cost of the defibrillator. The collection in the Village Shop raised £16.00.

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DISTRICT NURSING MEMORIES

In late 1969 nearly all the team of district nurses in Carnforth had graduated from bicycles to mini-vans. There were some teething problems initially but most joyously overcome as the concept of being dry and (fairly) warm in winter was realised.

Mine, however, had one massively annoying problem in that it wouldn’t start. Not every morning—oh no that would have been easy to predict. It was irritatingly random, mid-morning, lunch times, middle of the night on one occasion. It seemed to know when I was in a hurry or when it was particularly cold or raining. In fact, whenever it was most inconvenient it would choose its time stubbornly to remain stationary.

Our mini-vans were maintained by the ambulance headquarters on The Ridge Estate (long gone now). We had to phone them when we had a mechanical problem. There were no mobile phones then, so it was a case of finding a public phone-box or asking a kind patient if I could use their phone and then sit in their front room until the breakdown truck arrived. On the estate in Carnforth, where a lot of our patients lived, it became such a common occurrence that patients would say “I’ll put kettle on, sister, then you can ‘av a cup o’ tea whilst you wait for ’truck.”

The mechanics didn’t seem to do much—just lift the bonnet and bash something and the whole van would shudder into action. “Why don’t you show me what to do” I once ventured. “Oh no, not a job for a lass like you” (this was before women’s lib). “Leave it to the experts; it’ll be all right now”. But it never was.

Several months and hundreds of non-starting dramas later, I acquired a boyfriend who was a car mechanic. After a few Babychams one night I was bemoaning my irritations about the van to him. “Oh mini-vans are notorious” he said, “starter motor always jamming. You just need to hit it with a hammer, Liz”. “Could you show me?” I couldn’t keep the excitement out of my voice—light at the end of the tunnel.

He did show me and oh, it was so easy. Lift bonnet, locate irritating starter motor and clobber it with a hammer. Then off it went like an obedient cart-horse on its rounds. Life took on a new meaning.

The patients now used to ask me “Will you be ringing th’ambulance place, sister, or ‘av you got yer ‘ammer.”

We often had visiting medical students at the practice and one such was allocated to spend time with me. He was a charming young man from London who loved to sit and listen to the older patients telling their stories of local folklore. He occasionally had trouble with their accents but was far too polite to question them. Instead he would get back in the van and say “What did he say then?” When it was time for him to leave, we arranged a goodbye party; when he was asked what memories he would take away, he said without hesitation, “Oh—Sister Lizzie going on all her rounds wielding a hammer”.

Liz Brewster

FREE TO A GOOD HOME

Laptop, Windows XP, 74GB, power cable and bag. Email OKView@overkellet.org

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OK VIEW—5 YEARS AGO

The May 2011 OK View reported an eventful month in which a runaway milk float wrote itself off on a Bay View wall and the container on a French HGV took the corner off the garage of the village shop! This happened all in the space of one week.

There was a eulogy to Dorothy Mason who had lived in the village for half a century and was an extremely active supporter of almost all the village groups and organisations. One in particular fascinated me—the Over Kellet Drama Group. I never knew there used to be one. Does anyone remember it or better still any of the plays that were produced? I for one would love to hear about it.

There was a request for any residents who were interested in a ‘Dial-a-Bus’ service. Apparently 11 residents would have to express an interest in a door-to-door service to and from Carnforth for the service to be considered. Now there is really food for thought today, following the recent cuts to our bus service. Sounds like a really good idea!

Liz Brewster

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are very grateful to those who allow us to use their photographs in our magazine. This month we thank James Griffin, Twitter @Jimbola, for the photo of the maypole on our cover and Andreas van Greunen for his great picture of the two pheasants together.

22

WHAT’S ON

What’s coming up in May?

THEATRE: With the 400-year Shakespeare celebrations, Shakespeare At The Tobacco Factory and Tobacco Factory Theatres presents, from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th, ‘Hamlet’ and ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’ in the round at The Dukes. This is an extremely well-thought-of company based in the Imperial Tobacco Factory in Bristol—very popular here last year. Check performance times with the Box Office 598500 or www.dukes-lancaster.org

MUSIC: If an indulgent evening of nostalgia for a by-gone world appeals then get to the Heron Theatre on Friday 13th at 7.30pm for Flanders and Swann Revisited. Michael Lunts will entertain you with some of their songs along with the gentle humour of Sir John Betjeman. You can choose and book your seats on line at www.theherontheatre.com

COMEDY: The Grand has a very exciting line-up of entertainers. Tuesday 10th sees Ruby Wax at 7.30pm, in Frazzled - a guide to Mindfulness. On Wednesday 11th there is Pam Ayres at 7.30pm with her latest book You Made Me Late Again and on Thursday 12th at 8pm, Julian Clary with The Joy of Mincing celebrates 30 years as a camp comedian. It doesn’t end there! Adam Hess and Ahir Shah are appearing at 8pm on Wednesday 18th and Romesh Ranganathan on Friday 27th at 8pm rounds off just some of the month’s attractions—there are more! Box Office 64695 or www.lancastergrand.co.uk

COMEDY AND ARTS: From Friday 27th until Monday 30th over 30 artists will be showcasing their talents in the Lancaster Comedy and Arts Festival. Taking place in various Lancaster locations, there are too many to highlight, so go to www.visitlancaster.org.uk for all details about these free events.

GARDENS TO VISIT: Under the aegis of the National Garden scheme on Sunday 22nd three gardens spread across Warton village will be open to the public, offering a wide variety of planting and design ideas. Also, three local makers/designers will be displaying and selling garden-related products from 1000 to 1700. There is a small entry fee: last year, nationally, over £2.7 million was raised for nursing and caring charities. Just follow the yellow signs.

SCARECROWS ARE BACK: The Wray Fair on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2nd, signals the end of the annual Wray Scarecrow Festival. Check out other events and latest updates on their facebook page—Wray Village Scarecrows.

FINALLY: See the world premiere of Liam Scarlett’s new full-length ballet, Frankenstein inspired by Mary Shelley’s Gothic masterpiece at the Reel Cinema, Morecambe on Tuesday 18th at 7.15pm: 413935 for more information.

LOCAL SERVICES OVER KELLET Village Store and Post Office, The Green Last post collections: weekdays 16:45, Saturday 11:00

733207

The Eagles Head Public House, Nether Kellet Road 732457 Fishmonger, David Goldspink, Weds 09:00-11:00, Winder Garth 07477 530965 Mobile library Thursdays—May 5, 26; June 16 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 247 247 Dentists Anne King, Council Buildings 733867 Viva Dental, 29 Market Street 735431 Pharmacies Boots Pharmacy, 24 Market Street 732955 Ashtrees Pharmacy, Market Street 727877 Vets Alison Lee, 2 Queen Street 735249 Burch Tree Vets, 39 Lancaster Road 720002 Opticians Philip Jones, 15 Market Street 730055 S & K Butterfield, 46c Market Street 732724 Library Lancaster Road (Mon, Wed & Fri 09:30-13:00 & 14:00-18:00;Tues & Sat

09:30-13:00)

0300 123 6703

BUS TIMES:

Note that these are a guide only—do check! Sch = School days

OVER KELLET TO/FROM LANCASTER

Route 49 from OK Green via Village Hall & Nether Kellet (journey time 34min)

Depart OK Green: Mon-Sat: 07:56, 09:36 then hourly to 15:36 (not Sch)

Depart Lancaster: Mon-Fri: 09:30 hourly to 14:30, 15:30 (not Sch) Sat: As above but with the addition of 17:30

Route 55 from OK Green via Carnforth (journey time approx. 40min)

Depart OK: Mon-Fri: 07:18, 07:33, 16:16 (Sch), 17:01, 18:01

OVER KELLET TO/FROM CARNFORTH

Route 49 coming from Lancaster and Nether Kellet (journey time 10min)

Depart OK Green: Mon-Fri: 10:03, then hourly to 15:03, 16:03 (not Sch)

Sat: As above but with the addition of 18:03

Route 55—Times as above

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS: May 28 to June 5 (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 Rosie Kakkar 733534

Lay Reader Alan Hutchings 701095 Chris Pogson 732892

Church Warden John Halsey 732972 Advertising Jane Meaden 732456

Church Warden Nick Ward 733947 200 Club Liz Brewster 733877VILLAGE SCHOOL EAGLES HEAD PUB

Headmistress Jo Williams 732097 Gary & Helena Torch 732457

VILLAGE STORE AND POST OFFICE

Craig & Tracy Burns 733207

Margaret James-Barber 735470

Sandra Klijn-Passant 727692

OVER KELLET DIRECTORY

12, Ashmeadow Rd, Nether Kelletmjow.nkc@zen.co.uk

www.maceonline.co.uk

Downderry, Halton Rd, Nether Kellet