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TOWN TWINNING
Keeping the Cypriot Link
Six local people have recently been enjoying a bit of real spring in Cyprus at the invitation of the friendly folk who came here 18 months ago as part of the BBC's "The Town that wants a Twin". You may remember the general invitation to the people of Sedbergh published in "Lookaround" a few months ago. Athienou was disappointed not to become our official twin but its townsfolk wanted to keep a link with Sedbergh. And how welcome they made us on their sunny Mediterranean island!
The Mayor of Athienou was very generous with his time and company. He is an early riser combining his town bakery with his many official meetings and engagements. Athienou, a town of about 4000 people, is set among rolling hills with some 5000 milk cows on the large modern farms dotted around. It's a happy community, the only touch of sadness being its close proximity to the deplorable line that divides the whole island following the invasion of the Republic of Cyprus by the Turkish army in 1974. Some Athienou farmers cannot now access their own land which became part of occupied territory at that time; other Greek Cypriots simply had to leave their homes and possessions and flee from the invaders.
We were wined and dined by people who had fond memories of their brief stay in Sedbergh. They asked us to pass on their greetings to friends they made here. Links like this with people in other countries broaden our outlook and make for a better world. The Town Twinning Group needs more active members - how about you?
Warm hearts, warm weather and so much beauty. The flowers particularly reminded us that summer is on its way for us too - hollyhocks and roses blooming in central reservations on motorways, irises, lilies and the heady scent of freesias, not to mention large beds of very colourful pansies and petunias and trees laden with oranges and lemons. Bright yellow mimosa everywhere, and wild gladioli, cyclamen and rock roses among the roadside flowers. Warmth and beauty for us to keep in mind until the same sun re-awakens the beauty as yet still dormant in our own natural Cumbrian environment. George D. Handley, Garth A. Steadman
HOWGILL W. I.
We met at Howgill Village Hall for our April meeting. President Mary Silva gave a warm welcome to members and one guest.
Four members had success with their exhibits at the Sedbergh Spring Show. Congratulations to Killington winners of the W. I. Cup.
The Tactile Book is now complete and has been photographed before it goes on display at the Holker Festival.
Anita Karey gave a report on the recent council meeting. Guest speaker 'Gabriela' had been very entertaining.
Our M. C. S. Representative Alison Plenderleith gave us an update on the Data Protection Act.
A choice of two ideas for a summer outing were put forward. A decision will be made next month. The President read out a letter to be sent to NFWI stating that we do not support the need for the new W.I. Life Magazine and the fact that an amount for this publication is to be included in the annual subscription.
We were reminded of the group meeting to be hosted this year by Casterton W.I. This will be held on Monday May 15th at 7.30pm at Casterton Village Hall. Speaker will be John Sykes showing his journey through Patagonia. The Competition is a Mountain Range with a witty caption.
Mary then introduced George Crossman , Coastguard and Nigel Capstick, Crew Member, based at Arnside. The H.M. Coastguard Service was formed in 1820 and is government funded, different to the R.N.L.I. which is a charity formed in 1824. Today their main aim is to save human life. George highlighted the dangers of quicksand, and explained techniques used to rescue people stuck in the sand. We were shown some hi-tech equipment used in a rescue, torches, phones etc. Sadly there are tragedies like the father and son who went fishing for bait and the recent cockling disaster.
Anita Karey thanked George and Nigel for their informative talk, dedicated work and bravery. The competition for something that floats was won by Lesley Hennedy with Sheelagh Denniss second. Raffle winner was Mary Silva.
We meet again on May 4th at Firbank Church Hall when Liz Cottam will be demonstrating "Fleece Embroidery". Do join us, you would be most welcome. A.H.
CUMBRIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Money for Community Projects
Do you need money for your community project? The Community Foundation may be able to help. The Foundation exists to improve the quality of community life by making grants to local charities and promoting charitable giving by organisations and individuals.
It has made a variety of grants in the Sedbergh area. The Sedbergh Bowling Club was one of the first groups in the county to benefit with a grant in 2000. Since then examples have included the First Responders Group in Dent which benefited from a £250 grant towards equipment costs, the Memorial Hall in Dent received £1,000 towards access improvements, £3,000 was given towards new play equipment in Sedbergh, plus a £1,000 to the local Scout Group. In total over £9,000 has been given to various activities.
The Community Foundation provides a wonderful way for people to give to the communities and causes they care about. People can support its work by becoming members (membership costs £20 annually), by setting up a grant-making fund or by making a one off donation. All assistance is very much appreciated.
For information on grant aid and ways of giving to the Foundation visit www.cumbriafoundation.org or call 01900-825760.
SEDBERGH CAR PARKING
What a farcical arrangement we now have in Sedbergh for car parking. Joss Lane Car Park is virtually deserted whilst the lay-by in Back Lane and the roadsides along by the vets and towards Maryfell are full of cars, as is the Loftus Hill Car Park.
All of this can only be detrimental to both local residents and visitors alike. Local residents who no longer have a free parking residents permit are very disinclined to pay to park in Joss Lane and are therefore less likely to use local shops and the Wednesday Market. As they are unlikely to find an alternative free space they will probably go off to Kendal where they can park free at the large supermarkets. The market traders can only cope with a few lean weeks trading before they decide enough is enough and give up coming to Sedbergh.
An almost empty car park in the middle of town does nothing to inspire visitors to stay and look around local shops as it implies there is nothing worth seeing.
Most concerning of all is the increase in roadside parking and the safety of pedestrians. How many people will take the chance of crossing the road in between parked cars and how long before an accident happens as a result? We have only just managed to get zebra crossings installed for the safety of pedestrians and particularly schoolchildren - if they are obscured by parked cars who knows what will happen.
Sedbergh Parish Council was given the opportunity to take over the Joss Lane Car Park some considerable time ago and declined. Dent, on the other hand, managed to take on their car park with great success and so far have made a considerable amount of money towards its upkeep.
Why are we lagging behind and when is something going to be done? Lyn McLennan
DENT PARISH COUNCIL
From the minutes of the meeting held on 6th March
Matters Arising
i Highways The Clerk is progressing the outstanding issues with Capita
ii Church grant Further information to be obtained via CALC re possibility of giving additional grant in excess of Section 137 limit.
Car Park
In the absence of Jock Caims the car park report and accounts were noted:
The following matters were considered :-
i The redecoration to the toilet. It was agreed that the work be re-tendered with a formal specification and 3 quotations obtained.
ii The question of free car parking for Dent residents be deferred.
iii The car park lease is nearly finalised.
Highways/Street Lighting
i The light at Belle Burrow's House is still not working.
ii Dent sign still to be replaced.
iii Dillicar - the impression is that the work is acceptable.
iv Bridge at Stonehouse - Seriously damaged -Capitals plans for repairs.
v Cobbles at side of George and Dragon are lifting.
Planning
i Antennae -Barn on Coal Road - no comment.
ii Dent Craft Centre - internal alterations - no comment.
AOB
i The question of dealing with surplus funds arising out of the Car park income be considered at the next meeting.
ii Dentdale Show. A letter was received from the new committee requesting assistance from the Parish Council and permission to hold the show on the playing field. It was agreed that the Council would participate and Mr D Hartley agreed to be the Parish Council representative. Further consideration be given to payment of a grant.
iii Access to BT Phone Box at Gibbs Hall. The fencing appears to inhibit use and the question of the lawfulness of the enclosure to be dealt with.
iv Cycleway - signage - further information to be obtained and YDNPA representative to be invited to a Parish Council meeting.
v Closure of Dent Youth Hostel. The Clerk to write to the CEO of the YHA to complain about lack of consultation re the closure and the proposed future use.
vi Mrs R Brown tendered her resignation with regret due to moving away from the area. A vote of thanks was proposed by the Chairperson and all wished Mrs Brown well.
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