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A SEDBERGH VIEWPOINT
Since I last wrote in mid May Sedbergh seems to have been buzzing with activity and the summer weather I hoped for in my closing sentence arrived bang on schedule. That famous headline "Phew, what a scorcher" was certainly appropriate. Let's hope the summer continues fair.
Sadly the Gala was at the end of the rather poorer weather and I felt suffered as a result. Unfortunately the poor weather scuppered our eagerly anticipated fly-past of WWII aeroplanes. The "green" tent was new and inviting but somehow I didn't think there was as much local participation as usual. Knowing so many people work so hard to stage the event I feel disappointed for them. However the Town Band entertained us well; the fancy dress procession was as good as ever and the fell runners were amazing. The thought of getting up to the top of Winder and back in not much over 20 minutes gives me palpitations. I'm obviously only fit to drop.
The Book Festival week-end seemed to have good support and it was especially good to see Sedbergh busy on the Saturday afternoon.
So many things seem to have happened at the same time. The Music Festival at Saint Andrew's Church, a Minor Counties cricket match at Sedbergh School, horse drawn caravans travelling to and from Appleby Fair, traffic lights for the gas man digging up Main Street outside the Post Office all seemed to co-exist peacefully.
I'm never sure when the travellers go to Appleby. Some seem to be going at the same time as others are returning and others seem to live at Settlebeck without ever going. Each year there seems to be more of them and they seem to stay longer. I've heard many comments that there appeared to be more of them this year than ever before and the media has made the same comment.
The opening concert of the Music Festival was performed by the Town Band in its usual inimitable manner and as usual for the band was great entertainment though it didn't draw the support I expected. I have heard several comments that the festival wasn't well advertised. I can't agree, but certainly it is a point the organisers might look at again before the next time. I've also heard suggestions that some would like the opportunity to have a season ticket availability for the event.
Not directly a Sedbergh matter, but I've overheard many complaints about the road closure at Garsdale which went ahead without any warning and caused considerable difficulty for the locals. The road had collapsed into the roadside river and work had to be done, but the general grumble seemed to be that it should have been done when the slip was first reported some considerable time ago. Once again there is criticism of our local councils. I'm obviously not the only person who think they could "do better."
Best wishes to all who are leaving school this month to find their way in the "grown up" world. I hope all youngsters and their families enjoy the school holidays. Have a great time whether you stay in Sedbergh or venture away. That reminds me perhaps I had better check out my Passport and credit card. N Hastle.
RECYCLING NEWS
At the end of March we introduced extra plastic and cardboard banks and in the first few weeks the level of usage they have attracted has amazed both our contractors and ourselves.
We'd like to say a very big thank you to everybody using the banks, and we know that many people in the district appreciate them. One Coniston resident emailed us saying "Thank you for the plastics and cardboard bins at Lake Road. My wheelie bin was nearly empty this week, I'm amazed at how much I have been able to recycle!"
We would like to remind everybody that the best way to recycle plastic and cardboard is by squashing or flattening it. Every time a bank is full it means a vehicle journey to empty the bank, and we would like to keep the number of journeys to a minimum. Squashing a plastic bottle can reduce the amount of space it takes in a bank by half. That means the bank takes longer to fill and reduces the number of vehicle journeys on the roads of South Lakeland.
We'd also like to say a big thank you to everybody who helped to recycle over 1,000 tonnes of paper, glass, cans and green waste on the kerbside scheme in May, the first time that milestone has been achieved.
If you have any questions about recycling please contact us either through the Customer Contact Centre on 0845 050 4434, email us at recycling@southlakeland.gov.uk or come see as at the North Lonsdale and Cartmel Shows during the summer.
Thank you for recycling.
SETTLEBECK HIGH SCHOOL
Thackray Medical Museum, Leeds
We went on a GCSE history trip to the medical museum in Leeds to introduce our new section of work. At the museum we had to find out about a person who lived in the 19thC. Each person had an illness and could be treated and we had to find out what sort of treatments they could afford and if they survived. At the museum everything was really realistic and really eye-opening to what people in that time had to go through. At the beginning I thought that it would be boring but when we had finished I thought it was very interesting and had enjoyed my day out!
Jade Jameson
Dark alleys, revolting smells coming from the putrid meat seller, blood dripping off his cutting knife. People crowding the busy streets, scrambling to find clean water and food. Children in rags hanging around street corners. Dirty pavements. Piles of waste just lying around spreading disease. I feel claustrophobic in the cramped streets full of people and grime. I have just passed a rat, flea and bed bug infested lodging house. All around me is noise, children screaming, women chatting, men laughing together, the noise of the knife slicing meat, the slaughter house. It's never quiet, the hustle and bustle of people fills the air. Where could I possibly be? I'm in Thackray Medical Museum in a reconstruction of some of the worst slums of Victorian Leeds.
Amy Poole
Year 10 went on the history trip to Leeds Medical Museum. I learned several things I never knew before. Also, there were many interesting facts and how medicine has moved on at a rapid pace since 1800. I learned that surgeons knew little about germs and how the body works. Also I learned about how disgusting and unhygienic it was on a typical street in the 19thC. We watched an amputation on video and learned about key individuals who helped medical knowledge grow. Personally, I thought that the trip to Leeds Medical Museum was very interesting and educational and would recommend it to other people.
Oliver Wales
FAMILY MUSINGS
Weddings.. .who would have 'em!! People tell me that as the mother of the Bride I will actually loose the will to live during the preparations for elder daughters wedding and then all will be well on the day! Perhaps they are correct but I am still enjoying these preparations and will continue to do so just as long as folk remember a few basic points, I am not by any means a lady of leisure, I work full-time, have resumed the role of a carer, run a household (albeit on 3 wheels most the time but I do!) and do from time to time claim some "me" time, so that means that I do not always live up to the expectations of others nor do I always meet the daily tasks set by them! I also, surprising for one so plump and jolly, have feelings which can get hurt and nerves which can get stood on, so please folks, a little TLC and understanding will ease my way!
My mobile phone has become my memo-pad, elder daughter asks me to do this and that, I write a text on the subject and "save" it, all I have to do is remember to read it. It is also invaluable for ringing people who are only available when I am not in reach of a landline phone.
For light relief I took some due time-off and went along to WI, what a refreshing time, how wonderful to hear our President address us all as "Girls" esp' as one was celebrating her 95th birthday that very day! Over 25 ladies met that afternoon happy to be together and although I had to leave before the washing up even though I was a hostess they forgave me.. I think! (double duties next time)
As we struggle to cope with hot weather I got an e-mail about a member of my family, one of the Sandersons who is serving with the WAFFS in Basrah, C has been out there 9wks has about 6 to go, lives in camp which is tents all linked together with a fine dust on everything and temperature of 40° inside and 54° outside, only knows its Sunday when the meal is Beef & Yorkshire Pudding. The Insurgents frequently lob mortors into the camp so dodging is required, the young woman killed out there recently slept in the next bunk to C and was due to go home 3 days later, C has 2 young children back at home. Needless to say we trust she will be back home safely soon, and our hot is not that hot really, is it?
Our Silver Wedding Celebrations were wonderful, the party could not be in our garden but passed very happily in the village hall with many friends and family mingling together, we both made a speech and hubby began by saying that life with me is never dull and ended by saying that I never throw anything out, no matter how old or useless it might be which is a great comfort to him...!
Perhaps see you at Sedbergh Methodist 12 noon, Saturday July 22nd when "All Will Be Well", enjoy your family celebrations and the hum-drum challenges of family life.. .
BLOOD DONORS
Summer blood donors needed to roll up their sleeves
The National Blood Service is appealing to people across Lancashire and Cumbria to take a break from packing for summer holidays and give blood before they go.
In summer blood stocks can drop as regular blood donors jet off on holiday and can't keep their usual appointment to give blood. The holiday season can also have implications for blood stocks later in the year, as anyone visiting destinations which carry the risk of malaria cannot give blood for six months after returning to the UK.
Rachel Roberts, spokesperson for the National Blood Service, said, "At present, our blood stocks are healthy. However, red cells have a shelf life of thirty-five days, and platelets have a shelf life of just five days, so at this time of year it is particularly crucial that all our donors make a special effort to give blood. We are also appealing to anyone who has never given blood, or has not donated for a long time to consider coming forward and volunteering to save lives this summer."
New statistics released by the National Blood Service last month show that every day in the UK, 8,000 donations of blood are needed to save and improve the lives of patients. In Lancashire and Cumbria alone, over 250 donations a day are needed for treatments ranging from cancer treatment to open heart surgery.
Anyone aged between 17 and 60, weighing more than 50 kg (7st 12lb) and in general good health could start saving lives by becoming a blood donor. For more information on becoming a blood donor, including details of blood donation sessions across the region call 0845 7 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk.
PEPPERPOT MUSIC MAKERS
MEXICAN STYLE
For me, one of the highlights of the Sedbergh Festival 2006 was the Coffee Concert given on Saturday 17th June by the Pepperpot Music Makers. The orchestra of young musicians gave a terrific performance of several items, which included Merrily we roll along, La Cucaracha and the music from The Midnight Thief. This was followed by a performance of the musical drama itself, with the musicians turning into actors as required. The words were written by Ian Seraillier and the music composed by Richard Rodney Bennett.
The story takes place in Mexico and is about a farmer with three sons, Pedro, Augusto and Fernando. The farmer is very cross because someone has been stealing his corn, and he naturally wants to discover the thief. He tells his three sons that he will leave all his money to whichever of them catches the thief. Each of them tries to find the culprit in a different way, but only one of them is successful, and his adventure gives the story a happy ending.
Clothed in ponchos and sombreros, not to mention the glittering plumage of the bird of paradise and the helpful toad's colourful outfit, the children threw their hearts and souls into the singing, the playing of the music and the drama and I take my hat off to them for a splendid performance which moved along very merrily and was widely appreciated by a very large audience. Full marks must also go to Judith Bush and Ann Wright, the Musical Directors who had clearly rehearsed, encouraged and inspired the children.
The Pepperpot Music Makers was formed in October 2000, under the auspices of Sedbergh Pepperpot Club. The aim of the group is to provide the opportunity for Primary School children to make music together and to help them to develop their musical skills. Pepperpot Music Makers is also pleased to include adults who are beginners on their instruments, some of whom took part in the performance.
How wonderful that Primary School children in and around Sedbergh have the opportunity of learning an instrument and playing together and, even more importantly, that they had a public platform on which to share their talents and enthusiasm. If ever a cause needed support, then it is this one. I left the concert, as did many others, with a smile on my face. Thank you Pepperpot Music Makers - keep on practising and I look forward to your next performance. Maureen Hinch
Sedbergh Pepperpot Club is particularly indebted to The Frieda Scott Trust for their financial help which has enabled Pepperpot Music Makers to remain viable during this academic year. More stories appear here.
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