166 MAR 13 Complete - bewcastle.com

BEWCASTLE

BIT o' CRACK

VOLUME 17 MARCH 2013
FREE
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This Magazine is a non profit making community publication, produced to provide
local people and other interested parties with information on events and meetings
in the Bewcastle Parish and surrounds; and articles by local and other writers.
Items are accepted in good faith and the Editors reserve the right to print at their
discretion.

E&OE

Established March 1997
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Grateful thanks are due to our Sponsors: Bewcastle Community Association,
Roadhead Hall Committee, Cumbria Community Foundation, Ian James, and
Chris Alcock for his computer know-how, and all our loyal advertisers
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OUTLETS FOR B o’C AND CHURCH NEWSLETTERS
The following have kindly agreed to be Collection Points for this Issue:

Bewcastle Church; Garry’s Workshop; Roadhead Hall; Jane Atkinson; Geoff
Naylor, Sleetbeck; Stoneknowe, Bailey; Bailey Mill; Drove Inn; Crossings Inn;
Roweltown Post Office; Bo’C only - Graham Arms Hotel, Longtown; Brampton
Tourist Office (in summer) or Jobsons Chemists (in winter)

To obtain B o’ C as a regular email please contact [email protected] with
your email address.
To obtain the Church Newsletter as a regular email please contact
[email protected] with your email address.
____________________________________________________________________

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To keep this Magazine free to the public, Advertisers are invited to promote their

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Phone or e-mail your requirements to Rosemary 016977 48390 / Ruth 016977 48684

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Private advertisements, notices etc are free as before.

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EDITORIAL

Easter is about as early as it can be this year, so best wishes for a Happy
Easter on the weekend of the 31st March.

Our thanks to everyone who kindly sent in articles early in February, as we
had an earlier deadline for the short month. In particular, our thanks and wel-
come back to Patsy and Derek Brown for a bumper bundle, and we hope this
wasn’t just a one-off! Quite like old times!

Despite the regular snowstorms recently, the snowdrops have managed to
‘spring’ out of the ground early giving us all hope for a better year, which we
all richly deserve, and the daffodils look set to follow on. I’ve received
comments on how the occasional sunny day really lifts the spirits and brightens
the countryside.

If you are having any difficulties receiving either Bit o’ Crack or the
Church Newsletter in our area, please let us know, as it takes time for a new
scheme to settle in. See inside cover for email details.

Our thanks to those who have already kindly donated funds to the Church
Newsletter, which will help to keep it solvent so far.

Rosemary & All the Team
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Rosemary & Chris Alcock, Bit o’Crack, Craiggy Ford, Roadhead,
Carlisle, CA6 6PD Tel: 016977 48390
e-mail: [email protected]

Ruth Tiernan, 25 Sleetbeck Road, Roadhead,
Carlisle CA6 6PA Tel: 016977 48684

Ian James, Low Todholes, Roadhead, Carlisle CA6 6PF
Tel: 016977 48646

DEADLINE - 21st - OF EACH MONTH - STOP PRESS - 25th

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BEWCASTLE HERITAGE SOCIETY

The Society Annual Dinner was held at the Graham Arms on Tuesday,
19th February , 2013, and was preceded by the Annual General Meeting which had had
to be postponed due to heavy snow in January.

The Chairman’s Report by Geoff Price was circulated in the February issue of Bit
o’ Crack because of the delay by the weather.

Thirty members attended the meal and enjoyed a varied menu and good company.

The Annual General Meeting beforehand discussed the Chairman’s Report, and
welcomed the new Secretary Penny Bains who has kindly offered to take over from Phil
Marlow, who has moved to Derbyshire.

It was decided in future to have a programme committee meeting in January next
year on the 21st instead of the AGM, as this has proved to be better on the same evening
as the Annual Dinner, and will take less time to get through the annual business.

Geoff Price kindly agreed to be Chairman again for the coming year, and all the
other officers and committee remain the same as last year, as can be seen on the current
programme which will be issued shortly.

The proposed programme for the coming year was discussed and approved as
follows:
Tuesday, February 19th - Annual Dinner at the Graham Arms, preceded by the AGM
at 6.30pm
Tuesday, March 19th - Talk by Mike Carrier on ‘Amazing Islands of Birds’ 7.30pm in
Roadhead Hall
Tuesday, 16th April - Proposed Talk on Solway Airfields, 7.30pm Roadhead Hall
Sunday, 19th May - Walk with Celia Mitchell for Allendale Flowers, meet 11am at
Roadhead Hall, for Allendale Car park near Bardon Mill with packed lunch.
Sunday, 16th June - Visit Liddesdale with Mr G White, meet 11am Roadhead Hall with
packed lunch.
Sunday, 21st July - Day out with Iver Gray, meet Roadhead Hall 11am, with packed
lunch
Sunday, 18th August - Day out with Duncan Telford, Roadhead Hall 11am, packed
lunch
Sunday, 15th September - Proposed visit to Solway Aviation Museum
Tuesday, 15th October - Proposed talk on Carr’s Biscuits
Friday, 15th November - ‘Bewcastle Neet’ with Edith Knapton & Friends
Tuesday, 17th December - Talk on ‘Drove Roads of Bewcastle’ by David Moorat
7.30pm Roadhead Hall
Tuesday, 21st January 2014 Committee meeting, Roadhead Hall 7.30pm, re programme.

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THE MAIDEN WAY TO BEWCASTLE CHURCH
A meeting was called by the PCC and held at Barbara Smith’s Studio on Wednes-

day, 23rd January 2013, to discuss the possibility of developing a route for walkers and
cyclists along the Maiden Way to Bewcastle Church, with sites of historic interest to
visit along the route.

The meeting was chaired by the Vicar Rev Philip Greenhalgh and included Mrs
Greenhalgh, three Members of the Hadrian’s Wall Trust, Allison Roberts and Andy
Norris from the PCC, Barbara as Parish Chairman, Penny Bains Secretary of the
Bewcastle Heritage Society, Chris and Rosemary Alcock from the Community Associa-
tion.

The Hadrian’s Wall Trust would help with applications for grants to fund fencing
work and stiles, signposts etc, and to approach private landowners along the way for
their permission to cross their land.

The Hadrian’s Wall Trust was to prepare a paper for the PCC, PC and Community
Association for further discussions at their next meetings.
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EXCITING NEW BUPA PROGRAMME!
You’re a sick senior citizen and the government says they are going to sell your
house to pay for your nursing care. So what do you do?
Our plan gives anyone 65 years or older a gun and 4 bullets. You are allowed to
shoot 4 Politicians.
Of course, this means you will be sent to prison ….. where you will get three meals
a day, a roof over your head, central heating, air conditioning and all the health care you
need!
Need new teeth? No problem. Need glasses? That’s great. Need a new hip,
knees, kidney, lungs or heart? They’re all covered.
As an added bonus, your kids can come and visit you as often as they do now.
And who will be paying for all this? It’s the same governments that just told you
that they cannot afford to pay your nursing care.
And you can get rid of 4 useless politicians while you are at it.
Plus, because you are a prisoner, you don’t have to pay income tax.

sent in by John Hackett, fellow pilot
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THIS JOYFUL EASTERTIDE
No need is there for grieving?
Cast all your cares aside
And be not unbelieving:
Come share our Easter joy
That death could not imprison,
Nor any power destroy
Our Christ who is arisen,
Arisen, arisen, arisen. Hymn by F Pratt Green

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UPON REFLECTION

Standing at the kitchen sink,
Gazing into space;
My mind a blank,
No thoughts at all,
Reflected in my face.

Then in the sky above the fell
I saw a strange and flashing light,
What it might be I could not tell

But it sure gave me a fright!

Something made me turn around,
I sensed a movement, heard a sound,
Outside the house, oh, what a sight,
A huge white van with flashing light!

My heart relaxed, I gave a sigh,
That strange light out there in the sky,
Was nothing more than the reflection
Of the light on the van, parked for the inspection
Of the pipes that carry the water away
The water that falls from the sky day by day!

So that light did not signal a Martian raid, Patsy
The reason was much more mundane;

But the Martians might be a welcome change
From the ever falling rain.

FROM ‘STANZAS’ GEORGE GORDON, LORD BYRON

When a man hath no freedom to fight for at home,
Let him combat for that of his neighbours;

Let him think of the glories of Greece and of Rome,
And get knocked on the head for his labours.
To do good to mankind is the chivalrous plan,
And is always as nobly requited;
Then battle for freedom wherever you can,
And, if not shot or hang’d, you’ll get knighted

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CALENDAR FOR MARCH, 2013

WEEKLY

Tuesdays Bewcastle Pre-School Nursery education for children aged 2-4
Wednesdays 9am-1pm at Bewcastle School, every Tuesday in term time.
Tel: Joanne Hubbard on 016977 48662
Scouts, Cubs, Beavers - 6.15-7.45pm in Bewcastle School, Term
time. Please note change of time for the future.
Roadhead Hall Post Office Outreach Service, 1.30-3.30pm all
PO needs catered for
Bewcastle Mother and Toddler Group 1.15-3.15pm at Bew -
castle School, in Term time all welcome, Tel: Emma 016977
48061 and Debbie 01228 577398.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

11th Mar Parish Council meeting in Roadhead Hall
12th Mar Needlecraft, self help anything with a needle. 1.30-4pm Road-
head Hall every 2nd Tuesday of the month, cuppa and chat and
Tue Bead embroidery class on 12th March with Edith Knapton
Red Nose Day
15th Mar Heritage Society meeting , 7.30pm in Roadhead Hall, Talk on
19th Mar ‘Amazing Islands of Birds’ by Mike Carrier, £3 and raffle.
National Frog Day
Tue End of School Term, holidays to 15th April
26th Mar
28th Mar

BRAMPTON COMMUNITY CENTRE 016977 45023 - 1st March - Uma Kad-
ampa Buddhist Meditation 11.45am-12.45pm, every Fri until 29th March, details
01228 319344; Sun 3rd March - Brampton on Bikes, Haltwhistle Burn-around meet
Fairhill carpark nr Sainsburys, 9 miles; Tues 5th March - Fairtrade lunch 12.30pm;
Tues 5th March - New quiz sheet available £1 from reception; Wed 6th March - Age
UK Tea Dance 1.30-3.30, £1.50, all welcome; Sat 9th March - Brampton Film Club -
‘A Royal Affair’ 6.45 for 7.30pm, new members welcome; Sun 17th March - Brampton
on bikes, Beltingham 45 miles, Moot Hall 11am bring picnic & drink; Tues 19th
March - Bingo 7.30-9pm 70p all welcome; Wed 20th March - Alzheimers Peer Sup-
port Group 10-11am; Thurs 21st March - Brampton Local History Group 7.30pm £2,
Pre-Raphaelites & Earl of Carlisle; Fri 23rd March - Film Club ‘Argo’ 6.45 for 7.30pm
THE HUT - Sun 17th March - Border Woodturmers 10am, members demos +Jigs,
Aids, Hints etc, comp crossgrain box max diam 60mm with contrast lid.

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HEALTH & SAFETY

We hear a lot about this nowadays and it makes me think of when we were young
in what must seem like the ‘Olden Days’ to some.
Playgrounds - hard tarmac, ie, school playgrounds and public swings and slides, etc.
Nature Walks - One teacher with a class of at least 30 kids, 7 or 8 years old, walking
by a canal looking for sticklebacks and tadpoles, learning to recognise trees and wild
flowers, grasses, etc. As a treat walking on to the railway bridge and waving to the
steam trains - Flying Scotsman, Mallard.
Milk monitors - carrying crates with 30 bottles of milk (1/3 pints) up 4 flights of stone
stairs to the classroom, two people to carry one crate. Lots more things to make your
hair stand on end!

Before I went to college I did some unqualified teaching. I was given a class in a

church hall, just off the main Nottingham road. A hall at least as big as Roadhead hall,

with 4 open fireplaces - great in winter. No playground - just a rough path around the

building. No teaching assistants - just me and 30+ four to five year olds. One lady

from a neighbouring house brought me coffee in the morning and another lady brought

tea in the afternoon. The headmistress would sometimes come down on Friday

afternoon for storytime. I was 18 years old.

I remember she came down one afternoon and there was one little scamp named

Susan who decided to be a nuisance. Miss King kept her by her side until home time

when we all put our hands together for evening prayer. Miss King let go of Susan and

said, “Right Miss Lingley, ready?” Susan yelled - “Steady go” and went as fast as she

could home! Leaving Miss King furious, and me trying not to laugh. Patsy

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BEWCASTLE PARISH COUNCIL

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be on 11th March in the Hall. Agenda

will be posted on the notice boards as usual and the Draft Minutes of the meeting on 28th
January can be seen at Whintingstown. Call Catherine, Parish Clerk on 48354 to arrange.
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DODGE THE POTHOLES
Although the potholes are tirelessly repaired on the Bewcastle School road each
year, the recent frost has caused them all to break apart once again. They are quite bad
and some quite deep, and they will need filled in soon to avoid more damage to vehicles.
There is also quite a lot of debris from the potholes all over the road. The road men have
just been to fill in some of the holes, so hopefully the frost and snow won’t come back
to break them open again.
However, the hawthorn hedge recently cut back on the Shaw has made the approach
out of the Snouts crossroad more visible when turning out onto the main road. IRJ

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GILSLAND AGRICULTURAL SHOW
Are looking for volunteers to help organise and run the Industrial tent on Show day.
The Show is held on the first Sunday of August each year. The Industrial Committee
meet 4 times a year and would welcome anyone who is keen to join our friendly
committee for the forthcoming Show. If you are interested or would like more
information please contact either Tracey Graham (Industrial Chairperson) on 016977
47298 or Rachel Marston (Show Secretary) on 01228 675763.
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ONLINE ROAD GRITTING INFORMATION
Details of roads to be gritted in bad winter weather can be found now on the
Cumbria County Council website on www.cumbria.gov/gritting together with a
map showing the roads involved.
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RSPB GELTSDALE WINTER/SPRING EVENTS PROGRAMME
Saturday 23rd March - 6am-8am - Black Grouse Lek Watch. Join Farmland Warden
and search for black grouse to watch their dawn display. Tea and a bacon butty
(vegetarian alternative) will be offered at the visitor centre afterwards. Please note that
this event will not take place from a hide so please wear extra warm and waterproof
clothing. Booking essential, Tel: 016977 46717 or email: [email protected]
£10 to RSPB members and £15 for non-members.
Further dates for black grouse watches: Saturday, 6th April - 6.30am-8.30am, as above,
and Saturday 13th April.
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BOOKS SOLD FOR HOSPICE AT HOME
Anyone with well-thumbed books clogging up space in their homes might be
interested in a new stall with a Longtown shop.
‘Flower Time’ on Swan Street, now has an area of the shop given over to a
bring-and-buy stall with proceeds going to Hospice at Home.
Donations of hardbacks, paperbacks and children’s books can be made at the shop.
Suggested donation prices are: £2 for hardback books, £1.50 for paperbacks and
50p for children’s books.
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PENNY JONES ANIMAL HOSPICE
Word has just come in that the charity shop round the corner in the main street from
Spar in Longtown has now opened to support the Penny Jones Animal Hospice in
Hethersgill.

—----------------------
Also, a Fruit and Vegetable shop has opened next to Spar with fresh vegetables at
very competitive prices.

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BIG BEAR THE HOFHUND PART FOUR

The following morning we set off for Big Bear’s house. It was cold and icy, snow
lay thick at the side of the road. I got to Big Bear’s just as Andre was stepping out of
the house. He leashed Big Bear and then proceeded to get dragged by his dog over to
meet us. Bad move by all. Three strange dogs meet, badly. They fight. Skin is ripped
and torn. Dogs bleed. Order is fought for but we keep on walking by brute force.
Finally ranking is found (if not accepted). And everything is fine. Sort of. Phew!

The first ten minutes were hair-raising and I felt over-challenged on many levels.
But finally nature kicked in and the dogs fell into some sort of order and I was able to
chat with Andre while we waded through thick heavy snow. It was a good experience
and I got to know Andre’s situation better which gave me more insight into Big Bear’s
life. A separation, 2 kids involved, one kid living with each parent, unemployment,
bills, responsibilities, uncertainty and pain. Poor Big Bear was at the bottom of the list
as far as priorities were concerned. I ceased to judge Andre so harshly. Everything
sort of made sense.

After that walk I decided to give my idea of ‘three dogs in one’ a break. Too much
effort, too little control. Especially for one person. What I did instead was practise
letting Big Bear off the lead in the forest. Harrowing to start with when he would just
dive into the undergrowth and disappear, but then I realised he needed to let off steam -
really go for it. And because he spent all day alone he wasn’t interested in shunning
company when he had it. Apart from his ‘whoopi!’ moments of freedom he stayed close.
I also started to exercise him in our garden. Keeping my dogs inside for the duration I
would train him through play. Fetch was no problem at all. The sheer joy of chasing
a ball (and later a stick) made him dizzy with excitement. Sometimes he couldn’t wait
for the ball to be thrown and he would jump and snap, missing my nose by inches.
Other times he would snap at my jacket sleeve obsessively, snap, snap snapping and
jumping all at once. Occasionally I got scared but tried hard not to show it. That would
only bring disaster. Instead I would turn my back and wait for it al to end. When it did,
I would praise him immensely. Good behaviour praised, bad ignored. A huge help in
dog training.

Like I said, ‘fetch’ worked wonderfully. ‘Drop’ was a completely different matter.
But this is where dog treats kicked in again. Keeping things easy and fun, I started
intensive ‘sit’ and ‘drop’ commands, showing him what I had in my hand. Like
everything else up to now, there was great confusion at first, followed by immense
objection and finally a realisation that it was really actually ‘a good thing’ to drop the
stick for half a second. Aha! Now we’re making progress :-) of course, it wasn’t plain
sailing from then on but now I had proper contact, and we were having fun!

Ros Alcock, daughter No 2, living near Berlin
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UK ONLINE CENTRES
Brampton Community Centre is an official UK online Centre providing IT support
and guidance to help you get on line! Tuesdays and Fridays. Tutor Maurice. £3.00
Tel: 016977 45023.

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ELSPETH’S PAGE
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RECIPE PAGE
Magic Apple Pie - makes its own crust as it bakes

1 egg, ¾ cup of sugar, ½ cup plain flour, 1 tsp baking powder,
pinch of salt, 1 large apple peeled and sliced, ½ cup raisins,
whipped cream or ice cream

In a mixing bowl beat the egg, add the sugar, flour, baking powder and salt.
Stir in the apple and the raisins.
Spread into a greased 9 inch pie dish.
Bake at 350 deg F, 180 deg C or gas mark 4, for 25 - 30 minutes until golden brown.
Test with skewer in centre and it should come out clean.
Leave to cool and serve with your choice of topping.

Sent in by Patsy from the ‘Fabulous Fifties’, a collection of Traditional Homemade
Recipes from Ilkeston’s 50+ Forum 2009.

How to prepare a mango - as demonstrated on TV by the Duke of Edinburgh.
Cut round the long edge of the fruit skin with a sharp knife, insert a dessert spoon and
slide round each flat side of the stone. Lever halves apart and remove stone, score each
half fruit flesh into squares down to skin, then turn inside out so that the cubes of mango
stand proud of the skin. Dig out and enjoy!

Roman Pie
12oz Mince, 30g Macaroni, 15g Cheese, 15g Flour, ¼ oz Onion
Pastry top - 65g Flour, 30g Marg, 20g Lard, Water and Salt
Cook mince, add boiled macaroni then thicken with flour and seasoning. Make pastry.
Cook the pastry bottom (400 deg F) add cooked mince to the pastry case and put grated
cheese over the top of the mince. Cook in oven (400 deg F) for about 30 minutes.

Friendship Cake
1 cup of greetings
1 cup of love
2 large handshakes
1 cup of smiles
1 teaspoon of sympathy
2 cups of hospitality

Cream greetings and smiles thoroughly.
Then add handshakes, beaten separately.
Sift sympathy and hospitality and serve with humility.

The last two recipes from Rothienorman School Recipe Book from 25 years ago.

(This magazine is guaranteed not to contain any horse meat)

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It’s getting to the exciting time of year again - the days are getting longer and the
evenings lighter and so we can start planning more outdoor activities, and get away
from the confines of the school hall which gets a bit small when there’s a full
attendance on meeting nights. Always provided the weather is kind as well!

We are always looking for extra help on these outdoor evenings, and extra venues
to go to, so if anyone has a suggestion, your woodland, river, meadow, barn that we
could do an activity in, please let us know. If you have an expertise that you could
share with us that would be a great help also. Helen helped us with the fitness
challenge recently (thanks Helen) and Richard will be helping out at the musical
evening next month, so anyone else is very welcome. I know my leaders are good, but
we’re not experts in everything and help is always appreciated. After all, it’s YOUR
scout group. Once a child becomes a member then the parents become responsible for
seeing that all is run properly by the committee and leaders. That’s in our constitution
and that’s why it’s known as the family of scouts - one member and the family becomes
involved as well. That’s what makes us different from an ordinary Youth Club, and
thanks so our parents that do help, the group is very well supported. Any volunteers
for the challenge night?

Last month we made up 10 boxes of books and other goodies for our soldiers and
these have been sent off to arrive hopefully in time for Easter. Thanks to all who
donated items. Pancakes were made, eaten and enjoyed after half term as was a
swimming session again at Whithaugh. We consider these sessions to be very
important for our youngsters as out in the country, knowing at least how to stay afloat
and not panic too much is very useful when out on an adventure and an accident occurs.

This also goes for the first aid sessions we run. Our Cubs came a very creditable 5th in
the District bowling competition, David being our highest scorer, out of a dozen or so
teams that entered. Well done!

Next month we’ll be holding a challenge night, an exploration of Kingstown and
a cub craft session at Hobbiecraft in Carlisle. We’ll having a musical evening and
finishing the term with an evening hike, hopefully in daylight and in the dry. Bring on
the summer!

Good Scouting until then! Geoff Price (GSL, Tel: 01228-792723)

LYNERS ESU
As I said last month, our Unit membership has dropped to below the threshold to
make a viable unit, in fact to only 2 members now and so is being hibernated until a
new leader and more members are found. To the 2 remaining, don’t worry, you’re still
part of scouting and I’ll keep you informed of all that is happening, but there won’t be
any unit meetings for the foreseeable future. Again, a plea to everyone out there, it’s
your scout unit (see report above) for the teenagers of the district so if anyone wants so
help out or wants to join and keep the unit going, please contact me. Geoff

13

Wanted!
Youngsters aged 6 - 60 years old!
We are looking for new members for our Scout Group
Our Scout Group is seeking new members, and we are happy to welcome young
people and people young at heart into all the Sections. We meet at Bewcastle School
every Tuesday night from 6.15 to 7.45pm during term time and every evening is packed
with games and activities.

Our Beaver motto, for example, is “Be Prepared! - For Friendship and Fun”

Why not give it a try? For more information or an informal chat, contact Geoff Price,
Group Leader (01228- 792723)

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DON’T THROW AWAY - RECYCLE!
Used printer, fax or photocopier cartridges & mobile phones

We recycle old cartridges of all types, laser or inkjet, so don’t throw anything
away, RECYCLE IT!

Send your cartridges to the Scout Group at Bewcastle School, or phone for
them to be collected. We parcel them up, send them off and receive a small payment
in return for our funds, or we send them off to help the Cumbrian Air Ambulance
depending on who is collecting when we have a box full. We also recycle unwanted
mobile phones in the same way, whatever age or condition.

Contact any Scout or Leader or phone 01228 - 792723. Thanks.
_____________________________________________________________________

TERMS FOR GROUPS OF ANIMALS - Part One

* denotes names from the 15th Century

+ A shrewdness of apes * + A drunkship of cobblers *

+ A herd or pace of asses* + A rag or rake of colts*

+ A cete of badgers * + A hastiness of cooks *

+ A sloth or sleuth of bears * + A covert of coots *

+ A hive of bees, a swarm, drift or bike + A herd of cranes

+ A flock, flight, parcel, pod, fleet * + A litter of cubs

Or dissumulation of small birds + A herd of curlews

+ A volary of birds in an aviary + A cowardice of curs *

+ A sounder of wild boar + A herd or mob of deer

+ A blush of boys * + A pack or kennel of dogs

+ A herd or gang of buffalo + A trip of dotterel

+ A clowder or glaring of cats * + A flight, dole or piteousness of

+ A destruction of wild cats doves *

+ A herd, drove, drift or mob of cattle + A raft, bunch, or paddling of

+ A chattering or clattering of choughs* ducks on water *, a team in flight

14

GEOFF’S JOTTINGS
From January to December

The calendar system was developed thousands of years ago. Essentially, the
system groups a number of days together and gives the period a name and a month.
This helps us keep track of our days, including events, festivals and celebrations. The
term calendar comes from Latin ‘kalendae’ which used to be the name for the first day
of every month.

The original Roman calendar only consisted of 10 months. They had a month less
winter period which was later split into January and February. This meant March was
the first month of the year, and December was the tenth. Most calendars use the same
formats of days, weeks and months forming a full year. Both the Gregorian and Julian
calendar use this system. Lunar calendars are based on the moon cycle and Solar
calendars are based on the sun.

January - both the Julian and Gregorian calendar have January as the first month.
Named after the god Janus, the Latin translation means ‘door’. Janus had two heads,
which allowed him to look both forward (into the New Year) and backwards (to the past
year) at the same time.
February - is the only month with less than 30 days, making it the shortest month. It
has 29 days during leap years, and 28 normally. February was named after an old

Roman purification ritual ‘Februa’ which was held on the 15th February in the old

Roman lunar calendar.

March - used to be the first month of the year before January and February and was

called ‘Martius’ after Mars the Roman god of war.

April - used to be the second month of the year. It is thought the name derives from the

Latin word ‘Aprire’ which means ‘to open’ as April was the month where flowers and

trees began to ‘open’.

May - was named after Maia, who was the Greek goddess of fertility.

June - is thought to be named after the Greek goddess Hera who was the goddess of

marriage. This may be a reason why we see a peak in marriages in this month, as it was

considered lucky to be married in June.

July - was originally called ‘Quintilis’ as it was originally the fifth month of the calendar.

Augustus then decided to honour Julius Caesar by changing the name to July.

August - due to being the sixth month in the original Roman calendar, it was originally

called ‘Sextilis’. The name was changed by Julius Caesar in 8 BC to honour Augustus.

September - Latin for seven is ‘Septem’ hence the name of this month. Before January

and February were added to the calendar, this was the seventh month.

October - ‘Octo’ is Latin for eighth, which would give reason to its name, originally

being the eighth month of the Roman calendar.

November - ‘Novem’ is Latin for, you guessed it …nine.

December - has the shortest daylight hours in the year. The name derives from Latin

for ten, ‘Decem’. Sent in by Geoff Naylor

15

NOTICE BOARD

HIGHWAYS HOTLINE 08456 096609, or online by going to :
www.cumbriahighways.co.uk
Use this number or website for any Potholes and Road Faults, Footways,
Cycleways, Road Lighting, Road Signs, General Highways Enquiries, Flooding of
Roads, Windermere Ferry Enquiries, Snow and Ice, Grass Verges, Overhanging
Trees and Hedges. For the website: to Report a Fault, Plot it on a Map, or type in
a Description of the Location.

CONTACTING THE POLICE - Brampton Neighbourhood Policing Team

Emergency 999 Non-emergency ring 101

Email - [email protected] Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111

Website - www.cumbria.police.uk

Facebook - www.facebook.com/cumbriapolice

Twitter - www.twitter.com/cumbriapolice

Brampton Police Station, Longtown Road, Brampton, Cumbria CA8 1SJ

VOLUNTARY CAR SCHEME - Volunteer Drivers or People needing Transport,
kindly phone Pat Nixon on 016977 45414 or Freddie Nixon on 48241 for direct
bookings.

COMMUNITY FIRE SAFETY AWARENESS Alan Sowerby is Group Manager
of the Fire & Rescue Service for Carlisle & Longtown areas of North Cumbria.
To have your rural home assessed for fire prevention, have a working smoke alarm
fitted, and know what action to take should a fire break out, call freephone 0800
358 4777 for a Home Safety Visit which is completely FREE OF CHARGE

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH & FARM WATCH There has been a significant
increase in rural crime with criminals targeting quad bikes on farms. Any
suspicious activity witnessed including their description & vehicle details, should
be passed on to the police ASAP. For further information please contact 0845
3300 247

RECYCLING of Old Fridges, Freezers, furniture, Cookers, etc. The Council will
collect these, now for a fee of £15 per load of 5 items picked up. Tel: 01228 817200
Or take them free of charge to the County Council Household Waste Recycling
Centres (HWRC) at Rome Street 8am-6pm every day or Townfoot Industrial
Estate, Brampton 10am-6pm every day but Tuesday. You will need a free permit
at an HWRC if you have a van or twin axle trailer - call 0845 055 1118.

Bulky household items also wanted by Impact Furniture Services (Free collection
possible) especially white goods (dead or alive!) Tel: 01228 633655. DO NOT FLY
TIP AT ROADHEAD RECYCLING SITE! PLEASE KEEP BEWCASTLE
TIDY.

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GREY SQUIRREL WATCH hotline number for local sightings 0845 3479375.

RED SQUIRREL ALERT, JERRY SINCLAIR Tel: 013873 71626 (local)
RedSquirrelsNorthEngland, Unit 10 Stocksfield Hall, Northumberland, NE43 77N
*A recent report for 2012 shows that red squirrel sites are up to 90, and grey
squirrel sites have reduced from 60 to 50 in our region.

MOBILE LIBRARY now on a Tuesday at 6 week intervals, calling at Sleetbeck
2-2.30pm; Todhills 2.55-3.15pm; Roadhead Hall 3.25-3.50pm; Bewcastle
4.00-4.15pm. Roadhead next date: 2nd April, 2013
POST OFFICE Outreach Service now 1.30-3.30pm, Tuesdays at Roadhead Hall

MANY THANKS to Mr & Mrs Tulip for their kind donation

If you want to advertise anything on this page, private ads are free to locals.
_____________________________________________________________________

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations and best wishes to:

ELSPETH EMERY-BROWN 2nd March
PHILIPPE ARAK 2nd March
CHRIS ALCOCK 3rd March
CLAIRE MOSCROP 3rd March
TANIA PETTIE 3rd March
AMY NELSON 5th March
ERIN JOHNSTON 7th March
SHARON PHILLIPS 15th March
GRAHAM NOBLE 15th March
ELIZABETH SUNLEY 15th March
AMY NICHOLSON 19th March
MICHAEL BLAIR 21st March
STEVE HALKYARD 31st March
RICHARD TELFORD 31st March

GET WELL WISHES TO ALL WHO ARE ILL OR IN HOSPITAL
Please let us know of any changes or additions to these lists

____________________________________________________________________

Our tiny Yorkie Parkin has just reached 16 or 112 in dog years; but no card from the
Royal corgis!

_____________________________________________________________________

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IAN’S PAGE 29.1.13

WHOOPSIE GALORE AND THE PLUMS
Our Whoopsie struck a gold mine,

Why did those Victorias not sell fine?
They didn’t go when knocked down twice,

So then the stickers went on thrice.
They’d been pressed with many a finger,

Even this did not make her linger.
Like hot cakes they went into her trolley,
Then through the checkout she didn’t delay.
Because when the bargains are going cheap,

It really is a supermarket sweep.
A punnet of plums for a mere ten pence,

To swipe the lot makes total sense.
Her own Victorias this year were a flop

So now the plum tree is for the chop.
But now this booty has made her feel glam
So she’s got the sugar and off to make the jam!

HORSEMEAT 20.2.13
These bought lasagnes are my fave
As I put one in the microwave
The ingredients say 100 per cent cow
My supper is sorted conveniently now
The top brand is the one I choose
Before I tucked in, I turned on the news!

The headline was not part of the bargain
Unknowingly horsemeat is in the food chain

At first I gave out an almighty wince
And thought long and hard about the mince

Although it seemed a little bit coarse
I could still eat a scabbied horse!

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THE LATE LAMENTED KING RICHARD III

The historical clock has rolled back 525 years to 1485 upon the discovery of the
bones of King Richard III, unceremoniously dumped in a shallow grave under a now
council car park in Leicester, which was then the site of Greyfriars Church; after the last
Plantagenet King was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field. The remains were found
after extensive and passionate research by the Richard III Society in Leicester, and by
Philippa Langley who had the uncanny feeling about the letter ‘R’ painted in the car
park title and managed to persuade archaeologists and the University of Leicester to dig
him up!

The King was found right there without any trace of shroud or coffin, with his hands
in a tied position, his skull higher than the rest of the skeleton, his pelvis broken -
probably by whoever stuck a sword into his backside - as he was thrown reportedly over
the back of a horse to take him from the battlefield after death and defeat,; and it was
proved that he had indeed a twisted spine from severe scoliosis but no sign of a withered
arm, by researchers. His DNA matched that of more than one living Canadian
descendant of the King’s sister.

The rumours have persisted for centuries that he was a bad king who evilly killed
the young Princes in the Tower of London, but this is now believed to be wrong and that
King Henry VII was the ‘baddy’. The Richard III Society have long tried to defend
Richard and dwell on his good points. Henry was a pretender to the throne from the
House of Lancaster, and defeated Richard with French troops at Bosworth Field.

Richard was Warden of the West March and spent much time in Yorkshire which
he loved, and had a home at Middleham Castle among other castles, and also spent much
time further North, including his most northerly castle at Bewcastle. In 1470 Richard,
then Duke of Gloucester, was in charge of all the castles in his area of jurisdiction, and
he is thought to have rebuilt and garrisoned Bewcastle, and also to have added the
gatehouse to the west side. Around 1478 he arranged for all the lands of Bewcastle and
the castle to be let to Cuthbert and John Routledge, Robert Elwald, and Gerard Nixon,
who paid no rent ‘but were to maintain the King’s wars and to keep the borders there,
and to maintain the captain under the King of the same castle’.

Now the fun begins! Leicester wants the King buried in Leicester Cathedral, York
wants York Minster - where his son is buried, others want Westminster Abbey like for
other Kings - where his wife Anne Neville is buried - or even Bewcastle!! The official
burial will not take place until 2014, so there is plenty of time for the arguments to be
settled, but this has certainly brought history to life again, and got everyone discussing
the rights and wrongs of the various aspects of this kingly life; who was killed at the
age of only 32 years, after just two years on the throne.

Shakespeare’s version of events may have been coloured by rumours, having been

written some considerable time later in the 16th century. WRA

Sources: Channel 4 TV, Daily Mail, Mike Jackson, Barbara Smith,
Bewcastle Miscellany

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CHILDREN’S BIBLE KNOWLEDGE

1. Jesus enunciated the golden rule, which says to do unto others before they do one
to you. He also explained a man doth not live by sweat alone.

2. It was a miracle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the tombstone
off the entrance.

3. The people who followed the Lord were called the 12 decibels.
4. The epistels were the wives of the Apostles.
5. One of the oppossums was St Matthew who was also a taximan.
6. St Paul cavorted to Christianity. He preached Holy acrimony, which is another

name for marriage.
7. Christians have only one spouse. This is called monotony.
______________________________________________________________________

BAGPIPER AT A FUNERAL

(I found this anonymous article deeply moving – I hope you do, too)

As a bagpiper, I play many gigs. Recently I was asked by a funeral director to play

at a graveside service for a homeless man. He had no family or friends, so the service

was to be at a pauper’s cemetery in the back country. As I was not familiar with the

backwoods, I got lost and, being a typical man, I didn’t stop for directions.

I finally arrived an hour late and saw the funeral guy had evidently gone and the

hearse was nowhere in sight. There were only the diggers and crew left and they were

eating lunch. I felt badly and apologised to the men for being late. I went to the side of

the grave and looked down and the vault lid was already in place. I didn’t know what

else to do, so I started to play.

The workers put down their lunches and began to gather around. I played out

my heart and soul for this man with no family and friends. I played like I’d never played

before for this homeless man. And as I played ‘Amazing Grace’, the workers began to

weep. They wept, I wept, we all wept together. When I finished I packed up my

bagpipes and started for my car. Though my head hung low, my heart was full.

As I opened the door to my car, I heard one of the workers say, “I never seen

nothin’ like that before and I’ve been putting in septic tanks for twenty years”.

Apparently, I’m still lost … it’s a man thing. Sent in by Derek Brown

______________________________________________________________________

BEWCASTLE MICE

I get mice in the roof. They pitter-patter on the boards above the insulation. So I

put poison granules down as a tasty snack for them (I’m all heart). I bought the poison

in a small plastic keg, which I leave in the roof space until I need to top up.

Last week I popped my head up into the roof space to replenish the supply and found

that the mice had chewed the lid of the keg. They really must enjoy my offerings.

But it didn’t end there. The cheeky blighters had built a nest on the top of the

remaining poison!!!!! Now, how about that? Using pieces of the glass fibre insulation

too!! What is the world coming to? Derek

20

Jacqueline T Cooper Bsc (Hons) MNIMH Medical Herbalist
Fairways, Moss Edge, Hethersgill, CA 6HJ
01228 675042 www.talkinherbs.co.uk

Potatoes for Bruises and Sprains - Raw potatoes are a valuable first aid remedy.
Using a piece of raw, peeled and grated potato, place it over an eye bruise or on a
sprain of any kind (you can keep the potato in place with a piece of cloth). Grated
potato can also help to relieve the pain of a minor burn or a heated joint pain, such
as in tennis elbow. Without resorting to chemicals.

CITY COUNCIL REFUSE BIN COLLECTIONS “Unfortunately due to
the continued bad weather in some areas of the district, the City Council are

suspending the collection of green waste on these days to divert all our re-
sources to assist refuse bin collections.

“Residents should refer to their recycling collection calendar for the next
available green waste collection date or they can also view this information
from our website: www.carlisle.gov.uk.”

If you would pass this information on to your friends and neighbours it
would be very helpful. I’m arranging for notices on the boards at the Hall,
Sleetbeck Road and the School, but word of mouth might be more effective.
Catherine Leach, Clerk to Bewcastle Parish Council
_________________________________________________________________

A woman accidentally swallows some Scrabble tiles one night. Her next trip
to the Loo could spell disaster!
_________________________________________________________________

21

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CHIMNEY SWEEP

For a clean, tidy and Friendly Service

TOM FRASER
Telephone 01228 791617

All Work Guaranteed

VICKY’S MOBILE HAIRDRESSING

* perms, colours, restyles
* blow drys, sets
* cutting & styling
* also available on evenings + Saturdays

For available appointments, and enquiries, please contact
Vicky Wigham on:

Mobile: 07826 048902
Home: 01228 675884

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EASTER MONDAY, 1ST APRIL
BEAUTIFUL RUINED 17TH CENTURY HOUSE

AND GARDEN, BEING RESTORED
12pm Gates Open, 2.30pm Ribbon Cutting
Bring a picnic! Refreshments available/wine stall

and other attractions
Adults £2.50 Children free
Location OS ref NY435674 6 miles east of M6 junction 44
For further info contact Ilona Boyle on 016977 48292
Or email [email protected]
__________________________________________________________

IF YOU COULD SEE YOUR ADVERT

IN THIS SPACE

FOR JUST £4 PER ISSUE PER MONTH,

CONTACT US ON

[email protected]

OR 016977 48390
Deadline 21st of the month

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BAILEY MILL

Bailey, Newcastleton,
Roxburghshire TD9 OTR

mailto: [email protected]
mailto: [email protected]
mailto: [email protected]

http: //www.bailey-mill.co.uk

Tel: 016977 48617
___________________________________________

LIVE MUSIC

ON FRIDAY 8TH MARCH

(MORE DETAILS ON FACEBOOK)

RIDING WILL RESUME AT EASTER

PLEASE RING 016977 48617

TO MAKE BOOKINGS

THE BAR IS OPEN AS USUAL

31

Garry Phillips Agric & Motor Engineers

Roughsyke, Roadhead, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA6 6NL.

Tel: 016977 48227 Web: www.quadbikescumbria.co.uk

10ft Hayrack on Wheels 8ft Lamb Creep Feeder

£210 + vat £248 + vat

7 Rail Interlocking Sheep Hurdles

4ft Hurdle £16.50 + vat

6ft Hurdle £18.50 + vat

Lamb Adopter Front

£60 + vat

Efco MT3700 Powersharp Chainsaw

Sharpen your chain in seconds
with this quick & easy to fit
attachment.

All for just £207.50 + vat

Twin Wheeled Barrow
£79 + vat

Please do not hesitate to con3ta2ct us for further information
E&OE