The Link (March 2006)

The View from Tebay

Since last month's issue we have had occasion to look back at the lives of two people who for many years were an integral part of St James's worshipping life.  The funerals of Jean Hully and Albert Young took place within the same week, Jean's being followed by cremation at Lancaster and Albert's by burial in our churchyard.

Jean's service to the church was a long and honourable one, including many years as church organist.  She was a first class musician and really loved playing the organ.  She kept up regular attendance until her health deteriorated too much and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.  The attendance of almost a hundred at her funeral included many who had been taught by her in her younger days.

Albert also gave sterling service to St James's, as a regular attender until shortly before his final illness, and as a sidesman and valued member of the PCC.  He did not trumpet his faith but anyone who attended the Lent Meetings knew how deep and genuine his faith was.  He served the church in practical ways, particularly along with Stan Guy and John Gate in keeping the churchyard tidy.  The huge attendance at his funeral showed the love and respect in which he was held by many people from a wide area.  I will miss his quiet knock at my door for meetings - always the first to arrive - and to go to soccer games or meetings.  Whatever he undertook he did with wonderful enthusiasm and total integrity.

The generous donations from those who attended both services - amounting to over £1000 - have enabled us to pay a good deal more of our Parish Share than for some time but it still amounts to more each year than our total income, so the struggle will continue.

Looking ahead, you will see two activities at St James's advertised elsewhere in this issue, one of which begins early this month, and one which occupies a weekend in late April/early May.  The Lent Meetings give anyone interested in spiritual matters an opportunity to read and listen to various views and then discuss them with like-minded people - as well as having a cuppa and a biscuit.

As I mentioned in last month's Link, the choice of theme for our exhibition and gift weekend is topical and, we hope, will be of interest to anybody who enjoys football - playing, watching, or simply discussing our national game - and who hopes to see England win the World Cup.  We are anxious to hear from anyone who can provide suitable visual material to decorate the church, and I will be talking to people about this likely contributions nearer the time.  The weekend is one of our main fund-raisers during the year and we look forward to a successful event.  The local history group will be holding an exhibition on the Saturday, ideally in Tebay Sports and Social Club, and that should bring in a few more than usual for cream teas that day.

Report from Tebay Parish Council Meeting
held on 21 December 2005

Ian Brodie from "Friends of the Lake District, gave a presentation about the proposed new boundaries of three areas, ie one of Outstanding Natural Beauty and possible recreation to the north of Tebay, the Yorkshire Dales to the west, and the Lake District National Park to the east.  The Countryside Agency has been closely involved throughout and next year will be contacting all sources with their suggestions for finalising these proposed new boundaries.  Receipt of this letter, which will be likely in the summer of 2006, would give Parish Councils, such as Tebay, to make their views known, and Mr Brodie urged the Council to give the matter consideration before this date.  The Chairman thanked Mr Brodie for his very helpful input.

Mr P Yates and Mr R Hambuger, Carillion representatives, outlined their proposals for a granite monument to be erected at Lunes Bridge, Tebay, in memory of those who lost their lives in the 2004 Tebay Rail Disaster.  The memorial would bear a plaque with the names of the men who died.  The Parish Council agreed to maintain the monument.

Clerk's Report:  The Clerk reported that the Parish Council is receiving an ever-increasing number of emails and it was hoped that something positive may come of the recent possible initiative by CALC to supply parish councils with computers.  Many parish councils, such as Tebay, were completely reliant on the use of the Clerk's own computer.

Finance:  A cheque was approved and signed for the Clerk's salary and office expenses covering the past quarter.  An income and expense sheet for the year-to-date was circulated.

Crisis Centre:  It was reported that a grant application has been sent off with the hope of finding funds to help set up a village crises centre.  This could be useful to give help to aged and otherwise vulnerable members of the community in the event of a prolonged power cut or weather disaster.  It could also be useful, given Tebay's proximity to both the M6 and the railway, in the event of an incident on either of these.

Toilets Update:  The Parish Council was very pleased to hear that the public toilets at Tebay would now continue to be maintained by the District Council.  The availability of these toilets are essential for the success of the newly furbished children's playground and other local events which take place throughout the year on the nearby Recreation Ground.

Carol Moreland (Clerk)