BENTHAM...

MIKE Winstanley, chairman of the Ewecross Historical Society, welcomed members and guest speaker Peter Wynn to the first meeting of the season held at Bentham Methodist Church. 

Peter lives at Bull Farm, the title of his talk being Bull Farm, Burton in Lonsdale: a geographical and historical context.

He began by showing an aerial view of the village and surrounding area, pointing out the drumlins, steep hill and terraces up from the river Greta, and saying that his house is built on a gravel and sand ridge left 21,000 years ago by a river under the ice, during the last ice age.

Impressions of an ancient strip farming system could be made out, also medieval burgage plots of houses with a long narrow strip of land at the back. Bull Farm being one of these.

Peter had researched the history of the property; a Grade II listed building, dated 1669, built on land belonging to the Earl of Derby.

It was described as the Black Bull Inn and Farm with 28 acres of land, bought by the Redmayne Charity in 1712 and sold by them in 1955.

In 1841 Henry Slinger was the publican and the Duckett family took over in 1862. The following year both the Kendal Mercury and the Lancaster Gazette reported theft of wood from the Black Bull Inn.

It stopped being a pub about 1876; at one time the Sunday school was held in the barn, it was used as an auction house and Wesleyan chapel, it is even said that John Wesley preached there.

Descendants of many of the tenants still live locally, and five of the Middleton family, who lived there from 1957 to 2001, attended the meeting.

Finally, Peter showed the extensive renovations to bring the house into the 21st century, keeping many original features, and it still has a two-acre burgage plot.

Mike Winstanley thanked the speaker who answered several questions. 
Melinda Elder will speak on Transatlantic Trade - Heart and Soul of a City - Georgian Lancaster at the next meeting. 

 

BOLTON-LE-SANDS...

THE floral and horticultural society’s 72nd annual autumn show of chrysanthemums, flowers, vegetables, fruit, homecraft, photographic, floral art, handicraft, art and children’s section, will take place on Saturday, October 19 (2pm-4pm) at the community centre.

 

CARNFORTH...

WRAP up Lancashire is promoted by the Rotary Clubs of Carnforth, Lancaster and Lancaster Loyne.

Members of the local community are being asked to donate clean warm winter coats over a three-week period which started on October 7 and runs to October 28.

Boxes have been placed throughout Carnforth, Lancaster and Morecambe. Coats can be donated at Booths (Carnforth and Scotforth); Carnforth Civic Hall; Tesco, Carnforth; Lancaster Fire Station; Halton Community Centre; Lancaster and Morecambe Town Halls.

For other locations check the website wrapuplancashire.co.uk. Donated coats will be distributed to local charities to be given to people in need over the winter months.

For further information email infomorecambebay@wrapuplancashire.co.uk. 

THE ladies group met at the County Hotel and were entertained by Eileen Bellshaw, who gave a talk on her life as a District Nurse in the local area.

Two members, H. Shuttleworth and M. Ferguson, were given flowers and cards to celebrate their significant milestone birthdays.

Next month, Mike Scott who is talking about Morecambe - part 3.

New members and visitors are always welcome. The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month September to May. For further details telephone V James, on 01524-732736. 

CARNFORTH Town Council will be screening Rocketman, starring Taron Egerton, Richard Madden and Jamie Bell at the civic hall on Saturday, October 12 (6.30pm).

Tickets include a hot pot supper supplied by On a Roll.

They are available from Carnforth Town Council office in Market Street. Telephone Bob Bailey for more details on 07846-256006 or email: clerk@carnforthtowncouncil.org. 

THE opening session of Lyrics and Laughter will be held on October 29 (1.30pm-3.30pm) at Carnforth Free Methodist Church on Hunter Street.

This is a free singing and music group where old, familiar songs are sung along with a few new ones for people living with dementia and their carers.
Each person should be accompanied by a carer, although this need not be the same person at every session.

Sessions will be held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday every month.

The co-ordinator is Marilyn Thomson, a former ward sister at Nottingham City Hospital with specialist training in dementia.

She is also a dementia champion for the Alzheimer’s Society and a safeguarding vulnerable adults trainer. 
There will be a small selection of literature relating to dementia from various organisations.

To register for the group telephone Marilyn on 07547-957371 or email: dementiafriendlycfm@gmail.com.

Let her know if you have any special dietary requirements. 

LONSDALE Scouts’ annual Christmas card postal scheme will run from November 26 to December 14, with all cards being delivered by Christmas Eve. Stamps cost 35p. For further information on how to purchase stamps and card delivery areas see lonsdalescouts.org.uk.