completed by members of the thornthwaite …...thornthwaite, were given to greenwich hospital. by...

Thornthwaite Village Community Plan

completed by members of the Thornthwaite Community.in Spring 2012.

Further work by Becx Carter will consolidate this plan into the

Above Derwent Community Plan.

Contents

Section: Page No:

1. General Introduction 3

2. Background – History, Present-Day 4

3. Community & Cohesion 13

4. Action Plan of findings 15

5. Acknowledgements & Key Contacts 22

6. Appendix 1- Questionnaire 23

7. Appendix 2- Demographic Information 25

8. Appendix 3- History of Thornthwaite Mining 26

9. Appendix 4- Maps 27

Section 1: General Introduction

1.1 THORNTHWAITE COMMITTEE

A group of Thornthwaite villagers formed a Community Planning committee which began with

informal planning discussions in the spring of 2011. In May 2011 a ‘strawman’ questionnaire was

drawn up and circulated among the group for approval. In June 2011 the questionnaire was approved

and in July was circulated by hand around the village to residents. After three weeks the

questionnaires were collected by hand. All information entered on each questionnaire was captured

and analysed for use in the first issue of the Thornthwaite community plan.

1.2 COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Members of the Thornthwaite Community Planning Committee (in alphabetic order), Helen Davies,

Colin Grant, Sue Grant, Patricia Highton, Brenda Kealey, Richard Kealey, Clive Lomas, Wilma

Lomas, Ann Monk, Ron Monk, Anne Thoburn, Donald Thoburn, Margaret Throp, Steven Throp,

Helen Wilkins

1.3 DOCUMENT LAYOUT

The Thornthwaite questionnaire was designed to gather feedback from village people on their current

quality of life and the need for improvement. The questionnaire covered the following topics.

2.2.1 Profile of Village People

2.2.2 Everyday Life in the Village

2.2.3 Information and Communication

2.2.4 Getting about in the Village

2.2.5 The Environment

2.2.6 Impact of Tourism

2.2.7 Community Cohesion & Involvement

1.4 ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

Feedback has been incorporated into this document and analysed to produce the Thornthwaite Action

plan. Both a copy of the questionnaire and the draft Action Plan are shown in Appendix 1 & Section

4 respectively. As feedback is summarised all Personal information is protected.

1.5 REVISION

The draft Thornthwaite plan is revised in order to align better with the other 3 community plans in

the Above Derwent area. It was felt appropriate to create separate village plans in order to reflect the

uniqueness of each, which differ in size, needs and aspirations.

This revised plan still reflects a consensus view of all residents within the Thornthwaite. Becx

Carter, a Consultant, will consolidate this updated draft plan with the Braithwaite, Newlands &

Portinscale plans to produce the Above Derwent Parish Community Plan.

Section 2: Background

2.1 HISTORY OF THORNTHWAITE

The Bronze Age has left some traces of human endeavour in this area, and it is possible that a

Romano-British main road must have come through the parish of Thornthwaite – the clearing with

the thorn bushes from the 'old' Norse thorn thveit. The village itself is probably well over 1000 years

old, and was settled by families of Norwegians, whose kinsmen colonised Iceland in 874 A.D and

probably arrived in our area about 900 A.D.

The Norsemen were mixed farmers from a mountainous country, and probably the mountains

surrounding our village reminded them of the country, which they had left. The land around the

settlement would probably have supported about 100 people in approximately 10 farms. It began on

the lower edge of the forest and is recorded from 1220 onwards, and in 1240 a small chapel was

provided for the settlers by Patrick de Workingham who owned the surrounding lands.

There are some records of farming in the area, for example in 1578 there were four farms at Powter

Howe alone. The settlement slowly extended upwards and deeper into the woods leaving the chapel

alone amid the fields, but in 1652 a preacher was ordained to serve the parish and by 1746 money

was found for a ‘perpetual curate’ for the village

At one time Thornthwaite was a township in the Manor of Braithwaite and Coledale held by the Earl

of Egremont and later by Lord Leconfield of Cockermouth Castle. Lord Derwentwater took part in

the Rebellion of 1715 and was captured and beheaded as a traitor. His estates, including

Thornthwaite, were given to Greenwich Hospital.

By the eighteenth century the village population was growing fast, and there was a profitable lead

mine, a bobbin mill, two woollen factories, and a saw-mill in Thornthwaite. The Governors of

Greenwich Hospital began a planting programme, and in 1814 when Thornthwaite Common was

enclosed the whole of the area was designated for forestry.

By 1840 the church was accommodating 180 people and had acquired a burial ground, and in 1853 a

new church was built in the form, which we see today. A pointer to the size of the population can be

seen in the churchyard where in the nineteenth century extra land was acquired and consecrated three

times. The extensions can be mapped by the dates on the gravestones. The first vicarage was at

Hallgarth, but in 1845 Ladstock was purchased, and became the vicarage.

The forest areas around Thornthwaite Common were the first to be planted by the Forestry

Commission in 1919. The growth of the estate involved the displacement of four flocks of Herdwick

sheep (about 1,600) and caused a certain amount of controversy in the local area. In the 1940’s and

50’s there was even a hostel for the 100 or so workers.

Although the village did not have its own railway, Braithwaite Station was a useful means of

transportation both for passengers and freight, and was in use for over 100 years. Pure lead from the

Thornthwaite mines was loaded at Braithwaite for conveyance to all parts of the country.

Until the last century there was a village hall (opposite the old garage), and also a shop (closed in the

1960’s) in the same area. There was a Post Office (again closed in the 1960’s), and other services

including blacksmiths when the mines were in operation. There was also a thriving timber yard and

sawmill. There were nine farms in the village – two at Lanefoot, one at Hallgarth, Croftlands,

Beckstones, The Faulds, Thornthwaite Hall, Jenkin Hill, and Woodend (now only three remain).

2.2 PRESENT-DAY IN THORNTHWAITE

The village has a central cluster of homes with outlying dwellings including Lanefoot Farm,

Hallgarth, Ladstock, Powter How, Wood End and Beck Wythop.

2.2.1 PROFILE OF VILLAGE PEOPLE

Today there are just over sixty resident homes in Thornthwaite and as only a few non-resident

owners of second and holiday homes were available answer questions a separate analysis has been

used (Connecting Cumbria Broadband project) and shows 50% of the total number of homes in

Thornthwaite are second homes &/or holiday homes.

Q. Occupancy

Type of dwelling Use of dwelling

Ow

nin

g

Ren

tin

g

No answer M

ain

2n

d

Ho

liday

No answer

54 5 2 52 4 5 2

89% 8% 3% 83% 6% 8% 3%

More than half the community of Thornthwaite is aged over 55 years old. There are sadly very few

young people in the village although there are sufficient people moving into the village who are

between the age of 26-55 years to keep Thornthwaite vibrant.

Q. Number of occupants by age group

All occupants by age grouping

0-4

5-1

8

19

-25

26

-55

56

-70

70

+ No

answer

2 19 13 29 39 34 3

1.4% 13.7% 9.4% 20.9% 28.1% 24.5% 2%

Luckily the community in Thornthwaite is fairly static with over a quarter of villagers’ resident for

over twenty years.

Q. How long have you lived in the village?

Number of years occupancy by dwelling

<1 1-5 5-20 21+ No

answer

5 8 28 17 3

8.2% 13.1% 45.9% 27.9% 4.9%

2.2.2 EVERYDAY LIFE IN THE VILLAGE

Today Thornthwaite village is seen as an active community, with social gatherings including coffee

mornings, village events including meals, entertainment and quizzes. The most frequent of these are

coffee mornings held monthly. Overall approximately half the community support the organised

village activities including charity events. Venues include the Thornthwaite Gallery; St Mary’s

church; Hallgarth Barn; Thornthwaite-Cum-Braithwaite Memorial Hall. There is a small and very

popular village school locally in Braithwaite, which services most of the primary school age children

in the area, with Keswick School being the nearest secondary school.

Q. How do you rate the quality of life in the village? (1-5 where highest rating is 5)

Quality of Life rating by dwelling

5 4 3 2 1 No

answer

22 20 8 0 2 9

36.1% 32.8% 13.2% 0.0% 3.3% 14.6%

Over 80% residents felt the quality of life in the village is good. However continual village change

appears to adversely affect those who have spent all/most of their lives in the village.

Overall a little more than half feel a sense of increased community spirit and wellbeing, while others

have real concern about an increase in holiday homes, cyclists, the loss of a pub, too few children

and less permanent residence.

A third of residents highlighted the need for a ‘pub/shop/meeting place’ as the current venues are not

always available, or have a primary other use. The Memorial Hall which is by far the largest venue

provides meeting rooms, field sports and self-catering facilities and has been in operation since 1919.

It is a much used today and is managed by successive committees, trustees and village people living

close by. However due to its location across the busy A66, fewer young local people use its field

sports facilities, and elderly people fear driving or crossing the A66 during winter evenings.

Q. How has Village Life Changed over the last Few Years? Written comments from respondents highlight concern for the number of holiday homes to the

detriment of affordable homes, and facility for young local families. In addition the village lacks

vital facilities for young families such as a village shop or an enclosed play-area.

Community Action Plan - Quality of Life - Look into the feasibility of a community ‘pub/shop / meeting place’. See Action Plan in

Section 4, item 4.1

- Consider if a meeting place could be used by local parish councillors, once a quarter, to

capture community views and concerns. See Action Plan in Section 4, item 4.2.

2.2.3 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

Information and Communication flow within the village is not organised and is informal and

spasmodic. The main source of information available to most people is the weekly edition of the

Keswick Reminder which very occasionally has articles of direct relevance to life in Thornthwaite.

There are other weekly regional local papers which are taken by some people which again have very

little to say about our village life.

Q. Are you aware of the voluntary car service? 60% of those who responded indicated that they were aware of the Voluntary Car service but few currently make use of it. More publicity would probably help to inform people that it is available for more than just visits to hospital. It is especially helpful for more vulnerable people and more should be done to ensure that awareness is improved. Q. Do you find the Benefice News (delivered bi-monthly) useful & interesting? The Benefice News, is issued every second month by the local Parish Church, covers the CofE

Benefice which geographically runs from Borrowdale in the South to the boundary with Beck

Wythop in the North, including the Newlands Valley. It carries items of true local interest but with

few features concerning Thornthwaite.

Over 80% of villagers who responded found the Benefice News interesting and informative.

About half of those who responded said they would also value the inclusion, if only on occasions, of

a “Thornthwaite Page” within the Benefice News. Very few suggestions for improvement were

made but about 10% thought the use of a separate News Letter would be helpful.

Q. Do you think that Village news and events are well publicised? Specific village events tend to be publicised by:

• Flyers – either delivered with the Benefice News or hand delivered separately

• Advertisements posted at about 10 strategic locations within the village

• Word of mouth during casual meetings of people.

About 2/3rds of those who responded said they were satisfied with the way village events are

publicised..

Q. If there was a more visible notice board would you read it and where would it be best visible? There are two notice-boards in the Village, one at the bus stop in the centre of the village on the old

A66 and one outside the church situated at the end of a no-through road. Neither is used extensively

for village communications. Few people in the village take or make opportunity to look at the

notice-boards on a regular basis.

About 50% of respondents who answered this question indicated they would take time to stop and

read a more prominent notice-board, for example near the bus stop or the re-cycling bins in the

middle of the village.

Q. Would you make use of a village web site? As far as the use of “modern technology” is concerned, although favoured by some, it is questionable whether the local benefits of a village web-site would repay the investment needed to create and maintain it.

About 1/3rd of respondents said they would use a web site, but many of these are already well informed by their informal networks. Thus the main value would be in reaching people outside the village, and it is unclear what benefits would accrue from such an exercise. Further work is needed to identify what might be done in this area. Community Action Plan Information & Communication:

- Voluntary Car Service - Explore the various ways of communicating the VCS. See Action

Plan in Section 4, item 5.1

- Benefice News - consider the reporting and editorship of a Thornthwaite page. See Action


- Notice Board - Consider more prominent places for notice board(s), including Thornthwaite

central, Powter Howe and Beck Wythop. See Action Plan in Section 4, item 5.3

- Web Page - Consider use of Kelvyn’s web site for the benefice news and current & future

events and if a web page could be made available for use by villagers. See Action Plan in

Section 4, item 5.4

2.2.4 GETTING ABOUT IN THE VILLAGE

On a typical day both villagers and visitors use the road and footpaths to areas such as the Gallery, St

Mary’s church, the bus stop, post-box and bottle bank. They use bridleways and footpaths, often by

the becks, to walk and exercise their dogs, along popular routes through Whinlatter to Braithwaite,

the visitors Centre, Barf and Lord Seat. Care is needed when walking along the main road through

Thornthwaite as farm equipment, buses, cars and bicycles all pass regularly through during the

spring and summer months in particular.

St Mary’s church is situated near the middle of the village, on a “no through” track heading towards

Bassenthwaite Lake. There are monthly services on the second Sunday of the month with additional

services for Christenings, Weddings and Funerals, Easter & Christmas. In the absence of a central

village meeting place, the church is used for seasonal activities and jubilees and occasional coffee

mornings. All visitors are welcome.

As the village of Thornthwaite is 3.5 miles from Keswick public services and infrastructure are vital

to support the life of the village, giving access to shops, and services such as health care on a daily

basis. However some residents need to go further away for specialist health care. It is therefore very

important that there is a good public transport system operating throughout the year.

Although ample off road parking exists near the Swan Hotel at Powter Howe and at the North end of

the village where the road meets the A66 by the Lake, sadly very little off road space exists in the

middle of the village where there are more homes, the church and Gallery.

Q. Transport - Are you satisfied with Public Transport through the village? Well over 50% of residents were satisfied with public transport summer service in particular. Others

highlight the need for a variable bus service that needs to be increased to a regular all year round

service. A further service solution is required at Beck Wythop as there is a long walk along a poorly

lit and poorly maintained road to the nearest bus stop.

Q. Parking - Do you think the church would benefit from a car park? Over 50% residents believe there is a need for a church car park. At present there is limited car

parking space adjacent to the church, and when functions take place in the church, e.g. weddings,

funerals etc. people are forced to park along the main road through the village, at times, causing

obstructions which could be dangerous. There is also the problem that parked vehicles on the edges

of the road often cause damage to the grass verges.

Q. Are you satisfied with the general condition of the roads? (If NO what improvements could be made?)

Pot Holes Improvement

Street Lighting

Improvement

Gritting for Icy Road

Improvement

Drainage/ Flooding

Improvement

Other Improvement

No answer

23 4 41 34 10 6

38% 7% 67% 56% 16% 10%

Villagers generally highlighted the urgent need for road and drainage repair and maintenance with

flooding and icy roads their highest priority. In addition 15% gave written comment highlighting the

need for regular maintenance to the roadside and gulley to remove leaves and weeds.

Note: Road maintenance is the responsibility of Cumbria County Council, however, the Above

Derwent Parish Council monitor and advises the Council on matters requiring attention in addition to

the routine work carried out by the Council. For a period there was a significant improvement in the

day to day execution of the maintenance work when the County Council employed a Highway

Steward who for a period of five weeks in a year was dedicated to the Above Derwent Parish

Council area and was also available for emergency actions required, i.e. blocked drains etc.

Q. Do we have sufficient grit for icy roads?

70% of villagers do not think sufficient grit is available when required during prolonged spells of icy

weather. With a large proportion of elderly residence this is clearly a major health hazard.

Note: The village community may have the opportunity to take control of maintenance required to

clear blocked gullies and culverts under powers granted under the proposed Localism Bill.

Q. Has the village benefitted from the 30 mph speed limit? A 30 mph speed limit is recently installed through part of the village. Further roads lead to Thornthwaite

Church, Thornthwaite Gallery and Seldom Seen. Approximately half the residents believe there is benefit

from a 30 mph speed limit. Over one third wish to see the speed limit enforced, while just over a

quarter want the speed limit extended. Community Action Plan

Public Services & Infrastructure:

- Transport – Since the Survey was undertaken the bus company Stage Coach has introduced

a revised timetable with additional services. (All effort should be made to use these services

throughout the year.) Bus timetables to be available at all bus stop locations, all public

places and posted on the Above Derwent Community website. See Action Plan in Section 4,

item 6.1.

- Transport – Consider how the old Beck Wythop road could be made safe for people to use

the bus service. See Action Plan in Section 4, item 6.2.

- Parking – From the responses it is evident that some action must be taken. See Action Plan in

Section 4, item 6.3

- Roads - From the comments made it is essential that the roads through the village and onto

the A66 are kept well maintained, cleared of snow and gritted, as and when necessary. See

Action Plan in Section 4, item 6.4

- Drains - Regular and methodical cleaning of gullies, ditches, grips etc. is essential to avoid

flooding and road safety hazards. See Action Plan in Section 4, item 6.5.

- Gritting - It is evident that with limited resources the County Council will not be able to grit

and maintain the road through Thornthwaite as a matter of priority. However, as stated

above it is essential that the roads are gritted when necessary to facilitate access for all road

users. In light of this, further grit bins should be requested in order that residents can make

use of the grit to keep the roads clear where possible. In addition look into funding for private

gritting. See Action Plan in Section 4, item 6.6.

- Speeding - The 30 mph limit has greatly improved road safety and the quality of life in the

village, however, measures need to be taken to ensure compliance with the limit, and also

keep under review a possible extension to the limit. See Action Plan in Section 4, item 6.7

2.2.5 THE ENVIRONMENT

Pride in the community has seen village people cleaning up litter and planting spring bulbs along the

grass verges. Over the years this has helped to make the village a much sought after place in which to

live.

The Whinlatter Forest and Visitor Centre is used extensively by both village people and visiting

tourists for walking, mountain biking (with numerous specifically designed trails), the Go Ape

Adventure Trail, plus children play areas etc. Those walking through Whinlatter are mindful of the

many cyclists using the same pathways. One of the main attractions of the Whinlatter Centre over the

summer months is the provision of a ‘real-time’ camera focused on the ospreys’ nest transmitting

close up images of the chicks.

As with all popular areas well used by locals and visitors there is a downside, either in the need for

continued maintenance of roads and footpaths, or the clearing and disposal facility for dog fouling or

litter.

There is a bottle bank at the bottom of the road leading to the Thornthwaite Gallery and Seldom

Seen. Household waste is collected weekly with a fortnightly collection of garden waste, and

cardboard and paper.

A few villagers use the ‘bread bin’ to collect and deliver newspapers close to the bottle bank, but up

on the rise.

Q. Are recycling facilities in the village adequate? If not what would you suggest? There were mixed comments about the current recycling facility as some people use facilities outside

the village that offers a greater range of recycling. About 25% of residents gave written response

stating the current recycling facility within Thornthwaite does not accommodate plastics and

tins/cans.

Q. Are there any other environmental issues requiring attention?

Litter Improvement

Fly Tip Improvement

Dog Fouling Improvement

Other Improvement

No

Comment

9 2 17 7 14

15% 3% 28% 11% 23%

Three quarters of villagers answered these multiple choice questions and highlighted dog fouling as

an on-going issue. Written comment suggests the need for more dog litter bins, leaflets to holiday

agencies and homes, notices and penalties. In addition a fifth of residents see litter along the main

roadway as a concern. In the written comments these issues were almost always attributed to visitors

including cyclists, (these comments are repeated again under the Impact of Tourism).

Q. Are improvements required to any of the following amenities?

Verges Improvement

Footpaths

Improvement

Cycle routes Improvement

Bridleways

Improvement

No answer

16 7 2 3 38

26% 11% 3% 5% 62%

Due to a lack of response it seems Verges, Footpaths, Cycle Routes and Bridleways are of lesser

concern, although a quarter of villagers felt verges require improvement.

Community Action Plan The Environment:

- Infrastructure - Consider how best to control the clearance & maintenance of verges, blocked

gullies and culverts, including exploring the powers granted under the proposed Localism

Bill. See Action Plan in Section 4, item 7.1

- Recycling – Investigate if further recycling bins could be added for plastic & tin. See Action


- Litter - Consider dog Litter bins, consider flyers for holiday homes. See Action Plan in

Section 4, item 7.3

2.2.6 IMPACT OF TOURISM

The area is dominated by its natural scenery which includes the facing Skiddaw Massive, and as such

its main industry is tourism. Within Thornthwaite there is one country house hotel, some bed and

breakfast accommodation and numerous holiday cottages. The Gallery offers a wide range of

goods, and a tea area offering light refreshments.

Tourism in Keswick and the surrounding villages which includes Thornthwaite remains the major

industry without which most of the community would not thrive.

The other main industry/employer is farming with 3 working farms, Wood End, Lanefoot and

Graham’s farm. Wood End farm is a dairy farm while the other two farms raise sheep grazing them on

the pastoral land within Thornthwaite. Q. Are you directly involved in tourism and if so in what way? Over 40% of the Thornthwaite villagers are involved in tourism mostly managing and/or working in

B & Bs or holiday homes. Others are involved indirectly by choosing to volunteer in helping at

Keswick’s main tourist attractions, such as Theatre by the Lake, the Keswick Museum and Art

Gallery.

Q. What problems does tourism bring to the village. How can these be mitigated? As with all major industries there are downsides, with approximately 40% of residents feeling there

is a current lack of suitable facilities for parking (near the centre of the village), dog fouling and for

10% of residents a perceived increase in the number of cars and cyclists travelling through the

village. A further 10% are concerned about the growing number of ‘winter-empty’ holiday homes

which can contribute to a feeling of remoteness. Very few people saw general litter as a problem,

although there is concern about cyclists including speeding and water bottle littering.

Community Action Plan Impact of Tourism:

All actions partially attributed to tourism are covered in the Community Action Plan for The

Environment, section 2.2.5

Section 3: Community & Cohesion

Collective village activities and village-run support services have long been part of village life.

In addition the community planning group recognises the need to undertake some local emergency

support as and when necessary. The extent of support requires further consideration, but flooding and

power outages are an example.

Q. Do you think there should be further development in the village? Although some residents felt the need to build, more people feel the infrastructure in Thornthwaite is

already at maximum capacity. This is evident particularly in certain areas of the roadway where it

frequently floods through drainage problems.

Overall a third of residents agreed with a small amount of controlled development of housing. One

fifth of residents wished to see a limited amount of affordable homes for local occupancy only. A

few suggested development on infill / brownfield sites, while others wished for ‘no more’ or

maintenance and repair only. In most cases residents suggested development should take place only

if infrastructure would allow. One or two residents suggested a cycle route should link to

Braithwaite.

Q. Would you support a community renewable energy scheme? Over 80% of residents agreed in principle with the need for community renewable energy schemes,

provided more information is available in particular the financial costs and benefits. Most residents

favoured a Hydro scheme, as one example already exists in Thornthwaite within the boundaries of a

private dwelling. Other schemes included local biomass, solar panels, a water turbine and a district

heat pump from the beck(s). Some residents are keen to be involved, either to help build, or to

provide advice and guidance.

Q. If there was a stronger network of caring would you want to be part of it? A large proportion of showed interest in either participating or helping with common activities

within the village, such as shopping and exchange of garden produce. Over 50% showed interest in

walking, book and gardening clubs, while a third of residents showed interest in joining service cost

deals, and access to the internet.

More research is needed by the community planning group to look at baby-sitting and animal

minding needs.

Baby Animal Book Gardening Village Walking Dog Sitting sitting club club car service Walking

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

7 3 7 7 9 8 2

11% 5% 11% 11% 15% 13% 3%

Service Chess/scrabble/ Access to Amateur Help with Exchange of cost deals cards/dominos internet dramatics shopping garden produce

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

7 7 5 2 11 9

11% 11% 8% 3% 18% 15%

Other (caring): Emergency help list of contacts?

Yes Yes No

Comment

16 17 15

26% 28% 25%

Community Action Plan Community Cohesion & Involvement:

- Local Occupancy - Explore ways of a housing trust taking control of ‘for sale’ houses for

local occupants. See Action Plan in Section 4, item 7.4

- Renewable energy - Investigate the feasibility of hydro or other renewable energy. See

Action Plan in Section 4, item 7.5

- Activities - Coordinate the various activities where people have shown interest. Use

questionnaires to determine who has shown interest in involvement and against what activity.

See Action Plan in Section 4, item 9.1

- Emergency Plan - Establish an emergency plan for Thornthwaite that links to the district or

county Emergency plans. See Action Plan in Section 4, item 9.2

Section 4: Summary Action Plan

Section Action Timescale Owner

Everyday Life in the Village Lack of permanent communal

meeting place- Explore with the

parochial church council the

feasibility of the church becoming

a community centre

End of year 2012 Margaret- Ask Carole Handy

Parish Council? Community Plan

Steering Group?

Everyday Life in the Village Local Council surgery meeting

place, consider the use of The

Gallery for quarterly surgery

meetings. Meeting to be arranged

with Ron & Ann Monk

End of Year 2012 Margaret – Community Plan

Steering Group? Parish Council?

Transport Services Voluntary Car Service should be

included regularly in the

Thornthwaite page of the

Benefice News

End of year 2012 to identify

feasibility, further action will be

required during the first year of

2013 to implement

Sue & Brenda? Community Plan


Information & Communication Explore with the parochial church

council the feasibility of inserting a

Thornthwaite page


feasibility, further action will be

required during the first year of

2013 to implement

Sue & Brenda? Community Plan


Information & Communication Notice Boards- Work with the

community to establish better

placement of current noticeboards

By end of the 1st quarter of 2013

agree is current notice boards

should be repositioned and/or if

further noticeboards are required

to cover each area of

Colin & Steve-Community Plan


Thornthwaite. For each notice

board identify caretakers who

will post & remove updates

Information & Communication Community Web Page- Discuss

Parish Council Website


additional community content.

Assess feasibility and agree

further meetings in advance of

implementation during the last

quarter of 2013

Richard & Geoff to meet with

Kelvyn Sheppard- Community

Plan Steering Group? Parish

Council?

Getting about in the village Post the timetables on the

community website and other

public places

End of 2012 Richard Kealey- Above Derwent

Parish Council

Getting about in the village Transport- Beck Wythop- Ask the

Parish Council to consider

maintenance and lighting of the

old Beck Wythop Road

February 2012 Richard Kealey-Above Derwent

Parish Council

Getting about in the village Parking- Continue to liaise with

the Parochial Church Council re

the provision of a car park near

the church

Summer 2012 Colin Grant? Community Plan


Getting about in the village Roads- Through the Parish

Council ensure that a

maintenance plan is agreed with

the County Council

*NB- Highway steward now

reinstated- Monitor Progress

Summer 2012 Above Derwent Parish Council

Getting about in the village Drains- Through the Parish

Council ensure that a


maintenance plan is agreed with

the County Council

*NB- Highway Steward now

reinstated- Monitor Progress

Getting about in the village Gritting- Parish Council to request

further grit bins


Getting about in the village Speeding- Work with the police &

County Council re enforcement

and extension of the limit

End of first quarter of 2013 to

agree the start & end location of

the speed limit and a preferred

method for implementation.

Further action will be required

during 2013 to implement the

preferred solution

Above Derwent Parish Council

Environment Inadequate maintenance of

verges, gullies & culverts- Work

with the County Council to identify

how best to ensure maintenance

of vital services

By end of 2012 identify all

service support groups and their

areas of responsibility including

their local contact. Report back

to the Above Derwent PC for

monitoring and central control of

these services


Environment Recycling- Work with the County

Council re introduction of further

recycling facilities for tins & plastic

By end of 2012 identify a way

forward in the purchase and

placement of additional recycling

bins


Environment Litter- Consider dog litter bins,

consider flyers for holiday homes

By end of 2nd quarter of 2013

identify where dog litter bins

should be best placed and

Ron & Anne? Community Plan


create a flyer for distribution to

holiday homes & notice boards

Community Cohesion &

Involvement

Insufficient low cost housing for

the families of local residents-

Work with the County Council to

identify existing housing trusts

within the local area

By end of 1st quarter of 2013,

identify local housing trusts and

understand both the legal

implications costs and

constraints in this undertaking

and feed back to the community



Involvement

Hydro & Other Renewable

Energy- Work with parishes and

individuals to have implemented a

preferred renewable solution

By end of 1st quarter 2013

identify all renewable options

and feed back to the community.

By end of 3rd quarter of 2013

complete a feasibility study

including cost benefits of all

options and their timescales and

feedback to the community

Thornthwaite Parish Councillors,

Richard, Don, Margaret & Helen


Involvement

Further enhance the community

network through local activity

involvement- Bring together those

interested in these further

activities. Based on activity

interest, provide further

assistance where possible

By end of 2012 identify residents

who wish to take part in local

community activities. By 1st

quarter of 2013 identify those

who wish to be involved in

organising their activity network

Above Derwent Parish

Councillors Margaret and/or

Helen


Involvement

Establish & link local emergency

group to district and county

groups. Agree with Thornthwaite

councillors their collective local

community responsibilities

By end of 3rd quarter 2012 agree

the type of involvement local

parish councillors should

undertake during an emergency

Thornthwaite Parish Councillors

Richard, Don, Margaret & Helen


Involvement

Draft Thornthwaite Community

Plan to be circulated to the

community and any

feedback/volunteers for action

points

By end of 2nd quarter of 2013 Thornthwaite Community Plan

steering group?


Involvement

A public meeting to be convened

in XX years time to refresh/update

this document

XXX ??

Information & Communication Broadband- Above Derwent

Broadband Hub Co-ordinators to

lobby on behalf of their

communities for improved

broadband speeds in the area.

Ongoing Above Derwent Hub Co-

ordinators

Environment Gritting- A Grit Representative for

Thornthwaite to be appointed to

monitor grit stocks/chase up the

local authority when grit suppliers

are running low. Link with

Newlands Valley Community Grit

Representative

By end of Quarter 3 2013 Above Derwent Parish Council &

then Thornthwaite Grit

Representative

Environment Above Derwent Parish Council to

keep abreast of housing

developments, with particular

regard to community led planning,

and where necessary lobby for

appropriate housing

By end of Quarter 3 2013 Above Derwent Parish Council

Environment Sites/buildings for potential new

housing developments/housing

conversions to be researched,

Ongoing By end of 2013 Above Derwent Parish

Council/Community Plan Steering

Group

and local needs to be considered

based up on the most recent local

housing needs survey

Getting around the area Reporting number of

potholes/highways issues to be

publicised to the community to

enable local residents to inform

the relevant authority of issues.

Local residents to also inform

Parish Clerk of reported issued to

enable monitoring of issues to

take place

By June 2013 Above Derwent Parish Clerk to

publicise the contact details? All

to utilise?

Section 5: Acknowledgements and Key Contacts

Many informal meetings were held in various committee member’s homes, firstly to review and

discuss the results of the analysis undertaken, secondly to determine the format of the community

plan and finally to review each section as they were completed and submitted for approval by

designated members of the group. The Thornthwaite Community Plan was drafted and published by

the Above Derwent Parish Council in May 2013. Thanks to all those members who gave up their

homes and time.

The questionnaire was approved 5th April 2011 and circulated to all resident households in

Thornthwaite during July & August 2011. The questionnaire included questions which were

answered using tick boxes and written responses. A total of 68 questionnaires were delivered, and 61

were returned. This is a return rate of 90% for which the committee members are eternally grateful.

For as well as completing the questionnaire many villagers gave useful additional information which

(as much as possible) has been included within this document. THANK YOU!

For further information on the content of this document or update of the Action Plan, please contact

either Councillors Richard Kealey or Margaret Throp through The Clerk, Above Derwent Parish

Council, email: [email protected]

APPENDIX 1

QUESTIONNAIRE (Front Sheet)

QUESTIONNAIRE (Back sheet)

APPENDIX 2

A HISTORY OF THORNTHWAITE MINING

Without doubt the most prosperous time in Thornthwaite (and the most populated) was during the

time of mining in the area. There were four distinct mines – Ladstock the oldest mine, (the name

‘Ladstock is the German name for ramrod indicating that the German miners were probably working

in our area), also Rachel Wood, Thornthwaite and Beckstones. Ladstock, Beckstones and the

outcrop workings of Rachel Wood were abandoned sometime in the 1870’s. The origins of the mine

are obscure and not that much is known about its later history. It was certainly worked in the 18th

century and the lease passed through many hands in the 19th century.

Thornthwaite and the deep workings of Rachel Wood mines are more recent and were abandoned

only in December 1920. The mine yielded the ores of lead and zinc and was worked from the

engine shaft, which is now situated directly under the old Thornthwaite Garage. In 1900 the mine

was taken by Anthony Wilson, who formed a company called Thornthwaite Mines Ltd. This

flourished until after the First World War, but in 1920 all mining stopped. By this time the

Thornthwaite mine had been working for 38 years almost continuously, and with its closure the 120-

strong workforce was unemployed.

In 1904 the Braithwaite-cum-Thornthwaite gravitation scheme for promoting a public water supply

in the district was completed, and it is quoted that ‘practically all the houses received an abundant

supply of pure water of excellent quality.’ An attempt was made by Anthony Wilson to establish a

dye works for dyeing khaki at Thornthwaite Grange, but was soon abandoned.

After Thornthwaite mine closed Anthony Wilson used its water power to generate electricity for his

own house, Thornthwaite Grange, and also several other houses in both Braithwaite and

Thornthwaite. His was the first house in the area to install a telephone along with the P.O. in

Braithwaite.

Both Mr and Mrs Wilson were great benefactors of the village providing food and fuel to those in

need, presents for the children, helping the local cricket teams, and being much involved with many

groups and societies in the area. A commemorative plaque to Wilson and his wife can be seen in the

bus shelter. Anthony Wilson (b.1871-d.1953) had been involved with many other mines in the north

of England.

APPENDIX 3

DEMOGRAPHICS

Thornthwaite is part of the civil parish of Above Derwent and is located within the Allerdale

Borough Council area and is located Northwest of Keswick. It is a mainly linear settlement running

predominately along the western side of the A66. It lies in the North Western Fells between the

Whinlatter Forest on its West side, Bassenthwaite Lake to its East side, with the village of

Braithwaite to its South side and Embleton to the North and nestles against a number of famous

Wainwrights including Whinlatter and Barf.

Barf is a long and sometimes imperceptible watershed which runs up to the shore of Bassenthwaite

Lake. Here to the South of Barf the fells peak at around the 1,100 ft. and water feeds via Beckstones

Gill directly into the Lake. The whole of the eastern flank of Thornthwaite is forested, except for the

scree-ridden face of Barf. The village of Thornthwaite slopes from its West side to its East side with

approximately 60% forest to the West, and 35% agricultural land to the East, with the remaining 5%

as private housing.

The Whinlatter Forest includes Lord's Seat which is the highest of the group of hills north of the

Whinlatter Pass. North eastward from Lord's Seat, it branches off by a ridge connection to Barf

which sits on the North West boundary of Thornthwaite village. The Whinlatter Forest is mostly

coniferous managed mainly by the Forestry Commission.

Due to the forest habitat Thornthwaite has an abundance of wildlife including deer, birds of prey,

badgers, rabbits and red squirrels as well as many other species of birds. Villagers can observe many

of the wildlife, flora and fauna from their homes and in their gardens. Thornthwaite also extends

beyond the A66 where there is a protected area of land for an endangered species of butterfly.

Osprey have returned to the forest to breed after an interval of 150 years, and have proved a great

attraction for local people and visitors. The original pair of Osprey nested in the Northern part of

Thornthwaite in Needlelee Wood and there is a possibility that the young will eventually return to

this area.

The Footpaths and Bridleways are maintained by the Lake District National Park. Some have

changed since the A66 was redirected which can be confusing.

There are a number of public rights of ways, including footpaths and bridleways. Many pass through

the Whinlatter forest and the woods surrounding Thornthwaite while others run alongside the shores

of Bassenwaite Lake. A number of small becks run through Thornthwaite including Chapel Beck at

the southern end, and Beckstones Gill at the Northern end. Both of these becks flow into

Bassenthwaite Lake.

APPENDIX 4

MAP OF THORNTHWAITE

MAP OF PATHWAYS & BRIDLEWAYS

THORNTHWAITE

A66

A66

MAIN ROAD

GALLERY church

Bassenthwaite Lake

completed by members of the thornthwaite …...thornthwaite, were given to greenwich hospital. by...

Documents