Out and About – May 2025
Issue 483
In This Issue
- News from Thwaites Village Hall
- 100+ Club Draw Winners
- Diary Dates
- Annual Parish Meeting
- School Report
- Natural Artwork
- Cycle Wise
- Wild Science
- Farmyard Play
- Millom Town Deal – New Pitch
- News from The Hill
- Environmental Matters
- Charity Event: Open Garden & Plant Sale
Thwaites Village Hall Gala
Date: Saturday 7th June, 1–4pm
Theme: 80th Anniversary of VE Day
Admission: £5 per person, £15 family ticket (up to 6 people), under 5s free. Bouncy castle and children’s activities included in the price.
Activities include: Raffle, Tombola, Bouncy Castle, Food and Drink, Children’s Games, Live Music, Fancy Dress Competition, Dance Performances, and much more!
A great family day out at Thwaites Village Hall. A free bus service between Millom Square, The Hill, and Thwaites Village Hall is being planned. Details to follow.
Diary Dates – May 2025
- Mondays (12th & 19th): Playgroup 10am–12 noon
- Wednesdays & Thursdays: Table Tennis 6–7.30pm (£2 per person, all welcome)
- Fridays: FLOW exercise sessions (now at The Barn for summer)
- Fridays: Bat & Chat Ladies Table Tennis 6–7pm (£2 per person, equipment provided)
- Monday 19th: Annual Parish Meeting, 6.30pm
- Tuesday 20th: Village Hall meeting, 7.30pm
Thwaites 100+ Club Winners – April
- 1st – £50 No. 2 – Ken Shipman
- 2nd – £25 No. 39 – Beverly Kirby
- 3rd – £15 No. 66 – Mel Wright
Donations needed for the bottle tombola and raffle prizes. Please give donations to Terry or Melanie Wright, Lin Tyson, or Johnathan and Rachel Street.
School Report
Easter Celebrations
Thwaites Nursery and Primary School held a lovely Easter service at St Anne’s Church with help from Open the Book. The children sang, shared work they were proud of, and enjoyed a tea party prepared by Miss Fry. The school thanks everyone who attended.
Natural Artwork
Class Three created cave art and nature-inspired artwork using natural materials, taking inspiration from Andy Goldsworthy. Their creativity captured authentic Stone Age and natural themes beautifully.
Cycle Wise
Classes Two and Three completed Cycle Wise Levels 1–3, practising safe cycling around the playground and village. Congratulations to all participants!
Wild Science
Class One learned about different animal categories and their features, comparing and sorting toy animals by characteristics.
Farmyard Play
During playtime, children have created a “working farm” using natural materials, toy farm sets, and handmade buildings. They care for animals, tend crops, and use teamwork — a wonderful example of creative play at Thwaites Nursery and Primary School.
Millom’s New Pitch
The new floodlit 3G pitch at Millom School is now open for bookings!
- Visit: Millom School website
- Check available slots
- Follow booking instructions online
Perfect for clubs, groups, or friendly matches — make use of this great local facility!
News from The Hill
Open House
Date: Saturday 3 May
Time: 5.30–7.30pm
Venue: The Hill Village Hall
Bring your own drinks – nibbles provided. Come meet your neighbours!
April Draw Winners
- 1st – £200 No. 45 – Laura Powell
- 2nd – £20 No. 66 – John Irwin
- 3rd – £20 No. 122 – Guy Gibson
- 4th – £20 No. 9 – Michael Bickerdyke
- 5th – £10 No. 90 – Patricia Tattersall
- 6th – £10 No. 121 – Angela Gibson
- 7th – £10 No. 89 – Russell Cookson
Music Evening
Date: Friday 23 May
Join us for a programme of songs from a talented trio of singers and guitarists — sure to bring back memories!
Environmental Matters
Himalayan Balsam Bashing
The Duddon River Association continues its campaign to eradicate invasive Himalayan Balsam. Weekly work parties will run from June to September. To join or report infested areas, email duddonriverassociation@gmail.com.
DRA Newsletter
The next free e-newsletter will feature project updates, riverfly surveys, and conservation news. Subscribe by emailing duddonriverassociation@gmail.com.
No Mow May
Join Plantlife’s campaign by leaving your lawn unmown this May. Let wildflowers bloom and provide food for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Even small gardens make a big difference!
Cumberland Council Initiatives
Operation T.U.R.D. – Together United for Responsible Dog Ownership. Officers will patrol popular routes, offering free waste bags and issuing fines (up to £500) to offenders.
No Fly-Posting: Campaign launched to prevent distracting roadside signage. Repeat offenders may face fines.
Waste Collection Changes
Garden waste collections now require payment for extra bins. Cumberland Council will also charge for replacement black and recycling bins. Surplus garden waste may be disposed of in black bins if necessary.
Litter Picking
Thwaites WI and members of Millom Without Environment Group recently completed successful litter picks, collecting fewer bags than in previous years — great news for the local environment!