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Newsletter 340 - February 2006
Chairman's Remarks - Marion Coupe We begin the year on a positive note after a successful New Year's lunch and the good news that Rachel Battersby has joined the committee as secretary. We have the final numbers of those who attended our exhibition in October --2,555, an impressive result. Many thanks again to the Heritage Group for allowing us to use their excellent rooms. Witchwood is being, as ever, well cared for by a committed band of woodsmen and women. The snowdrops are out and soon the bare branches will burst into green. Please respond as soon as you can to the proposal for a visit to Dalemain and Rheged. We must apologise for the trip being midweek - but Dalemain is closed on a Saturday. A major concern is still of course, the Town Hall. The annual Christmas event held by the Mayor and Mayoress of Fylde (Councillors Ron and Hilda Wilson) showed it off well. The ornate tiles in the corridors gleamed; the choir of St Bedes School sang ranged on the carved wooden stairs, and we were free to admire the decorative stained glass. We could not wander into the council chamber as it is now used as offices. Still, there was part of the superb picture and sculpture collection to see......... What was that about a crumbling building? Complete nonsense. If you would like to become more involved in the various activities and interests of the group, please come forward. We do need someone to assemble the articles for this newsletter and proof read, not a large job. Other changes are afoot. At the last AGM it was decided that the patrons subscriptions would be increased to £25 from May 1st 2006, and that a new category of Life Membership would be introduced. In October we held a special evening for patrons and there will be more. There is no news on the "masterplan" which was deservedly thrown out by the planners. There has been a re-submission of an outline application for 260 residential dwellings, 60% affordable, on part of the site. This already has consent, but is due to run out of time. We consider however that the site has become so sensitive and significant as part of a much larger proposal, and as the land around it has been cleared; it needs to be considered in much greater depth than previously. We need to see an illustrative layout. There should be information on access, traffic flow/levels, open space, environmental impact, and flood risk. Flood risk is taken into account in the application for Lytham Quays, but is ignored here. It is not acceptable for such a large amount of affordable housing to be placed in one area. The amount proposed here is much in excess of that actually required by the borough, and its presence in the application should not be seen as a way to facilitate the planning permission. Besides this, the impact this would have on Lytham has not been calculated in terms of infrastructure requirements. The proposed new Primary Care Unit to be sited on the eastern edge of Lytham at Stanways garage has been allowed at (written) appeal, in spite of representations made by others and ourselves. Although it appears that the Inspector did visit the site, we are surprised that his report says things like: " As a consequence of the proposed relocation it is to be expected that pedestrian journeys from the western and central parts of Lytham would reduce and those from the eastern part would increase." This is the absolute
eastern rim of the town! While the siting of the facility might
be central to the spread of patients within G.P.'s lists, which
include Warton, it is certainly not central to the spread of population
within Lytham.
The Friends of Lowther Gardens are proposing that a clock made of cobbles be constructed in the gardens to commemorate the park's centenary. Maggie Howarth who made the large mosaic in Clifton Square will create it. The group do a lot of practical work in the gardens, and initiated the statue of the Shrimper there. Booths have promised a contribution of £6,200, but there is still a shortfall of about £5,000. If you would like to make a donation of any size please get in touch with us, remembering that we can add gift aid relief at 28%. We do need to support
our parks, especially in the light of the financial difficulties
of our council. We are told that FBC is in the process of registering
Lowther as a charity following their and our barrister's opinion.
A subsidy would be needed if the facility were to "go it alone"
however. Sadly, Cllr. Paul Hayhurst was quoted as saying "
I would argue against any In spite of a similar opinion on charitable status by SOAG's barrister however, which FBC accepted, the latter are not registering Ashton Gardens. A large block of flats will soon overlook the gardens, which are, not for the first time, a little smaller. The Ashton Institute is now a heap of wood and we wonder whether it will ever be restored.......... Since our excellent exhibition of woodworking and windows at Lytham Hall in 2001, UPVC windows have continued to dominate our streets. The designs have improved however in the case of some of the quality manufacturers who actually make a sliding sash. A house on Commonside Ansdell underwent major changes last autumn. The owner was assured that the new UPVC would look just like the 100 year old originals. He was horrified with the resulting thick window bars, and stored the old windows. They have now been put back in, fully draught proofed and serviced. After all we wouldn't leave a car for 100 years without a service, and this is all most of these windows need. The Task Force of Lancashire Wildlife Trust has completed the new section of path by the school fence opposite the cricket field. The cost of this work has been covered by a grant from the Lancashire Environmental Fund. This new section completes the hard path throughout the length of the wood from Lytham to Ansdell. There is still some work to be carried out, by the Task Force, in respect of repairs to the existing path. No date has been set for this work but we expect it to be completed in the next month or so. Members who use the wood regularly have been surprised to find a new cottage industry springing into life. New planting schemes have required the clearance of some areas and this has resulted in a surplus of logs and mulch, which have been successfully marketed at very low prices. Many local residents have found it hard to resist buying a small bag of logs or mulch for £1! In addition, many people have been happy to contribute to funds by taking part in the 'Plant a Tree' initiative in return for a £2 contribution to witch wood funds. So far this winter we have planted approximately 150 trees and shrubs. Planting will finish at the end of February so anyone interested in this scheme should contact us as soon as possible. The volunteer group now has a mobile telephone - 07780 838876. This number may also be used to contact the group for the purchase of logs and mulch. All donations and any money made from the sale of logs and mulch is re-invested in new trees and equipment for the wood. Dog fouling continues to be a problem. Although the majority of dog owners are responsible people, sadly there are a few who just cannot be bothered to make use of the bins provided in order to make the wood a pleasant place for all to enjoy. Signs indicating that dog owners should use the bins provided have also been removed from the wood. There will be working parties in the wood each Friday morning, except when meeting on the following Saturdays: February 11th, March 11th, April 8th, May 13th. We meet at 9.30 am at the tree nursery (near Skew Bridge entrance). Just turn up or contact either Bill Thompson on 737795 or Rob Wilkinson on 727611. Annual General Meeting of the Federation of Lancashire Civic Societies. The A.G.M. this year is on April 1st at Bacup. There is plenty of interest there, including a proposal to knock down rows of terraced houses, which has angered residents. They have set up a rescue package called Bacup Consortium, which is also addressing the problem of an underused listed Market Hall. We might also get a special performance of the Britannia Coconut Dancers! - Plus a speaker in the morning. The Central Methodist Church Hall, Bacup, at 10.30am.Cost about £10 with lunch. All welcome, for a lift, contact Graeme Fallows 737775 or Bill Thompson 737795. The grounds of Lytham Hall will be open each Sunday in February. Volunteers are need to help each day. If you can help, please ring the Hall on 736652. Dates of opening: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th February 2006
The gates will be open to visitors from 11.00am to 15.00pm Parking within the grounds
is available free of charge and also opposite the main gates at
Aegon should you wish to extend your walk. There is disabled parking
close to the Hall for easier access. Guided tours of the Hall can also be booked - there will be one at 12.30pm and 2pm. The most famous and tragic event to affect the local lifeboats took place in December 1886. The German three masted barque "Mexico" with a crew of twelve was in trouble on the Horse Bank in terrible weather and enormous seas. Three lifeboats were launched, the "Charles Biggs" from Lytham, the "Laura Janet" from St Annes, and the "Eliza Fearnley" from Southport. The Charles Biggs reached the Mexico and took off her crew, then returning for home. Soon after this the Southport boat arrived at the Mexico (which still had a light burning on board) but was hit by a huge wave and capsized. The crew clung on as best they could as the Eliza Fearnley was slowly pushed back to shore by wind and sea. Several of those who had made it back to shore died of hypothermia, and only two of the sixteen who had set out survived. There had been no sign of the Laura Janet during this terrible night and next morning the Lytham lifeboat re-launched, taking with them the Captain of the Mexico, and was joined by the Blackpool Lifeboat. There was no sign of the St Annes boat at sea and in the early afternoon she was found capsized off Birkdale with all her crew dead. This tragedy was the worst disaster ever to befall the Lifeboat Service and shocked Europe. Twenty seven men were lost in all, the youngest only nineteen, leaving fifty orphans. Donations came from near and far and enabled a fund to be set up to help the families. St Annes man Charles Macara became chairman of the Relief Fund and soon after instigated "Lifeboat Saturdays", fundraising events which began in Manchester in 1891 and spread to the rest of the country as an annual event. Mrs Marion Macara helped to set up the Ladies Auxiliary Committee, which led later to the formation of the Ladies Lifeboat Guilds. Macara had revolutionised charity fundraising and his ideas were taken over by the RNLI and became the present Flag Day.
Our book "The Listed Buildings of Lytham St Annes" has a photo of the main memorial to the lifeboatmen on its back cover, and a photo of the Laura Janet stone in St Cuthbert's churchyard, both these being listed monuments. There is another however in St Annes parish church yard, near the main entrance and next to the grave of Charles Macara. Four of the men are buried there. The monument is of red sandstone and needs restoring. The parish church, RNLI and ourselves are involved and the quotation obtained from conservators at present is £12,000. The stone would probably be kept inside the church afterwards. If you would like to help at all in this call for funds, please get in touch with Trevor Saunders on 01253 640887.
Coming Events - Hilda Partington Wednesday 15th March - Assembly Rooms Unfortunately the guest
speakers are unable to give the talk as published. Don and Sheila
Moore have kindly, at short notice stepped into the breach. They
will give their slide/tape presentation of their walk along the
Cistercian way. This is the route of the medieval footpath from
Grange to Barrow. Walked by monks of old the path runs through sites
of historical and botanical interest and displays the beauty of
this not often visited part of Lancashire. It starts at 7.30.Tea
and biscuits served. Bring along your friends. Let's make this a
good turn out. Saturday 1st April - Central Methodist Church , Bacup Federation of Lancashire
Civic Society Meeting Thursday 27th April - Outing to Dalemain Estate Cumbria & the Rheged Centre. The coach will leave St.Annes at 8am and is estimated to arrive at Dalemain at 10.am On arrival there will be coffee and biscuits available £1.80. Dalemain is a Mediaeval Tudor and early Georgian house that has been home to the same family since 1679, with a history stretching from Saxon to early Georgian. The house has fascinating interiors with fine furniture, ceramics, dolls houses and old toys and the Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry Museum. From the Chinese room with its original hand- painted wallpaper to the Tudor Fretwork Room with its magnificent 16th century plaster ceiling and oak panelling - there is much to enjoy and discover. In the garden there is a 5-acre plants man's garden with richly planted herbaceous borders along with a wild garden and riverside walk. Entrance to the house and gardens is at the party rate of £4.50, and gardens only £3.50 We will have lunch and leave for Rheged at 2.pm. A menu of dishes, ranging from £3 to £5, will be circulated on the coach. Some members may prefer to take their own lunch. Rheged is known as the village in the hill is one of the Lake District's biggest attractions. A building of unusual and inspired design it houses cafes and shops which reflect the regional design and quality of the produce. There are workshops, galleries and a National Mountain Exhibition. There is also a large screen film theatre. On the day of our visit there will be a screening of The Grand Canyon. The film depicts the discovery of the Canyon and takes one through the whole adventure of seeing, in close up, this wonder of Nature. Screening approx. 2.15pm. the film takes about 40 minutes. Cost £4.00. <www.dalemain.com> A 53 seater G-line coach
has been booked and the cost is £8. We plan to leave Rheged
at 4.30/5.00pm. An application form for tickets is enclosed with
pick up points noted. Please book early with a stamped addressed
envelope. This will be a full and interesting day, hopefully enjoyed
at your own pace. Do support this event. Bring your friends along.
Let us all try to fill the coach and make this an enjoyable day
for all who come along. Friday 5th May - Assembly
Rooms 7.30pm For several years Barbara has been bringing her students along to our society and by doing so has given us evenings of great pleasure. These young singers are at the start of their musical careers and some of them go on to reach the heights in the professional world of singing. We are very fortunate to have Barbara in our midst, and we are grateful to her for giving us the opportunity to hear and enjoy, so much, the delightful singing of her students. Thank you, Barbara. Please send in the enclosed application form with a stamped addressed envelope and cheque for £8.00. Closing date, out of necessity is early, the27th April, and tickets are limited so please post early. Membership has continued to increase and now stands at 445 paid up members. We are pleased when members pay subscriptions by Standing Orders and also taxpayers who agree to us claiming back money via Gift Aid. At the Annual General Meeting in September, it was agreed that annual subscriptions for individual members will remain at £6.00 and family membership at £10.00. However, from May 1st 2006, the Patron's subscription will be increased from £12.00 to £25.00. In addition, from that date, a new category of life membership will be introduced, costing £100.00. Will Patrons please note these changes and where necessary, change Standing Orders accordingly. We are most appreciative
of the interest and commitment shown by all members over the years
and hope very sincerely that you will continue to give your support
in the future. A reminder, please, that annual subscriptions are
due from May 1st 2006.
The Civic Society has released a DVD in celebration of the formation of St.Annes on the Sea Town Council. 'The Town From The Sand' was made in 1974, specially commissioned by Gabriel Harrison, then Chairman of the St.Annes on the Sea Land and Building Company, to mark the towns centenary. The film is a documentary, based on the book 'Rage of Sand' by Gabriel Harrison, and traces the history of St.Annes on the Sea, Lancashire, from its founding in 1874. Local filmmaker Peter Wilson made the film with the assistance of many other people who lent old photographs, paintings and drawings. Local drama groups also helped reconstruct many events in the town's history. In 1974 the film had its premiere at the Dorchester Hotel in London, followed by a Northern premiere at Studio One Cinema, St.Annes. BBC TV filmed a 'Nationwide' report during the making of the film, and excerpts from the film were screened. Looking back today some 30 years on we see now that this is not just a documentary film, but also a historical document. The film contains images of many buildings and scenes that are now sadly missed. In its closing stages the film offers a message of hope about what the future will bring for the town. Also included is an award winning short film, 'The Man with the Parcel'. This quirky piece was filmed in the St.Annes area by Peter Wilson in 1964.
Plackitt & Booth,
Clifton St., Lytham Or by sending a cheque made out to 'LSA Civic Society' for £10.99 including postage to Rob Wilkinson, 29 Grange Rd., St.Annes, FY7 2BW. (Tel. 727611)
If you would like to comment on a planning application write to: The Manager
for the Built Environment
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