- Initial Notification – Planned Continuous Road Closure – School Lane, Downholland – 18/01/2025 to 19/01/2025 (12/10/2024)
Details of a proposed temporary continuous road closure on School Lane, Downholland from Saturday 18th January 2025, until Sunday 19th January 2025 to enable water connection replacement works to be undertaken by Network Plus on behalf of United Utilities.
https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/roads/roadworks-and-traffic-regulation-orders
- PAVILION AND PLAYING FIELD CLEANER JOB VACANCY (11/17/2024)
JOB SPECIFICATION FOR PAVILION AND PLAYING FIELD CLEANER
Contact
Dave Bond, Parish Clerk
Tel: 01704 534090
JOB TITLE
Pavilion and playing field cleaner
PLACE OF WORK
Your usual places of work will be Haskayne Pavilion and Playing Field.
HOURS OF WORK
Your normal hours of work are 14 hours per month.
SALARY
£170.16 paid monthly by standing order on the 1st day of each month.
EXPENSES
Expenses will be paid on production of receipts
DUTIES
Pavilion: Weekly
Ensure the kitchen is kept clean/tidy & all rubbish/waste removed to outside collection area.
Any tea towels/dish cloths should be washed regularly. Keep crockery/utensils clean & put away. Ensure all surfaces, cupboard doors etc., are clean & dust free & all areas including walls are free of cobwebs. Any problem with ants should be reported to the Clerk.
Mop all floors & vacuum mats. Ensure stocks of cleaning products/toilet paper and hand towels are maintained.
Clean/sanitise the toilet/wash basin.
Keep outside doors/handles & railings clean & sanitised.
Lock the pavilion securely at the end of your visit.
Report any potential dangers or risks to the Parish Clerk.
Park: Three times a week
Walk around the park, woodland area & car park, removing all litter, rubbish & any dog waste into bags using grabber, scoop, gloves & eye protection provided
Empty all bins, change all bin liners and ensure bags of rubbish are left in the appropriate place for collection by West Lancashire Borough Council.
Inspect Play Equipment and report any potential dangers or risks to the Parish Clerk.
Weekly
Complete a review form confirming that scheduled grounds maintenance jobs have been completed
- Downholland & Lydiate Roll of Honour (11/10/2024)
First World War
George Allin
Ewan Blackledge
John Bond
Herman Bradley
Bruno Bradley
James Cheetham
Thomas Cox
Patrick B Cox
John Culshaw
John Draper
Harry Fawcett
Herbert Finch
William Hampson
William Hodge
William Henry Hunt
George Lowe
George Ernest Norris
Thomas Pye
James Pye
Henry Rawlinson
William Rothwell
Peter Sharrock
Edward Townsend
James WhiteSecond World War
James Boyde
Norman Cookson
Alfred Draper
Maximillian Draper
Arthur Green
John Halsall
Eric Moultrie
James Mullany
Harold Quinn
John Underwood
Robert Worthington
Thomas Gerard Coonan
John Hesketh
Richard Pope - Invitation To Tender (ITT) for Haskayne Field and Hedge Maintenance (11/7/2024)
Introduction:
Downholland has a very popular, well-maintained park, attracting lots of visitors daily, with something of interest all year round.
We have a large open grassed area, surrounded by an Orchard, a BMX track, Children’s play area, Wildflower Meadow under construction & a Woodland Walk with planting. Spring bulbs are planted in abundance, in the Orchard & pockets around the park.
The Parish Council welcomes bids from experienced contractors who set high standards & pride themselves on the quality of their work & attention to detail.
- Meeting about Flooding in Scarisbrick (9/20/2024)
- Closure of LCC Bridge no. 2196 (Old Moss Lane) (9/11/2024)
Downholland Parish Council has received the following information from Lancashire County Council –
We have no further information yet but will endeavour to find out more.
LCC Bridge no. 2196 Mossbridge Station carries C103 Old Moss Lane, Downholland over the disused railway line which is now the Cheshire Lines Cycle Path at grid reference 332934,408363.
The route provides a link between Haskayne, Downholland and Formby. The bridge is owned and maintained National Highways Historic Railways Estates (HRE). A weight restriction of 3tonnes has been in place on the bridge since 1998.
HRE informed Lancashire County Council yesterday that the condition of the bridge has now deteriorated to a state where it is no longer safe to carry traffic and have formally requested that we close the bridge to traffic. The road closure has been initiated this morning and will also include the installation of a signed diversion route. A press release based on this briefing note will be issued later today.
- Update on Works in Jubilee Park, September 2024 (9/7/2024)
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 Newsletter Summer 2024 (8/23/2024)
KIT
The Downholland NewsletterSummer 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.
SculptureOur 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 CouncilRECTOR OF LYDIATE AND DOWNHOLLAND, SUSAN SALT
Monday 29th 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
SusanHASKAYNE 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 AssociationHASKAYNE 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 December9.45-10.45am 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 websitewww.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 saleMembers £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.ukWest Lancashire Borough
01695 577177
www.westlancs.gov.ukKIT is an independent publication funded by Downholland Parish Council.
Any views expressed do not necessarily reflect Parish Council Policy.
Contributions welcome. - Update on Works in Jubilee Park, Summer 2024 (8/17/2024)
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
- A few times in life you might need a Doctor, a Solicitor or a Policeman, but you need a Farmer three times a day (8/9/2024)
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.
