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SOUTH LAKES SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND
The February meeting started with a short period of silence in memory of Ron Daldry, a member of many years standing. He will be greatly missed.
After refreshments had been enjoyed, Mary Fisher entertained everyone with a fascinating talk about her visit to Russia. As well as an account of the wonderful buildings and cities that she had visited, Mary included some distressing details of her observations of poverty, hardship and homelessness, particularly of the elderly.
Catherine Hannaford from the Kendal office reported on the latest news on aids, assistance and recreational events available to visually impaired people.
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. Jennifer Levitt
SEDBERGH PARISH COUNCIL
From the minutes of the meeting held on 25th January.
JOSS LANE CAR PARK
A letter has been written to SLDC summarising our understanding of the revised proposals detailed by Cllr. Barker but a reply is awaited.
HIGHWAYS
There have been several complaints about the mobile home parked on the lay-by at New Bridge. This matter has been reported to the Police but they seem unable to do anything. The clerk will investigate and find out who can effect removal. It would appear to be either SLDC or CCC. The situation at this lay by has also be worsened by damage caused by delivery lorries offloading here and driving all over the grass area.
Other highway matters reported included:
Pothole at Bottom Bainbridge Road
Corner Winfield Road/ Joss Lane
Trench along Cautley Road by St. Marks
Four Lane ends
Slow sign needed on approach to Playing Fields
Busk Lane has a strip missing where it floods.
Paving crossings on Main Street
PLAYING FIELDS
The fence at the bottom of the field by Maple Close needs attention, also the hedge along the edge with Highfield has had an unauthorised gate put in.
QUEEN'S GARDENS
It was agreed that Mr. Hinson should be contracted for a days work to undertake the crown raising of some trees to open up the view to the cross as suggested during the visit by the YDNP Tree Officer.
OTHER BUSINESS
It was reported that the toilets in the cemetery were in a poor state. This will be taken up with SLDC
PLANNING
Planning applications were considered as follows:
FPP Erection extension at Underbank, Soolbank, Sedbergh No objections
FPP Change use from Shop to Coffee House at The Gallery, 32 Main Street
No objections
LBC Internal alterations at Evans House, Sedbergh School No objections
FPP Erection porch at The Haven/Old Joinery Cottage, Long Lane
No Objections
FPP Extension period of occupancy at Ingmire Caravan Park In favour
FPP Glazing existing open porch at 6 Sycamore Avenue No objections
FPP erection extension and demolition outbuilding at 32 Loftus Hill
We understand to be resubmitted
FPP installation underground water tank at Spout, Dowbiggin No Objections
LBC works to chimney stacks and lintel at Abbot Holme Farm, Millthrop
No objections
FPP erection extension at 6 Rawthey Gardens No objections
FPP resurfacing existing athletics facilities at Sedbergh School In favour
Planning decisions were received as follows:
FPP Erection dwelling house to replace existing timber holiday home at The Old Telephone Exchange, Cockle Street
Granted
FPP erection extension to existing dwelling at 5 Howgill Lane, Sedbergh
Granted
FPP erection extension to approved bunkhouse barn at Castlehaw Barn, Castlehaw Farm Granted
FPP erection of conservatory and car port at 16 Fairholme Granted
FPP change use barn to part residential and private domestic office at Cross Haw, Cautley Granted
FPP widening of existing barn door at Fawcett Bank, Sedbergh Refused
It was reported that a chalet was built in Underwinder wood / Nursery Wood during the summer and concern was expressed that this would set a precedent. This will be taken up with the Planning Officer.
Baugh Fell Commoners have advised of intent to erect a fence and to plant trees on Baugh Fell Common.
A letter has been received from Tim Farron MP concerning the Guldrey Lane industrial site. Cumbria County Council reply that they expect to be having further discussions with YDNP about the future of this site and potential for industrial use will be given further consideration.
Mr. Dalton advised that YDNP had now moved into their new offices in Bainbridge. Also there is a drive to get all approval determined within 8 weeks to meet government guidelines. John Stanton
SETTLEBECK HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday 10th February was a long day! We left Sedbergh by coach at 3.15 am but despite threatened hypothermia and punctures still managed to catch our flight at Stansted. Our welcome at Graz was as warm as ever. In no time we had reached the youth centre, perched on a hill above Zrece, and were settling in. At least a metre of crisp white snow covered the surrounding landscape with temperatures well below freezing. We were very ready for a splendid three course meal of soup, spaghetti with ham and a creamy sauce then sponge cake all washed down by lots of fruit tea. All thoughts of a senior early night were dashed by the irrepressible energy of our students most of whom took the opportunity to improve their skills at volleyball. We had no problems sleeping that night!
Next day we made an early start for Ljubljana where, after distribution of maps and pocket money, we all set off exploring. It was market day too with ranks of flower, fruit, mushroom and honey stalls stretching along the river bank.
A climb up to the castle battlements was rewarded by a picturesque view of Ljubljana with jagged snow-capped peaks in the distance.
Then back on the coach and off to Postojna where we visited these simply awesome caves. A train journey took us deep underground then we followed a guided sequence of lofty caverns with their variety of classic karstic features and the intriguing "human fish".
Sunday was our first skiing day. A mixture of anticipation and trepidation accompanied the party as they got kitted out with skis, boots and poles but no goggles! With the bright sun and sparkling snow they were essential so off to the ski shop at Rogla.
At last to the slopes. Proficient skiers headed for the lifts while the beginners were taken in hand by our able and incredibly patient instructors. In very little time they were negotiating gentle inclines with increasing confidence and even mild panic in some cases soon gave way to a glowing aura of achievement.
After all this excitement we returned to Gorenje for a late lunch. No respite though. Visits to historic sites were planned and off we went again. The students listened to the guides at the old forge and farmhouse with commendable respect and patience. It was not the weather for sitting still in unheated buildings. Despite such a busy day the sports hall was in constant use again that evening.
Monday started with 7.00 am gymnastics (for some). Then it was the first of our visits to the "primary" school (6 - 14). The students quickly joined their Slovenian contemporaries for a series of group activities and some role play in both languages. Then, after lunch, to their huge sports hall where games of volleyball, football and netball took place simultaneously between mixed teams. After stocking up in the supermarket we headed for the spa. This complex of pools, slides and jacuzzis inside and out proved a both relaxing and stimulating. Jumping from a snowdrift into warm mineral rich waters is quite an experience.
After our evening meal our indefatigable students tackled the climbing wall. It's always interesting to discover such high levels of determination in the most unlikely of candidates!
Tuesday 14th February, St Valentine's Day brought all sorts of surprises. Emil, the warden, gave everyone heart-shaped chocolates at breakfast. Perhaps he cared for us after all! This was another skiing day at Rogla. I followed the cross-country group through the pine forests stopping to draw breath and admire some stunning vistas. Once again perfect conditions with bright sun and blue sky. Hot fruit tea and giant heart shaped chocolate doughnuts at mid-morning added to our enjoyment. Great fun was had playing tag on skis and eventually tackling a sweeping downhill section as a grand finale. Some of the party then went down the toboggan run which on last year's Easter visit was up on metre-high rails. This time it was
buried in snow. Again a late lunch, this time including very tasty meat balls in a rich tomato sauce. After lunch more opportunity to sledge in the fields around the centre or to join in games in the sports hall. Climbing, volleyball and table-tennis or just chilling out were the choices for the rest of the day with a pause to recharge batteries with another freshly cooked meal. The day was rounded off by a night walk through a snowy forest by lantern light.
The next day saw us back in school. We were shown round the technical school (14 - 18) by their students and once more their command of English was, as always, very impressive, Classes in engineering and catering were in progress and we made the most of a chance to sample some delicious home-baked produce. Then back to the "primary school" for more group work. This included a quiz and a discussion about the history of our home areas. There were quite a few similarities in our farming and mining industries with the notable exception of forestry and forest products which have always been regionally important and continue today under strict sustainability guidelines from the government.
After a short tour of the surrounding area it was time for both groups of students to explore the town together then, suitably fortified, the party walked back up the hill to Gorenje. This is about 4 kilometres but the steep gradient and deep snow made it a challenging experience but no problem for our
youngsters. They tumbled back into the centre invigorated and happily content.
Accompanying adults and staff were treated that final evening (on a shift basis!) to a splendid dinner by the mayor of Zrece. A fitting finale to a very satisfying week. We are very grateful indeed to the very special care that Emil and his staff gave us throughout our stay. Our Settlebeck students and their teachers, true to form, cared and looked out for each other and many firm friendships have been formed with their Slovenian counterparts.
We all appreciate the enormous amount of work and planning that goes into these visits. Many thanks go to our trip organisers and leaders and we look forward very much to welcoming the Zrece students in the summer. SG
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