Cromwell's Look Out Post Receives Lottery Grant

A fascinating story dating back to Cromwellian times has surfaced as a result of a successful application for a lottery grant. It recalls a not very pleasant time in the history of St. Cybi Church in Holyhead, Anglesey when it suffered at the hands of Cromwell's troops, not the first time in its chequered history that it had received rough treatment.

Let's sort this lottery thing out first. Although it was the last of the times that the church was used and abused, it had a pretty fundamental effect on the external appearance when a further seventeen feet was added to the existing tower in 1650, not to enhance the beauty of the building, but to increase its effectiveness as a look out post over the coast to provide greater warning against pirates. The church had not been well treated at this time as Cromwellian soldiers had been garrisoned there and had systematically destroyed the interior windows, font, tombs and statues. The empty niches in the porch stand in testament to their actions. Thankfully, the carvings above the door survived.

Now holding a Grade I listing, St. Cybi, which is located on the Wales Coastal Path has landed £4,800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Wales heritage body Cadw has said it may give a grant of £21,000 to work at the 13th Century church.

The vicar, Rev Jane Bailey, said £111,000 is needed to complete the repairs. Rev Bailey said the renovation work would include removing vegetation growing on the tower and re-pointing the stonework. She added: "It is estimated approximately 10,000 visitors a year come to see the church, making it a key part of the community for businesses as well as residents.

"This work will help preserve the building for future generations of both worshipers and visitors and will greatly improve the visual appearance of Holyhead's most important building."

St. Cybi's can be dated back to Roman times, where it was within the protection of an abandoned Roman fort. St. Cybi was a first cousin of St. David, the patron saint of Wales. He ended his days here, having preached widely throughout Gaul, Cornwall, Devon and South Wales as well as more locally.

He died in 554 AD. The church was sacked by the Vikings in the 10th century and suffered further violation when Henry IV's army invaded Anglesey from Ireland in 1405, most of Wales being under the control of Owain Glyndwr at the time.

The Friends of St. Cybi are also delighted to report that the restoration work is complete on the sun dial. Check out their web site on:

http://www.stcybi.co.uk

Berwick – The Border Town with the Confusing History

With the plethora of local government changes that seem to take place with regularity, you can be forgiven for wondering where exactly you live half the time. Those responsible for the changes point to the fact that nothing stays the same forever, and with population patterns being fluid, and towns and cities becoming better known as conurbations, the needs of cities become very different to the needs of counties.

Hence the arrival of places such as Cleveland, Teeside, Avon, West Midlands, Greater Manchester and so on. Powys takes in old Welsh counties such as Brecknockshire, Radnorshire and Montgomeryshire, and Scottish counties can be mystery, even to the Scots themselves.

But having been a little critical of the “change for change sake” attitude, at least you wake up each morning knowing what country you live in. Five hundred years ago, living in the border town of Berwick on Tweed, you wouldn't even had enjoyed that luxury. For the price that the poor old town paid for being set on one of the most disputed borders in Britain was that it changed ownership between England and Scotland on no less than twelve occasions.

Even now, with ownership having been settled with the English since 1482, there are many people who would consider that Berwick is more Scottish than English. The home town team play their football in the Scottish league system, the “on-Tweed” part of the name suggests a more Scottish background, and the local accent is definitely rooted more in the north of the border than the south.

As a town it had a certain wealth which made it appealing, although its position was of equal significance. The result was that England and Scotland fought over this small patch of land as if there were no tomorrow. The French, always a nation with an eye to the main chance, also came into the picture, but we won't dwell on that for the moment.

William Wallace's arm being waved about (without the rest of him) in 1305 was one of many indignities that poor old Berwick had to contend with. Having said that, all of this military to-ing and fro-ing has left a wide range historic remains that now form the backbone of a thriving tourism industry. After all that it has been through, surely it is no more than Berwick deserves.

Top of the list would surely be Berwick Castle, although the fact that it is a ruin is not wholly surprising. All of the action that it has seen surely makes up for the number of other castles throughout the country who have seen very little action at all. Edward I took an oath of allegiance here in the thirteenth century, but the all-action Victorian industrialists built a railway platform on the very spot! Conservation is a word that meant little to our nineteenth century forebearers.

Equally as impressive are the Elizabethan town walls. £129,000 these days can buy you a reasonable house in some parts of the country, but in those times you could encircle a whole town and still have change. They hold a Grade I listing these days, although once again, they destroyed a lot of what was there previously. This is a theme that is developing here, namely Berwick gets there in the end but has to survive a lot of knocking about first.

The ramparts surround the town, there being only four access points. Wonderful town and North Sea beach views can be obtained during the three quarters of an hour that it takes to complete the walk.

There is one particularly curiosity about Berwick's history that had mighty Russia quaking in its boots and that was the fact that Berwick was once at war with that country. Historically some proclamations were made “in the name of England, Scotland and the town of Berwick-on-Tweed”, such as a “minor” one in 1850 when war was declared on Russia and the Crimean War ensued. When peace was eventually ratified, the wording “Berwick-on-Tweed” was left out, leaving Berwick, shall we say, slightly exposed. Fortunately things have been resolved, so that the Russians could at last sleep at night.

Look out for the viaduct that was opened on completion by Queen Victoria in 1850, having been designed by Robert Stephenson, son of George Stephenson of “The Rocket” fame. It looks fabulous when floodlit, a fine introduction to the town. Enjoy the attractions, the farmers markets and the Northumberland National Park, as well as the Heritage Coastline. Take the chance to pop over the border into Scotland, just a couple of miles north of the town. You never know, it could be time for a change again!

A Chance To Name The New Forth Road Bridge

The general public are to be offered the chance to name the new Forth Replacement Crossing, with a panel of civic, business and community representatives considering all entries, and then shortlisting names for a final public vote next year.

The construction programme is Scotland's largest infrastructure project in a generation and began last year with a projected completion date in 2016. A completion date for the new crossing was brought forward in the wake of concerns about the condition of the Forth Road Bridge, which is now more than 40 years old.

The new structure will take advantage of modern state of the art wind shielding, allowing it to remain open in more turbulent conditions than its predecessor can stand.

The money for the project is coming from the Scottish government's capital budget, and is expected to support more than 1,200 new jobs during construction and protect up to 3,000 posts. The bridge itself is costing £790m, while the the Forth crossing project - including motorway upgrades - is to cost between £1.45bn and £1.6bn.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "The Forth Replacement Crossing, as it is currently known, is an exciting, iconic and economically vital project that we want the people of Scotland to take pride in.

"We fully recognise that finding the appropriate name for the new bridge is a matter of considerable interest both locally and nationally.

"It is absolutely right then that the people of Scotland have the final say on the identity of this historic project."

Jan Short, of North Queensferry Community Council, said: "The building of this bridge is an historic event in the life of a village which is already steeped in history.

"The new bridge is very significant to the village of North Queensferry in many ways and it is important that we are represented on the bridge naming advisory panel."

Festive Blackpool Proves That It Is A Winter Resort As Well

With the decorations coming out of hibernation, Blackpool leaps to the fore to prove that it is more than a sunshine, candy floss and sun cream resort.

There are great shows on offer, and whether you fancy a family day out, an evening with friends or even a bit of retail therapy, Blackpool most certainly has it covered. For families everywhere Christmas means that it is panto’ season with Britain’s favourite holiday resort offering not one, but two spectacular pantomimes to choose from. Surely not ? Oh yes it is!

The Blackpool Tower Circus presents Alice's Adventures in Mooky's Circus Wonderland from November 24th to January 20th, while at The Grand Theatre it is Cinderella starring Emmerdale's Danny Miller and Milkshake's Amy Thompson.

The Grand will also feature a variety of events over the holidays including Beyond the Barricade on December 11th and a Christmas Concert with carols and Poulton-le-Fylde Brass Band on Tuesday 18th.

If it is thrills you are after then Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach will be transformed into a winter wonderland for twelve very special days of Christmas. Enjoy 12 amazing rides, a visit to Father Christmas in his Grotto and much more on selected dates throughout December.

For ice lovers there is also the opportunity to see Peter Pan’s Adventures on Ice at The Arena, Blackpool Pleasure Beach between December 23rd and January 1st.

At Blackpool Zoo, Santa's Christmas Workshop will take place on the 15th and 16th December where you can leave your children for two hours of fun making presents for the animals, eating a HUGE breakfast and meeting Santa and his reindeer.

Four free live shows will entertain visitors at North Pier over the festive season until December 22nd. Every Wednesday there’s Roberts ‘n’ Ashcrofts’ Christmas Cabaret, Thursday’s it is songstress Sara Cheston and That Swing Thing Band, Friday nights sees The Kasuals return to the Merrie England Showbar and joining the Christmas line-up every Saturday afternoon will be comedian Joey Blower with his Christmas House Party.

Meanwhile if you fancy an evening of glitz and glamour why not head down to Funny Girls where you are promised a spectacular evening? The Christmas show features brand new routines, new sets and costumes, and an unforgettable new finale.

But before all that fun and entertainment there is shopping to be done. You can take advantage of late night shopping every Thursday until 8pm at Houndshill Shopping Centre which will be extended to every evening between December 17th and 23rd. There will also be free parking at Houndshill from 5pm until closing on Thursdays until December 27th, and at the West Street and East Topping Street car parks between 5pm and 9pm each Thursday until Christmas.

Great festive stuff, and a chance to check the place out. Maybe a test run for next year's summer holiday ?

Northumberland's Belford Now Has A Permanent Exhibition Of History

With a ceremonial cutting of ribbons, the Northumberland village of Belford has just celebrated the establishment of its own permanent exhibition exploring the hidden history of the village. Located in the 100 year old Reading Room, the project has come to fruition thanks to a £25,000 grant from the National Lottery Village SOS scheme and a further £5,000 from the Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership.

There was a happy band of some 60 people present when Majorie MacDonald performed the ceremony last Friday. Marjorie , a local lady, has invested most of her life in supporting the Belford community in so many ways and whose Belford-based family can be traced back to the 19th century. All of this has come to fruition as a result of many months of work and preparation by Belford Community Group’s Hidden History sub-committee.

Fiona Renner-Thompson, whose previous history exhibitions have led to this great achievement for the village, thanked the Reading Room trustees and committee and all who had helped provide material for the exhibition and the team of workers which had made the exhibition a reality.

With her extensive local knowledge, Majorie was able to reveal that the Reading Room had at various times been the home for people who could go in and read their papers, the base of several very successful snooker and billiard teams, and the place for many fund-raising events. It would now fulfill a new function in housing the artefacts, photographs, writings and a computer-based interactive display of the history of the Belford area.

Majorie also asked Dr George MacDonald, a descendant of the long line of Belford Drs MacDonald, to present the Pitt Cup on loan to the exhibition. The cup was first presented for billiards in 1925 and finally won by her husband James MacDonald, who beat local dentist Geoff Stephenson.
She paid tribute to ‘an excellent job done by a dedicated few’ before cutting the ribbon.

The guests took the chance to look around the exhibition and completed their visit with refreshments in St Mary’s church gallery where they also enjoyed the work of local historian, Joan Wright, whose photographic history displays have become a permanent feature of the church.

The Belford and District Hidden History Exhibition is open daily from 10am and is free, although donations are welcome to assist with heating and lighting costs.

The grants to put the Reading Room back into use were allocated in April and the exhibition had opened in September to coincide with with Heritage Open Days in the village.

Belford is located between Alnwick and Berwick-on-Tweed, not too far from the east coast. Its history is well reflected in attractions such as Belford Hall, a Grade I listed Palladian style eighteenth century mansion house, and Spindlestone Ducket Mill, an 18th century tapering cylindrical stone tower with a conical roof of Welsh slate. Its previous usage is uncertain.

Westhall is a privately owned Victorian house built in the style of the castellated fortified house that it replaced on the same site. The moat that surrounded the original building can still clearly be seen. It is now in use as a farmhouse.

Back To Those Pylons Again!

You may have picked up on the blog that I wrote on the 7th November about the plans to construct electricity pylons across the Somerset levels linking the Hinkley Point C Power Station and Avonmouth.

It is becoming apparent that there is more than the usual amount of fluffing of local feathers about this plan, and the objectors include some well heeled celebrities in a lane that is known as millionaire's row.

You will recall that for part of its length, it is planned that the connector route will run underground, but what is really causing the squawking in the local hen house is the remainder of the length that will cut through this sensitive environmental area by way of pylons carrying 400,000 volts.

The millionaire's row in question is Cadbury Camp Lane in Clapton-in-Gordano, home to luminaries such as TV presenter Carol Voderman, and show biz agent John Miles. There is currently a line of pylons passing over the area, but the voltage carried is at the lesser figure of 132,000.

The new line will come over Tickenham Ridge, along Cuckoo Lane and over Cadbury Camp Lane and Caswell Lane before heading out over towards Portbury.

The new power line will replace the existing one which currently crosses Cadbury Camp Lane – where the average property costs around £2 million. Residents on the lane have already held a series of meetings and are currently putting together a fighting fund and drawing up a battle plan.
Mr Miles, who is helping to lead the campaign, said: "When we bought our properties we knew there was a 132,000 volt line and we accepted that.

"But what we don't accept is the need to replace this with a 400,000 volt, much larger line which we believe should be put underground.

"There are 44 houses along Cadbury Camp Lane and none of us want to have to pass under this much higher voltage cable which will just be metres above us each day.

"It has been proven that these electricity cables pose health risks and we do not want this over our heads or those of our children."

Mr Miles added: "National Grid has said itself it would cost just an additional £1 on people's bills to put this line underground.

"I am sure that everyone in this area would agree to have a little more on their energy bills to get this line underground. This is not just about fighting for the residents of Cadbury Camp Lane, but everyone affected by this new power line.

"But if National Grid thinks we are just a small group of people it can ride roughshod over, it is very much mistaken."

All parties appear to agree that the line is needed to bring the electricity into the power network, and certainly it seems possible that many sensitive areas will receive protection via underground cables. But National Grid have said that putting the whole route underground was not practical due to the costs.

People have until December 18 to make comments on the draft route.

National Grid will then consult on more detailed proposals before making a formal application for consent to construct the connection.

Broadband Boost For Scottish Highlands

Proving that there is nowhere in Britain that can't benefit from modern technology, Three's Rural Broadband Working Group, a UK-wide initiative which works with local politicians to identify areas with a need for broadband, is providing free access to high-speed broadband for rural areas in the Scottish Highlands.

Three said it is bringing almost four million megabytes of mobile broadband to people and businesses in the northern coastal areas of Melvich and Durness, as well as connecting the port in Invergordon.
The project will give away 20 devices to community hubs, families and local businesses, providing around three million web pages-worth of free access. This is the first time that the group has operated in Scotland and will see sites such as a community hall, a hotel and two cafes benefit from connection.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "The numerous educational, economic and social benefits brought about by high-speed internet are often slower to come to rural areas such as the Highlands, so initiatives like this are crucial.

"This is all part of a longer-term commitment to ensuring Scotland enjoys a world-class digital infrastructure across the entire country by 2020."

Speaking on behalf of Three, chief executive Dave Dyson said, “"With the Highlands having some of the most remote areas in Europe, these communities often don't have access to the benefits of high-speed broadband. We have built a network specifically for the internet and are passionate about using this to connect people wherever they are, whether this is in the Highlands or towns and cities around the UK."

There was obviously a positive response from the people who will benefit from this largesse, and Kevin Arrowsmith, of Durness Development Group voiced the views of all of them when he said,
"Internet access is absolutely key to the economic and social well-being of Highland communities which are otherwise disadvantaged by their extremely remote location, so the more broadband we can get the better."