I am very sympathetic to those wishing to save the toilets. The Liberal Democrat opposition group on Eden district council, of which I am a member, will internally discuss all the savings proposals tomorrow (26 Oct) in an attempt to try to discern what services we think realistically can be retained. In the end someone has to pay – district council, parish council or businesses themselves, and district councils are expecting a twenty five per cent cut. However I still believe that some level of subsidy ought to be available if local goodwill can somehow match this. It is accepted that most public toilet useage at Patterdale & Glenridding is by visitors, and not local people, but also that it is tourist businesses who benefit most from the toilets remaining open.

 

I hope that a local solution can be found and I will attempt to attend the parish council meeting on 2 November.

Ian Moseley, Old Water View B&B, Patterdale                                                       Monday 4th October 2010

I just want to say that we have just recently caught on to the site and it SO fantastic!!! We love it and have switched the "home page" on our computer and our Guest internet facility. Having lived here for almost 10 years, We were so amazed and impressed that we read every page as one would read a book. It's Brilliant and we have learned so much more about our community! It is a wonderful piece of work and whoever did this deserves a  huge amount of credit!

 

Suggestions for more pages  ...Patterdale School Support Group? ...Glenridding Play Group? ...Ullswater United FC? ..."St. Patrick's Page" & the "Together magazine" (they should come on board and save printing costs).

 

We are certain that in the future, this website could become the main "interaction point" for people in this rural community - it is that good! Keep up the good work as this site is fab!

As a keen fell-walker with a fondness for the Lake District, I was angered by the actions of the walker reported in the news section of ‘Patterdale TODAY’ referring to Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team's very lengthy call-out on September 13th.  In this account, as I understand it, they simply reported the facts and in common with other rescue teams made a point of being non-judgemental about the casualty.

This incident is a sad example of a lack of common sense, an understanding of hillcraft, and of an individual's selfishness. It caused a large number of volunteer rescuers to spend many hours of searching, in unpleasant conditions,  as well as great inconvenience and disruption to other people's family and working lives, not to mention the costs. All of this because one man chose to avoid the expert advice he was given, and decided to "do his own thing". 

I’d like to make three points:

1. The man in question saw the Patterdale M.R. Team in action, dealing with a casualty, he asked for route advice and admitted that he had no torch, but then chose to ignore the advice.

2. The number of Teams and people eventually involved, plus the Search dogs and handlers, was very large - the time spent through the night hours must have been considerable.  Did he consider, later, if not at the time, how much sleep other people lost on his behalf and how many still had to go to work next day?

3. We, the general public, are enormously indebted to the highly trained volunteers who make up our Mountain Rescue Teams.  By and large they are called-out by those of us who are simply unfortunate in sustaining injuries or, less frequently, by those of us who make map-reading errors and get ourselves lost, often in adverse weather conditions.  They very rarely complain or ask for gratitude.  But what they could do without, is the sort of selfish behaviour reported in this incident.

I just wanted to email to say thank you, after my wife and I ended the Howtown-Glenridding walk by marvelling at St Patrick's churchyard on the sunny Bank Holiday Monday afternoon. We'll be downloading your Gift Aid form and sending a donation, and you might just be interested in a post I've put today on my 'moths blog' - 

http://martinsmoths.blogspot.com/ If your ace gardener ever has time to email with her/his secrets of success (and the correct name of the plant which I have somewhat vaguely called 'scabious'), I'd be delighted. I'll also urge the Guardian readers mentioned in the post to contribute when we do the walk later this month. All warm wishes and thanks again. It was a lovely experience.

There is an important development proposal being made by the LDNPA which affects our dale and is part of a core strategy involving a Local Development Framework. The LDNPA have identified nine sites for consideration (housing, employment development) and yet there are many residents in the dale who seem unaware of this. There is a consultation period 19 April to 1 June and residents may like to attend a roadshow to be held at Glenridding TIC on 25th May between 4pm and 7pm hosted by the LDNPA in order to provide feedback on this subject. Residents may also wish to talk to their Parish Councillors to ensure their views are known as well as providing feedback at the roadshow event.

 

The relevant documentation regarding the location and description of these sites can be found at Glenridding TIC or on line at

http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/lake_district_docs95/map_east_-_sites_in_glenridding_and_patterdale.pdf

Also there is an online feedback form which can be found at

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/89QTLJQ

I believe that my maternal family are also descended from the pattinsons. But i am unsure of how to trace back. I do know however that members of the family moved to the Oldham area around the turn of the century, from which my part of the family descended. Would anybody be able to help me with further info?

Thanks for your reply. I spent some time with Eddie Pool in the Autumn who knows the area well and knew many of the later Pattinsons and he said he'd looked for Lanty's cave and never found it.

It seems that we have the same gggg grandfather - so if you want to email we can check where our lines meet.

In reply to Helen 29 Sep 09 reference Lanty Patty.

Lancelot Pattinson was brother to my G.G.G.Grandfather Joseph Pattinson b.1766, Lancelot had a twin brother Robert, I believe they were born around 1771/2. There is a very interesting account of Lancelot in 'Ullswater through the Ages by David & Joan Hay ISBN 0 9504629 1 8. I do not know the location of his cave on Goldrill and would very much like to visit the site myself, I will pass on any future information I come across.

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Heapy                                                                       04 December 2009
As a regular visitor to the patterdale area I am absolutely gobsmacked to see the pictures of the recent floods and torrential rainfall. I cannot believe that the area became so inundated. I hope that no-one suffered unduly and the wildlife will recover. Also thank you for your splendid website that I visit regularly.
Helen	29 September 2009 18:11
My mum is Cumbrian so I am bringing my mum for her 80th birthday to visit where her ancestors were born and bred. I have a reference to Lancelot Pattinson who lived in a cave near Goldrill Bridge. If anyone lives locally do you have any idea where I might find it?   Apologies if this is not the place to make this request!   COMMONLY called " Lanty Patty " or " Lantie Pattie." He came from the old Pattinson stock, which is one of the oldest names to be found in the Register. This Lancelot, after his wife died, lived in a cave near Goldrill Bridge, which was named " Lanty's Castle," and the hill close by is known to this day as " Lanty Hill." He brought up some of his family in this cave, and when any visitor called to see him all was in darkness and full of smoke. He lived to the good old age of 96 years, and in possession of all his faculties. He was buried on August 8th, 1865.
Mel Kilner	26 August 2009 12:02
Mire, Reed and Scrub to Replace Meadows in Hartsop / Patterdale Valley   Many people in the dale may be unaware of the battle taking place between local residents and both the National Trust and the Environment Agency over the management of the main water courses in the area. The problem arises because the present NT and EA management decisions are leading to a deterioration of the valley bottoms, the attractive green meadows being slowly replaced by mire, reed and scrubland. This change is already clear to see, especially from the fell sides (Click on 'Water Management' in the index to see photographs). Further, the work of generations of farmers in the area is being sacrificed as the beck banks are allowed to crumble. Recently, Hayeswater Gill burst its bank and took a new course across meadowland. Further downstream drainage systems have become blocked as NT /EA opposition to selected dredging of Goldrill Beck results in the outflow pipes being below water level, preventing any flow into Goldrill Beck. The size of the wetland area close to Hartsop Fold has increased noticeably.   I believe that the landlord, the NT, the national conservation body that prides itself on conservation and restoration, is allowing our heritage to be destroyed. Their stewardship (or lack of action) is tantamount to neglect of their duty to preserve the landscape of the dale. The trust has worked actively (possibly with the EA) to prevent remedial action to maintain the becks at the right time. In Hartsop, the NT tenant farmer was refused permission to dredge, at his own expense, a part of Goldrill Beck to allow the land drains in the bottoms close to Hartsop Fold to function properly. Further, and more seriously, the same farmer was refused permission to dredge, again at no cost to the NT, the lower part of Hayeswater Gill, needed to reinforce the eroded banks to prevent flooding. The consequence of the winter floods was the inevitable breach in the weakened beck bank and the creation of what resembles a river delta going across the Couping meadow (the largest meadow in Hartsop). The new course of the river now creates a barrier between Goldrill Beck and Hayeswater Gill, with serious consequences, particularly for the salmon fry that are being monitored up-stream by the EA. Selective dredging of the becks has been part of the farmers’ management strategy for generations, both to maintain the easy flow of water from the high fells and the function of the field drains, and to reinforce the beck banks. It seems that the methods used by our predecessors, who created this attractive valley, were wrong in their approach and the present generation of bureaucrats know better. What a mess they are creating!   Following pressure from a group of Hartsop residents and the Patterdale Parish Council, an open meeting in the Glenridding Public Hall has been arranged by the National Trust at 6.30 pm on Thursday, 3rd September, 2009, to discuss “Water management for the dale”. Your support at the meeting would be greatly appreciated. Mr. John Darlington from the National Trust, will be there, together with representatives of the Environment Agency, the LDNPA and Natural England. The strong feelings of local people against present management decisions seem not to have registered with the decision makers in the various organisations responsible, and your help to strike the message home would be appreciated.   You may be wondering what all this has to do with you! It has everything to do with the future of the dale, because the eventual outcome of the present programme will be to change its character between Brotherswater and Ullswater as part of a “wetland” or “rewilding” programme. Green fields will be replaced by brown areas of mire and reeds, and instead of open views of the fell-side, the valley bottoms will become covered in scrub, restricting long views of the landscape. Green will be replaced by brown. The farmers will obviously suffer from loss of productive land, and the delicate balance between the amount of inbye land and fell grazing land will be disrupted, possibly leading to some farms no longer being viable. Moreover, everyone with an interest in tourism will eventually suffer if the valley becomes less attractive for tourists to visit and stay. This will have a serious impact on jobs and earnings from the leisure industry, as well as farming.   How many of us would like to see the green patchwork of fields in our beautiful valley spoilt despoiled by neglect and lack of maintenance? No-one, I imagine! Yet, to retain the valley in its present form requires a continuation of the work of past generations of local farmers to contain the water shed of the high fells within a confined course and prevent flooding of the valley bottoms. Their practical skills, knowledge and management have shaped this valley and its present beauty is a consequence of their success. There may have been scrubland and reed beds there centuries ago, before water management and drainage started, but we have no intention of allowing a return to such times. The heritage of the area must be preserved.   If you wish to know more about the background to the problems, and would like to take part in finding a way forward, then please come to the meeting on Thursday 3rd September at 6.30 pm. Your support would be very much appreciated.   Mel Kilner Mill Barn, Hartsop
Judith Cooke (re: Patterdale YHA Licence Application)	07 March 2009 20:56
A number of people have raised concerns with me as a parish councillor about the Patterdale YHA licence application. I have spoken to the Eden Licensing contact (Linda Martin) who was very helpful last year over the Greenside YHA Licence application. I have also checked with Dave McGuiness at the Patterdale YHA. I think I can answer some of the concerns: apologies for the length but I’ve tried to deal with all issues different people have raised.   1. The application was displayed as required and it was also in the Herald on 31 January 2009. I have pointed out to Eden licensing that the bus stop post was not a brilliant place to display the application given the road closures and bus notices but the requirement is to display and it can be in the building so this was the YHA going further than strictly needed (the parish council has already said it would prefer to be notified of such applications and I will ask for us to repeat this request).   2. The YHA has been granted the licence for alcohol and music - the only change from the present licence is the addition of alcohol. This brings them into line with all YHAs. The aim is for YHAs to be able to provide a drink mostly about having a drink with meals – this is nearly universal in the UK now and standard in Europe.   3. All these licences have conditions relating to health and safety, child protection ,food safety - Eden were satisfied proper safeguards are in place.   4. Although the 24 hour licences look alarming the applications are about giving maximum flexibility not about significant change   5. The YHA have agreed an additional control which is no licenced activities except for guests between 23.00 and 10.00. For Patterdale YHA the busiest and probably noisiest period is their summer holiday programme – the YHA will not be selling alcohol then.   6. Eden and others have not had complaints or concerns about these YHA licences in practice. Having such a licence does not remove the responsibility to avoid nuisance to neighbours. If there is any nuisance from the new system the redress is - environmental protection, police and a premises licence review.   7. Having a licence of this kind may reduce some of the unruly behaviour on the road such as sign bashing, vomiting, late night noise etc that Old Water View has suffered.   Hope this covers all concerns but if anyone wants to know more please talk to Dave McGuiness at the Patterdale YHA.
Local Resident	03 March 2009 12:22
Unless on foot, it has not been easy to read the planning application outside Patterdale YHA. But could we please be told why the YHA needs a 24hr., seven days a week, Licence for Music etc. & how often is this going to be used.
Jerry Wright	10 February 2009 09:34
The flooding picture of side farm in 2008 was also pretty much the same just a couple of weeks or so ago..We went up for the day from Blackpool only to discover allot of our favourite farm/fields under water and much to our upset we found the owners had had 70 sheep drown. Apparantly the rain came down with such gusto the poor sheep couldn't shift quick enough.
Mary Lightfoot	28 January 2009 18:38
Ullswater Country Fair always the last Sunday in JUNE.
Cathy Johnson	27 January 2009 15:10
I'm very concerned about the road closures that are going to shut Patterdale off from Penrith for a month (monday to friday 9-5pm). What is happening for children getting to and from school from Dockray? What is happening for pharmacy drug deliveries to the surgery and specimen collections to reach hospital, let alone access for doctors, nurses teachers, businesses, and home carers?? It is the elderly and the children who will suffer as well; afterschool activities in Penrith (some of the children are due to have dance exams in March), elderly people who use the bus to get into town. And what if it snows and the Kirkstone is closed. We've already seen that the council stopped gritting it from this side during the Hartsop closures. Will we be officially cut off from the outside world?? Unfortunately I don't think I will make it back from my surgery (Cockermouth) in time for tomorrow's parish council meeting, but I would be grateful if these issues could be addressed!
Gordon Wylie	07 January 2009 17:39
After reading and viewing the link regarding 'Cup marked outcrop at Beckstones Farm by Paul and Barbara Brown. I was wondering if anyone can throw any light on the rock carvings at Thorn Howe.
John Williams (Patterdale Mountain Rescue)	01 October 2008 11:11
The new Tetra Mast has passed its field tests and the old mast at the rescue base has been decommissioned. All Airwave aerials, ancilliary equipment and power supply have been removed so the mast cannot be re-used by them. Airwave have donated the empty trellis to the Team and there is a condition that it is only used for rescue purposes ie no other comercial use. We need it as tomorrow construction starts on an extension to the Rescue Base and have to move our aerials from the current gable end. The new extension will obscure much of the trellis and for Health and Safety issues we need to house the aerials in a safe manner for maintenance work. After construction on the extension is complete the trellis wil be painted green. Our aerials involve low powered channels to both handsets carried during rescues and also to the RAF and Air Ambulance helicopters. The transfer of the Tetra Mast means that the Team has lost out on a considerable amount of income over years to come but hopefully we have addressed the safety concerns that some have over Tetra.
John Williams (Patterdale Mountain Rescue)	18 September 2008 12:56
Regarding the question raised by John Gay on the Emergency Services Mast at the Patterdale Mountain Rescue Base there has been a very recent development. The mast at the Base was `switched off` this Monday (15th Sept) and all transmissions are now taking place from the new mast. Over the comming weeks tests will be conducted for any radio blackspots which may need tuning out. Once I have received final confirmation of the completed transfer I will post it on the web site.
John Gay	13 September 2008 09:12:00
Does anyone have an update on moving the TETRA mast to its new location at Glencoyne please? It was supposed to be moved in March. The rescue team will be receiving payments from the mast company in accordance with the penalty clause in their contract and it is therefore probable that they know of the plans for the transfer of the mast. Would it be in order for the parish council to request that they provide an update for the next council meeting? John
John Melling	02 May 2008 20:38
I have just looked at the new web site (after reading parish news) I think it is great - well done and congratulations to everyone concerned. I am sure we all hope that further links continue to be made (Ulls. Assoc, CDC, etc) and that it can be kept upto date. PS Have a word with the chairman - Parish Council meetings ending at 9.55pm!!!)
Mike, Patterdale	25 March 2008 10:03:24
yes an unbelievable way to run a road network!
Road User	22 January 2008 12:09:03
I think it is very lazy of the company resurfacing the road in Patterdale, to leave the Road Closed signs up at the weekend. This must put off some visitors and affect local businesses, shops, pubs etc.