From the minutes of the meeting held on 23rd February.
Matters Arising:
  New Bridge Lay-By  -  The planning officer has taken up the matter of the mobile home on the lay-by.  Also a letter has been written to Cumbria County Council requesting them to take action to enforce removal of the mobile home.
JOSS LANE CAR PARK
  We are still awaiting a reply from SLDC to our letter confirming the revised proposals made by Cllr. Barker.  There was an article in Lookaround which was misleading and a letter will be sent to correct it.
HIGHWAYS
  We have been advised that the installation of the bollards requested for Main St. will take place in the financial year beginning 1^st April 2006. 
  Various defects were reported as follows:-

• Garsdale Road at Moss Corner.
  
• Surface water freezing at the top of Black Horse hill is dangerous.
  
• Cautley Road, where the rut by St. Mark's was repaired it is now worse than before.
  
• Cautley Road pothole by Bratt House.
  
• Four Lane Ends is in need of attention.
  
• Outside Coal yard telecom lid has lifted.
  
• Main Street Crossings need attention as do Main Street pavements.
  
• Busk Lane near tennis courts rut across road.
  
• Corner Winfield Road and Joss Lane.
  
• Slow signs are needed on the approach to the playing fields.
  
• Kirkby Lonsdale road by Ashlea stop cock has sunk.
  
• Row Lane is again becoming difficult, mainly due to brambles overgrowing the road just before the Row.
  

  I doubt whether I made an April Fool of anyone last month.  I'm sure my "over the top" spoofs were soon spotted!  However behind the frivolity there were issues which I think concern the well being of Sedbergh.  Being a bit old in the tooth I may be out of touch regarding activities for teenagers but it does seem to me that there a things that would give them pleasure and keep them out of mischief that are not available to them in Sedbergh.  Car parking too is a hot potato at the moment affecting the whole community and its economy.
  Just as the Book Town is getting into gear car parking becomes an issue.  Whilst perhaps visitors are willing to pay to park on the odd occasion local people who make the Book Town work are suddenly penalised for working in town.  It has been fascinating to see Joss Lane car park almost empty in the early days of April with the result that on street parking has increased considerably.  I hope that the Parish Council will be able to fulfil its desire to operate the car parks, make reasonable charges and so encourage people to come to Sedbergh for both business and pleasure to the benefit of the local economy.
  Two book shops have opened in the last month and I wish them every success.  I have heard many appreciative comments about Westwood's at the old cinema and I have overheard staff there say how happy they are with the spacious premises.
  I believe there is to be an official Book Town launch soon which no doubt will be featured elsewhere in Lookaround.
  Thanks to all who were involved in staging the Spring Show; organisers and exhibitors alike.  There was a good entry in most classes, though I did note that the same names appeared many times.  We certainly have some talented people in our community.  Thanks folks for keeping the show on the road.  The additional venue at the St John's Ambulance HQ, though a little cramped, added to the proceedings and it was good to see the displays of the local organisations (and taste the Zrece tipple!).  Thank you from an appreciative viewer.
  If you missed out there is still the Gala to look forward to (always my favourite event of the year) and this year the biennial Music Festival as well.  I'm thinking I won't be able to fit in a holiday away this year.  There is always something happening in town to keep me at home.  I know several folk who think that living in Sedbergh is all they need for a holiday.  We have everything here.
  I had hardly finished last month's article and forecast increased rainfall as a result of global warming when it happened and we had days of heavy rain.  Sorry; maybe my April Fool's hoax wasn't so off target after all.  Fortunately the weather over Easter was fairly good and the influx of visitors seemed to enjoy themselves from what I have heard.
  With local elections for South Lakeland District Council being held on 4^th May I am amused by the candidates' electioneering literature.  Why is it that they are going to do so much for the benefit of Sedbergh when they want our vote yet they seem to achieve so little once elected?  They propose to do what should have been done years ago it seems to me.  I once raised an issue with a local councillor, only to be told that the council employees determined the policies and so nothing could be done.  That isn't what we elect councillors for.  They make the policies based on any advice they seek from their professional officers and if they can't do that they aren't fit to serve on my behalf.  The impression I get is that all too often councillors want to join an elite club rather than serve their electorate's needs.  I'm also amused that some candidates  campaign on national issues over which SLDC has no concern or responsibility.  Despite my cynicism I shall be voting on May 4^th, and I hope you will too.  We can't complain if we haven' taken part in the democratic process.  May the "best man" win!
  Finally this month, thanks to Dennis and Jacky for producing 20 years worth of Lookaround (and for the celebratory Afternoon Tea).

N Hastle

  Our April meeting moved to a different venue being held in the Methodist church and school room to accommodate Dentdale Players who were performing in the Memorial Hall. As the meeting fell in the busy holiday period before Easter our numbers were down slightly. However, there was quite a full business meeting and lots of reports given. Catherine Sugden reported that Dentdale members had received six certificates at the Sedbergh Show with entries from Catherine, Dortelis Powell and Gill Ioannou. Perhaps, encouraged by this success, more members would enter next year.
  A sub committee was formed to arrange a display of information about all aspects of WI which will be presented at the Heritage Centre opening on 13th May.
  Members were reminded about the group meeting on 15th May to be held in Casterton. There will be a speaker, supper and a chance to meet members from the group. Tickets will be available at our next meeting for all those intending to go along.
  News of the July outing was given which will be to the Cartmel area with a high tea catered by Cartmel WI. The idea met with considerable enthusiasm.
  Members volunteered to form a team for the Pub Quiz at the Bull Hotel Sedbergh in aid of "Cycle Cuba" and are looking forward to the event and we shall wait to here how successful they are.
  Brian Adams our speaker spoke briefly about the history of the National Gardens scheme and then proceeded to delight us with slides of private and public gardens open to the public under the scheme. A lot of the slides were of Holehird gardens in the Lake District showing them in all seasons giving us ideas for our own planting. Pat Allen (that's me) won the competition for a flower arrangement in a coffee jar lid and Alice Ellison went home with the raffle prize.
  Next month's meeting May 10th is back in the Memorial Hall when a WI advisor will be talking about the 2006 resolutions.

  On Saturday 1st April the Band provided music from the time of the opening of the People's Hall doors to the public to the official opening of the show.  After the speeches, the Band gave an hour's worth of background music for the entertainment of those viewing the exhibits.
  Three familiar numbers preceded local M.P. Tim Farron addressing the visitors to the show before declaring it open.  The subsequent music featured both established numbers and some pieces that are new to the Band's substantial repertoire, including a first public playing of the popular revival 'Is this the way to Amarillo?'
  The Band join in congratulating the organisers and exhibiters alike in producing a first rate show of exceptional quality.