Society News and Events

T'phowto shas John gittin t'Len Hayton Trowphy fra last 'ears winner Dickon.

On Saturday 1st July, twenty members gathered for a summer outing to Threlkeld Mining Museum. This had been arranged by our Chairman Donald Angus, who gave an introductory talk about the quarry before everyone boarded the little train for a trip into the quarry itself, viewing many old examples of equipment on the way. The train was hailed by a diesel engine driven by Dickon Chaplin-Brice one of our members. Back in the engine shed Dickon gave a history of the engines at the quarry including a steam locomotive 'Sir Tom' which was undergoing some maintenance. Everyone then returned to the museum for refreshments and a look around the fascinating displays.

Our president Tommy Coulthard presented a tree to the Sunbeams Music Trust at Redhills near Penrith. This was to mark the King's Coronation; he officially planted the tree watched by Annie Mawson MBE founder of Sunbeams and users of the facility. The tree chosen was a Cumbrian species of Apple - A Keswick Codling. A few Society members attended and had some fun activating the large sound installations on the lawn; xylophone, trumpets, drums etc.

Dialect lovers gather at Shap Wells - 2022

Lovers of dialect from all over England gathered in the glorious setting of Shap Wells Hotel for the National Dialect Festival weekend. This year's event was hosted by the Lakeland Dialect Society which is now in its 83rd year.

The annual event was started in 2009 by Lancastrian dialect expert Sid Calderbank, with the first two events being held in Lancashire, since then it has been held in Lincolnshire, Northumberland, Devon, Lakeland, Black Country, Yorkshire, Cornwall and Blackpool. Regions represented at Shap included Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Yorkshire, Northumberland and of course Lakeland. The last event was held in 2019, so this was the first time many friends had met up for a long time.

On the Friday evening a concert of dialects by the Lakeland group and friends. The President, Tommy Coulthard, welcomed everyone before reading one of his own poems. The MC for the event was Donald Angus the Chairman.

Performers mainly came from the society, and opened with Dickon Chaplin-Brice singing the well-loved poem by John Richardson, 'It's Nobbut Me'. There was some stand-up comedy by Dick Gargett before he took part in a sketch with Jean Scott-Smith, 'Husband and Wife' by Tom Twistleton. Kim Bibby-Wilson from the Northumbrian Language Society explained the features of the Northumbrian pipes, and played a traditional piece.

Donald delighted the audience with the Stanley Holloway classic 'Three-Ha'pence a Foot'. Jean then recited a 19th century dialect poem by Anthony Whitehead of Reagill 'An Address to Tourists' which mentioned staying at Shap Wells.

Tim Barker from Silloth gave a recitation from his Shakespeare for Shepherds collection - as he transported everyone to Agincourt with his dialect version of Henry the Fifth.

Alex Fisher from Lancashire gave a background to clog dancing and then performed a dance accompanied by Julie Proctor on fiddle.

Dick returned with a few more hilarious tales, before Donald performed another monologue, 'Albert and the Lion'.
The final act was by Mark Carruthers from Wreay who sang his own song 'Joss Naylor - Iron man'.

The main events took place on Saturday with competitions for four trophies.

The morning began with a keynote speech by Professor Rob Drummond, from Manchester Metropolitan University about his research work with Manchester accents and voices. It was accompanied by maps and recordings, which illustrated the diverse mix of speech to be found in Greater Manchester.

The Eric Topping Trophy for performing any English dialect piece saw seventeen entries, and was won by Sally and Ron Williams from Ramsbottom, with their account of a hazardous trip on a boat.

The Samuel Laycock Trophy for original writing in the dialect of the host area performed by the author, attracted six contestants; Donald Angus, Philip Gate, Jean Scott-Smith, Pauline Mole, Dick Gargett and Mark Carruthers.

The winner was Jean Scott-Smith with her poem 'Shepsters et Darknin' describing the starling murmuration around her house.

The Bill o' Bowes Cup for original writing in any English dialect performed by the author saw entries from Lancashire, Northumberland, and Yorkshire; this was won by Bill Rhodes from Chorley who told a tale about not fitting in.

The judges for these competitions were Professor Rob Drummond, Tim Barker and Louise Green the Society's Editor from Ireby. The trophies were presented by Sid Calderbank, founder of the Dialect Festival.

In the evening there was a concert performed by visiting groups, competing for the Far Weltered Trophy, which was judged on audience reaction.

One brave person represented Lincolnshire, before a small group flew the flag - quite literally - for Yorkshire. A large group showcased Lancashire talent with song, dance, music and recitation. The Northumbrian Language Society, a team of three wearing traditional black and white plaids, entertained with their well known songs that the audience could join in, a talented musician, singer and a great story teller, concluding with a challenge to the audience in a session of 'Whoa's Tellin Hoafies' where they gave three definitions for several Northumbrian words.

The final result saw the Northumbrian Language Society take the trophy which was presented by Mr Angus.

Throughout the weekend delegates had been able to explore the hotel grounds resplendent with autumn hues. On the Sunday morning there was an opportunity to visit Shap Abbey before everyone departed for home. The visit was led by Jean, who is a local historian, who ended the visit with another of Whitehead's dialect poems 'An Address to Shap Abbey'.

Next year the event is to be held in Bridlington, Yorkshire.