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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
Plan in Section 4, item 5.2
- 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
Plan in Section 4, item 7.2
- 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
Steering Group? Parish Council?
Information & Communication Explore with the parochial church
council the feasibility of inserting a
Thornthwaite page
End of year 2012 to identify
feasibility, further action will be
required during the first year of
2013 to implement
Sue & Brenda? Community Plan
Steering Group? Parish Council?
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
Steering Group? Parish Council?
Thornthwaite. For each notice
board identify caretakers who
will post & remove updates
Information & Communication Community Web Page- Discuss
Parish Council Website
End of year 2012 to identify
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
Steering Group? Parish Council?
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
Summer 2012 Above Derwent Parish Council
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
Summer 2012 Above Derwent Parish Council
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
Above Derwent Parish Council
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
Above Derwent Parish Council
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
Steering Group? Parish Council?
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
Above Derwent Parish Council
Community Cohesion &
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
Community Cohesion &
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
Community Cohesion &
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
Community Cohesion &
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?
Community Cohesion &
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: clerk@abovederwent.org.uk
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
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