A Quick Reminder: Looking back through the archives of The Keswick Reminder from around this week 20, 30, 40 and 50 years ago
20 years ago
Keswick bids to be national first
When the Business Improvement District scheme (BIDs) is launched on Wednesday, Keswick could become the first rural town in the country to get a pilot scheme up and running.
Keswick is one of only two rural towns to be undertaking a BIDs pilot – the other is Brandon in Norfolk – and the partnership already has good support from local authorities and a number of local businesses.
All ratepayers in the Keswick area are eligible to vote in August and, if the vote is successful, a supplementary levy on the business rate will be collected on behalf of the Business Improvement District Company by the local authority, which will be wholly designated for the delivery of specific agreed improvements to Keswick.
30 years ago
Opening of new wing at the hospital
Dr. J. D. Mitchell returned to the Mary Hewetson Hospital on Friday afternoon to officially open the Southey Suite, the recently built new wing where elderly patients will receive mental health care.
Dr. Mitchell came to Keswick in 1955 and for almost forty years he was a General Practitioner in the town. During that time the hospital changed dramatically and now has its own part to play in the provision of health care in the community. Although the hospital beds are mainly used for the nursing of terminally ill or elderly patients, members of the local community of all ages attend the various clinics – from the mother and baby clinic to consultations with specialists, and physiotherapy to the Day Hospital.
Unveiling the special plaque naming the unit, which has been made by local craftsmen, Dr. Mitchell said the new Southey Suite will provide residential care of consultation for those who have served the community faithfully in their younger years.
The new wing has consulting rooms, a bright day room, and wards for one, two or three patients, and is staffed by specially trained nurses.
40 years ago
Operation sick swan
Keswick police had one of their most unusual requests on Monday – to help catch a sick swan on Derwentwater.
Mrs. Barbara Massey and her husband Joe, who live at Brandlehow, called in police and R.S.P.C.A. because they noticed that the swan, one of a pair which have been in the area for several weeks, was not eating and appeared to be in poor health. The R.S.P.C.A. thought that the bird was either suffering from lead poisoning after swallowing some fishing equipment or had an obstruction.
For nearly one and a half hours, P.C. David Lee and R.S.P.C.A. Inspector Brian Jeffries, assisted by Mr. Massey, paddled a canoe up and down the lake trying to corner the swan.
Every time they herded it into the bay it took off and flew 40 yards away from them and they had to begin all over again until eventually it became tired and gave up the fight.
Inspector Jeffries said later: “We have taken blood samples and x-rays in an effort to find out whether it is a case of lead poisoning or a blockage. Either way it is touch and go whether it will pull through.” In the case of lead poisoning, swans who pick up lead from the vegetation are eventually paralysed and starve to death.
Mr. Jeffries said Mrs. Massey had told him that a few weeks earlier she had seen the swan with what looked like a fishing line dangling from its beak. It was apparent that the swan had not been feeding for some days before it was caught and, without the intervention of the police and R.S.P.C.A. it would have soon died.
Mr. Jeffries said it was particularly unfortunate that the sick swan was one of only two such birds currently living on Derwentwater. The illness has hit hopes that the pair might have bred this year.
Century Theatre actress recovers
Kate Dove, the popular Century Theatre Company actress who received serious injuries in a car accident in November, has now recovered sufficiently to be looking for work.
In a letter to the editor of the Reminder, Kate writes: “It was interesting that the doctors at the Royal Berkshire Hospital attributed my ‘remarkable’ recovery to my strength and fitness before the accident, and wanted to know where I had spent the summer. I think they now have the idea that being an actor means being paid to have wonderful holidays in beautiful places!
“I certainly loved every minute of my time working for Century Theatre, especially the wonderful summer season we had. I have already asked Paul Gibson if I could return for another year!”
50 years ago
Lake rescue
Richard Scott, a 12 year old pupil at Lairthwaite School, was the hero of a rescue on Derwentwater on Wednesday when three men were plunged into the water after their dinghy capsized. None of them had life jackets and one was a non-swimmer. They were some 300 yards from the shore, in Calf Close Bay, when the accident happened.
Richard, who lives at Stable Hills, was off school for the day with a sore throat and was cleaning out the family rowing boat when he heard cries for help. At first he thought it was someone playing about, but when he realised there was something amiss he jumped into the boat and rowed out half a mile into the lake.
It was then he spotted the men clinging to the upturned dinghy. He made straight for it and pulled two of the men out of the water. A third, who remained with the dinghy, was towed to the shore.
Police later praised Richard’s quick-witted actions. If he had not shown such initiative and speed the consequences might have proved very serious.
