St Bees Priory ChurchVicar - Rev Lars Nowen

Tel. (01946) 822279

Assistant Priest - Rev David Cox (Tel. 821601)

Lay Readers: Tim Taylor (Tel. 822255)Chris & Charm Robson (Tel. 822468)Lois Howard (Tel. 811446)

Churchwardens - (see inside front cover)

Sundays9.00 a.m. Holy Communion (1st, 3rd & 5th - 1662)

10.30 a.m. Family Service6.00 p.m. Evening Prayer

See Calendar for details of Family Services and Evening Prayer

Services

WeekdaysCommunion on Saints Days

N.B. This pattern may vary at particular seasons of the year. See magazine calendar.The sacrament of baptism is administered at the main service and must bearranged well inadvance with the Vicar..

Priory Web Site - www.stbeespriory.org.uk

This magazine is free but production costs are about 30p per copy. Contributionsfrom the Parish Council and our advertisers, to whom we are most grateful, pay forabout 50% of the costs. However this leaves a substantial sum to be paid for by thePCC. Donations to the Treasurer* or your Magazine Distributor are most welcome.

Circulation - 900 households in St Bees, Sandwith, Rottington, Linethwaite,Coulderton, Middletown, Nethertown.

* - Treasurer - Dr

DTP & Final Editing - Ian McAndrew

Printed by Printpoint (Cumbria) Ltd., (01946) 64305

G Burgess, 7 Abbey Farm, St Bees, CA27 0DY.

St Bees News May 2009FromtheVicar

There is never a good time for there to be afinancial melt-down. There is never agood time to be stressed about finances.Our society is ordered in a such a way nowthat we simply can't go without money forthe vast majority of things we dependupon in order to live. We still get hungry,we still need to pay our bills, we still needto heat our homes, and all this needsmoney. I would love it if my oil companywould be in to bartering oil for duck eggs,because we have enough room around theold vicarage for hundreds of ducks... Butwhen you ask them how many duck eggsyour next oil shipment will cost you aregreetedwith silence.

As most of you know by now the Prioryhas launched a stewardship campaign.Obviously we did not know what thefinancial situation was going to be whenwe set it in motion. We decided last year topostpone the campaign until spring. Butwhen is there a good time to approach themembers of the church cap-in-handasking for more financial support for theministry? When is it a good time toapproach the members of the communitycap-in-hand for financial support for themaintenance of our various old buildings?There is never a good time. Money issuesand issues surrounding the maintenanceof buildings are one of my least favouritethings in the ministry.

But like many peoples' financial situationthe Priory is in a trickyspot at the moment.The problem is that old buildings don'tstop decaying when there is a economicdown-turn. It is a hard thing to accept thatthe financial burden of such a grandhistoric building is placed on the backs ofwhat is essentially a few dozenvolunteers

who give of their time and money to keepit intact. Other countries (like France) donot expect this of church goers becausethe government maintains all historicbuildings. Here we don't have that luxury.I've said many times that it is up to thosewho associate with the Priory week inand week out to support the ministry ofthe Priory. As a church we want to bemore and more effective in ministry andworship, ensuring that there will be acongregation in the future to be aChristian presence here.

The problem is that the weight of thebuilding is too great for us to bear at themoment. Our reserves are virtually goneand the only solution is that we all give abit more. Parts of the church are slowlybecomingruins.

The stewardship campaign is operatingon a number of levels. We want to thankyou for your support of the church, andwe're asking you to consider how you cancontinue your support. We do not take itfor granted. The ministry depends uponregular worshippers to support it bothwith their time and resources. Thebuilding, however, is something that thewhole community (Christian or not) cansupport. There is a certain grim irony thatif we collapse under the burdens of thebuilding and it becomes a ruin the statewill take it over and perhaps develop itinto an historic attraction. But it would bebetter if the Priory remained a centre forworship and prayer as well as communityevents at the heart of St. Bees.

LarsNowen

22

Calendar for May

June EditorThe issue of St Bees News will be edited by

who would appreciate all contributionsplease.

June 2009 Geoff Burgess, 7 AbbeyFarm, not later than Friday, 8MayE-mail gwsburgess@hotmail.com. Tel 824416.

St Bees

3 Easter 3 10.30 a.m. Family Communion1.00 p.m. VSA Charity Fun run, Lifeboat Station

6 Wednesday 7.00 p.m. Friends of the Priory Committee Meeting, N.C.H.8 Friday 8.00 p.m. A Little Science and a Little Music, Hospice at

Home: Hodgetts Club9 Saturday from 11.30 a.m. Hospice at Home Plant Sale, Station Garage10 Easter 4 10.30 a.m. Family Prayer11 Monday 7.00 p.m. P.C.C. Meeting & Holy Communion, Lady Chapel13 Wednesday 10.30 - 12.00 noon NSPCC Coffee Morning 10.30-12.00, Hodgetts16 Saturday 10.00 a.m. St Bees School Speech Day Service, Priory

10.00 a.m. Amnesty Sponsored Walk, Whitehaven Market Place7.30 p.m. R.T.S. Chuck & Albert Music & Comedy Duo,

Village Hall17 Easter 5 10.30 a.m. Special Service, Launch of Stewardship Campaign18 Monday 8.00 p.m. Priory Singers Concert, Will Alp Memorial Fund,

Priory19 Tuesday 7.00 p.m. Public meeting - Digital Switchover, Village Hall

7.30 p.m. Priory Fellowship, Malaysian Experience by Rev.Cox, NCH

20 Wednesday 7.00 p.m. Friends of the Priory AGM New College Hall24 Ascension Sunday 10.30 a.m. Family Communion26 Tuesday 10.30 - 12.00 noon Over 60’s Coffee Morning, Oddfellows30 Saturday 1.30 pm to 6.00 p.m. Sandwith Village Fun Day31 Whitsunday 10.30 a.m. Family Communion for Pentecost

3.00 p.m. Ecumenical Songs of Praise, Egremont Castle(Council of Churches)

2 Tuesday 7.30 p.m. History Group, Fernbank, High House Rd6 Saturday 7.30 p.m. St Bees Conservatory Players, Methodist Chapel13 Saturday 1.30 p.m. Village Fete

Calendar for June

1

Cover photo - Julian Needham

21

by them and the Friends of the Priory.Originally it was Ted & Betty's idea toassist with the purchase of the new boardto replace the dilapidated and outdatedone. In its place you will see the superbnew three-bay board with a centralpermanent display in gold signage onroyal blue , and two enclosed glass panelsfor notices, and the header board above .Two plaques are placed in the panels,recording the donors' names and an aptmusical quotation from the Robertsons.Their gene rosi ty is very muc happreciated in providing such splendidpublicity for the Priory.

Please note that the firstmeetingof the newly appointedParochialChurch Council will be on Monday11May, not 4 May, due to May Day BankHoliday. This will be held in the LadyChapel preceded by Holy Communion

The Lives of theGreat Christians. Tuesdays 7.30 to 9.30p.m. at the Vicarage. Meetingon5, 12 and19 May. Last of the series.

P.C.C. Notice

Christian Courses

at7.00 p.m.

-

Not taking in sewing: Maureen Barrattwrites: Contrary to the (erroneous) reportin last month's magazine, the "stitchingandhemming" of the new choir robes wasexecuted by Shepherd and Woodward ofOxford, not byme.

My capabilities would not have stretchedto making one gown let alone a full set. Isimply did the ordering and sorting out.N.B. To avoid disappointment pleasenote that I am not in the market for curtainmaking and alterations!

2

John's death after a short illness came as a great shockto many people from a wide range of organisations andactivities who knew and loved him. He was born andeducated in Barrow in Furness and read Physics atManchester University, and the entered the teachingprofession, moving to West Cumbria in 1965 andspendingover 30 years at Wyndham School as Head ofPhysics and latterly Head of Science. He was localsecretary of the NUT, campaigned for the local LabourParty, served as a village Parish Councillor and was afounder member of the West Cumbria AmnestyInternational group. He was dedicated to youth work,and Scout movement in particular, working his way upfrom a Cub to a Group Leader and chairman of St BeesScout Group over a period of 65 years. More recentlyhe undertook work for the Old People's Forum. His interests included history, being amember of the village history group, and genealogy (tracing ancestors back to Robert ofHarrington, one of the contenders for the title of St Bees Man). The list of activities he(and his wife Dorothy) was involved in could easily fill the page : Millenniumcelebrations, Scout Hut renewal, providing transport for the sick and elderly, fundraising for the Roof Appeal, co-ordinating churches in respect of the forthcomingHeritage OpenDays inSeptember, andso muchmore.

Those are the cold facts, but I, like all those who knew him, will remember him for hiskindness, his consideration, his humour (his endless supply of jokes), his willingness tohelp people in any way he could. All this stemmed largely from his Christianity. He wasnot only regularly worshipped at the Priory, but he actively practised Christianity in hisattitude to and work on behalf of others. Not just in the many roles he held in the Prioryand in his work for Egremont Churches Together, but in his commitment to helpingyoung people develop themselves, and in his work for the community through theScouting movement, his political and ecclesiastical work. But above all, he was adedicated and committed family man, as was testified by the letters written tohim byhisgrandchildren, whom he was involved with on a daily basis.

It is perhaps their comments that best do justice to John's memory

What more can be said?

I have been privileged to have known you and to be known as 'John Warbrick's grand-daughter

I remember your sweet calm nature, your inspiring personality and your continualhelpfulness towards others

You have made me so proud to call you my Grandad, you are a wonderful man

I will honour your name and spread throughout the world the lessons and messageswhich you have taught me

Obituary - John Warbrick

Churchwardens' RetirementAt the recent APCM ( church AGM) two long-standing churchwardens retired aftermany years of invaluable service to the Priory, assisting with administration,maintenance and stewardship.

retiring after a remarkable 33 years (John took over from Billy Cottam in1976) and who succeeded Mary Todd in 2000 is now retiring dueto ill-health.

We owe them an enormous debt of gratitude for their unstinting commitment andexpertise. Theywill still remain on the PCC to support andadvise as required.

We welcome their successors Derek McGee of Middletown and Wendy Mellor ofCrosshill to the team.

John HaileGraham Brightman

As mentioned earlier in the vicar's letter, ourchurch, much in keeping with manyinstitutions, is experiencing financialdifficulties. In round figures, we have ashortfall of approximately £1000 each monthjust to enable us to cover basic runningcosts.

This hasn't come as a total surprise to theChurch Wardens and Church Councillors, infact work commenced on the development ofa Stewardshipship Campaign in January2008. Who would have thought back then,that the world would be plunged into sucheconomic andfinancial turmoil?

We had originally intended to launch theCampaign last October; however thiscoincided with the visible commencement ofthe current global financial concerns. For thisreasonwe decided topostpone the launch.

Having reviewed our position in January ofthis year, we felt we couldn't withstand acontinuously worsening situation and havenow decided to launch the StewardshipCampaign on 17th May.

During the period of preparation we havebeen working very closely with Geoff Hine,Diocesan Stewardship Advisor, to whom weowe a great debt of gratitude.

Through Geoff's guidance, we have learned agreat deal about the wider life of our churchand it's “footprint” in our community. Indeedit has brought home to us how fortunate weare in St.Bees where the very word“community” has such a depth of meaning.

The Priory Church is a major component ofthe “glue” which holds St.Bees together andmakes it a very special place in which to live.There are not many families who have notexperienced its outreach at one time oranother. The worshipping community is avisible sign of the living church and a sourceof great strength and peace for those who takepart. For others, its presence is a promise that

The Priory Church Stewardship Campaignthere is a place open to them to gathertogether in the celebration of Christenings,Confirmations, Marriages or celebrating thelife of a lovedone at a Funeral service.

Other than these obvious examples, let us notunderestimate its value as a place for quiettranquility and reflection, and indeed theimportance of this iconic medieval buildinginour midst.

All of us have some experience or knowledgeof the loss/closure of a business either in thevillage or wider afield during these difficulttimes.

It is difficult for us to imagine not having theChurch in St. Bees, but the fact remains, thatunless we are able to match our running costswithanequivalent income, this could becomea terrible reality.

We are tremendously grateful for the supportthat so many people already provide to thechurch, but just as we are all facing some newandunexpected financial challenges, so is ourChurch.

I hope that the community will find in itselfthe ability to respond positively to ourStewardship Campaign. One of theunderlying principles Geoff Hine keptbringing us back to was, “What is modest forone maybe trulysacrificial to another”.

Closing with some words from St. Paul in hissecond letter to the Corintians: “Each of youmust give as you have made up your mind,not reluctantly or under compulsion, for Godloves a cheerful giver. And God is able toprovide you with every blessing inabundance, so by always having enough ofeverything, you may share abundantly ineverygoodwork.

Grant Gilmour

Church Councillor and Chair ofStewardship Campaign.

419

Brian EdwardsJoiner

13 Sea View, St Bees.Tel. (01946) 822500

Mobile 0771 058 0368

The Albert HotelFinkle Street, St Bees

Free HouseB&B Accommodation available

Home made Sunday lunchesevery week

(01946) 822345

Sue BruceRegistered Childminder

NVQ3 Qualified

St Bees

(01946) 824780

OddfellowsArms92a Main Street

St BeesSunday Lunches - 12 - 4.00

Steak night - ThursdaySmall parties by arrangement

Tel. (01946) 822317

Brockbank Curwen Cain & HallSolicitors and Notaries

Registered Office44 Duke Street, Whitehaven,

Cumbria, CA28 7NRAlso Cockermouth, Maryport,

Workington & Keswickwww.brockbanks.co.uk

Tel. 01946 692194

* Home Information Packs* Residential & Commercial Conveyancing* Wills & Probate * Court of Protection* Personal Injury * Matrimonial* Crime * Employment

Area VisitorsDuring the week prior to the Stewardship Campaign launch on 17 May,Area Visitors arerequested to help filling envelopes on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 May from 7.00p.m. In New College Hall. Please contact Rosalie McAndrew or Margaret Westhead ifyou can help. Many hands make light work. We would be most grateful if you couldspare andhour or so on one of the evenings. Thankyou.

To avoid over stretching our volunteers and your finances, the collection will bepostponed until September.

Christian Aid Week

St Bees Village School FeteThe Village School Fete will take place this year on Saturday 13 June. The VillageSchoolAssociation's emphasis is on providing the children of St Bees and their familieswitha wonderful afternoon's entertainment and welcoming the participationof all thosein the village and its environs. As in previous years, our numerous crowd-pleasingattractions will include a cake stall, a plant stall and a white elephant stall, the aim ofwhich will be to generate funds for the VSA which will in turn benefit the childrenattending the village school.

The VSA would like to appeal to as wide an audience as possible for donations to thesethree stalls, hence this advance notice. Could those of you with green fingers pot up afew extra seedlings or take the odd cutting? Could those of you with culinary talentsconsider baking us some goodies for the cake stall?And if you could hunt downall thosewhite elephants that are lurking in drawers and cupboards whilst you are spring-cleaning we'd be extremely grateful for them. If you have any donations that you wouldbe unable to store until nearer Fete day then please contact Juliet Rhodes at OrchardHouse 115 Main Street, St Bees (01946 824510) or e-mailandwe'll tryandstore them for you. Further details in the June Parishmagazine.

Our thanks inanticipation of your support andgenerosityas inprevious years.

Even though we have kept the price to £5 a calendar this year, we have had our best yearyet, making a profit of £830.00. Therefore £415has gone to the Priory and the same sumto the Village inBloom. Next year is our 10thAnniversary! How time flies!

I have some excellent cards and photos so don't forget to get your copy. Also handy as aChristmas present! In view of the recession I will try to keep the price to £5 for the thirdyear running but it is gettingmore difficult withcosts, but the sponsors are a great help.

Many thanks this year to John and Hillary Booth, Guy Mawson, Peter and AnnetteBrownrigg, Maureen and Mike at Fleatham House, Hartleys Ice Cream, Richard andMargaret Stout, Geoff and Kay Steele, Seacote Park St Bees,Anne and David Hope, Ianand Patricia Clews, Alan and Amanda at the Post Office, Jim and Maz at the ManorHouse and last but not least Tommy Biglands. Again Alan and Amanda at the PostOffice sold the majority but with help from the Priory, the Queens Hotel, the ManorHouse, the Oddfellows, Hartleys Ice Cream Shop, the Seacote Hotel, Carol Woodman,Tom Milburnand David Hope.

Thanks to all again, andnow forward to the 10th edition!

2009 St Bees Calendar

Parish Council Chairman’s ReportThe annual report is included in this issue of the magazine (funded by the Council). Wewould urge you to read about all the work done by your representatives over the pastyear, and in particular what may be done next year. Amongst many other things, thecouncil continues to try and get the 20mph limit re-introduced and is opposing theCopeland proposals for a ban on dogs on the beach betweenMayand October.

juliet.rhodes3@virgin.net

185

St Bees Post OfficeMain Street, St BeesNewsagent, groceries,Off-licence, gifts, etc.

Car Tax & Lottery

Tel. (01946) 822343

E Moorhouse & SonSuppliers of St Bees

Red Sandstone

Tel. (01946) 811152

Lynne HallRegistered Childminder

NVQ3 Qualified

St BeesChildcare Vouchers accepted

Tel 01946 820681

From the Registers

Priory Flower Rota

Christian Burial

20 March Mary WinifredWRIGHT Manor Cottage, St Bees9 April John Lawrence Harold WARBRICK 10 Abbotts Way, St Bees

3 Mrs D Brownrigg10 Mrs K Steele17 Mrs J Scurr24 Miss Margaret Mossop31 Mrs G Richardson

May

Alan ArmstrongCarpentry & Joinery

All Joinery Work undertaken

107 Main Street, St BeesTel. (01946) 822107

Mobile 0781 132 4171

Assured Cumbria Pest ControlAll pest and environmental solutions

Certified by theBritish Pest Control Association

Birds, Insects and RodentsDiscreet and efficient service

St Bees (01946) 822415 or0797 2796 003

assuredcumbriapestcontrol@yahoo.co.uk

Egremont Town Band Concert in the Priory

For your diaries:

- This was a most enjoyable concertgiven by talented musicians. Not only were we treated to a wide and varied programmebut also notes on the composers and the music. A generous retiring collection helpedswell the funds of both the Friends and Egremont Band. Unfortunately the proposedQuiz night for early May will be postponed to a date convenient to the main players. Wewill keep you informed through these pages.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on 20 May at 7.00 p.m.N.C.H. and is open to non members. Friends Festival 7 June. Sung Evensong in thePriory.

Friends of the Priory

Obituary of Mary Wright

16 May 1928 to 11 March 2009

Many people in St Bees and West Cumbria were greatly saddened at the sudden death ofMary Wright who passed away peacefully at home, aged 80 years. She was a well-known and much loved figure in the village, who always showed genuine interest andconcern in the joys and sorrows of others, and in the burning social issues of the day. Herindomitable Christian faith, her great strength of character and her mischievous wit andhumour upheld her and her friends through life's adversities.

Her compassion and sensitive understanding of the needs of others supported her workwith the Samaritans. For 25 years she was a listener and confidant, going on to becomeDeputy Director of the Whitehaven Branch. Mary was a committed Christian and aregular worshipper at St Bees Priory, where she was much involved in prayer and studygroups , as well as contributing to choirs and musical events. For more than forty years,she and her late husband Colin supported many and varied organisations locally, fromchoral anddramatic societies to political andsports functions.

Mary was an avid reader and loved English literature and poetry, which she had studiedat Oxford. The power of words fascinated her, whether in drama and poetry or in debateand discussion. One day last summer , a total stranger wandered into her house via theever-open door and was found browsing the stacked bookshelves in the hallway muchtoMary's amusement!

Mary will be remembered by her family and friends for her generous hospitality, herwarm and loving personality and her strength of spirit. She was a remarkable ladypossessing not only good commonsense and humour but also wisdom and knowledge.She will be greatly missed.

East Road GarageEast Road, Egremont

Ford DealersTel. (01946) 820266Fax. (01946) 823980

Julian Needham ABIPPProfessional Photographer

6 Priory Road, St Bees CA27 0HB01946 821993 / 07751 999464

jchimagesltd@tiscali.co.ukFor all your photographic needs

Family & children portraits in your homePrints, Photo books, Framing

Corporate, technical, architectural

617

The Manor HouseMain Street

St BeesHome Cooked meals 7 days a

week, including traditionalSunday Lunch

Tel. (01946) 820587

you don’t have to go outof the area for

Milburns have the

specialistlegal advice

localsolution

Need specialist advice? Get in touch!

25/26 Church StreetWHITEHAVEN01946 694818

www.milburns.org

Complementary TherapiesLocal therapist Carolyn Nixon BSc., MICHT

Relaxing, Rebalancing &Rejuvenating Treatment

Reflexology, Indian HeadMassage, Aromatherapy

0771 9921564 or 01946 821497www.cntherapies.co.uk

Fleatham HouseHigh House Road

Offering the highest standardof accommodation in a

beautiful settingTel. (01946) 822341

Sandwith Village GroupSandwith Village Group has organised a village fun day to be held on Saturday 30 Maybetween 1.30p.m. and6.00p.m. on the Village Green.

Fancy Dress Parade to meet at 12:30 p.m. at the bottom green. Parade will leave thebottom green at 1.00 p.m. All villagers and friends are invited to take part.Bouncy Castle, Obstacle Course, BBQ, Stalls, Tombola, Raffle, Dressed BucketCompetition (please bring your own dressed bucket!) and much more on the VillageGreen from 1.30p.m.!!

- Raffle and tombola prizes gratefully accepted, any offers of help would also beappreciated or donations for the cake stall on the day. (Please contact Hilda (1 GeelongTerrace) or Brenda (Rose Cottage) with any offers)!

PS

Manor House has been closed forrefurbishment but reopened for Easterweekend.

Chuck & Albert will perform at the StBees Village Hall on 16 May at 7.30 pm,providing a healthy serving of comedygarnished with music & dancing. Tickets£6, Seniors £5, Child £3.50 & Family£15.50. Hilarious Canadianduo!

Hospice at Home West Cumbria PlantSale on Saturday 9 May at 11.30a.m.outside Station Garage. Perennials,rockery plants, bedding plants and more!If you miss this opportunity to stock yourgarden, a further Plant Sale will be heldon Monday 25 May at The Old ForgeGosforth, alsoat 11.30a.m.

The family of John Warbrick wouldlike to thank all who sent cards, gifts anduplifting messages during his six-weekillness and also following his subsequentdeath. The love, care and concern weregreatly appreciated and a support to thewhole family during this difficult time.

A Science & Music Evening

Priory Concert

Manor House

presentedby the Dynamic Duo of Chris Robson andHugh Turpin will take place in the VillageHall (Hodgetts) on Friday 8 MayAdmission £3. In aid of Hospice at Home.All most welcome to at tend anentertaining evening !

of Songs and Readingsby the Priory Singers and friends will beon 18 May at 8.00 p.m. Refreshmentsserved. There will be a retiring collectiontowards the Will Alp Memorial Fund andthe First Responders. Do come along andbringa friend.

As one door closes,another opens, or rather reopens! InMarch the Platform 9 Restaurant closed,due to the economic recession, and thatbuilding and business is now up for sale.At the same time The Manor House Hotelwas also advertising for a new manager.Fortunately they have been successful infinding a publican to take over from JimandMaz Fee.

to Greg Short from Egremontandbest wishes on his new business. The

.

-

Welcome

Congratulations

;

to Ian and SophieWrigley of The Barn, High House Road,on the birth of their daughter Emma Jane,a welcome sister for William also toDavid and Rosie Wrigley, formerly of StBees, now at Rosewood, Glencarse, on thebirthof their sonEdwardCharles.

Amnesty InternationalWalk fo r Lif e with Amnes tyInternational !

The West Cumbria group will hold theirAnnual Sponsored Walk on Saturday16 May starting at 10.00 a.m. fromWhitehaven Market Place. To belaunched by MPJamie Reed this year.

The route follows the CumbrianCoastal Way to St. Bees, then back viaSt. Bees valley and Sandwith ( approx.11 miles or 5 miles if you finish at StBees). Transport, if necessary, andrefreshments offered at St BeesLighthouse, then stopping for ourpacked lunches at St Bees Beach carpark.

Do join us and be sponsored or sponsorothers in a great cause.

Forms available from RosalieMcAndrew.

WestCumbria

Grassroots

16

GrassrootsNorman Parkinson

Egremont Craft & Farmers Market

- We are saddenedto have to report that Norman died lastmonth shortly after his move to WhitleyBay to be near his family. Just before hedied, Norman sent a message to themagazine asking that we thank all of hisfriends for their many kindnesses towardshim duringhis many years inSt Bees.

isheld on the first Saturday and the thirdFriday every month, between 9.30 and2.00 p .m., in the Market Hal l .Forthcoming dates 2 and 15 May, 6 and 19June. Come and support local producers!

Over 60’s Coffee Morning will be held 26on Tuesday May from 10.30 am to 12.000noon in the Oddfellows. Bric Brac, CakeStall and Bring& Buy.Admission£1.00.

à

St Bees NSPCC Coffee Morning

The Village in Bloom team

willtake place onWednesday 13 May 2009 inthe Village Hall from 10.30 a.m. - 12.00noon. Admission £1.00, children free.Raffles with lots of prizes and a GroceryHamper, Bring& Buyand Produce Stall!

have begunthe annual floral "make-over" of thev i l l a g e w i t h a p l e a f o r : -volunteers; sponsorship of a tub - £10c o v e r s c o m p o s t & p l a n t s ;garden/allotment owners who would liketo show off their garden/allotment. TheOpen Garden fund raiser is a hugesuccess but we can't do it without willingowners. If you would like to help with any(or all) of the above please contact:-Eileen 822522, Kathie 828020 (daytime)or Enid & Diane in and aroundStonehouse Farm/Garden.

7

Adams Recreation Ground - 120Club

Unfortunately we only had 19 renewalslast year (out of 95 the previous year ) andthe 120 Club draw had to be cancelled.Since last month's announcement we haveonly had a further 2 renewals. The AdamsCommittee has decided to launch a newdraw this year, with the first draw being inApril 2009. Those who renewed last yearwill automatically be re-entered into thenew draw. Many thanks to those peoplefor their continued support. Prizes will be£30 and £10 each month with a bumper£200 and £10prize inDecember.

Please renew your valued membership assoon as possible by sending a cheque orcash to Peter Bromiley, 5 Croft FootSandwith. CA28 9UG The cost is still only£15for twelve draws.

If we do not get the renewals in the nextmonth the draw will have to be cancelledonce and for all and we will loose avaluable source of income.

New members will be most welcome,please send address details to the sameaddress prior to April and you will beentered into the draw.

The Adams Recreation Ground needsyour continued support so that we cancontinue to provide sports facilities for theVillage, and in particular for the St BeesFootball Club.

.Russell and Margaret Atkinson wishto thank all friends and neighbours whowelcomed them to Seamill Lane fromDemesne Farm; also thankyou for prayersand cards for Margaret while in hospitalandafterwards. Much appreciated! We arenow home and welcome anyone whocares tocall this summer.

St Bees Lifeboat News

On Friday 3 April at 15:45hrs the crewwere tasked to a 8.5m motor cruiserwhich had suffered engine failure approx3 miles west of Whitehaven. During thetow a member of the public reported twochildren stranded on the cliffs on SouthHead. Having dropped the boat off atWhitehaven both shore and boat crewmade best speed to the second shout ofthe day. While the shore crew reassuredthe crag-fast couple the boat crew wasable to direct Whitehaven coastguardcliff rescue team to their position. Onewas able to be led off the cliff bycombination of shore crew andcoastguard while the other was winchedtosafetybyhelicopter.

Our new boat Joy Morris MBE hasarrived and is undergoing sea trials withthe crew. Many thanks to all of you whohave made this possible with your fundraising and generous contributions.

Services to date: 4

The St Bees Conservatory Players areholding their final concert on Saturday6th June 2009 at 7.30 p.m. This will beheld in the Methodist Chapel. This istruly our last concert (our players are nowgoing on to university/A level studies)and will consist of three quartets byHaydn, Mozart and Be ethove n.Everybody is welcome, entrance is freeand tea/coffee and biscuits will beavailable after the performance.

St Bees Tennis ClubAnother season, another plea to all those people out there just longing to try their hand attennis. The Club is run, as it has always been, to cater for ALL abilities (and ages) tocome and join in. The season runs from April to September so the membership feeallows for six months of play. Juniors have the chance to join in weekly coachingsessions on Thursdays throughout May, June and July (for an additional small fee);adults can join in Club Nights on Mondays and/or Social Sessions on most Sundayafternoons. If you would like to see if tennis is for you and/or your children, just turn upat the courts in the grounds of St Bees School on any of the above sessions. If you wouldlike to join the Club, either speak to someone around on the courts or call at HamptonHouse (bottom of Village School lane) and speak to NellWalton.Membership fees for 2009: Family £50; Adult £30; Junior/Student £10; Coaching Fee£2 per personper session.

The Club also runs Social Tournaments, weather permitting, and this season aims tohave one in May and one in August. Posters will be around the village and on the courtnotice board nearer the time. For anyone keen and able to play competitive tennis, theClub runs Ladies', Mens' and Mixed teams which play weekly in the West CumbriaLeagues. For more information or any general enquiries please just ask Nell Walton,CaytPostlethwaite or Bridget Rowlands.

Grassroots

15 8

Council membership and support

Meetings

The Members of the Council throughoutlast year were PamArgyle, Neil Bettinson,Grant Gilmour, John Haile, Ian Hill, GusKennedy, Andrew King, Bob Mayow,Doug Millington, Chris Robson, JohnRowlands, Doug Sim, Peter Smith andValTurpin. I thank all for their contribution tothe Council on behalf of the Community.

We're grateful to Joyce Jennings who hasagreed to provide a link to Rottingtonresidents. Many thanks toGeoff Chandlerwho kindly agreed to continue as InternalAuditor. Jackie Warbrick stood down as aVillage School Governor and wastherefore unable to continue to liaise withthe Parish Council on Village Schoolissues. We thank her for her support. TheGovernors invited a Parish Councillor tojoin them and Gus Kennedy accepted therole. Also well- deserved recognition toIan McAndrew who has continued to giveinvaluable support and advice indeveloping and maintaining the ParishForum on the St Bees Website, which hemanages together with Doug Sim. Aresident, Andi McKay took on the role ofcommunity beach cleaning champion butthen had to return to the US. JoyceJennings has subsequently agreed to takeon the taskandwe thank them both.

We held 10 ordinary meetings, plus theannual general meeting and the annual

Contact details of the Councillors can befound on page 7 of this report as well as onNotice boards and the websi te;http://stbees.org.uk/council/index.htm

parish meeting. The ordinary meetingsnormally start at 7.30 pm, and are held inthe Village hall in Finkle Street onMondays. Dates of meetings areadvertised on the notice boards and theVillage Web Site. All are welcome toattend; there is a slot on the agenda forpublic participation at each ordinarymeeting.

The Minutes of the Council are publishedon the Village Web Site and the noticeboards. For further details please contactthe Clerk (see appendix). Reports areregularly included in the St Bees ParishNews.

Concerns about anti-social behaviourfocused on the Seacote Hotel reportedlast year are not a current issue since re-opening of the hotel under newmanagement. Problems with 'boy racers'on the Main Beach car park havediminished following the installation ofCCTV cameras as a deterrent and also asan aid to gathering evidence for policeaction. The cameras were installed as apartnership between the Parish Counciland Copeland BC; we will contribute tothe maintenance of the cameras.

The message from last year is stillrelevant; villagers are encouraged alwaysto call the police (0845 33 00 247 for non-emergencies) when anti-social incidentsoccur and have incidents investigated andlogged.

We have asked Copeland to step up theenforcement checks due to the continuing

Main Issues

Anti-social behaviour

St Bees Parish Council

Chairman's report for year May 2008 to April 2009

Rottington Noticeboard Residents ofRottington will soon see the newnoticeboard being installed. This will beused to display parish council agendasand minutes and posters for local events.Joyce Jennings has volunteered to lookafter the board on behalf of the ParishCouncil.

Parish Council NewsDigital Switchover

Those in St Bees who currently receive their TV signal from the St Bees relaytransmitter will switch to digital from 24 June this year. Those homes which wereinvolved in the switchover in 2007 and receive their digital signalthrough an aerial will need to retune their sets at this time. It is notnecessary to buy a new TV or aerial to receive the digital signalbut it is important to be prepared and find out about the freeviewboxes that are available.

The Parish Council has arranged for a representative from DigitalUK to come and explain what the switchover will entail at apublic meetingon

There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions and to findout about the help that is available. Do come and make sure youare prepared for the switchover.

TUESDAY 19 MAY at 7.00 p.m. in the Village Hall.

St Bees Common - The Parish Councilhas begun work on a campaign to improvethe state of the common land within theparish. A team of volunteers led by DougSim has recentlyplanted nearly 100 nativetrees at St Bees Common. This is just thefirst stage of the plan any offers of helpwith future work would be gratefullyreceived. Contact the Clerk or Doug Sim.

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problems of dog fouling. This wasreinforced by an entry in the St Beesmagazine asking for help in identifyingthe irresponsible minority

The PC continued to encourage Capitaand CCC to seek solutions to the floodingproblems suffered most recently in July of2006. As promised at the time, Capitacommissioned a detailed drainage studyas a basis for any future action. This studywas far more difficult thanexpecteddue tothe number of bends, profile changes andthe lack of inspection access points. Aparticular problem in Main St will berectified next financial year and Capitaseek funding to provide access points.The advice of the Capita HighwaysEngineer is that the drainage system isVictorian and is already inadequate tomeet peakdemands.

Thankfully with the re-grassing of theupland fields, we have not had significantflooding since July 2006. There has beenno progress with promised improvementsto the road drainage system and we willmaintain our pressure on the HighwaysDept to complete them.

The Whitehaven roadsuffered from heavyflooding and following pressure from thePC drainage works have been completedwhich should prevent recurrence.

The Council considered 27 planningapplications during the year with asign if ican t reduct ion sinc e newregulations came into force not requiringp lann ing pe rm iss ion fo r mi norextensions. The most significant newapplication was that for Eaglesfield. In

Flooding

Planning

co-operation with local residents wesought and got agreement to severalchanges to all requested amendments. Inspite of refusal of the application fordevelopment of the grounds at FleathamHouse the application was allowed onappeal. Stringent conditions wereapplied and we will be watching closelyto ensure they are adhered to. In additionwe considered 3 applications forvariations to tree preservationorders.

The Parish Council continued theagreement with Copeland to fund theStation car park to allow the parking to befree for 2008/09.

Although the public car parkand footpathhave not yet been completed we haveagreed with Storys to take futurer es pons ib i l i ty fo r bo th . Theconveyancing work is in hand andconstruction is in progress. Storys nowhope to do the works byMay (09).

We now have a licence to formally allownecessary access along the track to MoorClose at the southside of the Outrigg roadeast of Fairladies Farm), to maintain thecommon land there. The track has beenformally designatedas a footpath.

Green Lonning has now been officiallydesignated as a bridleway allowing usaccess for maintenance of St BeesCommon.

Councillors recently planted almost 100native trees onSt Bees Common.

Car parking

Fairladies estate car park and footpath

CommonLand

Peter Smith, Chairman

Doug Sim, Vice-Chair

Pamela Argyle

Neil Bettinson

Grant Gilmour

John Haile

Ian Hill

Gus Kennedy

Andrew King

Bob Mayow

Doug Millington

Chris Robson

John Rowlands

Val Turpin

Jane Donaldson, (Clerk)

Kenmore, Seamill Lane,

St Bees CA27 0BD 822489

31 Main St., St Bees CA27 0AA 824898

34 Main St, St Bees, CA27 0AA 825441

22 Main St., St Bees CA27 0AA 823997

Grenville, 47 The Crofts,

St Bees CA27 0BH 822677

Fleetholme, High House Rd.,

St Bees, CA27 0BY 822463

18 Fairladies, St Bees CA27 0AR 823305

4 Finkle St., St Bees CA27 0BN 824109

Culloden, Abbey Rd,

St Bees, CA27 0EG 823750

Gladstone Cottage, 83 Main St.,

St Bees CA27 0AD 822580

Seaview House, Seamill Lane,

St Bees CA27 0BD 822588

Fern Bank, High House Rd.,

St Bees CA27 0BZ 822468

21 Main St., St Bees CA27 0AA 823352

Seasprays, Seamill Lane,

St Bees CA27 0BD 823772

East House, Coulderton,Egremont, CA22 2URe-mail pc_clerk@stbees.org.uk 822560

Councillors' addresses & contact details

1013

Tourism andHeritage

Footpaths

BeachAreas

Information boards have been designedfor passengers at the station platform.Northern Rail has agreed to erect them.We alsohave a new board for the site at thePost Office.

The partnership created with CCC toimprove management of footpathscontinued to prove a successful basis forrepairs and replacement works. TheParish Walks leaflets are now available todownloadfrom the St Bees website.

The Seamill Lane footpath has beenimproved by Bob Mayow and a group ofvolunteers withhelp from CCC.

We purchased new gates for the DandyWalk path.

The route of the Wood Lane footpath onthe Definitive Map is incorrectly shown.The Council is collecting evidence to havethe Map amended.

The County Council have done a lot ofpath work along Thorney Beck (creatingpotential for a circular walkvia RottingtonHall andByerstead Road)

Progress is at last being made on theBirkham Quarry diversion and we'repleased that a coastal route has beenchosen (previous proposals all wentinland).

We had drafted byelaws to regulate thebehaviour of drivers of power craft andmotorised vehicles on the beach for thesafety of beach and sea users. In late 2006we accepted the advice of Police,Copeland Legal and Councillors to usesignage instead. Copeland undertook to

progress this on our behalf andcommitted to have the signs available forthe summer of 2008. The prices for thepreferred scheme exceeded availablefunds and a revised scheme is underconsideration for implementation during2009.

CBC is hoping to apply for Quality CoastAwards for several beaches including StBees and the PC is working with them toprogress an application.

A number of major initiatives saw asignificant reduction in beach litter; thecouncil supported a charity clean up atSeamill for the Rungwe link. We thenarranged a number of visits by theProbation Service to clear RottingtonBeck, the beach below Tomlin and therest of the beach to Seamill. A group ofvolunteers then cleaned Fleswick,supplemented in Autumn by a clean-uporganised by the Maritime ConservationSociety.

In 2006 there was a small team who led ayouth group, principally in organisingdiscos, supported financially by the PC.Unfortunately this ended as thoserunning it stood down due to othercommitments. The PC would encouragevolunteers willing to restart this excellentinitiative.

The PC and Church were looking at aproposal to create a bike track but thisrequired the support of parents anddisappoint ingly the scheme wasabandoneddue to lack of support.

Copeland BC were contracted to replacedefective swings in the play area on theVillage School grounds. New swings are

Young people

Next year

Our activities will continue to align to themain priorities of the Parish Plan. We willsubmit the already prepared evidence insupport of our application for 'QualityParish' status which should allow a muchgreater influence by the Council on thelocal authorities.

The Parish Council do not accept thereduction in speed limit, believing thelower limit to be an important contributorto road safety. We will continue to fightfor the re-introduction of an enforceable20 mphlimit.

Following the recent announcement ofplans to create a nuclear power station inthe area we will seek to ensure we arerepresented on the liaison committee andensure the quality of life for St Bees is notharmed as a result, particularly during theconstructionphase.

We hope to improve the vil lageenvironment by continuing a long-termplan of tree-planting starting with thecommon land areas. In addition we willsupport proposed path improvements inthe environs of the Priory.

We intend to improve communicationswithour Rottingtonresidents by erecting anotice board.

We expect to take ownership of a car parkandfootpath from Fairladies.

We will continue to be involved in anydevelopments of proposals for 'LocalityWorking'.

We intend to co-ordinate a meeting toassist in the second phase of the digitalswitchover.

Copeland Council has consulted us onintroducing dog control orders. Whilemost of the proposals are notcontroversial they propose banning alldogs on the beach through the workingday from May to October each year. Wefeel this unreasonable in removing asignificant amenity from a majority ofresponsible dog owners for lack ofenforcement of the irresponsible few andwill oppose the proposal.

If you want to help with the work of theCouncil for the benefit of the localcommunity volunteers can help withvarious aspects of the work of thecouncil. You can also put yourselfforward to become a Councillor. If youwould like to help please contact theClerkor anyCouncillor.

Peter SmithChairman

St Bees Parish Council14 April 2009

11 12

now installed and the remaining workswill be completedshortly.

Arrangements have been made for theVillage School pupils to maintain theplanters at the play area.

One plot was not being maintained so thetenancy was terminated and the plot hasbeen re-allocated. Currently allallotments are let and are being tended.There is a small waiting list for plots.

The grass cutting arrangements weresuspended during the summer. Followingc ompe t i t i ve te nder a c t ion ne warrangements are inplace for 2009.

A seat replacement and refurbishmentprogramme is underway.

The Council vigorously opposed aproposal to increase the speed limit to30mph. Following legal advice theCounty Council voted reluctantly that the20mph speed limit was unenforceablewithout additional speed calmingmeasures which they couldnot afford.

The external audit of the Council accountsfor 2007/08 gave anunqualifiedopinion.

We have developed the evidence to allowus to apply to become a Quality Council,seen as a necessary step for greaterrecognition by the service providingcouncils (CBC & CCC).

The Council approved a complaintsprocedure and registered under the DataProtectionAct.

Allotments

Grass Cutting

Seats

Traffic calming

Governance

We have been involved in proposals fordelegating power more locally, termed'LocalityWorking'. This would involve anumber of parishes being associated witha 'service centre' (from where serviceswould be provided). The service centrefor St Bees would be Egremont.

We provided support to Sandwithresidents who were seeking to form aParishCouncil.

Yet another successful year by the smallha rd work ing te am with manycompliments for the new lamp-postbaskets and hayracks and an article onvillage life in Cumbria LifeAug - Sept 09.

The annual find raising event at TheDome on Seacroft Drive was a realsuccess with all the traditional stalls &some new and popular challenges. Anenjoyable musical interlude was arrangedby Hugh Turpin with the Priory Singers.Donald Brownrigg displayed some of hisold postcards & gave very informativetalks throughout the afternoon. In spiteof the weather the faithful supportershelped to raise £450.

Many thanks for continuing financialsupport with donations from residents,training providers from the ManagementCentre and the Parish Council. Spendswere £1280, with receipts of £1450including £500 from the Parish Council.

As ever the more helpers the less workfalls on the few. All offers of help wouldbe warmly appreciated.

Support has been continued to variouslocal support and amenity groups such asVillage in Bloom. The Parish Council

Village In Bloom

Donations

provided a new playhouse for the Parent & Toddler Group , a memorial plaque for thePriory, contributed to the History Group projector, contributed to the lifeboat appeal,andsupported the Friends of the Priory, Village Hall Committee and Garden Society.

Income was again higher than budget but much of this was due to additional reimbursedexpenses. One major expense still outstanding is the installation of the swings in theplaypark further increasing our reserves. Although there are a number of costsbudgeted for 2009/10 we did not increase the precept as we decided to utilise some ofour reserves. The following summary of income and expenses is based on un-auditedfigures:

Finances