The September meeting was the first get-together after the summer break and it was good to meet up again with old friends. Catherine Hannaford gave us an up-date on the latest news from head office, distributed large print diaries and Christmas cards and gratefully received yellow collection boxes from members.
  The high point of the meeting was a talk by member Jack Dawson. This included a poem that he had written, which was read aloud by his cousin George Handley. His talk was a fascinating coverage of the major fires in the Sedbergh area over the years, and the poem a wonderful and moving account of the devastating fire at Capplethwaite Hall, an event which was recent enough for most people to remember.
  Jane Dunn explained to the group the format of the next meeting, which would be a discussion of peoples' memories of the war years under the heading 'Make Do and Mend'. Members were encouraged to bring along any artefacts from the war years to add to their own recollections.
  As the group does not meet in December it was decided to have both a pre- Christmas and a post- Christmas celebration. In November there will be a lunch at Thornes Hall and in January a party in the People's Hall.
  The group meets in the People's Hall on the third Tuesday of each month. New members with visual problems, and also volunteers are always welcome. Transport may be available. For further information telephone Sedbergh 21019 or Kendal 01539 742633

  We are used to heavy rainfall around the Howgills, and our lush grass and full-crowned trees are evidence of this. We are more often irritated by rain than by a lack of it.
  Our experience is not shared by all the world's population. Many areas are habitually short of rain, and in some civilisations there is as yet no means of saving or drawing upon the water they have. In those same places, hygiene and sanitation are usually poor and misunderstood. Consequently, thousands are ill or die each year unnecessarily.
  It is with these thoughts in mind that the Parish Church of St.Andrew has made a decision this year in respect of Harvest Festival. Following a strong commendation by John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, we are going to concentrate on the raising of money to assist WaterAid in providing clean water, hygiene-education and sanitation in some of the poorest parts of the world. There will be envelopes for WaterAid available at the main Harvest Festival service, and an extra supply at the back of the Church. These can also be gift-aided by tax-payers through the addition of personal details.
  You will see explanatory posters in the lych gate and at the back of St. Andrew's about WaterAid, and we hope you will give generously to this charity.
  All this means that we will not be receiving fruit and vegetables, cans or jars this year; and these will not be displayed in church, therefore, or distributed, though flowers will decorate the building as usual. We hope that everyone will see that sometimes we should break with tradition and do something which is desperately needed for people less fortunate than ourselves, even if we appear to lose something ourselves.
  Please be generous, and help give health and life to others.                                                                                                                                           Alan Fell, Vicar

Questions Relevant to Today's World
  In a changing world, religious beliefs, and attitudes towards them, are seen to be important factors in society.
  This notice is to invite you to the fortnightly discussion meetings which will take place during the autumn and winter months at the home of Alf and Joan Hooper, 4 Highfield Villas, Sedbergh.
  These are meetings in which people ask any questions they like about faith, doubt, disbelief, the Christian church, world faiths and society.
  There is complete freedom of expression - and consequently a great variety of views and beliefs.  A Christian understanding of the questions is always presented, but no attempt is made to persuade people to adopt any particular view.  We listen to one another with mutual respect and learn to disagree among friends.  It is all very informal.  Those who have come to previous meetings have found them stimulating and enjoyable.
  The meetings take place fortnightly on Wednesdays.  They last from 7.45pm to 9.00pm. The first meeting in October is on the 11^th of that month.  You could come to just one or two meetings or to the whole series.  New members are very welcome.
  For further enquiries, don't hesitate to phone Rev. Bill Long. Sedbergh 20577.

  Firstly the Gala Group will be holding its AGM on Monday Oct 9. The meeting will be held in the Committee Rooms at the People's Hall and is open to the all. If you would like to help your community then please come along. Even if you can only spare time occasionally you will still be most welcome.
  The Gala Group is not just responsible for the Gala, which is held in May each year it also arranges the Fireworks for Bonfire Night and the Children's Christmas party. These events are part of the life of the Town and its community. It would be a shame to see such things come to an end. Richard Kooper who has done a sterling job as secretary for a number of years would like to stand down and so the group are looking for a replacement. The post has an annual honorarium plus payment for postage.
  As usual the Gala Group are hard at work preparing for another spectacular Firework display. This year the Saturday falls on November 4. The event will be on the Peoples Hall playing field the gates will open at 6.45pm.
  The Gala Group would like to thank all it's ardent supporters who turn out to help in all weathers. It is hoped that the weather will be dry for the comfort of spectators but …..
  Help will be needed on Saturday November 4th from 1 PM to cut the turf and make ready the area where the fire will be.
  Don't forget to get going on your Guys, Pumpkins and Turnips. Prizes will be given for best in category. Guys will be burnt but Mother-in-laws will not; just a joke folks.
  Naturally wood will be burnt on the fire and it may seem like an ideal time to get rid of some old bits of furniture But this is not the case …. Please, No Wood On the Field Before the Afternoon of November 4th. Also and most importantly, wood must not have any brass, metal or plastic laminate on it as these do not burn. Wood must be clean and clear of handles, screws and the like as this becomes dangerous rubbish if left on the field and can be difficult to clear up.
  But if you have made sure the wood you bring along is free of plastic and metal of any kind then it will be a pleasure to burn it for you. See you on November 4th; admission is still only £2.50 adults and free for under sixteen. Enquiries call 015396 20234.

President's Day 13th August
  Our president this year is Tom Rycroft. We have four knockout competitions ongoing through the two months preceding President's Day with the finals played on the day. Whilst the weather was mixed we did not get wet through and enjoyable bowling was seen. The results were close so kept spectators attention on the games. At the finish Tom presented the trophies to the winners and runners up. General bowling then took place until the BBQ was ready. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.
The results were :-
Leighton Ladies Rose Bowl
Winner C. Townson
Runner up  S. Bainbridge
President's Prize
Winner  R. Brown
Runner up  G. Thompson
Poyntz Wright Cup
Winner  A. Bramham
Runner up  R. Brown
Ron Sheppey Men's Bowl
Winner  A. Bramham
Runner up  B. Lewis
  The Club now has a website entry www.communigate.co.uk/lakes click on Sedbergh and Western Dales then scroll down to the Bowling Club entry.
  The season is now drawing to a close and the green will close around the 20th October but no firm date has been made. Our AGM will be held in February 2007 details of which will be advertised in the Lookaround.
  New members would be welcomed.

  There will be a Sedbergh School Local Boys' Fund Committee Meeting on Friday, November 10th. Any application is welcome for grants for educational tuition and/or educational facilities from boys resident in the parishes of Sedbergh, Garsdale and Dent.
  Please contact Joyce Priestley, Havera Bank, Sedbergh, ( Tel: 015396 20104), for any further details.

The Christian Aid Committee of Sedbergh and District would like to thank everyone for their generous support at the Sedbergh Market Fayre on August 26th. £384 was raised for the work of the society worldwide. We look forward to your help again at our Coffee Morning on Wednesday 18 October.

  We met at Howgill Village Hall on September 7th.  Mary Silva presided welcoming fifteen members and two visitors.
  Some of us are interested in attending forthcoming events in the Federation calendar, Antiques with Mathew Festing, Radio Cumbria's antiques expert and valuer for Sotherby's, and a Candlelight Evening, both to be held at Orton Market Hall in October.
  A response form was passed around for comments and suggestions to Save Our Services at Westmorland General Hospital.  A petition to support our Post Offices and NFWI Farmgate milk prices were also available for signatures.
  Our singing group led by Helen Beare will be performing at the Carol Service on 16th December at Firbank Church. Practice dates are being arranged.
  Speaker for the evening was Dr Brian Hancock who spoke on "Childbirth injuries in Uganda, Africa". As in other poor countries, many women deliver their baby at home far away from medical help. Ii complications occur during labour and an emergency caesarean cannot be done, she may die or deliver a stillbirth after days of agony in labour. She may find she is incontinent causing misery and rejection.
  Brian encountered this condition when working in Kamuli Mission Hospital and planned that on retirement from surgery in the UK, he would specialise in this problem. He has visited three Hospitals in Uganda on a regular basis since his retirement in 2000.
  Another UK surgeon joined him in 2001. Together they have operated successfully on many women, with their skill, about 75% can make a new start and have children again. Helen Beare thanked Brian for a fascinating talk of which we were all interested. A UK Charity has been set up which we all happily agreed we should contribute.
  The competition for a Bonny Baby photograph was won by Sheelagh Denniss with Helen Beare second. Liz Coupe was the raffle winner. The Social Half Hour to name the famous faces was won by Hilary Charleton and Helen Beare. A Jacob's Join Supper brought the eveing to a close.
  We meet again on October 5th at Howgill Village Hall for the AGM at 7pm.                                                                                                  AH

  Darja Mihelj and Katja Senica - two Slovene students who came with the Zrece singers to the Folk Carols festival last December - came back in August to have an experience of working in Sedbergh. Singers from Howgills Harmony, recently returned from their Slovenia tour, acted as hosts - helping with lifts to and from the airport, taking them on outings, helping them find jobs in the area - with accommodation kindly provided by Dr Clare Mingins in her home.
  They were very touched by the hospitality they received while working at Farfield Mill - so much so that when they started working and people at the Mill were thanking them for coming in, and saying how pleased they were to see them, they asked the singers if they were also being paid (they were.) They also had part-time jobs at the Bull Hotel, did cleaning jobs in homes and holiday houses in Garsdale and Dentdale and took part in the Sedbergh festival.
  Darja Mihelj wrote this piece for the Lookaround about their experience of working in Sedbergh:
  "Travelling is said to be the search for one's self, establishing a certain distance, perhaps changing or simply getting to know another culture, learning a foreign language. For some reason or other, returning to a certain place is a sign of fond memories.
  "After having spent a few days in Sedbergh back in December, Katja and me decided to come back in the summer. And so we planned our trip, booked the tickets, wrote a few emails to find jobs and accommodation, and most of all - looked forward to the day of our departure - 8 August.
  "After a few days of getting used to a different environment, we started to feel homelike due to our wonderful hostess, our employers, David Burbidge - our guardian angel - and of course all other people who proved to be very kind.
  "Having spent 20 days in Sedbergh and having seen a few places in the Lake District, we decided to leave for Scotland to get the impression of the two bustling cities Edinburgh and Glasgow. We returned home convinced that a closer insight into a certain culture affects one's inner richness. Our fond memories of the wonderful countryside and all the people that we got a chance to meet and become attached to will be the reason for our next visit of the Book Town. See you soon."

Darja Mihelj"

(Slovene students and singers will be returning to this year's Folk Carols Festival on December 8-10)