View the Downholland Newsletter – KIT Autumn Winter 2023
KIT
The Downholland Newsletter
Autumn / Winter 2023
Including
Downholland Parish Council
Rector of Lydiate and Downholland
Contribution from Stephen Henders
Lancashire County Councillor, David O’Toole
West Lancs Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Paul Hennessy
Haskayne & Downholland Community Association and Haskayne Village Hall
Haskayne & Downholland Residents Association
Haskayne Local History Group
DOWNHOLLAND PARISH COUNCIL
Nitrous Oxide Canisters
We continue to see a lot of little silver Nitrous Oxide canisters left on the park and car park. As of November, it has become illegal to possess and heavy nitrous oxide use can result in serious health harms such as neurological damage. Nitrous Oxide deaths average one per week in the UK. www.talktofrank.com/drug/nitrous-oxide
Community Infrastructure Levy Projects
The Parish Council receives 15% of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) that is paid to the Borough Council when local developments are undertaken. We have historically spent this money on the park, bus shelters and other infrastructure within the community. The monies received from the Chisnall Brook development went on refurbishing the park, adding a path, equipment, and BMX Track.
Current ideas for projects include gateway “Welcome to Downholland” signs and the Parish Council has agreed to have a local artist, from a farming background, produce a metalwork sculpture to celebrate our local agricultural heritage. The design depicts a farm worker with a scythe at work and will be constructed in the wildflower area of the park next year.
If you’ve any thoughts or ideas, you’d be most welcome to come and share them – our meetings are the third Tuesday in the month, 7:30 at the Village Hall.
Defibrillator Training
I was pleased to attend a very informative training session at the Village Hall in September, organised by the Residents Association. A good turn out and a very worthwhile evening.
Jubilee Field
The park has had another successful year and continues to be well used. The Parish Council are continually improving the facilities and are in the process of replacing old signs and have recently finished work on installing a rope cordon to protect the orchard and spring bulbs. (Thank you to Councillor Steve Thomas for all his hard work)
Thank you also to Parish Councillors, residents, and members of the Residents Association for all their work on the park, along with James Forshaw, our grounds contractor, and his team, and to our staff Dave Bond and Andrea Little.
Remembrance
I was proud to represent the Parish at the recent Remembrance services at Our Lady’s and St Thomas Churches.
The Parish Council has been approached by local resident Stephen Henders about having a form of permanent memorial to those of our Parish who served in the World Wars, you can read Stephen’s contribution in this edition of KIT.
Community Shop
Thank you to Maggie Lloyd for all her efforts in trying to establish a community shop in Haskayne. Unfortunately, there was insufficient interest or offers of help forthcoming.
Christmas
As usual I’ll be driving Santa’s sleigh around Haskayne again this year, look out for him on Saturday 16 December, more details in the Residents Association’s article in this edition, along with details of other events taking place.
On behalf of myself and the Parish Council I’d like to wish you all are very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Thank you.
Mike Wainwright
Downholland Parish Council
RECTOR OF LYDIATE AND DOWNHOLLAND, SUSAN SALT
What sort of memories do you have from Christmas past? For me, as a child, the excitement certainly started when the Christmas tree, with all its baubles, lights, and tinsel, was brought down from the attic. That was usually around mid-December, and it marked the start of a time when everything was just that little bit different and normal routines were laid aside for a while. My parents enjoyed some time off work and family members gathered at our house for Christmas dinner. It was, of course, great to be off school as well!
Maybe that was not a very holy view of Christmas, but it does make me think now of one very important aspect of the incarnation (God being born and living with us on earth). When Jesus came into the world, he came to make a difference. Whether he truly understood just what an impact he would make we can only guess at, but in the end, he changed things so much that the majority of the world now measures dates and seasons based on the time of his birth.
With this in mind, it seems right that the way we mark Christmas should be special, allowing us to depart from our daily routine. For some that means more partying, but even amongst the rowdiest of parties the name of Christ is uttered without shame or embarrassment (even if it is not obvious to all that he is what ‘Christ-mass’ is all about!). For others it might mean a trip to the local church to join in with some carols at one of our services. Even for those already committed, it means worshipping at different times and with the crib always in view, bringing home that message that “God so loved his world that he sent his only son to be born and die for each of us.”
Christmas should be different, but we must go beyond simply marking it out as a special season. If Jesus came to make a difference, it is up to us to make sure that we too make a difference in the world. And the world today, more than ever, needs to hear a different message that speaks of peace, mutual respect and hope not anger, division and hopelessness.
May the peace of Christ dwell in you this Christmas time and be your inspiration in the coming year.
Why not try and make space for Christ this Christmas?
St Thomas, Church Lane, Lydiate, L31 4HL
Sunday Dec 3rd 4pm Christingle Service
Monday Dec 4th 7pm Advent Quiet Service, the word made flesh.
Monday Dec 11th 6.30pm Scout & Guide Carol Service
Sunday Dec 17th 7pm Light in the darkness, Carol Service for the bereaved
Monday Dec 18th 7pm Advent Quiet Service, Jesus our salvation
Sunday Dec 24th 11pm Midnight Christmas Eucharist
Monday Dec 25th 9am Christmas Day BCP Communion
11am All Age Christmas Eucharist
Thursday Dec 28th 7pm A service for Holy Innocents. We remember children and babies who have died
All are welcome to any service in either Church.
We would love to meet you and get to know you a little better.
Susan Salt
rectorhalsallandlydiate@gmail.com 07730 197656
CONTRIBUTION FROM STEPHEN HENDERS
A PROJECT TO MAKE A PLACE IN DOWNHOLLAND TO HONOUR OUR WORLD WAR DEAD.
We are canvassing support for a place where the men who went to the World Wars from this parish can be honoured. It was decided, by the War Commission after World War I, that soldiers should be commemorated on the memorial of the nearest village or town to which they were linked. The Parish Council of Downholland was still relatively new when war broke out in 1914 consequently the church parishes were still used when it came to recording the fallen and burying their remains and Downholland did not have a church only a mission at Barton. We therefore have men who went to war from Barton, Haskayne and Downholland commemorated on the memorials in Halsall St Cuthbert, in St Thomas Lydiate and in Our Lady Catholic Church in Lydiate. In my research I have found the names of thirteen men from our parish who made the ultimate sacrifice, and they are listed below with their association to this parish.
Arthur Green 1943. Husband of Eva Green of Haskayne buried in Birkdale cemetery.
James Craven 1917. Son of William & Margaret of Barton Lane not on local monuments.
George Charles 1917. Of Station Rd and Barton Station recorded on the Halsall monument.
Ernest Sharrock 1942. Son of Hannah, licensee of the Kings Arms recorded on the Halsall monument.
Peter Sharrock 1918. Son of Hannah, licensee of the Kings Arms recorded on the Halsall monument.
Henry Rawlinson 1917. Married to Mrs J Rawlinson of Haskayne recorded on the Halsall & Lydiate monuments.
Edward Townsend 1917. Of Hollinshead farm, Haskayne recorded on the Halsall monument & roll of honour.
Robert Halsall 1918. Of Rosemary Lane recorded on the Halsall monument.
J Halsall 1943. Of Downholland recorded on the Kohima gate Halsall field.
J J Knowles 1917. Of Barton recorded on the Halsall monument.
Richard Rimmer 8/8/1916. Grandson of Richard Mary of Barton. 1911 census worked on local farms. 11803 Thiepval KLR age 20 1st battalion. Son of Richard & Ann of Lowood Street Liverpool.
Haskayne is now the civic centre of the Parish of Downholland, and we have a splendid Village Hall courtesy of the HDCA, and a flagpole erected recently by the Downholland Residents Association. The aim of the project is to identify those lads who gave their lives from our parish in some material form as a way of recognition and to inform the Commonwealth War Graves Commission of our intent upon verification of the detail.
Additionally, there are soldiers who served and survived.
WWI
Tom Ashcroft. promoted to Sergeant.
Edmund Orritt wounded married a girl from Haskayne.
Hugh Alty driver wounded.
John Sharrock RAF 1918
Henry Bond Ivy farm Barton
William Bond, Ivy farm Barton
If you could contribute to this project with detail of a member of your family from Downholland who served in the World Wars, please contact me.
Stephen Henders 07908 688167 or the Downholland History Group.
LANCASHIRE COUNTY COUNCILLOR, DAVID O’TOOLE
The last few months have been very busy at County Hall. Firstly, I failed to be re-elected at WLBC in the seat I have held for 33-year Aughton and Downholland. I understand why it because of what’s been happening at Parliament. However, residents tend to get confused over the different strands of Government. Local councillors have no input or decision making at Westminster.
As far as LCC is concerned we continue to reduce the massive deficit we inherited whilst improving services in every department. The two largest departments are Children’s Services (including schools, children’s homes, looked after children, foster children and children with special needs) and Adult Services (including a very large number of homes for the elderly, visits to elderly people in their own homes and day centres). The cost of these services alone runs into millions of pounds.
We continue to repair roads across the county but it’s extremely difficult in the very bad weather we have experienced. I understand that October was the wettest on record. You cannot fill at pothole in those conditions.
As many of you will know I am the Chairman of Lancashire Fire and Rescue. This year saw youths attacking Fire Fighters with rockets and other types of fireworks plus throwing missiles at both fire crew and fire engines. A rise in parts of my Division in Anti-Social behaviour perpetrated by young people.
While writing about the Fire Authority. We have had number of extremely dangerous fires recently at waste transfer sites as a result of people disposing of Vapes in their general waste. These things have Lithium batteries which can be extremely volatile and burst into flames thus igniting everything around them.
A recent example was a waste site a Chorley which blazed for hours and requiring six fire engines and crews until late the next morning.
The message is DON’T dispose Vapes in the general waste and better still don’t even use them at all.
I still have some money to distribute for projects and organisations in my division, tell me if you need help.
Two major requirements. Bank account and a Constitution.
Best wishes to all.
CC David O’Toole
david.otoole@lancashire.gov.uk
WEST LANCS ARMED FORCES CHAMPION, COUNCILLOR PAUL HENNESSY
Have you ever been a member of the Armed Services? If would you like to talk to like-minded people or need any assistance in your day-to-day life, please contact me and have a chat.
Paul
cllr.p.hennessy@westlancs.gov.uk 01695 423872
CONTRIBUTION FROM NICOLE COWAN
NEW OVER 55S FITNESS CLASS
Strong & FHIT invites you to its new ‘Wellness’ class designed specifically for individuals aged 55 and over. This specialised class takes place every Thursday at 11am and meets the unique needs and abilities of individuals in this age group. The focus will be on building strength, improving balance, and improving overall fitness levels. Come along and join the fun – we are located on Downholland Business Park next to the ‘Canalside Cafe’. Call Nicole on 07730582033 to find out more and book your place.
HASKAYNE AND DOWNHOLLAND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
Hello everyone.
Christmas is just round the corner, and I hope you have an enjoyable time with your Christmas festivities. I hope you are all well and find the following information interesting.
Family Fun Quiz
Our thanks to Alan and Nikki Raven and their children for their hard work in putting on a fun evening and to Shirley for organising the raffle. The event raised £322.35 which has been divided between the Community Association and the Residents Association.
Children’s Halloween Party
This year’s children’s Halloween party seemed to be enjoyed by all those who came. The tickets were a sellout. Dozy Dave was a brilliant entertainer who kept the children’s attention. The quiet room with biscuit decorating and colouring was busy all afternoon.
Christmas Events 2023
Carol Singing around the Christmas Tree will take place on Friday 22nd December, 6.30 pm at Haskayne Village Hall followed by a hot drink and mince pies in the hall.
Father Christmas will visit Barton on Friday 15 December and Haskayne on Saturday 16 December. Look out for him and his elves calling door to door with his Christmas Lights and music, handing out presents to the children. Any money collected will be used to benefit the local community. You can follow Father Christmas’ progress round the village by looking on Haskayne Downholland and Barton community Facebook page.
Picnic in the Park
Following the great success of the Coronation Picnic in the Park this year we have been asked by many people to make this an annual summer event. So, we have decided to have a Family Picnic in the Park, just look out for the date in a future KIT or on our Facebook page. For those who have not been before there will be races for the children, games, quizzes, treasure hunt, tombola. Bring your own picnic. Refreshments and cakes available in the hall.
Calling all young people in Downholland
We would like to put on something for young people in Downholland. We would like to hear from any 12 -18-year-olds for suggestions as to what we might be able to organise with them. You can let us know your ideas by text or what’s app (07563552236 Kathy Cunliffe) or by phone, email, Facebook or message to (01704 841066, roycunliffe@btinternet.com, Facebook Page: Haskayne & Downholland Residents Association)
Defibrillator training
Two sessions were held at Haskayne Village Hall in September each attended by 12-14 people. Steve Bousefield gave an excellent session on what to do in an emergency and why. We are grateful to him for freely giving up his time. We intend to put on something similar on an annual basis and hope that as many people as possible can attend.
Emergency Aid – Bleed Packs
Haskayne has two defibrillators available to the community. One is outside the Village Hall. To access this dial 999 and the ambulance service will give you the code. The other is in the former phone kiosk in Sumner Avenue, which is accessible without any code. There is a third one inside Haskayne School, available when the school is open.
As a result of the training Haskayne Residents Association has purchased two bleed packs, for use in the case of an accident where someone is bleeding profusely. These will be placed in the defibrillator cabinets alongside the defibrillators. If you need to use one of these packs or a defibrillator always ring 999 so the ambulance service can talk you through what to do while the ambulance is on its way.
We have also purchased 20 face masks to minimise risk of infection when giving CPR. If anyone who has had some training in CPR and feels confident to do it would like one of these to keep in their wallet please contact Kathy (kathycunliffe@btinternet.com) 01704 841066.
Dates for your Diary
Sat 2 March 2024 – Music and dance: Andy Eastwood, singer/musician and disco.
Sat 28 September 2024 – Madukes
Picnic in The Park – date to be confirmed – probably early June 2024
Children’s Party – date to be decided.
Roy Cunliffe
roycunliffe@btinternet.com 01704 841066
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.
The programme for next year will be published shortly. If you have any suggestions for the programme for next year, please let Kathy know. 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 next year.
For more information contact Kathy (kathycunliffe@btinternet.com or 07563 552236)
Kathy Cunliffe
HASKAYNE & DOWNHOLLAND COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION AND HASKAYNE VILLAGE HALL
Our Village Hall is really busy at the moment with lots of events and activities going on. 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, please get in touch – any help at all is always appreciated!
Warm Space / Coffee Mornings
As we are heading into the winter months, our Warm Space is open to all to come along and enjoy some hot food and refreshments. We have free wi-fi and a book and jigsaw library. We also have the odd game of badminton! None of us are very good, but we have a laugh trying! Stand up bingo is also played for a small prize. We open from 11am until 1pm and we love to see everyone coming along and catching up with their neighbours and friends.
Pilates
Pilates takes place every Tuesday 9.30-10.30am. The cost is £6. Just bring a mat. The benefits include increased core strength, improved posture, reduced back pain, increased energy, reduced stress, and improved flexibility and mobility. 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. If you are interested, then please visit the website
www.dogstrust.org.uk/help-advice/dog-school/ to fill in an enquiry form.
Bingo
Our next bingo is our Christmas one on Wednesday 6th December and there will be lots of Christmassy prizes to be won. We don’t charge an entrance fee and it is £5 for a book of 10 games. We also have a raffle and a Winner Takes All which has a cash prize. We will be serving free drinks and mince pies, but you can bring your own if you like. All proceeds go towards the upkeep of the hall.
Craft Fayre
Southport, Crafts, Arts and Preloved items are holding their Christmas Fayre on Sunday the 10th of December from 11am until 3pm when Spiderman is also making an appearance! For further details or to book a table, please contact Cath email cregan192@yahoo.com or check out their Facebook page.
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 Cottage Garden Society will be meet regularly at the hall, normally on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Everyone welcome to come along. It is just £3 for non-members. Regular speakers attend at the meetings and there will be plants for sale. You can ask questions and get advice and tips on growing, then sit and chat over a tea or coffee with homemade cakes. Check us out on our website www.nwcgs.org.uk for more information.
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.
Children’s Parties
The Hall is also available for Children’s Parties. A two-hour party with an hour set up time and half an hour clear away time, costs just £60 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. Contact Dianne to check availability or to make a booking. Tel: 01704 840175 or 07811775973, or email haskaynedca2021@gmail.com.
Hall Hire
The Village Hall is available for private hire. It is well equipped with excellent facilities and in a lovely setting. We also have two smaller meeting rooms that can be hired. The Children’s Party Packages are just £60 which includes full use of the facilities and set up and tidy up time. We allow bouncy castles at the hall (not many do) as long as it is booked through Boomerang Bouncy Castles and Soft Play. The hall does get a lot of party bookings so don’t leave it too late to get in touch to book your date.
For further information or to book the hall, contact us on 01704 840175 or email haskaynedca@gmail.com
Follow our Facebook and Instagram “Haskayne Village Hall” for all up to date information.
For those who are not on social media, get in touch via email and we’ll put you on our email list for any upcoming events.
Village Hall Activities
| Mondays | Warm Space / Coffee Morning Local History Group (1st Monday of the Month) | 11am – 1pm 7.30pm |
| Tuesdays | Pilates Parish Council Meeting (3rd Tues of month) | 9.30-10.30am 7.30pm |
| Wednesdays | Wednesday Club (Last Wednesday of the month but can be subject to change) The Cottage Garden Society (Last Wednesday of the month September to April) | 1.30-3.30pm 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 |
KIT is an independent publication funded by Downholland Parish Council.
Any views expressed do not necessarily reflect Parish Council Policy.
Contributions welcome.