St Bees Magazine February 2014.indd

St Bees Priory Church
The Ministry Team
Vicar
The Revd Clifford Swartz (01946 822279)
Retired Clergy with the Bishop’s Permission to Officiate:
The Revd David Cox (01946) 821601
The Revd Canon Dr Trevor Park (01946) 821799
Lay Readers
Chris & Charm Robson (01946) 822468
Services
Sundays
9.00 a.m.
10.30 a.m.
6.00 p.m.
Holy Communion
(1st, 3rd & 5th - 1662)
Family Service
Evening Prayer (1st - Evensong; 3rd Holy Communion)
See Calendar for details of Family Services and Evening Prayer
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
be arranged well in advance with the Vicar.
Magazine production & distribution
This magazine is free but production costs are about 40p per copy. Contributions from the
Parish Council and our advertisers, to whom we are most grateful, pay much of the costs.
However this leaves the balance to be paid by the PCC. 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 G Burgess, 7 Abbey Farm, St Bees, CA27 0DY.
DTP & Final Editing - Ian McAndrew
Printed by Printpoint (01946) 64305
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Edie Butler (nee Jackson) – Obituary 1921 – 2013
Edie is remembered in St Bees parish with much affection by many villagers and
friends. She was a loyal and hardworking lady whose life was devoted to family,
church and community. She was the last of 11 children born in a farming family in
Rottington, who learnt practical skills from an early age and who thought nothing
of walking to St Bees or Sandwith daily for shopping or schooling. She spent her
life in St Bees and was involved in many organisations – dedicated to serving at
the Priory, in the Over 60s Club, Priory Fellowship and on the Garden Society
Committee.
She was always a busy and loving homemaker, supporting her family and the
community. Edie was well-known in the village – renowned for her superb
Cumbrian baking, such as apple pies, gingerbread and rum butter. In her honour the
Garden Society awards annually the Edie Butler Trophy for Handicrafts at the St
Bees & District Flower Show. Edie always gave generously of her time and talents
and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Deepest sympathy is extended to her large family and her many nephews and nieces
and grandsons.
Special Thanks to all our Magazine distributors in the parish who regularly and
promptly deliver your magazine - a real community service and much appreciated.
Many thanks also to Mary Branford and Pat Crichton for their beautiful flower
arrangements in the Priory and to Mary for organising the rota.
Sincere Sympathy is extended to the family and friends mourning the loss of Celia
Bromiley who died suddenly at home in December. She was a dear friend and
neighbour to many villagers and a faithful worshipper at the Priory until recent
years. Much loved and sadly missed. We keep her son Peter and his wife Sarah in
our thoughts.
Priory Churchyard Paths Resurfacing work by Toman Paving will start in early
February on three paths which are dangerous and slippery due to eroded gravel and
tarmac. The main path behind the Vicarage & Priory Close wall will be resurfaced;
then a new path north to the newly reopened burial area will be laid, to stabilise
the slope; and the third path from the lychgate up to the sundial will be relaid.
Access may be difficult, so please take care. Despite the costs(£12,500), our
Church Council is determined to keep the churchyard open for the Parish and wellmaintained. Donations towards this costs are still welcome! Treasurer - Dr Geoff
Burgess, 7 Abbey Farm, St Bees. Alternatively you may donate by credit or debit card
Cover photo - Wal Haywood. Any walkers would not have had to walk far to “dip their
boots in the sea” before setting off! (High tide, 3rd January).
via Just Giving by texting STBP11 followed by amount to 70070. (e.g. STBP11 £10 70070)
or on-line by going to http://justgiving.com/stbeespriory
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Calendar for February
2
3
7
8
Sunday
Monday
Friday
Saturday
9
11
Sunday
Tuesday
16
17
23
Sunday
Monday
Sunday
10.30 a.m.
7.30 p.m.
6.30 to 8.00 p.m.
8.00 to 9.30 a.m.
All day
10.30 a.m.
7.30 p.m.
10.30 a.m.
7.00 p.m.
10.30 a.m.
3.00 p.m.
26 Wednesday 7.00 p.m.
28 Friday
7.30 to 8.45 p.m.
6.30 p.m.
March
2
Sunday
10.30 a.m.
6.00 p.m.
5
Wednesday 12.00 noon
7.30 p.m.
Holy Communion
PCC Meeting, NCH
Youth Meeting - Friday Night Thing, Vicarage
Men’s Breakfast, Vicarage
Diocesan Bell Ringers Training Day, Priory
Morning Prayer
History Group lecture, Management Centre
Tom Rice on Edmund Grindal
Holy Communion
Parish Council Meeting, Village Hall
Family Service
Elias String Quartet, Memorial Hall
Friends Committee meeting, NCH
Youth Meeting - Bible Study
VSA Bingo Evening, Village School
Confirmation Service
Choral Evensong
St Bees School Service, Priory
Ash Wednesday Holy Communion, Priory
Evening Services
2nd Evensong
9th Evening Prayer
16th Holy Communion 23rd Evening Prayer
Discipleship Explored meetings, Vicarage on 2, 9, 23 February; 16, 23, 30 March
Contact vicar@stbeespriory.org.uk / 822279
Claiming Dates
Soroptimists Whitehaven & District Pancake Party Tuesday 4 March 11.00 - 1.30 NCH.
Lent Lunches in March and April will start on Saturday 15th March in New College Hall.
Phantom bin filler.
The wayside litter bin at Fairladies is being filled with quantities and types of rubbish
which would normally be in a domestic bin, and is now frequently overflowing. If there is
a problem with disposal could the phantom please get in touch with Copeland BC or the
Parish council to see if we can help solve the problem.
Parish Council
MarchEditor
The March 2014 issue of St Bees News will be edited by Anthony Payne, Croeso, 83
Main Street, St Bees, who would appreciate all contributions not later than Saturday
8 February please. Email: payne.croeso@btinternet.com Tel. 01946 822637.
- 20 -
St Bees News
February 2014
Ordinary Time
Is there a stage in your life when you would say you grew spiritually? When was that? Is
it happening now?
After the treaty had been made...Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there
he called on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. And Abraham stayed in the land of
the Philistines for a long time. (Gen 21:33-35)
The kids are grown, the career is wrapped up, the pension is steady. That was the
experience of Abraham at the end of Genesis 21. The two sentences above summarise ten
years of his life. Finishing his career with a last business deal gave him prosperity and
security. He bought a retirement house and got interested in gardening, but that’s not all.
Abraham’s experience asks us how we are preparing for what is ahead, whatever our stage
of life. He faced his greatest trial as an older man - and he was ready for it. He used his
time apart from his work well.
The next chapter of Genesis describes a week for Abraham starting at home, and ending
at home with the family around him - but in the middle of the week, he faced the greatest
crisis of his life. All the resources of his life with God - the years of trusting God, the
faith attended to year after year - readied him for those days of testing.
You can read Genesis 22 about God testing Abraham. Why does God test? The Bible
tells us one reason is this: the LORD tests his people to teach them (Dt 8.16) “to humble
you...to do you good in the end.” How did Abraham grow spiritually during the ordinary
periods of life? No specifics, but we can be sure that he attended to his relationship with
the LORD. We have a hint -- under that tree it is said that Abraham called on the name
of the LORD - this is the Bible’s shorthand for dedicating himself to God’s Word and to
worshipping the LORD.
As a result of using his time well, when the testing came, Abraham was in a spiritual state
to hear the LORD. Moreover, Abraham was spiritually ready to obey.
With a late Easter like this year, there is a stretch between Epiphany and Lent called
Ordinary Time. Just like it says on the tin, there is nothing special going on in Ordinary
Time. Yet that is just the time in life when God can grow us in the depth of our
commitment to Him, readying us for the joys and trials ahead. In our parish, adults of all
ages will use Ordinary Time to explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. A
disciple is a learner, and everyone is on the same level in that respect -- everyone who
follows Jesus still has the L plates!
There are six Sunday evening discussions on “Discipleship Explored” over wine & cheese
at the vicarage (2, 9, 23 Feb; 16, 23, 30 Mar). This also functions as adult preparation
for confirmation when the Lord Bishop of Carlisle comes in March (and I am happy to
also prepare young people separately.) Give me a ring (822279) or a message (vicar@
stbeespriory.org) to let me know of your interest.
Warmly in Christ,
Clifford Swartz
-1-
Priory News
St Bees School News
The Christingle and The Nativity Play were both well-attended and, although separate
events this time, were very happy and festive occasions. Special thanks must go to all
involved – the children and their families, the Village Orchestra with Jackie Walker and
Frank Bowler, also the Christingle team and the bakers of tasty delights! We raised £152
for the Children’s Society and £40 for the Sunday School charities. Thankyou, one and all,
for your support.
The Carol-Singers & Pubs Collections raised an excellent total of £436 - carolling our
way round the village and invading the Seacote Hotel and the Lifeboat Station on the
first evening, and various pubs in Main Street on the second. Many thanks to our singers,
collectors and musician Neil and all contributors. The carollers much appreciated the
mulled wine and delicious treats provided by our hosts – Jane King & family, and the
Oldham family. Sincere thanks for your hospitality. The proceeds were shared between
Shelter for the Homeless and Wasdale Mountain Rescue – for those lost in the cities and
those lost on the mountains.
Christmas Gifts under the Priory Christmas Tree Thank you to everyone for such
generous presents to our senior St Beghians in care or in hospital. They were all delighted
to be remembered.
Greetings are sent from Elma Gauld now in Wyndham Court at Cleator Moor to her
friends in Seamill Lane; from Barbara Ross to folks on the Beach estate; and from David
Ellison to friends in St Bees. Best Wishes and many thanks come also from Betty Quigley
and Geoff Bie both in care in Emmaus House at Moresby Parks.
Thanks go to John & David Kennedy for their fantastic feat of hoisting the Illuminated
Cross onto the Priory Belltower – a wonderful beacon shining out across the village
despite the ferocious gales! Thanks also to Dougie Sim for floodlighting the Priory so
effectively for the festive season.
Ash Wednesday Holy Communion will be held on Wednesday 5th March at 7.30 p.m. in
the Priory.
The St Bees School service will be at 12 noon in the Priory. (Later this year as Easter is
on 20th April).
Lent Lunches in March and April will start on Saturday 15th March in New College Hall.
The Priory Pop-In Centre teams will run the show, and others wishing to help, please
contact Sally Kennedy on 822297.
Christian Youth Meetings “Friday Night Thing” will start on Friday 7th February, 6.30
to 8.00 p.m. Bible Study evening will follow on Friday 28 February, from 7.30 to 8.45 p.m.
All teens welcome.
Men’s Breakfast meeting will happen on Saturday, 8th February from 8.00 to 9.30 p.m.
Bacon & Bible for the blokes at the Vicarage!
Flower Rota this month is Flower Fund. Thanks to Mary Branford for her organisation.
St Bees School Ladies Choir perform at St. Paul’s Cathedral
On Monday, 13 January, “Gaudeamus”, the St Bees School Ladies choir had the
prestigious pleasure of being invited to sing Choral Evensong in the world famous
St. Paul’s Cathedral. They were originally invited as guest choir last April but their
appearance was unfortunately postponed due to Baroness Thatcher’s funeral service.
After their initial disappointment, the day was rescheduled and the 24-member strong
choir sang the evening service to a large congregation of London tourists, current parents
and 50 Old St Beghians who attended the service in support of their old school. The
Ladies were also buoyed by members of the boys’ choir, Laudeamus, who were also in
attendance.
The Choir was directed by the School’s Director of Vocal and Choral Studies, Mrs Margie
Simper, and the School’s Headmaster Mr James Davies was the organ accompanist. A
supporter in the congregation said, “I would like to say how much I enjoyed the occasion.
In addition, I would like to congratulate Gaudeamus for their performance as they were
note perfect.”
Entrance Exams for Year 7 Entry 2014:
Don’t worry if you were unable to make our Entrance Exams on Saturday 18 January, as
we are still accepting registration forms. If you are interested in sending your child to St
Bees School, or would like to make an appointment to tour the school, please contact the
Admissions Office on 01946 828 010 or email admissions@st-bees-school.co.uk
Forthcoming Events:
Elias String Quartet performing Beethoven’s Quartets in C minor Op.18 No.4, E flat
major Op.74 (The Harp) and B flat major Op.130 (with the Op.133 Grosse Fuge). Sunday
23 February at 3.00pm in the Memorial Hall. Tickets are on sale from Rosehill Theatre
Box Office, 01946 692422. Pre-recital lunch at School - £20 - at 1.30 pm.
St Bees School Open Week, 3 – 7 March, 10.00 a.m. – 3.00 p.m. Drop in and see the
school in action and tour our outstanding facilities.
Keep up-to-date on forthcoming events by visiting and liking our Facebook page, www.
facebook.com/stbeesschool
-2-
Beach Cleaners
The storms around the turn of the year produced spectacular waves along the beach, and
equally spectacular piles of debris on the beach, promenade and grassed areas. They also
caused considerable damage which is yet to be fixed.
However much of the mess at the Main Beach has been cleared up thanks to the efforts of
Reuben McAvoy and family who organised the big clean up by arranging, along with the
Kerrush & Lee families, for volunteers from the caravan site and elsewhere to undertake
the big clean-ups. Tom Milburn provided the materials to help with the task and Hartley’s
Beach Cafe provided the volunteers with hot drinks to help keep them going. Many thanks
to all the adults and children who helped organise and carry out this great community
effort.
- 19 -
Oddfellows Arms
D S Decorating
92 Main Street
St Bees
Painting & Decorating
Ceramic Floor & Wall Tiling
Sunday Lunches - 12 - 4.00
Steak night - Thursday
Small parties by arrangement
01946 822908 / 07907 290 543
Free, no obligation, quotes and advice
shutt.daniel@yahoo.co.uk
www.dsdecorating.net
Tel. (01946) 822317
Syke House
Boarding Kennels
The Manor House
Main Street, St Bees
Home cooked meals daily
Special value lunches Monday-Thursday
Steak night Friday and Saturday
Carvery lunch Sunday 12-4
Parties catered for and welcome.
Tel. (01946) 820587
Manor.house2011@gmail.com
St Bees
Tel. (01946) 820489
Plenty of hugs and walks
while in our care!
The Albert Hotel
Open 9AM to 3.30 PM
High Class Family Butcher
Refreshments and meals
served daily
Shop stocks a wide range of
groceries and other goods
And of course the full range
Finest quality meat
Pork sausage a specialty
01946 822151
of our famous ice creams
East Road Garage
Dawn Mills
Registered Homeopath,
Bowen & Sports Therapist
22 years in practice - Now in St Bees
Natural dynamic approaches to health
For information or an appointment
Tel:01946 825121 or 07832 219 400
www.dawnmillshomeopath.com
East Road, Egremont
Ford Dealers
Tel. (01946) 820266
Fax. (01946) 823980
www.eastroadgarage.co.uk
Café and Restaurant
Seaview Nurseries,
Nethertown by Egremont
Tel 01946 823324
Refreshments & excellent food
Meals or snacks
01946 591384
PLANNING-DESIGN-INSTALLATION
www. WEST COAST COMPOSTING .co.uk
Varied menu including home-made
pies, chips, burgers and cakes
All day breakfasts
Sandwich bar
R Napier & Son
14 St Bridget’s Lane, Egremont
Good Companions
1 Finkle Street, St Bees
Free House
B&B Accommodation available
Home made Sunday Lunches & Evening
Meal
Small Parties welcome
Dining Room always open
01946 822345
Golden Lion Café
Market Place
Hartleys
Beach Shop and Café
LOCAL
COMPOST & TOP SOIL
FOR SALE
BULK : DUMPY BAGS : SMALL BAGS
DELIVERY AVAILABLE
CONTACT 0779511 3434 or 01946 823706
WILSON PIT YARD, WILSON PIT ROAD
WHITEHAVEN CA28 9QJ
- 18 -
A family business where quality and customer satisfaction
is paramount.
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU !
Showroom opening times;
MONDAY-FRIDAY, 9-5:SATURDAY, 9-4
5a Sneckyeat Industrial Estate,Whitehaven. CA28 8PF
-3-
From the Organ Loft
St Bees Parish Council News
A note to thank all the musicians, both singers and instrumentalists, who contributed so
much in the lead up to and over the festive season.
Jackie Walker and her players entertained the Nativity play audience with a wonderful
programme of music both before and after the production. Their playing was much
appreciated by everyone. Congratulations also to all the soloists for their contributions.
The Advent Carol service marked the start of the choir’s celebrations, followed by the
service “Light up a Light” for Hospice at Home West Cumbria. The service of Nine
Lessons and Carols presented some very challenging music and how many of you can
sing in Welsh? Many thanks to Mr. James Davies for his inspired accompaniments and to
former members of the choir who returned to sing and join in the fun.
Many thanks also to all those who turned out “in the bleak midwinter” to sing carols
round the village and to those who sang in the rather warmer environs of the Seacote hotel
– it was much appreciated.
Behind the scenes, a special word of thanks to Maureen Barratt for her sterling work as
Mistress of the Robes and also as e-mailer in chief when Sir needed extra practices.
We hope that you will join us for Choral Evensong, with the Archdeacon presiding, on
Coastal storm damage update - There has been a large amount of damage at the beach due
to the storms over the New Year.
At the Seacote end, a large hole appeared behind the concrete promenade caused by the
huge amount of water going down Rottington beck, which had scoured underneath the
sheet piling. Copeland BC had been aware of this possibility, and a design done and
contract placed in December; but the weather is no respecter of these things. Remedial
work will commence in the early spring. Despite worries, the foot bridge is OK, but a
huge amount of debris was deposited in Rottington beck, on grassed areas and paths and
in the lifeboat shed as water surged around the Wainwright wall and up the slope. The
aftermath looked terrible. However, a valiant team of 20 volunteers from the caravan site
took the initiative and performed a herculean task, clearing a huge amount of weed and
plastic debris from the grassed areas and bagging it up for collection by CBC.
At the Seamill end, the north end of the golf course cliffs has been severely undermined
and large parts eroded, so the footpath has also gone and is encroaching on the tee. In
the short term the footpath is closed, but it is hoped that through negotiations with the
landowners, a solution can be found for this permissive footpath. The last remnants of the
old saltpan have been destroyed and only the pan drain pipe is left, and the concrete sea
walls built by prisoners of war are now fully revealed. The concrete bridge, which was
built by the Lowther Estates in the 1930’s and collapsed some years ago, has not been
further damaged, but the north footpath ramp has been moved so there is a gap. Pow beck
itself has been blocked by a shingle bar, creating a lake. The Environment Agency used to
dig this out, but is no longer routinely done as it is regarded as human interference with a
natural process.
The parish council car park at the Seamill end is largely intact, though a thick layer of
layer of fine shingle and heavier debris meant the car park had to be closed. It may be
open by the time you read this. The rock armour held, but many stone baskets (gabions)
have literally been exploded by the force of the waves. The parish council is prompting
the coastal defence authority to look at repairing this sea wall. It is classified as a “hold the
line” section for coastal protection purposes. The dwellings there escaped inundation or
damage, but gardens and surrounds have been eroded or covered with debris.
A once in 40-50 years occurrence perhaps, but as one former resident of the longdemolished Sea Mill said while watching the high tide surge onto the car park, “I can well
remember the kitchen flooding”, so it has been this high before.
2 March and at our concert of music for Holy Week (Date TBA).
From the Priory Registers
Frank Bowler
Christian Funeral
22 November
30 December
Edith (Edie) Butler
Cecilia (Celia) Bromiley
3 Grindal Place, St Bees
7 Abbotts Way, St Bees
Baptism Anniversaries in February
Alister Wilson
Neil Carter
Oliver Fearon
May God’s blessing be on you all and your families.
Thomas West
Methodist News
Now that the Whitehaven Methodist Circuit is down to a single minister (Revd Philip
Peacock), since the move of Rev Gerry Wilson to pastures new in September, all churches
in the circuit are having to do more joint services or local arrangements in order to have a
service every Sunday. For St Bees, we will be sharing some key services with Methodists
in Egremont, and joining in with them at ‘The Meeting Room’, the recently-refurbished
Egremont Methodist Church. The first of these was our annual Covenant Service at the
start of January, which was a lovely time of sharing together.
However, although the preaching plan notes that we will be sharing a service every month
this is not the case, and the congregation will be joining to produce a local arrangement
service on these occasions. So the preachers at St Bees Methodist Church for the next
month will be as follows:2nd February Local Arrangement (Michael & Christina Banks)
9th February David Andrews
16th February Mrs Rosalind Amey
23rd February Local Arrangement
2nd March Local Arrangement
All services are at 11 a.m. and we would love to see you there.
-4-
First World War – 100 year commemoration of the start.
The parish council is considering if and how we should mark the start of the First World
War. 26 Village men, and 184 former staff and pupils of St Bees School died in that
terrible conflict – which may have left a greater mark on communities than the Second
War. It is hoped to have co-ordinated commemoration between the churches, community
and the two schools, and a number of ideas have been put forward already. If you have
any suggestions or think there is something that we particularly should do, then
please contact Bob Jopling on 824620 or email on bobandthelmaj5@googlemail.
com
- 17 -
Beavers & Cubs
In December, Beavers and Cubs had a joint Christmas party. It was a great evening with
two mad scientists providing the entertainment. Two beavers moved up to cubs and there
was very loud cheering as they ceremonially swam up the river and changed into their
new tops emerging as cubs at the other end.
I had great pleasure in presenting four of our beavers with the Chief Scout’s “Bronze
Award”, the highest award a beaver can achieve. After the break for Christmas, we
opened up the new year with a health and fitness meeting where we talked about the
importance of diet and exercise, did some exercises, monitored our heart rates and made
some great fruit kebabs. We’re all looking forward to a great new year.
February Timetable - Week commencing
Beavers
Cubs
3
Experiments
Pets at Home *
10
Baden Powell’s Birthday
Show and Tell
17
HALF TERM
24
St David’s Day
Whitehaven Archives *
March
3
Health& Fitness
The Night Sky
*
Scouts
Street Orienteering
Night Hike *
Fire Station Part 1 *
Fire Station Part 2 *
Details, including meeting times if they differ from the norm, will be advised closer to the
time
Sarah Servant
The
Barber Shop
38 James Street, Whitehaven
Graham R Wood,
C.Eng. M.I.StructE
Have a structural problem?
Looking to extend?
Surveys, Drawings, Calculations,
Submissions for Planning and/or
Building Control
For a free initial consultation contact
01946822446 or 07881821668
&
18 Jane Street, Workington
Appointments for home visits, and after
hours in the shop, from 7.00 am to 9.00 pm
Appointments not necessary during shop
times
Contact us on 01946 590783
http://www.barbersshopwhitehaven.co.uk/
St Bees Joinery
Stonehouse Farm
Quality joinery undertaken by a skilled
local craftsman with many years’
experience
Call Alan Armstrong for a free estimate
Tel. 01946 861450 or 07811 324171
Friendly family run B&B located in a large
modernised Georgian farmhouse in the
centre of St Bees
Email – alan@stbeesjoinery.co.uk
csmith@stonehousefarm.net
www.stbeesjoinery.co.uk
www.stonehousefarm.net
Tel. 01946 822224
Complementary Therapies
For Families and Business
Conveyancing
Matrimonial
Wills & Probate
Personal Injury
Employment
Local therapist Carolyn Nixon BSc., MICHT
Relaxing, Rebalancing &
Rejuvenating Treatments
Reflexology, Aromatherapy
Indian Head Massage
St Bees School
0771 9921564 or 01946 821497
Examination Invigilators
www.cntherapies.co.uk
We seek to recruit three Examination Invigilators for the summer assessment period
in May and June 2014, to work with the existing team in the running of GCSE and A
level examinations. The post would be ideally suited to applicants who feel a sense of
responsibility for today’s young people and who are able to work flexible daytime hours.
No experience is necessary and full training will be provided.
Application forms and further details are available via the school website or by contacting
the Examinations Officer at the School on 01946 828002 or exams@st-bees-school.co.uk.
St Bees School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and
applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post,
including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No. 1129534
www.st-bees-school.org
- 16 -
Clifford Court,
4 Main Street
Cooper Way, Parkhouse,
Cockermouth
Carlisle CA3 0JG
Ca13 9LQ
01228 888999
01900 820800
www.bpkcumbria.co.uk
Email: reception@bpkcumbria.co.uk
BANKS WILSON CATERING
“rising to the occasion”
Pie & Pea Suppers, Buffets
Corporate Hospitality, Funeral Teas
Call 01946 599533 or visit our shop (just above the hospital)
PIES & MORE, Sneckyeat Industrial Estate, Hensingham.
jimbarwise@aol.com
www.bankswilsonpies.co.uk
-5-
you don’t have to go
out
of the area for
specialist
legal advice
Milburns have the
local solution
25/26 Church Street
WHITEHAVEN
01946 694818
www.milburns.org
Fairladies Barn Guest House
Main Street, St Bees
Family run Guest House
Fully Licenced
Headlands Restaurant
Beer Garden to the rear
Small parties catered for by
arrangement
Tel. (01946) 822718
E-mail - info@fairladiesbarn.co.uk
St Bees Post Office
MARK McCARTHY & SON
Bar Meals daily from 12.00 to 9.00 p.m.
Live Entertainment
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday
Weddings – Christenings - Conferences
Tel: (01946) 822300
www.seacote.com - email: anne@seacote.com
śȱ
‹‹˜Ĵȱœȱ Š¢ǰȱȱŽŽœ
Newsagent, groceries,
Off-licence, gifts, etc.
Car Tax & Lottery
Tel. (01946) 822343
Carpet & Vinyl fitting
Painting & Decorating
(01946) 823050 after 5:00 p.m.
Established 1988
ICI DULUX APPROVED DECORATORS
High quality professional painting and decorating from a local
firm with over 30 years experience in all areas of the trade.
ALL COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC WORK UNDERTAKEN,
INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR.
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6.00 - 9 p.m. - Sunday Lunch from 12.00
1 Course £8.65, 3 Courses £11.95
Young Diners – 1 Course £5.95 – 3 Courses £7.95
Ian Shackley
Main Street, St Bees
Need specialist advice?
Get in touch!
Seacote Hotel, St Bees
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The Organ, the Colonel & Danny Boy
St Bees RNLI
It is commonly agreed that in St. Bees we have a very fine organ. It is the work of leading
Victorian organ-builders Henry Willis and Sons, and the result of several years’ fundraising. There were frustrating delays between the order being placed and the organ’s
delivery – the Vicar even complaining when it arrived that “its parts seem so large and
numerous as to suggest a further lengthy delay”. Happily he was wrong, for its Dedication
in May 1899 was less than two months later.
In all the organ cost £1388, of which £1185 went to Henry Willis. Several local tradesmen
were paid for extras: plumber Joseph Harding for the hydraulic pump’s water supply,
joiner W.J Stafford for the organist’s stool, William Dawson for the steps up to the
platform. A pair of brass candle brackets cost three guineas, and the Diocese took two
guineas for the Faculty permitting it all.
Much of the credit for so excellent an organ belongs to two St. Bees residents - Francis
Livesey the organist and his friend George (later Colonel) Dixon of ‘Fern Bank’. They
worked together on the design, and stood out against the Committee when it proposed to
give the contract to a firm they thought by no means the best. Indeed, Livesey and Dixon
offered several hundred pounds from their own pockets to secure their elaborate design,
conditional upon the contract going to Henry Willis and Sons. This was finally agreed,
though in the event “Father” Willis presented free to the village what would have been
Livesey’s share.
I am never sure what to make of Colonel Dixon. Certainly he had the respect of the organ
world, and his writings on music are erudite. But perhaps he was not himself much of an
organist. At any rate that is what choirboy Lytton Joyce thought:
“Col. Dixon had much to do with the building of the organ. I remember him chiefly as
the world’s worst organist. On the very few occasions when Mr. Livesey was absent the
Colonel would appoint himself organist. His opening music for the service was invariably
“Danny Boy”! The rest of the service was a fiasco. In each hymn he would break down,
leaving the choir to sing without music. He would then endeavour to join in at a later
stage, much to the amusement of the choirboys”.
Outside music, George Dixon was very much a leading figure in the district. He was a
noted amateur scientist and served on several local bodies. As commanding officer of the
Territorial Battalion based on Workington he was with them when they were mobilised in
1914, though he did not go with them to France. He died in the village in 1950.
St Bees RNLI held their annual Christmas Carol Concert on Tuesday 3rd December at the
Lifeboat Station. The Mayor, who also turned on the Christmas tree lights in the village,
attended the concert. Santa & his Elves came through St Bees distributing sweets as well
as collecting donations on their way to the Station. The St Bees Ladies Guild were in their
familiar role collecting the entrance fees as well as selling raffle tickets. The Guild also
supplied plenty of mulled wine & mince pies during the interval to keep out the cold.
Our thanks to the sponsors, the Parish Council in particular Councillors Grant Gilmour,
Karen James and Barbara Hewertson; to those who offered goods and prizes, in particular
Tesco and the Co-op. Thank you to Mr Davies, Headmaster St Bees School and his staff
for their assistance and to St Bees Priory for carol sheets and cup-holders. For entertaining
us so well, our thanks to our friends in the Whitehaven Brass Band for their musical
talents and to Mrs George and the St Bees Village School choir, - well done children.
The concert was a mix of traditional and modern carols accompanied by the Whitehaven
Brass Band. The Band also performed a selection of medleys in their own right. The
enthusiastic and talented children of St Bees Village School (Year 6) also performed six
songs brilliantly. This gave the event a warm Christmas glow and got the festive season
off to a great start. Thanks to everyone who helped on the night. The evening raised
around £451.50 with all proceeds going to the RNLI to help save lives at sea.
Oops!
I need to apologise for some recent errors in this magazine’s history pages. In September
I said that the shop opposite the Post Office once housed the village policeman. This came
from a normally impeccable source but I am assured that it is wrong. Another reader with
first hand knowledge corrects me about village blacksmiths. The last blacksmith here
was not John Iveson as the October page states, but Billy Barnes of Sandwith. Thank you
Harold Wilson and Brian Edwards for putting me right.
A third mistake was in December. If Lytton Joyce was born in 1913 and died in 2003, he
was not (as I said) in his hundredth year. I spotted that one for myself!
Bob Jopling, Village History Group
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Congratulations to Village MBEs
Many congratulations to Dr Mike Green and Dr Dominic Rhodes who were awarded
MBEs in the New Year’s Honours list.
Mike, who was the first full time A&E Consultant at West Cumberland Hospital, was
recognised for his services to the community. He developed the emergency medical
services locally, and frequently responded to major incidents in the area as a member
of the BASICS and Wasdale Mountain Rescue Teams. He was also very active in the
Scouting movement. Now retired, he and his wife Karen, recently spent time working in
Nepal and other areas providing medical services for altitude related problems, an activity
he clearly intends to continue, as he plans to spend winter in New Zealand providing
medical services on the ski slopes there.
Dominic who moved to St Bees a few years ago with his wife Juliet, a local GP, was
awarded his honour for services to science. Initially trained as a mining engineer, he has
worked in the nuclear sector for almost 20 years and is currently a Research Fellow at the
National Nuclear Laboratory. He has led many projects for NNL customers, including
Sellafield, where he has been involved in work in virtually every plant on the site. He also
leads NNL’s outreach work, being very involved in education in West Cumbria and the
UK, encouraging young people into science and technology, many of whom now work
with him as colleagues.
Outside of work he is also noted for a number of interests and expertise – fine wines,
a subject on which he lectures, audio-visual electronics, writing reviews for various
magazines and journals, and, a more recent interest - bee keeping.
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Hydrotherapy services & pool parties also available
We specialise in delivering pre competitive swimming & Flip n fun! (Diving) a great
way to combine your skills and have lots of great fun!
Public swims at St Bees pool on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings 8-9pm
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For more information please do not hesitate to contact us on: (01946) 817777
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-8-
- 13 -
Julie Cox
Pilates Instruction
Classes in St Bees from March 2012
Small group sessions and
individual tuition available
The Friends of St Bees Priory
Offering All Inclusive Birthday Arty Party
Packages with an educational twist!
Entertainment and Music, Interaction,
Activities, Invitations, Party Bags, Face Painting
Available for Family Sessions, School
Workshops, Functions and Private Hire
Contact 07743267527
cox.clan@btinternet.com
Call Nicola Holliday
07917402206 or 01946 328526
www.clarted-up.co.uk
Local Councillors
Borough Councillor
Dr Ian Hill, 01946 823305
(7.00 - 9.00 p.m Monday to Friday)
County Councillor
Councillor Henry Wormstrup
01946 61996 or 07725239825
henry.wormstrup@copeland.gov.uk
The Traditional Priory Singers concert took place on December 16th. This year the title
was “Sing Levy Dew”, a phrase from A New Year Carol set by Benjamin Britten.
The Priory Singers, as usual, gave a varied programme of music and readings to a sizeable
audience.
Frank Bowler played the Willis organ and Hugh Turpin conducted and introduced the
programme.
The music included arrangements by Rutter and Willcocks (What Christmas Concert
would be complete without those names?) and pieces by Tavener, Warlock and Britten.
Clare Hayes gave the soprano solo in Balualow by Warlock, her crystal clear notes and the
Priory acoustics making a memorable performance.
The concert ended with mulled wine and seasonal fare and another performance by The St
Bees Mummers.
The Friends have recently funded the reproduction of a portion of the original oil painting
of Canon Parkinson on to a new synthetic canvas which now hangs in the refurbished Old
College Hall and some electric candles to replace those causing soot damage to the altar
cloths
It is hoped that in early 2014 there will be two more events.
The Revd Canon Dr Trevor Park will give a talk on C J Vaughan, the subject of his new
book “Nolo Episcopari” A Life of C J Vaughan.
Mrs Charm Robson will give a talk on “The Raft of the Medusa”, the painting by
Théodore Géricault now in The Louvre.
Dates have not yet been finalised so look out for posters.
History Group
The next History talk called “Edmund Grindal and the struggle for England’s Soul”
will be given by Tom Rice on Tuesday February 11th at 7.30pm in the St Bees School
Management Centre.
It is a story which starts in St.Bees and builds up, via Cambridge , treason in 1553 and
exile in Germany to the key year of 1559 when the present Church of England is founded
- an event in which Grindal plays a fundamental role. It continues with the fall out from
1559, a major fire in St. Pauls, Yorkshire, which he did not like, the letter to the Queen,
written in a moment of pique, which led to Canterbury being placed in sequestration, and
finishes with his will which is a character study in itself and shows his continuing concern
for St.Bees.
The talk which will include some necessary background history, will emphasise people,
genuine soul searching, corruption, political intrigue and state power. It will also be about
free intellectual thought and toleration versus bigotry and religious persecution, but then
human nature never changes!
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-9-
Grassroots
News from the Village School
Sincere Thanks to all friends, families and societies in St Bees and beyond who sent
messages and donations for the Christmas Greetings pages in the December magazine.
The final total raised for charity was £515 - that’s £420 for Priory funds and £95 for the
Children’s Society. Thank you all for your support and generosity.
Happy New Year greetings are sent from Andrew & Catriona Beckwith and family to all
their St Bees friends from their new home in Thurso, following the posting to Dounreay.
Special New Year greetings are sent to dear friends far and near:- to Jonni Stratton-Brook
in Florence Court, Egremont; to Ted Robertson at Low Padstow, Keekle; to Carita Blair in
Ceres, Fife; to David & Anne Hope in Vienna and to Gladys Pearson in Royston, Herts.
Gladys reports that she is settling in well but does miss St Bees. At Royston Church she has
met and befriended people with St Bees connections - Mary Irving (Arthur’s sister) who
has lived there for 40 years and knows everyone, and Reader Penny Davis who lodged with
Lois Howard at Vale View years ago. A small world!
The St Bees Mummers celebrated the 40th season of their revival of the village’s traditional
play in the usual way on Christmas Eve. £240 was raised for the RNLI and the team would
like to thank all their supporters for their generosity.
1st St Bees Guides Jayne Park has taken over leadership of the Guides from Mrs Lucy
Scott and Guides now meet every Tuesday evening. For further details please contact Jayne
Park on 01946 824724 or 07870 368862.
NSPCC - Many thanks to all who supported the NSPCC Coffee Morning in December.
We raised £329.
Legs, Bums & Tums Exercise classes - Waistband feeling tight still, legs needing toned
a bit, tummy muscles a touch slack - come & workout with Debbie at the Village School.
Term time: Wednesday evenings, 6.30 p.m. - 7.30 p. m, £3 per session.
The family of the late Edith Butler would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts
and support received in their sad loss of a loved family member.
Magazine Donations Many thanks to magazine distributors Hilda Cowman and residents
of Sandwith (North end) for their donations of £95 towards magazine costs and also to Susan
Ashburner who has collected £50.50p in donations from residents of Newtown, Sandwith.
Egremont Fairtrade & Farmers Market - Ian, Felicity and Sandra thank everyone who
supported their refreshment and produce stall during 2013. The final figure donated to
Hospice at Home for the year was £2,548. We couldn’t have done it without your support.
The Farmers market will continue to be held on the 3rd Friday of every month with an extra
market on the first Friday in November and December.
Many thanks from Doris Howells to the Priory, Over 60’s , neighbours and friends in St
Bees for their kindness, cards and good wishes received during her recent stay in hospital.
Boadband news - According to the latest information received, St Bees is now in the upgrade
area planned to be completed by the end of June, a big improvement on the previous date
of end of 2014. See http://www.connectingcumbria.org.uk/when-and-where for latest news.
The new Spring Term started again on Monday, 6th January 2014 and it was a delight to
hear all about the lovely things the children had been doing over the Christmas break.
We have a number of thanks to say to parents, grandparents and friends for all their
support over the Autumn Term.
Christmas Dinner Day - the children, staff and governors thoroughly enjoyed their
Christmas dinner on 11 December and we would like to thank Mrs Rickerby, Mrs Wright
and Mrs Brannon for all their hard work at making such a lovely meal! We would also
like to thank our midday supervisors who always work extra time to help make the day
extra special!
KS1 Play - the infant children put on a splendid performance of ‘A Midwife Crisis’.
We obviously have a tremendous amount of future acting stars! Well done to them all.
I would also like to thank all the staff involved for their hard work at making it such a
success.
Northern Brainwave Appeal - in light of Mrs Barwise’s illness, our chosen charity this
year is the Northern Brainwave Appeal. We have raised money through a collection at our
Harvest Festival and Carol Service, when we received some very generous donations, our
choir sang in the Tesco Store in Whitehaven and children paid £1.00 to come to school in
non uniform on the last day of term. I am delighted to say that we have sent a cheque to
the charity for £906.21!
Poppy Appeal - we again sold poppies plus other merchandise on behalf of the Poppy
Appeal and you raised an amazing £510.74!
Children in Need - the BBC Children in Need Appeal was again well supported, thanks
to all the parents who baked and served teas and coffees during the morning. The cake
stall looked fantastic and all the cakes sold thanks to your generosity we have been able to
send them a cheque for £786.75!
Many thanks once again to everyone who donated to these worthy causes!
Climbing Wall - our Year 6 children visited the Whitehaven climbing wall based at
Whitehaven Habour Youth Project at the end of the Autumn term. Our Year 5 children
have been given the opportunity to take part over the next couple of weeks. These
sessions are funded from Cumbria County Council and Copeland Borough Council who
also provided the transport.
VSA Bingo Evening - our VSA is holding a Prize Bingo Evening in the school hall on
Friday, 28 February starting at 6.30 p.m. the doors open at 6.00 p.m.
Band Night - back by popular demand! We are organising another Band Night in school
to take place on Saturday, 15 March 2014. Tickets will be available shortly, we hope it the
great success as it was last year.
A reminder that we finish at 3.15 p.m. for the half term holiday on Friday, 14 February and
return on Monday, 24 February.
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