Lowry Hill Residents’ Association
Newsletter
Issue 1/2009
One of the most enduring and most imitated images of World War 1 Lord Kitchener encouraging Britonsto sign up.
Notice of the 2009 Annual General Meeting
The 2009 annual general meeting of the Lowry Hill Residents’ Association will be held at 7.00pm on Wednesday 4th March in the main hall of Kingmoor Junior School.
It will be combined again with the Neighbourhood Forum meeting. There will be a presentationon the Connect2 Sustrans Cycleway plans,an update on the Carlisle Northern Development Route (CNDR) plans we are also inviting Stagecoach to meet local residents to listen to their concerns about the local bus routes. This will be followed by any Neighbourhood forum business after which there will be a break for refreshments. After the refreshments a short business meeting will take place.
In addition to the proposal to work with the Newfield Drive Residents Association (see earlier article) this is the occasion for the election or affirmation of officers and other committee members. The Association’s constitution stipulates that the committee should comprise a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Patch Secretary, Newsletter Editor and up to three members without portfolio. All of the existing committee members have expressed a willingness to continue serving on the committee through to its next term.
Although the Association’s constitution provides for existing committee members to continue as such without re-election, this does not preclude the acceptance of nominations from other members of the Association for any committee position, albeit currently occupied. If necessary, the AGM would determine appointments on the day by simple ballot. Nominations in writing must be submitted to the current Chairman (who in this instance acts as Honorary Secretary) – that is Andrew Rowell at 226, Lowry Hill Road – no later than Monday 23rd February. If necessary, other nominations may be taken from the floor of the AGM, but those properly received prior to the meeting would take precedence over such other nominations.
This year the prize draw will be limited to those attending the meeting.
A Merger?
In May last year we were contacted by the secretary of the Newfield Residents Association asking us to consider whether an amalgamation of the two associations would be to the mutual advantage of both.
Subsequently 3 members of the Lowry Hill committee met up with the Newfield Committee to discuss possible ways forward.
The Newfield Association is a more recent development and has not been set up in exactly the same way as Lowry Hill Residents association. There would need to be some modifications with regard to the two constitutions and committee positions.
The advantages of an amalgamation would be the increase in influence that the amalgamated association would have and an injection of new committee members with fresh ideas. Many of the issues which the two associations deal with are the same and combined action is likely to achieve a greater response.
A change like this however would need the approval of the members so the committee is proposing that there be a vote on this at the AGM.
There are 3 possible ways forward.
- We reject the proposal and continue as a separate association.
- We agree to work together and cooperate but retain the identity of the two associations until we are confident that an amalgamation would work well.
- We agree to amalgamate as soon as a new constitution can be agreed.
A decision will be made between these possibilities at the Annual General meeting.
The first proposal will determine whether to work together in any way or not. If the first proposal is carried then the second or third proposals will determine whether to amalgamate or simply to work together.
Cumbrians told to be wary of
bogus charity collectors
The following information comes from CumbriaCounty Council and it is very relevant to Lowry Hill home owners. The leaflets have been delivered in our area on more than one occasion.
Trading Standards bosses in Cumbria are warning residents wanting to give their unwanted clothes to charity that they could be duped by unscrupulous advertisers. The alert comes after a spate of enquiries from Cumbrian residents about leaflet dropping and leaving plastic bags on the doorstep for the householder to fill with their unwanted clothing. These are later collected anonymously.
The leaflet states that people in the developing world will benefit from the donations. But in many cases the advertisers are in fact private businesses taking donations of clothes and other goods from the public then selling them on for a profit.
Phil Ashcroft, Head of Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards Department, warned: “It is natural for the householder to assume the company arranging the collection is a charity but this is often not the case. The leaflet usually has a company name and registration number on it, giving the mistaken impression that it is a registered charity.”
If householders have any doubts about a leaflet asking for donations, they should contact the Charity Commission Helpline on 0845 300 0218 to check whether the collection is for, or on behalf of, a registered charity. Or visit (external link)
Charity Shops in Carlisle
Most of the charity shops listed below will accept books, clothes, homeware, records, shoes, tapes and toys. A few will take other items.
Age Concern
3 London Road, Carlisle, CA1 2JU
64 Lowther Street, Carlisle, CA3 8DP
95 Denton Street, Carlisle, CA2 5EG
Alzheimer's Disease Society
147 Botchergate, Carlisle, CA1 1RZ
British Heart Foundation
106 English Street, Carlisle, CA3 8ND
British Red Cross
147 Botchergate, Carlisle, CA1 1RZ
60 Lowther Street, Carlisle, CA3 8DP
Cancer Research UK
33-35 Bank St, Carlisle, CA3 8HJ
Cumbria Cerebral Palsy
7 Botchergate, Carlisle, CA1 1QP
44 Denton Street, Carlisle, CA2 5EG
EdenValley Hospice
5 Botchergate, Carlisle, CA1 1QP
Mencap
135 Botchergate, Carlisle, CA1 1RZ
Oxfam
17 Bank Street, Carlisle, CA3 8HG (Books only)
Salvation Army
57 Wigton Road, Carlisle, CA2 7AY
Samaritans
136 Botchergate, Carlisle, CA1 1SH
Save the Children
17 Scotch Street, Carlisle, CA3 8PY
Scope
6-8 Bank Street, Carlisle, CA3 8EU
Shelter
26 Scotch Street, Carlisle, CA3 8PX
St James's Church opportunity Shop
66 Denton Street, Carlisle, CA2 5EG
LOWRY HILL RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
LOCAL PATCH REPRESENTATIVES
Since last November we lost one of our longest serving Patch Representatives, Mr. Harold Crowe. We offer his wife our condolences. Mrs. Crowe has graciously offered to take over the Patches that her husband had looked after.
Mrs. Hagan, Naworth Drive has retired and her Patch has been taken over by Mr Tam Connelly of Naworth Drive.
Mrs. Ann Renwick is retiring after the delivery of this Newsletter and Mr. Mike Shepherd of Naworth Drive has volunteered to take over her Patch (Gelt Close).
With the increasing number of houses in LowryGardens a second Patch Rep is required and Mr. Ken Rangecroft has agreed to take on this job.
We still need two or three more Patch Representatives to help as there are some people covering more than one Patch and some members of the Committee are also helping out. We would be very pleased to hear from anyone who is interested and has half an hour to spare delivering Newsletters four or five times a year and collecting the subscriptions.
Fergus Pringle
Patch Secretary
COUNCILLOR SANDRA FISHER
Sandra Fisher, one of our local city councillors passed away shortly before Christmas in the Eden Valley Hospice, after a relatively short illness. We remember her for the help she gave the association over a number of years, and our thoughts are with her husband and family at this sad time.
Kingmoor Nursery and Infant School
This academic year has seen several exciting new developments in the history of KingmoorInfant School.
- We have extended our agerange to 3-7 years and opened a nursery class. This is taught by an experienced nursery teacher and qualified nursery assistants and children attend for 2 ½ hours per day, morning or afternoon.
- We have taken over the extended school provision (breakfast, nursery care and after school and holiday club) from the Kingmoor Oaktree Club. We are extremely fortunate to have the existing experienced staff to continue their excellent care and provision and are very grateful to the Kingmoor Oaktree Management Committee for all their hard work, commitment and dedication to running the club in the past.
- Following the closure of BelahSchool we have admitted some of the infant children to our school. They have integrated well into our routines and are an asset to our school.
Many of you will have been watching the exciting development of our new nursery building and we would like to thank everyone for your patience and tolerance with our construction work. The building will house the nursery and the extended school provision and it is at present on track to be completed by June 2009. The temporary classroom and the existing Oaktree Club will be removed and replaced by additional car parking and garden area.
Learn something new in 2009!
If you are thinking what to do this spring why not come long to the Centre and try something new. We provide a large range of computer courses starting from learning the basics to advanced. There is a course for all abilities and levels of confidence. In addition to computer classes we run other courses including Belly Dancing, First Aid, Digital Photography and a Reading Group.
Thanks to the support of the Neighbourhood Forum we are continuing to run our popular free drop-in session on Tuesday afternoons from 1.30-3.30pm. Come in and have a go on a computer or go on the Internet, we are here to help you.
Our new spring 2009 timetable is now available If you would like a copy or want to find out more about what we do, just pop into the centre which is on your door step at Kingmoor Junior School or phone 01228 607533 or email We look forward to seeing you soon.
Catherine Herd
Centre Manager
Kingmoor Community & Business Centre, Liddle Close, Carlisle CA3 0DU
Santa’s Thank you
I would like, on behalf of our members, to thank all the residents of Lowry Hill and Kingstown area, for their support and donations to our Christmas Santa Collections. We look on these collections as a privilege, to continue the traditions started many years ago. In many ways it makes the run up to Christmas a little more special and seeing all the pleasure it gives on Christmas Eve makes it all worthwhile.
This year’s collection will help many of our local charitable causes as well as our President’s chosen charity which assist prostate cancer sufferers. Once again thank you all for your support, and we look forward to seeing you all again next year.
Michael Tuddenham
Santa Convenor
Rotary Club of Carlisle South/District 1190.
Three Steps for Meeting a Dog:
Instructions for Parents and Dog Owners
by Colleen Pelar, CPDT, CDBC
It is very important to teach kids how to interact with dogs they are interested in. Childish excitement could be interpreted as a threat by inexperienced dogs.
Good kids and good dogs will have miscommunications every day. By teaching children and dogs how to interact with one another, we are laying the groundwork for happy, healthy relationships between them. Take time to help your child practice meeting a variety of dogs.
Step 1: Ask the Owner
Teach your kids never to rush up toward a dog. Tell them to stop about 5 feet away and ask the owner, "May I pet your dog?"
Sometimes the answer will be no. Many dogs don't live with kids and are not comfortable with them. So if the dog’s owner says no, that's okay. Remind your kids that there are lots of other dogs who would love to be petted by them.
If the owner says yes, then the children must ask the dog.
Step 2: Ask the Dog—Do Not Skip This Step!
Tell kids that dogs don’t use words but instead rely on body language. Pantomime various emotions such as anger, fear and excitement to show the kids that they use body language too.
Have your children make a fist with the palm pointed down. Then they can slowly extend their arm for the dog to sniff their hand. Teaching the kids to curl their fingers in minimizes the risk of a dog nipping their finger.
When the dog is being given the opportunity to sniff, watch his body language.
- Does he come forward with loose, waggy motions? That’s definitely a yes.
- Does he lean forward for a quick sniff and seem comfortable? Also a yes.
- Does he turn his face away from your child’s hand? Back away? Bark? Move behind the owner? Look anxious and unsettled? Growl? These are all nos.
Unfortunately some owners don’t understand or respect their dog’s decision and will drag the dog forward saying, “Oh, he’s fine. He loves kids. You can pet him.” DON’T! Do not ever allow your children to pet a dog that does not approach them willingly.
Step 3: Pet the Dog
If the owner says yes and the dog says yes, the kids can pet the dog. Tell your kids that they need to be careful of a dog's sensitive eyes and ears. Most dogs don't like to be petted on top of their heads, but nearly all people pet dogs this way—it’s a hardwired human behavior. There is a blind spot on top of a dog’s head. If he sees your child’s hand moving toward that area, the natural inclination is for him to tilt his head up and watch where the hand is going. Now your child’s hand is reaching right over the dog’s teeth—not a very good place for that hand to be.
Suggest that your children stroke the side of the dog's neck, rub under his chin, scratch his chest, or pet along his back. Most dogs prefer slow, gentle strokes to rapid pat-pat-patting.
Colleen Pelar, CPDT, CDBC, author of Living with Kids and Dogs . . . Without Losing Your Mind, is America’s Kids and Canines Coach. Colleen has more than 15 years’ experience as the go-to person for parents trying to navigate kid-and-dog issues. Because every interaction between a child and a dog can be improved by a knowledgeable adult, Colleen is committed to educating parents, children, and dog owners on kid-and-dog relationships. For more information visit
Gardening Tips for February
As the days begin to lengthen early spring bulbs and Snowdrops start to colour the bare earth.
Flowers
- Lightly trim winter flowering Heathers when the flowers die off
- Divide Snowdrops after flowering
- Plant Lily of the Valley Crowns
- Prune summer flowering shrubs
Fruit
- Tie in wall trained fruit trees and bushes
- Set Peaches, Vines and Nectarines into growth in a greenhouse
- Check stored fruit and discard any that are rotting
- Complete the pruning of fruit trees
- This is the latest time to spray Mortegg
Vegetables
- Dig any unworked vacant ground
- Dig and store any root crops still in the ground
- Check stored vegetables and discard any that are rotting
Lawns
- Keep off in frosty weather
- Ensure that the mower is serviced
- Spike lawns to aid drainage
Greenhouse
- Plant new Grape Vines
- Check the glass is not loose after high winds
- Sow Sweet Peas for planting out later
- Clean out accumulated rubbish in preparation for spring
- Check that the heating system still works
General Tasks
- Providefood and waterfor garden birds
Plants which are at their best in February
- Rhododendron PraecoxThuya 'Rheingold'
- Corylus Avellana 'Contorta' (Contorted Hazel)
- Helleborus Orientalis (Lenten Rose)
- Garrya Elliptica 'James Roof' (Silktassel Bush)
- Bergenia 'Abendglut' (Elephant's Ears)
- Clematis Armandii
Winter's came, the snow has fell,
Wee Josie's nose is frozen well,
Wee Josie's nose is froze & skintit,
Winter's diabolic, in't it.
Name & address not for publication
Useful Information
Chairman, Andrew Rowell / 592825
Vice Chairman, Chris Ormandy / 530369
Treasurer, Jenny Morton / 529864
Patch Secretary, Fergus Pringle / 538012
Minutes Secretary, Margaret Ferguson / 538104
Newsletter Editor, Jan Kitching / 543708
Carlisle City Council, Civic Centre / 817000
City Councillor David Morton / Home: / 515486
Mobile: / 0771 992 7758
City Councillor Patricia Vasey / 01228 593568
County Councillor Alan Toole / Home: / 530681
Work: / 521383
Customer Contact Centre
Thisis the first point of contact for residents enquiring, face to face, by telephone or email about Carlisle City Council services. Call 01228 817200
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm. Friday 9.00am to 4.00pm
Many services are available online at
Cumbria County Council / 606060
Adult Social Care / 227000
Children’s Social Care / 227002
Comments, compliments and complaints / 0800 1218800