Following on from the previous updates in July and August …

Park Benches and Picnic Tables

Many thanks to Alan Carr for sanding and staining all the wood benches and picnic tables in the park. They look great. Thanks Alan.

New Path for the Woodland Walk

Thanks to contractor Tom Owen for extending the park path into the woodland walk around the Car Park.

Weed clearance in the Wildflower area.

In preparation for wildflower planting in the Spring ongoing weed clearance is being carried out in the Wildflower area.

KIT
The Downholland Newsletter

Summer 2024

Including

Downholland Parish Council

Rector of Lydiate and Downholland

Haskayne & Downholland Community Association and Haskayne Village Hall

Haskayne & Downholland Residents Association

Haskayne Local History Group

West Lancs Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Paul Hennessy

DOWNHOLLAND PARISH COUNCIL

You may have noticed that there’s work underway in Jubilee Park where contractors, Parish Councillors and local volunteers are undertaking various jobs. A massive heartfelt thank you to everyone who has come and helped.

Sculpture

Our sculpture celebrating our local agricultural heritage has now been installed on the park. The sculpture was designed, created and installed by Stephen Charnock from Scartworks. Having looked nationwide for an artist who would be able to translate our aims into art, it was great to find a perfect fit locally. Stephen not only has a large portfolio of national projects including the Bridgewater Canal Heritage Project and the Whitehaven Costal Path Project, but he also comes from a local farming background, making him the perfect fit. The 8ft steel sculpture has been well received and is proving popular with park goers (though their dogs aren’t sure yet). The sculpture has been funded by CIL money received from local housing developments including Moor Farm and Tan Pit Farm. The area surrounding the sculpture is being prepared for wildflower planting in the spring.

Here’s what else has been done and what’s ongoing.

Completed

• We’ve moved the adult gym beams out of the orchard and put them in-line with other equipment.
• A bin and picnic bench have been relocated out of the wildflower area to better locations.
• A lot of the turf from the wildflower area has been removed. Thanks to Tom Owen.
• Trees in the wildflower area and Woodland Walk have been cut back. Thank you to Ele and Stu Gawne.
• A new rope fence has been added around the wildflower area. Thank you to Steve Thomas.
• The fence surrounding the children’s play area has been cleaned. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and came along with buckets and sponges – a great community effort and it looks great.

Ongoing and planned

• Installation of a basketball hoop and raising the heights of the goal posts.
• Preparing the wildflower area around the sculpture which will be planted with wildflowers in the spring.
• Painting the benches and picnic tables.
• Extending the path around the field to the Woodland Walk around the Car Park.
• Adding a bug hotel (that we’ve come to call Buggingham Palace) to the Woodland Walk (thanks to the Residents Association)

Get Involved

We’re always looking for more volunteers for a range of projects; at the moment, the wooden play equipment in the park needs a clean and a fresh coat of preservative. You’re welcome to work on your own or as part of team, all materials supplied – get in touch if you’d like to get involved.

The Parish Council would like to send it’s best wishes for a speedy recovery to Pam Arnold (and nurse Richard)

Recent Events
Rector Susan Salt talks about the events in Southport and its aftermath, in her article below, better than I ever could. Such events can challenge what it means to be a community, but the community I celebrate was embodied in the elderly lady who said that while she wasn’t physically able to help those who had turned out to sweep up and repair damaged walls, she could, at the very least, make them some toast and a brew.

Enjoy the rest of the summer.

Mike
Downholland Parish Council

RECTOR OF LYDIATE AND DOWNHOLLAND, SUSAN SALT

Monday 29^th July 2024 is a date that will be etched in people’s memories with its dreadful reality that three young girls, were stabbed to death as they attended a Taylor Swift dance themed event at the start of the school holidays.

That such a tragedy should happen in Southport has shocked many people.  There is no way any of us can make sense of such a random act of violence carried out apparently indiscriminately.  We cannot comprehend the set of decisions and circumstances that left 3 children dead and others fighting for their lives in hospital.  The fact that such an act was carried out by a 17-year-old, acting alone only adds to our confusion.  And it is not for us to make sense of it.  That is for the police and the courts.

Our response as communities must be to lament and come together in solidarity with all those who have been bereaved.  To pray as we can, to light candles and to commit to being kind to those around us. To stand together and acknowledge all those who have seen things they should never have had to see. To applaud all those who ran into danger and who rescued and protected so many.  To be alongside those for whom the events of that Monday reignite painful memories of their own stories.

We must try and stand up for hope and to resist all attempts to divide communities including anger.  We cannot know what drove a young man to take a knife and stab so many – but we must not let his acts divide us through fear and recrimination.

Each of us needs to be a beacon of hope and love as well as light in a dark world. To be alongside all those across our communities who are hurting so much.  Then God’s love will enable communities and individuals to find a peace beyond understanding and the strength to heal in the months and years to come.

Susan Salt

Rector

Wednesday midweek communion 11am at St Thomas’
Followed by refreshments and time to chat. Enjoy meeting old friends and make some new ones.
Swap some books, try out a jigsaw or simply chat.  No charge but donations to cover costs welcome.

Parent and Toddler Group at St Thomas’ – Thursday mornings, 10.30-12 midday during term time.
Restarts Thursday 12th September
£4 a family to cover costs – includes a drink and biscuit and craft activity.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic St Thomas’ Vicarage Garden for nursery and reception children.
Sunday 8th September 2024 after the 11am Service.
Bring a picnic and a teddy bear (and something to sit on)

Sunday 15th September to Sunday 29th September 2024
Slavery and Repentance Exhibition, St Cuthbert’s Halsall
We are hosting the exhibition that was first held in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral earlier this year, with a showing of the powerful film “After the flood” on Saturday 21st September in St Cuthbert’s School Hall at 6.30pm.

Church will be open Friday and Saturday 11am to 4pm and Sunday 2-4pm. 
Other times available by appointment.

Saturday 28th September at 7pm St Thomas’ Lydiate –
Organ recital with Professor Ian Tracey. Tickets £10 including a glass of wine and some cheese in the interval.  Concessions £5. Under 18s free. Money raised is going to church funds.

Harvest festival for St Thomas is on Sunday October 13th at 11am this year.

Sunday 1st September Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity	8.00am	St Thomas’ Lydiate	Said BCP Communion
	9.30am	St Cuthbert’s Halsall	BCP Holy Communion (No church without walls)
	11.00am	St Thomas’ Lydiate	Common Worship Holy Communion
All are welcome, whether you have been a life-long Christian or are just exploring faith.

The Rector Writes.
Over the last few months there has been a lot of work being going on to explore how the churches who have agreed to collaborate within Fit for Mission might work together in practice.  Some of you will have enjoyed the joint summer Songs of Praise at St Thomas.  Others of you may have taken part in the SHAPE course.  Why is all this important?  As Christians we are called to love God with all our heart and to share that love with all those we meet. In order to do that, we need to be willing to share our stories and serve our communities.  The SHAPE course encouraged us to reflect on what shape we are and what has shaped us – and how we can use our shape to spread the love of God and build up our community.

The next part of thinking about how we are fit for mission and how we help people encounter faith is the Cultivate course.  Dare we believe that God acts through us?  Dare we risk talking about why faith and church is important to us?  Is there some activity that would enable our communities to come together and grow in kindness?  We are already well on the way with the parent and toddler group, the luncheon club, the butterflies and bees brigade, coffee mornings and Sunday brunches, but is there more we are being called to do and to be?  As we take a bit of a breather in August, whether at home or away, let’s ponder and pray about what God is calling us to next, both as churches and as individuals. 

Have a good summer
Susan

HASKAYNE AND DOWNHOLLAND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

Hi everyone, it’s great that Downholland Parish Council commissioned the sculpture, which now lives on Haskayne Jubilee Park representing all the valuable work the farmers have done over the years. Many thanks to the Parish Council. It is a great gesture that will be appreciated by the village and the residents.

Upcoming Events

Coach Trip to Liverpool and Afternoon Tea on ‘The Floating Grace’

We are organising a day trip out for any residents available to come. Date to be confirmed. The cost will be £22 per person and the coach will be paid for by the Residents Association. ‘The Floating Grace’ is a boat trip around the Liverpool docks with afternoon tea on board and a commentary about the historical sights on the trip. Anyone wishing to come, get your ticket at the coffee morning, from any committee member, or from Kathy and Roy at ‘The Old Post Office’ (01704 842066)

Madukes – Sat 28 September 2024

Tickets available soon for this ever-popular event at Haskayne Village Hall 7.30 pm.  Madukes – Maghull Ukulele band – always provide a great entertaining evening with foot-tapping popular songs from all eras and an opportunity to listen, sing, dance and socialise with your friends.

Children’s Halloween Party

This year’s children’s Halloween party will take place on Sunday 27 October 4.45 pm – 6 pm in Haskayne Village Hall. Mr Styx has been booked to entertain the children. When tickets are available, we will post on social media, advertise though school, and put posters up. Get your tickets early as they went very quickly last year.

Emergency Aid – Bleed Packs

Emergency bleed packs have now been installed alongside the defibrillator at Haskayne Village Hall and in the defibrillator kiosk in Sumner Avenue. These can be accessed in an emergency if an accident or incident causes someone to bleed profusely and can save a life. Always dial 999 and use the kit as advised by the emergency services. We will be running a training course for using these. If you would like to attend, please let Kathy or I know (01704 841066)

Best Kept Garden and Best Hanging Basket

The secret gardener is out and about looking at your front gardens and hanging baskets to decide the winners of the above awards and the winners will be announced in the next KIT and on our Facebook page.

Picnic in the Park 2024
Our picnic in the park was a great success again, although the weather started off a bit cool and may have put a few people off coming. Those who did come enjoyed the sun later in the afternoon. As always, the children loved the races. If you haven’t been before, look out for the date for next year.

Lancashire Best Kept Village Competition 2024/ Litter Picking

Haskayne did not progress to the second round of judging this year, although everyone did well with their litter picking and we made some attempt to clear the weeds in the road gutters, before the borough council eventually came round to spray them.

The Parish Council are making a sterling effort in the Jubilee Park this year thanks to a number of volunteers, and we are very hopeful that this and an early start to clearing the road gutters will pay off in next year’s competition. We will be reminding you to do your bit next year. If everyone can help keep the area that they can see from their own house free of weeds, I am sure we can win an award next year.

Dates for your Diary

Sat 28 September 2024 – Madukes, music evening by Maghull Ukulele Band, always an enjoyable and popular evening.

Children’s Halloween Party – Sun 27 October 2024

Father Christmas – December date to be arranged

Carol Singing around the Christmas Tree – Fri 20 December 2024

Roy Cunliffe

Chair

01704 841066
roycunliffe@btinternet.com
Facebook Page: Haskayne & Downholland Residents Association

HASKAYNE LOCAL HISTORY GROUP

The local history group will continue to meet on the first Monday of each month at 7.30 pm at Haskayne Village Hall (except for bank holidays).

Everyone is welcome to attend meetings. We just ask for a £1 donation to cover the cost of the hall if you can.      

We would be very interested to hear from anyone who would like to find out about or has any knowledge of the history of the village and bring this to the group or just come along to a meeting or comment on our Facebook page (Haskayne Local History).

Also, we are hoping to put on an exhibition (of information we have found out) sometime this year.

For more information contact Kathy (kathycunliffe@btinternet.com or 07563552236)

Kathy Cunliffe

HASKAYNE & DOWNHOLLAND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AND HASKAYNE VILLAGE HALL

The Haskayne & Downholland Community Association (HDCA) continue to run our Village Hall.  We have a really good team, who all work together to help with the smooth running of the hall and the various activities.  We are very grateful for any help we can get, and it has been great to work alongside the Haskayne Residents Association.  If anyone else would like to get involved with anything that’s going on at the hall or has any ideas for us to think about, then please get in touch – any help at all is always appreciated!

Our email address for any enquiries is haskaynedca2021@gmail.com or to make a booking, ring Dianne on 01704 840175.

Children’s Parties
The Hall is also available for Children’s Parties.  A two-hour afternoon party with an hour set up time and half an hour clear away time, costs just £70 with full use of all our facilities.  We allow bouncy castles inside the hall as long as they are provided by Boomerang Bouncy Castle Hire, who have lots of different styles and themes, including soft play.  Contact Dianne to check availability or to make a booking.  Tel: 01704 840175 or 07811775973, or email haskaynedca2021@gmail.com.

Village Hall Activities

Mondays	Coffee Morning Local History Group (1st Monday of the month can be subject to change) Body Tone	11am-1pm 7.30pm   6.30-7.30pm
Tuesdays	Pilates   Parish Council Meeting (3rd Tues of month)	9.30-10.30am & 6.30-7.30pm 7.30pm
Wednesdays	Body Tone Wednesday Club (Last Wednesday of the month can be subject to change) The Cottage Garden Society (3rd Wednesday of the Month September to April) Bingo Wednesday 2nd October Wednesday 4th December	9.45-10.45am 1.30-3.30pm     7.30pm   7.30pm
Thursdays	Available for Hire
Fridays	Available for Hire
Saturdays	Dogs Trust Dog Training Classes Afternoon Available for Hire	Morning
Sundays	Available for Hire

Coffee Mornings
After a short break over summer, our Coffee Mornings continue every Monday morning (apart from Bank Holidays).  All are welcome to come along for a chat and a brew and to put the world (or the village!) to rights!  Stand up bingo is also played for a small prize.  We have free Wi-Fi and a book and jigsaw library.  We open from 11am until 1pm and we love to see everyone coming along and catching up with their neighbours and friends.  The Post Office at the Pavilion is also usually open around the same time so you can visit the Post Office and pop in for a brew!

MacMillan Coffee Morning
Our MacMillan Coffee Morning will take place on Monday the 30th of September 2024, 11am to 1pm.  It was very well supported last year, and we managed to raise nearly £900!  There will be a raffle, a quiz, stand up bingo, and a pre-loved accessories sale.  So put the date in your diary and come along and show your support!

Bingo
Our next bingo sessions will take place on the 2nd of October and the 4th of December.  It is £5 for a book of 10 games.  We also have a raffle and a Winner Takes All which has a cash prize.  Free refreshments or bring your own.

Body Tone and Pilates
Andrea is now holding four classes a week.  Body Tone is on a Monday at 6.30pm and Wednesday at 9.45am and Pilates takes place every Tuesday at 9.30am and again at 6.30pm.  The cost is £6. Just bring a mat.  Both Body Tone and Pilates are for all abilities.  Come along and give it a try!  Please contact Andrea, who is a qualified instructor, on 075400 53002 for further information. 

Dogs Trust
The Dogs Trust Dog School team hold classes at Haskayne Village Hall on Saturday mornings.  The classes cover foundation training skills such as settle, recall, loose lead walking and four paws on the floor, to name a few.  Puppy classes are up to 18 weeks, adolescent classes from 18 weeks to 18 months and adult classes over 18 months. They also hold one-to-one sessions.  If you are interested, then please visit the website

www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/dog-school/ to fill in an enquiry form.

Wednesday Club
The Wednesday Club takes place usually on the last Wednesday of the month, but this can be subject to change, 1.30pm to 3.30pm.  It costs just £2 with optional bingo £1 and raffle 50p a strip. We start the session with five games of Bingo followed by tea, coffee, homemade cakes and a raffle.  Members can also play dominoes or just sit and have a chat and a catch up. Di and Myra look forward to seeing everyone, young and old and offer a very warm welcome to any newcomers.

Cottage Garden Society and Plant Sale
The Northwest Cottage Garden Society regularly meet at the Village Hall, usually the third Wednesday of the month. The following talks will be taking place:

Wednesday 18th September 2024
‘Bulb planting Looking to the Spring’ by Marguerite Hughes.  Marguerite is a well-known local horticultural tutor, garden designer and speaker.  This evening, she will be giving us a practical guide for planting spring bulbs and creating a bulb lasagne which will be first prize in the raffle.

Wednesday 16th October 2024
‘Exotic Planting’ by Kathryn Robey.  Kathryn was appointed in 2017 as the Curator at the Dorothy Clive Garden, Market Drayton Shropshire. The talk will give us an insight into how we can easily bring a touch of the exotic into our beds and borders.  Kathryn will be bringing plants for sale.

Wednesday 20th November 2024
‘The Cultivation & Propagation of Agapanthus and associated plants, Nerines and associated plants by Colin Hickman.  Colin grew up in his successful family plant nursery involving his parents and sister. The Hoyland Plant nursery grows and exhibits unusual South African plants and bulbs. So, we look forward to enjoying Colin’s practical demonstration and his plants which are for sale

Members £1.50, non-members: £3.00, including refreshments. Raffle and plant sales table. Everyone is welcome to come along.

Community Foodbank
If anyone wants to donate to our local Foodbanks, please bring any donations to the Village Hall on Monday morning, from 10.30am, or if attending any activities at the hall any other time. There is a box in the main hall to leave any items. Alternatively, please get in touch with Sharon on 07714330430 and we can collect. Thank you!

59er’s Club
The HDCA hold a 59er’s club every month to help with fundraising for the Village Hall.  It costs just £5 a month and the 1st Prize is £100; 2nd Prize £15 and 3rd Prize £10.  There are a few spare numbers and if you would like to join, or for further details, please ring Wendy 07802183100.

Lancashire County Council
0845 053 0000
lancashire.gov.uk

West Lancashire Borough
01695 577177
www.westlancs.gov.uk

KIT is an independent publication funded by Downholland Parish Council.
Any views expressed do not necessarily reflect Parish Council Policy.
Contributions welcome.

You may have noticed that there’s work underway in Jubilee Park where contractors, Parish Councillors and local volunteers are undertaking various jobs.

A massive heartfelt thank you to everyone who has come and helped out. (More about volunteering below)

Here’s a list of what’s done and what’s ongoing.

Completed

Moved the adult gym beams out of the orchard, in-line with the other adult gym equipment.

Moved a bin and picnic bench out of the wildflower area to better locations.

Cut back trees in the Wildflower and Woodland Walk

Removed most of the turf from the wildflower area

The sculpture celebrating our local agricultural heritage has been installed.

A new rope fence has been added around the wildflower / sculpture area.

The fence surrounding the children’s play area has been cleaned.

Ongoing

Preparing the wildflower area around the sculpture.

Painting the benches and picnic tables

Extending the path around the field to the Woodland Walk around the Car Park.

Adding a bug hotel (that we’ve come to call Buggingham Palace) to the Woodland Walk (thanks to the Residents Association)

Get Involved…

If you’d like to get involved and fancy helping out there’s always lots of things to do to make our park even better.

We’re currently looking for volunteers to clean and paint the wooden play equipment with a fresh coat of wood preservative.

Volunteers can work on their own or part of a team – and it’s up to you how much or little you want to do.

Get in touch if you’d like to lend a hand

Last year Downholland Parish Council commissioned a sculpture for Jubilee Park to celebrate the area’s local agricultural heritage.

The sculpture is funded by CIL money received from the conversion of local farms into housing developments.

Designed, created and installed by a local artist from a farming background (Scartworks), the installation will eventually be surrounded by grasses and wildflower.