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BEWCASTLEBiT O' CrACk

VOLUME 20 OCTOBER 2017FREE

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This Magazine is a non-profit making community publication, produced and runby volunteers to provide local people and other interested parties with informationon events and meetings in the Bewcastle Parish and surrounds; and for articles bylocal and other writers. Items are accepted in good faith and the Editors reservethe right to print at their discretion, the opinions displayed are not necessarilythose of the team!

E & O EOriginally established March, 1997

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OUTLETS FOR Bo’C AND BENEFICE NEWSLETTERS

The following have kindly agreed to be Collection Points for these issues:

Bewcastle Church; Garry’s Workshop; Roadhead Hall; Knowe Church;Mary Phillips, Sleetbeck; Bailey Mill; any other outlet by request

To obtain B o’ C as a regular email, please contact RosemaryBoC@aol.comwith your email address.To obtain the Benefice Newsletter as a regular email please contactTimothyCoombe@aol.com with your email address.________________________________________________________________

PRIVATE ADVERTISEMENTSTen issues per year - February, March, April, May, June, July/August,

September, October, November, December/January, as before

There will no longer be commercial adverts, to keep printing work down,But private adverts, notices, etc are free as before.

DEADLINE - 20th - OF EACH MONTH

Rosemary & Chris Alcock, RosemaryBoC@aol.com, Tel: 016977 48390Craiggy Ford, Roadhead, CA6 6PD

Ruth Tiernan, Lower Stonegarthside, Penton, CA6 5QH,Tel: 01228 577 382

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

Margaret Armstrong, Cover Illustrator, Easton

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EDITORIALThe year is really passing at a great pace - October looming already and so many

berries and brambles almost ready for picking, more than ever this year, and the gossamer ofspiders’ webs so spectacular glinting in the sun beside the forest tracks.

FAREWELL - Stapleton Hall was packed on the evening of Friday 18th August for thefarewell party by the Benefice congregations for Rev Philip and Val Greenhalgh. We allenjoyed a shared supper and flowing bar, and were entertained by Philip on fiddle, Rob on pennywhistle and Laura from Demesne on her guitar. Fulsome tributes were paid by Dick Davidson and Rob Brown, and we all wished theGreenhalghs good luck and Godspeed for their new life in Cornwall; though not fully retiredwith two more churches there to care for. A collection had been made and Philip and Val were presented with a dressed stick forhis walking expeditions in future, a traditional hand made rug and a large box of Cumbrian fare,to remind them of their time with us.

You may have noticed brown poles going up along Sleetbeck bends and other roadsand wondered what they are for. Well, rumour has it that they are for improved broadbandreception, so hopefully that is so and that we all benefit from them in due course.

The September Serenade evening on the 8th September was a huge success and so wellattended. The Zing Choir were such a harmonious group of 27, the Brampton Reivers bandenjoyed by all and Reeve Telford’s adept tapping on his drum with two Pipers from theLangholm Pipe Band rounded off the performance with everyone’s admiration. Please comeback again all of you to another packed Hall! The pie and pea meal was delicious as were thecommittee’s desserts, all washed down with copious drinks from the bar, and no-one was put offby the fierce Reiver in the Christianbury Room! The final total raised by the evening for Hallfunds was £1,352 making the evening well worth while in every respect. All thanks to theThomas’s for getting together such a polished production, together with all the local helpers.

Sixteen of us gave a surprise Birthday tea for Barbara at Whitesyke Garden Centre onthe 22nd September, complete with cake and candles and a round of ‘Happy Birthday to You’.A good time was had by all!

All the best, Rosemary and Team____________________________________________________________________

NEWCASTLETON GP WORKING DAYSDr Howard Kennedy has surgeries on a Monday, Tuesday am,

Thursday and FridayDr Kate Wrigley has surgeries Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

Dr Jennifer Bowley has surgeries Tuesday pm, Wednesday, Thursdayand Friday

Repeat prescriptions - when ordering please ensure you let us know48 hours before requiring them on 013873 75100

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BEWCASTLE HERITAGE SOCIETY

On the 20th August it was the Heritage Society Annual Walk. As this waspreviously Duncan’s Trip we decided to go to Duncan’s favourite place, ChristianburyCrags. We all met at Roadhead Hall; a tremendous turnout was waiting to go. Almost60 people of all ages set off in convoy to the forest gate at Black Lyne Centre nearCuddy’s Hall. After travelling on good roads past Blacklyne House to our parking spot we allgot our bags and started to walk up the road. When the road stopped the path was a bitboggy due to the wet summer. With the end of the tree line we turned the corner cominginto full view of the Crags. A race began with the youngsters all heading quickly forthe rocks. We were very lucky to have a warm dry clear day, one of the few thissummer! We had our packed lunch enjoying the fantastic views from the top. Afterexploring the rocks and finding Duncan’s name carved in one of them we started thedescent down the wolf trap back to the verhicles. 42 of us went to The Crossings for ameal afterwards to finish the day in true style, our orders having been taken before weset off. Everyone agreed Kate and the Staff at The Crossings had done a fantastic jobfeeding so many of us at once. Trevor

On the 19th September, we had an illustrated talk by Andrew Nicholson on‘Bullets & Burnswark’ - new archaeology. A full report in our next edition. Barbara_____________________________________________________________________

KNOWE CHURCH HARVEST THANKSGIVING

We had a very good turn out for the Knowe Church Harvest Thanksgiving onSunday 17th September. The theme of the service was ‘The Lord Loveth a CheerfulGiver’. As we had all brought gifts for the Food Bank in Carlisle this was mostappropriate. After the Service our Minister The Rev Nick Mark blessed the new seatprsesented by The Bewcastle Heritage Society, dedicated to the memory of three of ourFounder Members, Maggie Story, Aurea Telford and Duncan Telford. The seat wasgrant aided by Cumbria County Council and will be wonderful for our passing visitorsto use. The church is now open from nine until five and provides a welcome restingplace for many cyclists and visitors. Books are also on sale at very reasonable prices.We were very pleased to have Val Tarbitt and John as part of our congregation. Val isof course our County Councillor for this area and a good friend to us all. John tooksome lovely photographs which will be a great record of the occasion. Many thanksalso to Eileen Robinson for playing the organ for us, Michael our regular organisst beingon holiday. Many thanks too to Doreen and Emma for doing the flowers. We finished off our afternoon with a lovely Harvest tea in Roadhead Hall withmany thanks to all who helped in any way. Barbara

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WHOOPSI HITS THE CLEARANCE by Ian James 29.8.17For bargain hunting Whoopsi is extremely gifted

Especially when old stock has to be shiftedFor Boots is having a summer clearance

There may be never like it another chance.

There is to choose twenty shades of lipstickIt’s a dream for a professional shopaholic

To make her eye lashes look cosmetically finerIs some 70% reduced black eye liner.

Whoopsi decides she is going to go redBecause there is some hair dye for a redhead

Its contains a perm to give her a fuzzWhat she’s saved on it gives her a buzz.

Going cheap is her favourite nail varnishFor what more could a bargain hunter wish

To paint her fingers and toe nails to look jazzyAnd getting dolled up to go on the razzy.

Finally she has fun seeing some Chanel No. 5So to the perfume counter she makes a dive

To get it at half price is worth the ratchSo she grabs it in her hand with a snatch.

Quite satisfied Whoopsi leaves the storeKicking her heels as she goes through the door

Especially when there’s been a small price to payShe knows how to make her pennies go a long way!

DIANAShe is so shy, can’t look you in the eye,With an insecure smile, at least you try.

She has lost her social skills, and has to take pills,No one understands, but at least you can.

She can’t give a speech, always out of reach,A curious contradiction, at least you make things happen.

She reaches out her hand, like an angel’s wand.The most famous woman of her day, at least your memory will stay.

She radiates glamour, but the wolves were out to get you.Often misunderstood, at least you never would.

She lived a fairytale, and will be a legend some day.Hounded for a story, at least you had glory.

She came to a sad end, on a fateful August weekend,Tragedy struck sparks, at least you’ll leave a mark.

She lived a lonely life, full of wretched strife,Now you are at rest, we know you did your best. IRJ

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PATSY’ PAGE

Devil’s Blackberry Day

Not long after we came to live here, we picked blackberries at the end ofOctober. One local resident was horrified - “You should not be picking blackberriesnow, it is too late, the Devil will have spat on them!” Oh dear, that was one we hadnever heard of.

So, October 10th is the day you must stop’blackberrying’. Before thecalendar change in 1752 the 10th October used to be St Michael’s Day, and legend hasit that when St Michael threw the Devil out of heaven, the latter fell into a blackberrybush, so maybe he decided to take his revenge by spoiling the fruit. I guess you wouldsay he was ‘spitting mad’.

In parts of Cornwall October 10th is also regarded as the day to forecast thewinter weather. Warm and windy = a mild winter, but wet weather means a stormywinter.

Fortune Telling Crowdie - 2 heaped tablespoons of oatmeal, lightly toasted,½ pint double cream, lightly whipped, 1 oz caster sugar (to taste) , 1 tablespoon rum.

Combine the oatmeal and cream, stir in the sugar to taste - add the rum, thenchill slightly. Just before serving, stir in some charms and pour into a bowl. Guestsare then asked to take a spoonful in turn until they bring out a charm.

Hallowe’en charms - a coin for wealth, a ring for marriage, a button for abachelor, a thimble for a spinster, a wishbone for your heart’s desire.

Hallowe’en - we all know about ‘Trick or Treat’ but closer to home is theScottish ‘guising’, also known as ‘Mischief Night’. Children dress up in disguise andgo from house to house collecting apples, nuts and sweets, often earning these byperforming a party piece, those they visit have to guess who they are disguised as.

I like the Scots idea better than the T-or-T. My Mum, who spent the first 8or 9 years of her life in the USA told us how one hallowe’en 3 Klu Klux Klan menknocked on their door and gave my Grandma the fright of her life. They were onlypals of Grandpa dressed up for ‘fun’. Grandma was not amused.

Heigh ho for hallowe’en ,when the fairies a’ are seen,Some black and some green, heigh ho for hallowe’en

Traditional rhyme.‘Cattern Cakes and Lace’ book - Julia Jones & Barbara Deer

The netting that small oranges, mandarins or satsumas are packed in makegood scrubbers for non-stick pans. It was Derek who discovered the nets make goodscrubbers. Lemon juice or vinegar, acetic acid in other words is good for cleaningburned food from non-stick pans, leave it on to soak for a little while then it is easierto scrub off. Patsy

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CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER 2017TUESDAYS BEWCASTLE SCOUT GROUP is open to boys and girls aged

6-14 years old. Meets every Tuesday during term time inRoadhead Hall 6-15-7.45 pm. Details from Simon (01228-675717) or Tony (Scouts 016977 - 48007), David (Cubs 07935-172942) and Alex (Beavers 01228-675717).Farewell, thanks and regards Geoff Price.

WEDNESDAYS Post Office 9.30-11.30am Roadhead Hall,Stapleton Hall Wednesdays 12.15-2

29th September Macmillan Coffee Morning - we would be delighted if you could pop in to our Coffee Morning on Friday, 29th September from 10am to 12 noon, at Murray Holme, Bewcastle We are trying to raise funds for the wonderful Macmillan Nurses. Feel free to bring any edible donations!!! Raffle. Tel: 016977 481572nd October Bewcastle Church Harvest Supper,7pm in Roadhead Hall, tick- ets in advance from 48157.17th October Bewcastle Heritage Society, Waverley Route Ramblings, an illustrated talk by Bruce McCartney, 7.30pm Roadhead Hall £320th October Bewcastle Annual Whist Drive and Drawing in aid of Cancr Research UK Friday 20th October in Roadhead Hall at 7.30pm Admission £1 includes refreshments, Raffle with many prizes, Everyone welcome._____________________________________________________________________

FAREWELLSWe are very sad to record the passing of Mrs Edith Knapton on the 27th August.

She has been a good friend to our community and has held beading classes to show us how tomake intricate jewellery and other items which we have as mementos. Our sincere condolences go to Norman and her family.

We are also very sad to record the sudden passing of Michael Cole who lived atOakshaw Ford, on the 18th August. Our condolences go to his family and he will be missed inthe area. His funeral and interment were at Bewcastle Church._____________________________________________________________________

GOODBYETo Philip and Val Greenhalgh we send our love, best wishes and fond memories as they embarkon a new life in Cornwall, at The Haven, Green Lane, Veryan Green, Truro, Cornwall TR2 5QE._____________________________________________________________________

THE CHEERS BAR & MEALS @ BAILEY MILLOpen 8am - 9pm, Breakfast, Lunches, Dinner, Sunday Roast,Dog Friendly, Party Bookings Available, Tel: 016977 48617

Full menu also online on our Facebook Page

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EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK` Thank you to everyone that sponsored me on my big challenge to walk toEverest base camp in Nepal, I have raised £750 so far. Two weeks of walking up to an altitude of over 17,000 feet was always goingto be a challenge, I questioned my fitness and dertermination. Flying into Lukla ‘theworld’s most dangerous airport’ according to the history channel my adventure began,joined by a fellow Brit, an Australian and an Argentinian, two porters and two guideswe set off for the unknown. We would be staying at basic tea houses on our route tobase camp and back. After three days we were down to two Brits, the other two Trekkers had beenaffected by the altitude and had to return to lower ground. Although challenging tenhour days I felt good, no altitude problems for me, the training back and forth upChristianbury had obviously paid off. The fit bits suggested that we were doingbetween 25,000 and 38,000 steps a day, largely due to having to find a clear routethrough rocks and steps. As we got higher the air became much cooler and the trees disappeared, attimes it felt like being back on Dartmoor. We even experienced some snow fall higherup. There were many memorials dedicated to those that have died in their pursuit toclimb Everest which really brought us back to Earth, especially as most were forpeople that had died on their way back Down. On reaching base camp we were met by the scattering of the last tents of thisyear’s climbers, nestled in under the giant Khumbu ice fall. We had our photographstaken at the official base camp and celebrated our achievement. Later that day weheard that a lady from Singapore had died just 4 miles from base camp due to thealtitude; which gave us a shake and made us fully appreciate what we had achieved.Although being overtaken by a porter with a full size chest freezer on his back goinguphill did make me question my current level of fitness! Michelle Thorpe 23.6.17 ___________________________________________________________________

HOSPITAL VISITING TIMES BRAMPTON: 2.30-4PM CARLISLE - CUMBERLAND INFIRMARY: ASPEN: 3-5PM, 7-8PM BEECH WARDS: 3-4.30PM, 7-8PM CHILDRENS WARDS: 9.30AM-7PM (AT SISTER’S

DISCRETION) ELM WARDS: 3PM-4.30PM, 6.30-8PM LARCH A & B: 3-4PM, 7-8PM LARCH C : 3-5PM, 7-8PM LARCH D: 3-5PM, 6-8PM MAPLE B, C, D: 2.30-4.30PM, 7-8PM WILLOW A/B: 3-4.30PM, 6.30-8PM WILLOW C: 3-4.30PM, 6.30-8PM CCU: 3-4PM, 6-8PM INTENSIVE CARE UNIT & HDU 2PM-3.30PM, 5.30-7PM MATERNITY: 3-4PM, 7-8PM SPECIAL CARE BABY UNIT: 11AM - 9PM

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NOTICE BOARDHIGHWAYS HOTLINE 08456 096609, or online by going to:www.cumbriahighways.co.ukUse this number or website for any Pothole and Road Faults, Footways,Cycleways, Road Lighting, Road signs, General Highways Enquiries,Flooding of Roads, Windermere Ferry Enquiries, snow and Ice, Grass Verges, Overhang-ing 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 TeamEmergency 999 Non-Emergency ring 101Email - BramptonNPT@cumbria.police.uk Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111Website - www.cumbria.police.ukFacebook - www.facebook.com/cumbriapoliceTwitter - www.twitter.com/cumbriapoliceBrampton Police Station, Longtown Road, Brampton Cumbria CA8 1SJ

Voluntary Car Scheme - Volunteer Drivers or People needing Transport, kindly phone Freddie Nixon on 016977 48241 or Pat Nixon on 016977 45414 for direct bookings.

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

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH & FARM WATCH there has been a significant increasein rural crime with criminals targeting quad bikes on farms. Any suspicious activitywitnessed including their description, vehicle details, should be passed on to the policeASAP. For further information please contact 0845 3300 247.

RECYCLING of old Fridges, Furniture, Cookers, etc. The Council will collect these, nowfor a fee of £18 per load of 5 items picked up. Tel: 01228 817200. Or take them free ofcharge to the County Council Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) at RomeStreet 8am-6pm every day, or Townfoot Industrial Estate, Brampton, 10am-6pm every daybut Tuesday. You will need a Free permit at an HWRC if you have a van or twin axletrailer - call 0845 055 1118.

Bulky household items also wanted by Impact Furniture Service (Free collection possible)especially white goods (dead or alive!) Tel: 01228 633655. DO NOT FLY TIP ATROADHEAD RECYCLING SITE OR IN LOCAL HEDGEROWS!PLEASE KEEP BEWCASTLE TIDY.

DOCTOR’S SURGERY - no longer at Roadhead, phone 013873 75100 at 8am for anappointment at Newcastleton Health Centre - prescriptions may be collected from Garry’s,Roadhead during working hours.

POST OFFICE NOW 9-30 to 11.130am on Wednesdays at Roadhead HallFIRST RESPONDERS: Doreen Telford 48248; Joyce Waugh 48338, Defibrillator onwall outside Roadhead Hall Supper Room, with instructions.

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Bewcastle Group

The summer holidays are over and young people have gone back to school,therefore Scouts has also restarted. We resumed in Roadhead Hall on the 12th

September with most of the young people returning. We also have two new memberswith rumours there may be more to come. It was good to catch up with them all afterthe summer and find out what they had been involved in. We discussed the activitieswe have planned over the coming months up to Christmas (sorry but our planning isalready beyond this). I feel it is important to stress that the planning of activities is not an actcarried out by the leaders in isolation, but included a group of the senior scouts inorder to ensure the young people’s views and wishes are included. On our second week back we visited the old peat works at Bolton Fell to seethe differences that had taken place since our visits in early spring. Supported byEnglish Nature (Keeley) the young people were looking at insect life and our Beaversfound a marsh frog which elicited great interest. Over the coming months we have numerous different activities plannedincluding Laser Quest, Yoga and emergency response. We also have started theScottish Challenge badge with the Beavers (it will roll out to other sections in duecourse), given our close proximity to the Border. As far as we are aware, this is thefirst for an English Scout Group. I also want to take the opportunity again to remind the Group that we willtake part in Remembrance Sunday 12th November at Bewcastle Church. Finally, we are looking for adult support/help in all areas includingleaders/section helpers and committee members. Please contact me if you areinterested or need further information.

Good scouting until next time.Simon BarrettGroup Scout Leader (01228-675717

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

The Air Ambulance, British Heart Foundation and other charities whichcollect by asking people to fill their bags with unwanted clothes, also recycle oldprinter cartridges of all types, laser or ink jet, and unwanted mobile phones, so don’tthrow anything away, keep them in a bag in the shed and RECYCLE THEM! In addition, our local schools organise mass collections in their announce-ments and send your cartridges and phones to them, or phone for them to be collected.Contact Bewcastle, Fir Ends or Shankhill Schools. Thanks.

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32 EXTRAORDINARY USES FOR ORDINARY THINGS continuedUPGRADE YOUR LAUNDRY*Sugar removes Grass Stains. Enzymes in sugar help break down the chlorophyll that causesgreen stains.+ Mix 50g sugar with just enough warm water to create a paste. Apply to the stain.Let sit for 30 minutes before washing.*Milk polishes Leather. To clean patent leather (the glossy type used for belts, shoes and bags)Dip a soft cotton cloth into milk. Gently buff the leather in circular motions to moisturise. Themilk’s enzymes and fat soften and polish the leather. Buff again with a clean dry cloth to removeremaining milk residue.*Vegetable Shortening removes Lipstick Stains. Rub a dab into the lipstick mark, and wash asusual. The oil acts as a solvent to loosen the stain.EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR STUFF*Sponges preserve Soap. To help a bar of soap last longer, leave it on a sponge next to the sink.The sponge will prevent slime and drips by helping soap dry faster.*Hairspray protects Artwork. When your mini Picasso brings home a masterpiece, preserve itwith a few spritzes of hairspray. This is especially handy for chalk and other materials thatsmudge easily.*Petroleum jelly prevents Rust. Apply a thin layer to the surface in question (eg, outdoormachinery, nuts and bolts, and chrome on bikes). The petroleum jelly will protect the metal frommoisture and air, both of which encourage rust.OH NO! I JUST RAN OUT OF…*Washing up liquid. Shampoo (the plainer the better) will get the job done. Stick to using it inthe sink - filling your dishwasher with shampoo may drown it in suds.*Deodorant. Lemon juice naturally deodorises by making your underarm too acidic for bacteria.Apply with a cotton ball.*All-purpose Cleaning Spray. To clean up marks , glue or paint from a table, try this teacher’strick: spray a dollop of shaving cream on the surface and spread with a dry sponge. Leave forfive to 15 minutes and wipe off with a damp sponge.*Shampoo. Sprinkle flour into your hair and shake throughout. The flour absorbs excess oils,leaving you with a fresh-looking mane.*Hand sanitiser. If you need to wash your hands while travelling but no bathroom is in sight, useantiseptic mouthwash. Put a few drops on your hands and rub like hand sanitiser. The mouthwash’s high alcohol content attacks bacteria and gives skin a minty fresh scent.*BEFORE YOU THROW IT OUT*Butter tubs double as water dishes. When you travel with your pet, pack an empty, washedbutter tub instead of a bulkier everyday bowl. The lightweight container makes a resealable foodand water dish. It can also protect fragile dog biscuits and treats.*Coffee Lids protect shelves. Use a sturdy plastic lid from a coffee can as a pantry coaster. Slipit under containers that might drip - say, honey, salad dressing or chutney - to shield your shelvesfrom that annoying sticky mess.*Dryer Sheets Dust. Television and computer screens are electrically charged, which causesthem to attract dust. Since dryer sheets are designed to reduce static cling, they’ll remove dustand prevent it from resettling for several days. Polish glass screens with the sheets after they’vebeen in the dryer, for a softer texture.*Cardboard Tubes wrap extension Cords. The simplest way to keep cords tangle-free in storage:Slip wrapped cords into toilet paper tubes and stck in a box. This also keeps a single cord tidybehind your desk.

(Last part to be continued next month - courtesy of Reader’s Digest)

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BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIESMany Happy Returns to:

JOAN FERGUSON 7th October

GEOFFREY BLAIR 14th October

TONY BROWN 14th October

IVER GRAY 24th October

MATTHEW TIERNAN 27th October

JUDY OWSTON 28th October

Best Wishes to All who are ill or in HospitalPlease kindly let us have any updates to our list

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BEWCASTLE PARISH COUNCILLORSwww.bewcastleparishcouncil.org.uk

Barbara Smith, Chairman, Roughsyke Tel: 016977 48212

Brian Carruthers, Peel a Hill, Bewcastle 48232

Malcolm Dodd, Roanstrees, Bailey 48601

Ann Holt-Thomas, Murray Holme, Bewcastle 48157

Andrea Nicholson, The Police House, Roadhead 48006

Steven Pattinson, Kinkry Hill Farm, Roadhead 48053

Mary Phillips, 7 Sleetbeck Road, Roadhead 48254

Patricia Renwick, The Knowe, Roadhead 48024

Frank Waugh, Kilnstown, Bewcastle 48655

Catherine Leach, Clerk, Whintingstown, Roadhead 48354