Pannal Lit up

 I am not a fan of gold and white lights so when the fir trees on the green were beautifully decorated in coloured lights that for me is magic. Pannal Green certainly beats Harrogate for lights. They have gold and white lights and the trees on the Stray are the same. I loved it when every boundary tree was a different colour especially on Montpellier Hill.

People will notice I have a red car on my drive. Yes it is mine as people are coming to the door and saying "are you alright"? which is very kind of them but yes I am but I had a nasty scare with my lovely blue car. I have had it 26 years and I loved it (but my children had told me repeatedly to get another car) It was fine and I was taking it to Starbeck for is MOT. I went down by Morrisons and was just approaching the railway crossing which was open. Good job I never put my foot down a bit as My car suddenly stopped very near the crossing and then the barrier went down. To say I was shaken was an understatement as I could have been on the crossing. Anyway I had a near miss. I rang my garage and spoke to lovely Dave ( whom I have been with since before I had my blue car) who came out and the car was towed to his garage. Dave rang later and said it was a write off. Everything had failed. I had just got a full tank of diesel too. Looking for another car I had a very unfortunate experience the other side of Knaresborough when someone whom I thought was genuine selling me a car was not. Found out in time. So put it all down to experience. So hope my red car is as lovely as my blue one was. 

I had a bath with a shower over it and my children said I should have it removed and a shower in its place as it would be safer than me climbing in and out of the bath. I said I have been doing that for a very long time and I am fine but gave in then because the bath had sprung a leak behind the shower so I have have a new shower and told my children don't you dare suggest a seat thing in there and they said we were not going too. I had all the doors shut but the dust has got everywhere. Wondered if I could call it fairy dust because it is Christmas but no I would not get away with that.  Tigs of course was fed up with the whole operation. Also wonder why my lovely blue car gave up the ghost and the shower over the bath did likewise. Spooky eh?

Well as I said coming up towards Christmas I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year for us all. 

Pannal dark

I went round to see a friend in Westminster Drive Burn Bridge last weekend. My friend loves cakes so I take her cake or cakes. I supply the goods she supplies the tea or coffee. Well we nattered on and I did not realize how dark it was getting. Very dark by the time I left. At the corner of Westminster Drive walking round to Rosedale no street light ,pitch black, piles of leaves on the pavement really quite scary. Anyone else come across this - not good. Talking of leaves I have cleared the patio garden by St Roberts. Looked good for about five minutes then more leaves came down so I shall have to trundle down there again and clear new fallen leaves but not in the rain. When I was there visitors were reading the Interpretation Board for which I did all the writing and provided the photographs. I have been clearing leaves and also did the little garden there fifteen years ago. Strange all those years ago people stopped and spoke whether you knew them or not but now no one speaks just all walk past sometimes I speak to them but just normally get a grunt in reply. Why are people like this? Oh I do miss friendly old Pannal. 

Have you noticed the new Notice Board that has been put up at the entrance to Sandy Bank Quarry on the left hand side as one goes in. Danger do not enter sign. What is that all about? I remember many years ago two boys went up the hill on the left hand side before the gate entrance and got stuck and the fire brigade had to rescue them but that was years go. I used to go that way and walk along the top of the quarry now I walk along the bottom. P&BBPC are/were putting a notice there asking dog walkers to pick up after their dogs which I totally agree with. As some people seem to think there is a Poo Fairy who will do it for them. 

A couple of weeks ago I was walking up to the Post Office and there was an elderly lady in front of me> I caught up with her just outside the Dentists and good job I did as she staggered over towards the dentists grass incline I ran grabbed her right arm and steadied her. She could have had a nasty tumble down and I never realized that one could do that. Have a look as you pass. 

I am having my bath removed. It has a shower over it but my children ganged up on me and said you need a proper shower. I said I have been getting in and out of the bath for nearly sixty years I am perfectly fine. No I did not win that argument so I have agreed and it will be done net week. Plus new sink, splash walls etc. Then my car gave up the ghost. I was taking it for its MOT and just this side of the railway crossing it suddenly stopped never to go again. Thank goodness it was not on the actual crossing - a near thing. Fortunately lovely Dave from the garage rescued me. Been using Dave for many years and he has always been kind. Also fridge, washing machine and cooker all broke down and I have had to buy replacements. Still got the vac as that was new this year. Christmas coming and I have had to pay to replace. Not done the car as yet. All unbelievable. 

Tigs loved the snow. She was skipping about making funny little noises. I like snow and there was enough to build a snowman then the rains came so I could not. Tigs decided she had had enough and has spent the rest of the day in the arm chair. She is not daft!!

Pannal not quiet

 We are having all the pot holes filled in on Main Street and Station Road. We have had to pick our time to go out and then get back. A few years ago we lost The Harwood Pub which we all felt was sad. Although latterly it was not worth going to as it was being run down. Then came the Coop on the site and whilst the workmen are here I am using more frequently it and it is at times a God send. I always walk there and back as it is only "up the road". I was sorry to see Spacey Houses go. Tried to save it but not able to do a lot when the roof was taken off during the night when it was raining by its owners. Think we have the disruption until November but the road looks good and we are not having to avoid the holes.

Unfortunately I have had to go to a few funerals one of them I sat beside this lady and when the relatives came in she said to me is that the son and I said no the son-in-law. Then she said is that the daughter and whose children are they? At the end of the Service I whispered to her do you know them and she said no I look in the Harrogate Advertiser to see if there are any funerals near me as you always get a good spread. On this occasion she was most annoyed as there was no "spread"

As I was walking up to the Post Office in front of me was an elderly lady and we were just passing the dentists where she sort of staggered left. I ran and caught her right arm and pulled her back as she nearly fell down the embankment in front and to the side of the building. Hopefully no one else will take a tumble down it. 

Have had my Injections Covid in the right arm and Fu in the left. Can't say I had a good nights sleep that night.

In my rear garden I have a large apple tree and have had hundreds of apples again this year. I stew and freeze them and it is lovely to have apple pies etc over the winter months.. We all enjoy the pie but I am not that saintly as there are so many I have to peel and core that I do get quite fed up. I also have some large quince bushes and one year I made quince jelly and another year gin. That was it never again I just tell people if you want any quince I shall leave a bag or bags at the top of the drive. They are always taken.

Tigs still spending time outside the house as the weather is good but soon she will spend more time inside than out. Tigs is a very affectionate little cat and follows me everythere. I kid myself she love me but really it is for more food. 

Pannal and he Gas Man Goeth

 At last all is peace again. No barriers or cones.  Holes in road filled in and holes in gardens filled in too. One thing I have noticed is that the cars are back rat running and my goodness they have certainly speeded up. Quite scary sometimes the speed they go. Main Street is a 20mph zone as we have a school and we are a village not a race track. 

In my last blog I was under the impression that the Harrogate Civic Society were running the Heritage Open Days events. No Heritage Open Days is a nation wide event taking place all over the Country. The Harrogate Civil Society just included Harrogate's events in their Newsletter. I did my bit doing a Walk round Pannal. We had a warm sunny day and competed with the gas men for road space. Could not go as far up Church Lane or Woodcock Hill as I normally do as the roads were partially closed and far too busy to take a group of twenty along but it was enjoyable non the less. We went up and along Dam Side (Mill Lane)  round St Robert's Churchyard and into St Robert's Church and I told them about their history. We had the pleasure of welcoming two ladies from Leeds with baby in pram and one lady brought her nice little dog. Enjoying the walk was Judith Wilson Pat and Tom Lamb's daughter. Tom was like me a historian and we loved nothing better than spreading maps out and chatting about Pannal our village. We were also accompanied by Geoff. Geoff and his wife Stella organise all the local HOD Walks and Talks. 

Unfortunately a friend of mine died, Ron Colquitt from Burn Bridge and I did his Eulogy at St Roberts for his Service. John Smith our lovely Vicar came to talk to me before the Service and everyone from Lancashire read the Service Celebrating Ron's Life and saw Rev John Smith and Eulogy Anne Smith and all assumed I was his wife. Obviously I disillusioned them. 

I do not know when I started looking and planting the patio beside St Robert's Church with the Information Board that I also did. Well the writing and photos not the actual Board as that was a gentleman from Spofforth. Saturday I went down to sweep up the leaves forgetting that the well attended Beer Festival was on. So there was I feeling like Cinderella whilst everyone was drinking wine and beer. Then the wind got up and I was chasing leaves all over. Did what I could then went into the churchyard and clipped all round the War grave of Arthur Knowles son of Thomas and Sarah Knowles of Mill Lane who died of his wounds at Birmingham Hospital in 1916. He is buried under a tree but his grave is now to be seen. There are three War Graves in the churchyard. 

It is now wet and cold and Tigs is now in wet and cold. So a dry off and a sleep on a chair. Order of the day!! 

Pannal and the Gas Man Cometh

 Just as Pannal Primary School broke up for the summer holidays the gas men cometh. In Main Street we all suffered varies degrees of nuisance as new pipes were being laid. Part of my drive was dug up looking for the gas pipe to connect to and a large barrier put there which meant for a few days I was not able to get my car out. Good job I like walking and thank goodness for the Co-op. It was a life saver. Only one bit of a nasty incident coming back from shopping a jogger passed me near the old farm and came very close I had my shopping bag in my right hand and it hit the wall and hit my leg causing it to bleed which is always a danger for me. as I bleed terribly. Fortunately I was not far from home so got there with a very bloody leg. Sorted and no ill effects but next time I will stop and let them pass. Think the workmen are from Tyneside area and are a cheery bunch. I have had the pipe connected and the large hole filled in but my neighbours going up the hill have not been so lucky as they still have large holes on their premises. If you pass my drive and see B and A 1966 on a flat stone it is Bas and Anne 1966 the year we came from Kirkby Overblow to live in Pannal. The workmen did that for me as it was on another stone that had to be broken up. As I type workmen still here. Road has been closed off - no going up Church Lane from Main Street. Cars have to turn down Rosedale as no access to Woodcock Hill either. One car stopped and asked my daughter "can I get through". She said pointing at the large sign saying Road Closed "no the road is closed." So they went through the road closed sign half on the pavement found it so and had to back all the way down down. Susan said "what part of my sentence did they not understand". Then yesterday a car drove up and a lady got out and moved all the bollards etc and they drove up half on the pavement. Some drivers get so cross we can hear them revving loudly. It is providing endless amusement for us. 

This Friday morning meeting at St Robert's Church car park at 11 o'clock I am taking a group on a walk round Pannal. This is for Heritage Week run by The Harrogate Civic Society. Stella and Geoff members of the Society are kindly organising the events which have been taking place all this week. A big task so I hope they are enjoying it. 

Just come back from the Isle of Wight with family and it was warm some sun and dodging the rain. It is cold now. Hope we get more summer weather if not it will be  long winter. Nights are drawing in and I hate it. So does Tigs. She looked at me this morning as if to say "what is it with this cold weather?"

Enjoyable talk and what is happening in Pannal

The sun shone and it was calm and warm as I did my talk on Pannal as I have known it for sixty years. I was a humorous talk and the Chapter House at St Robert's Church was full and everyone enjoyed it. I gave the talk to members of Harrogate Civic Society. Some of whom had never been to our lovely village. I enjoy these slide show talks and thanks to Kevin Hale who put my slides on USB and also enhanced some of these, and sorted out the Chapter House seating and refreshments there were no problems and it all went off well. I am doing a walk round Pannal on Friday September 13 starting at 11am for Heritage Week. Everyone can come just turn up at 11am and off we will go.  Must keep the flag flying for Pannal and tell people what we have and how much I love living here. A different Pannal to what it was sixty years ago. We were all young with young families and our children all went to Pannal Primary School. I think we still hold the record for all four children starting there when they were nearly five and continuing there until they left to attend Harrogate Grammar School. I remember someone in the Education Department correcting me when I said Harrogate Grammar School and saying you mean Otley Road Comprehensive and I said don't think that name will ever stick just you wait and see and I was proved correct HGS it is. Now what has happened is nearly all our children have left the village to make their life in different parts of the country and we have all stayed in the same houses. It was so lovely they all played together and all met up after breakfast in the rec saying what time back for lunch Mum? Back they came then off for the afternoon to their dens, the quarry or back to the rec for unfinished business. Some went fishing in the River Crimple or riding their bikes. A lovely happy time and I think they must have been the last children to have the freedom they had wandering the village in the summer and sledging at All Saints in the winter. As everyone says Oh Happy Days.

We were all delivered a letter last week telling us that Main Street was going to have Footway Slurry Seal Works done starting 29th July and what we should do with our cars!! It was from North Yorkshire Council 1 April 2023. Now was this a joke? Then the barriers, cones and traffic lights were delivered and roads closed off. I rang the number they said to ring on the letter and give three words Customer Service Centre I did so and ended up talking to a poor bloke in Skipton who did not know what it was all about. I told him about the letter and he said ring this number and speak to Highways. I did and they verified it was all real even 1st April 2023 and yes they were coming on Monday. I said you do know the Gas Company is coming later on and is going to dig up the footpaths to get at the gas pipe and she said we know. Then later on the same day the men came back put the barriers, road signs, cones and lights on trucks and drove off. So your guess is as good as mine about what is going to happen on Monday 29th. Presume 1st April 2023 was the date North Yorkshire Council took over from Harrogate Borough Council but what a stupid thing to put on their letter. 

Tigs still following me around. Did you know Tigs is short for Tiger. I did not know that, as that was her name when we rescued her. one of my grandchildren had a book called Tigs the Cat so that is how I found out. 

a very quiet Pannal

 Sunday England v Spain and Wimbledon final. Good job the weather is not very good. Sorry rubbish cool with rain. I cannot do any gardening nor a long walk so I feel ok to put tv on and watch. Apart from the tennis I hope The Princess of Wales does present the prizes for the men's finals. She has had a terrible time but I hope the future does look a lot brighter for them both.

I am hoping to golf next week. First time this year. Honestly pay all that money and never golfed. Sciatica struck then eye op. Incidentally my eye not right as yet but better. I can drive and I can hopefully golf. Well I will be able to re eyesight but literally can I play golf. We shall see if it does not rain. Better weather supposed to be on the horizon.

School breaks up on Friday but it will not be quiet on Main Street as we have had notification of gas pipes going to be renewed. They do need it and it will hopefully stop the annual dig up the road, put up traffic lights circus. Talking of roads I was nearly wiped out on the corner by Sandy Bank Quarry by a car coming down Church Lane really fast. Obviously the poor soul could not read the SLOW signs. I have asked Pannal and Burn Bridge Parish Council to ask "the powers that be" to repaint the slow signs. Also asked them to have the overhanging branches of the trees that are now over the little patio by St Robert's Church cut back. I have always planted and kept the patio tidy and when I was down last week I was tiding up with branches on my head. 

I am looking forward to give a talk for the Harrogate Civic Society on our lovely village on Wednesday 24th July starting with a walk round the churchyard then a slide show and refreshments after in the Chapter House of St Robert's Church. Having lived here, next year, sixty years I feel privileged. It is so lovely when one has been to town or anywhere coming down the hill to our village. It has changed. We have lost a number of shops had a number of houses built but it is still lovely. I am still pressing forward with the Crimple Valley being a Country Park but the wheels are grinding exceedingly slowly. 

When we had the very heavy rain last Tuesday poor Tigs got absolutely soaked so I wrapped her up in a towel, put the heating on ( which has not been on since May) and she snuggled under the radiator. Well you have got to look after your pets. 

I have been writing a Blog for many years and people read my ramblings for which I am grateful and sometimes they comment saying nice things about what I have typed. So I am grateful and enjoy writing it. Do comment if you want to ask anything about Pannal. I have so many records of here and have written three books on Pannal and one on Pannal Golf Course. Glad I have done so as my first book on Pannal A History of Pannal was the first book ever written on Pannal. Yeh!!