Hasn’t it been unseasonably warm and surprisingly dry this autumn? Though after too many years to mention, I still can’t get to terms with the short days – going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark seems so wrong! As the leaves fall from the trees and the geese fly overhead you know Christmas is just around the corner.

I’m sure in the current climate things may be a little more reserved this year, but I do hope you all have the best Christmas ever. Unfortunately with the Horns Inn being unoccupied we can’t illuminate that Christmas tree, but we are looking at alternatives and the tree outside St. Helens Church.

If we do get a cold winter and snow again, please remember not only to make that giant snowman, but also see if your neighbours are ok, especially if elderly.

Don’t forget, your Parish Council is here to help and improve our local community, so please don’t be afraid to contact us if you have any ideas or issues – details of Councillors are on the inside back page.

Your Merry Christmas may depend on what others do for you. But your Happy New Year depends on what you do for others.

You and your family are invited to take part in this annual occasion when our Village tree will be illuminated and we shall sing carols. It didn’t rain last year!! The festivities start at the Memorial Garden in Catterall on the junction of Cock Robin Lane and Garstang Road, at 5.30pm when Catterall’s Christmas Tree will be lit and afterwards the procession walks to Churchtown to switch on Kirkland’s Christmas tree lights and bless the crib in St. Helen’s Church Square.

Both the A6 and the A586, The Avenue will be gritted as part of priority roads programme. Kirkland Parish Lengthsman, Tim, will be out salting and gritting the pavements where possible, but you can help yourself and your neighbours by clearing the snow from outside your house before it is compacted and impossible to clear until it thaws naturally.

The Parish Council has reminded United Utilities that during the work being carried out to improve the quality of the river water the hedge looking onto the Village was to be reinstated. Work will take place between 28^th November and Christmas, when a number of mixed species are to be planted.

The proposed Lancaster constituency largely reflects the constituency that existed prior to the 5th General Review: it no longer contains the town of Fleetwood, but instead expands to incorporate many wards that are currently included in the Wyre and Preston North constituency, in addition to wards from the west of the Ribble Valley. The M6, which runs north–south throughout the proposed constituency, provides a strong communication link between the various communities within it.

A detailed map is on the notice board by the cross offering more information.

Pay extra attention to clear snow and ice from steps and steep pathways - you might need to use more salt on these areas.

If you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful - don’t make the pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing paths because you’re afraid someone will get injured.

Remember, people walking on snow and ice have responsibility to be careful themselves. Follow the advice below to make sure you clear the pathway safely and effectively.

It’s easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.

If you use water to melt the snow, it may refreeze and turn to black ice. Black ice increases the risk of injuries as it is invisible and very slippery. You can prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area you have cleared. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work. Don’t use the salt found in salting bins - this will be needed to keep the roads clear.

Be careful not to spread salt on plants or grass as it may cause them damage.

If you don’t have enough salt, you can also use sand or ash. These won’t stop the path icing over as well as salt, but will provide good grip under foot.

The Parish Council meets bi-monthly and residents are more than welcome to attend, public participation is encouraged. Meetings are held in Kirkland Memorial Hall, The Avenue, at 7.30pm.

The next meetings are:

Tuesday 10^th January, 2012

And Tuesday 13^th March, 2012