| Newsletters of the Friends of Bolton Priory |
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Editor Geoff Roberts
SPRING LECTURE
The 2008 Spring Lecture was delivered by Dr. W R (Bill) Mitchell on March 14th and was entitled “Wharfedale Folk”. Our Chairman, James Pearson welcomed Dr. Mitchell and all those present and invited the Reverend James Turnbull to open the meeting with a reading of the prayer especially written for the Friends. The Chairman then introduced Dr Mitchell and outlined his long career in journalism starting as a reporter with the Craven Herald and then moving on to the Dalesman Magazine, of which he subsequently became the editor serving for many years in that post. He had published over 100 books and articles and his literary prowess was recognised by the award of the MBE in 1996 and, in that same year Bradford University conferred on him the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters.
It was very apparent that Bill had an intimate and encyclopaedic knowledge of Wharfedale and more particularly of the many characters he had met in the course of his life as a writer and who had given the Dale its distinctive character. He had explored the Dale on foot and by bicycle and one of his many memories was that of, perhaps uniquely, being mugged by a pheasant. This encounter occurred in the Valley of Desolation when Bill and his companion had settled down to a picnic lunch. This game bird took a fancy to a scotch egg which Bill had been eagerly anticipating and was about to enjoy, the only recipient of this delicacy was the beck. Magnificent scenery apart it was people who really featured in this lecture, people and some of the long established families such as the Bells from the Langstrothdale area.
Those characteristics associated with Yorkshire folk in general and Dales folk in particular were illustrated in a most humorous manner. As a staunch Methodist he recounted anecdotes of Chapel services and of the Minister who, having referred to the harmonium as “An ill wind that no one blows good,” was somewhat critical of the performance of the lady who was playing the instrument, “Can’t you play something more up to date?” he requested to which the riposte was: “I’m making it up as I go along, you can’t get more up to date than that!”
He referred to J B Priestley and to the interment of his ashes
in Hubberholme Churchyard. He described him as a taciturn man with a pipe
that smoked like a Bradford mill chimney. He defined being taciturn as :
“The ability to say nowt for a long time.” He went on to refer
to the characteristic thrift of Yorkshire folk illustrating this with the
story of the old farmer who believed that his time was nearly up. “Light
me a candle luv to light my last hours” was his request to his wife
who was going out for a short while. The good lady demurred for a while
and then succumbed saying: ”Alright then, but if tha thinks tha’s
going-blow it out.”
He had known several well known Wharfedale artists who had achieved national
recognition including one eccentric who, on being accepted by The Royal
Academy, celebrated this event by riding along Piccadily on an elephant
and blowing a trumpet outside Burlington House. He recounted a visit to
Bolton Abbey by His Majesty King George Vth and the comment passed by an
unknown observer that the King was a shortish man with ginger whiskers,
rather gruff but kind to children. That Yorkshireman, and he must have been
such, did not believe in wasting words.
A vote of thanks was proposed by Barry Cody who complimented Bill on a most instructive and humorous lecture and made a presentation to him on behalf of the Friends.
The evening concluded in keeping with the best traditions
of the Friends with the serving of light refreshments.
A PLEA FOR AN EVENTS SECRETARY
Our events are both a pleasant and important feature of membership of the Friends and are always well supported. Although not numerous each is unique and requires planning and preliminary work to make it successful and enjoyable. For many years our hardworking Honorary Secretary undertook this task together with all the other administrative work which is required to keep any organisation running smoothly. The decision was taken last year to hive off responsibility for events to the newly created post of Honorary Events Secretary and Mrs Barbara Walker-Sharp took on this role. Unfortunately events are such that Barbara feels that she can no longer undertake this duty and we are appealing for somebody to come forward and build upon the foundation which she has laid and for which she deservedly has our grateful thanks.
Give careful and generous consideration to this request, it is so important to maintain that precious tradition that has been built up over the years and which has made for, and can make for many more happy days out amongst friends. Please speak to the Chairman or the Hon. Secretary and having, spoken, please act.
AGM
The AGM will be held in the Village Hall on Sunday 8th June 2008 at 12.15 p.m. this will be followed by the usual excellent buffet lunch. Application for tickets for the lunch are at the end of this newsletter
OUTING TO CARTMEL PRIORY & HOLKER HALL
FRIDAY 23rd MAY 2008
This year’s Summer Outing will be to Cartmel Priory and Holker Hall in the Lake District. Our coach will leave the village car park at 9.00 .am. arriving at Cartmel Priory about 10.30 a.m. where we shall have coffee and biscuits followed by a guided tour of the Priory lasting approximately 45 minutes. We shall then travel to Holker Hall where we will be able to have lunch in the restaurant, or members may take a packed lunch as there is an area available provided with table and chairs for outdoor eating. Lunch is not provided in the cost of the ticket. After lunch we will be taken on a guided tour of the house leaving time afterwards to look at some of the other attractions such as the gardens and shop or the Motor Museum.( the museum will incur an additional cost)
Cartmel Priory is a fine solid building which presides over the village of Cartmel. It was built by the Augustinia Canons between 1190 and 1220. As with Bolton Priory a large part of the building was destroyed at the time of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. However, more of it was left standing than at Bolton Priory and, as at the Priory, it continued to be the Parish Church of Cartmel. It is considerably bigger than our Priory and it contains much of historical interest.
Holker Hall is the family home of Lord and Lady Cavendish and is set among the Lakeland Hills. The estate has never been sold but has been passed on by inheritance through family lines. The grounds and gardens are particularly attractive especially in May.
The price of £25 (excluding the cost of lunch) may at first seem rather high. It does include the cost of a guide at both the Priory and Holker Hall, coffee and biscuits at the Priory and entrance to the Hall and gardens, so we hope you feel it will offer a good day out. We aim to leave for home at about 4.30 p.m.
Members of HHA will not have to pay the £ 6 entrance fee to the Hall. Barbara will need to know if you are a member and you will need to bring your membership ticket with you!
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Fill in the application form below and return with a STAMPED,
SELF-ADDRESED ENVELOPE
To; Barbara Walker-Sharp, 7 St Roberts Close, Gargrave, Skipton, North Yorkshire
BD23 3PT
CARTMEL PRIORY and HOLKER HALL
23rd MAY 2008
NAME AND ADDRESS_______________________________________________
NO. OF TICKETS REQUIRED _____________________________
CHEQUE TO THE VALUE OF £ _____________________
WE ARE A MEMBER OF HHA ________________________
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APPLICATION FOR LUNCH TICKETS at THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
IN THE VILLAGE HALL on 8th JUNE 2008
PRICE £ 7.50 pp
Ticket application together with a stamped addressed
envelope should be sent to;
James Pearson, 3 Woodlands Close, Ilkley LS29 9BY. Tel:01943 608964
NAME and ADDRESS………………………………………………………………………
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Number of tickets AT £7.50 pp …………………
CHEQUE ENCLOSED FOR £ ……………………