Beetham
Beetham
Beetham is a village of grey limestone cottages and cobbled forecourts in south Cumbria, just north of the border with Lancashire. It was once the centre of the ancient parish of Beetham.
It is within the Silverdale and Arnside designated area of outstanding natural beauty, and located only fifteen minutes from the Lake District.
St Michael’s Church is an antique Gothic edifice, consisting of nave, chancel, and side aisles, with a tower, in which are three bells. The tower dates from the late 12th century, and a stained glass window, thought to date from the 15th century, depicts King Charles I flanked by St Oswald and St Alban.
Heron Corn Mill, dating from about 1740, on the banks of the river Bela, is one of the few working mills in the area. A fourteen-foot high waterwheel powers all the machinery.
Beetham Hall, now a farm house, was once a large fortified mansion with a spacious park, where the remains of a lodge may still be seen.
In the village is the historic Wheatsheaf Inn.
The Heron Theatre in Stanley Street is a small theatre housed in a listed building. It was originally one of the old two-room Grammar schools of the 18th century. The attractive heron sculpture is the work of local artist, Paul Woodmass and the theatre was officially opened by H.R.H Princess Alexandra in July 2001.
The plant centre in the village, Beetham Nurseries, won a much coveted gold medal at the Tatton RHS show 2004.
From the village a path climbs to Beetham fell and leads to the ‘Fairy Steps’. The second of two flights of stone steps is so named because of a legend. Supposedly, if you climb the steps without touching the limestone sides of the narrow gully, the fairies will grant your wish.
On the same path between Arnside and Beetham are the ruins of Hazelslack tower, a 14th century fortified building beside a farmhouse.
Useful Links & Telephone Numbers
Explore South Lakeland - www.exploresouthlakeland.co.uk
Storth Village Website - www.storth.com
Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - www.arnsidesilverdaleaonb.org.uk
Lake District National Park (a) - www.lakedistrict.gov.uk
Lake District National Park (b) - www.visitcumbria.com/lake-district.htm
Yorkshire Dales National Park - www.yorkshiredales.org.uk
To find local Jobcentre Plus offices - www.jobcentrenearme.com
Useful Numbers
Stoneleigh Surgery Tel: 01539 563307
Park View Surgery Tel: 015395 63327
Westmorland General Hospital Tel: 01539 732288
Royal Lancaster Infirmary Tel: 01524 65944
Dallam School Tel: 015395 65165
Milnthorpe Family Centre Tel: 015395 64090
Storth C of E Primary School Tel: 015395 62517
Milnthorpe Primary School Tel: 015395 62344
Beetham Primary School Tel: 015395 62515
Queen Elizabeth School (QES) Tel: 015242 71275
Kendal College Tel: 01539 814700
Lancaster & Morecambe College Tel: 01524 66215
Milnthorpe Library Tel: 015395 63040
Market Supervisor Tel: 01539 563719
Milnthorpe Cricket Club Tel: 015395 63072
Cumbria County Council Tel: 01228 606060
South Lakeland District Council Tel: 0845 050 4434
Useful Information and Numbers
Advice
Need legal or other advice
Cumbria Rural CAB Tel: 01539 446464 / 015395 33100
Kendal CAB Tel: 01539 738772
Local Councillors - Cllr David Ryder Tel: 65716
Tim Farron MP Tel: 01539 723403
Care
You need respite care
Age UK South Lakeland Tel: 01539 728180
Adult Social Care Tel: 01539 713377
South Lakeland Carers Tel: 01539 815970
Churches
St Thomas's Church Tel: 015395 63125
Christ the King Church Tel: 015395 62387
Milnthorpe Methodist Church (Secretary) Tel: 015395 62985
Doctor
Out of Hours Doctor - Cumbria Health on Call 6.30pm - 8.00pm Monday to Friday Any time Saturday, Sunday and all Bank Holidays Tel: 03000 247247
Doctor - Feel unwell but don't want to call your GP - NHS Direct - any time Tel: 0845 4647 or speak to the Pharmicist at your local pharmacy
Emergancy: ambulance - Health emergency - Health emergency Tel: 999
Doctor - Advice about failing eyesight - Sight Advice South Lakes Visually Impaired Group Tel: 01539 742633
Doctor - Advice about hearing problems - DeafVision Tel: 01539 773131
Doctor - Find a dentist to register with NHS Dental Registration Tel: 01228 602193
Doctor - Worried about dementia Talk to GP - Alzheimers Society Tel: 01539 742631
Doctor - Worried about mental health South Lakeland MIND Tel: 01539 740591
Doctor - Worried about cancer Macmillan Cancer Support (9am to 8pm, Monday to Friday) Tel: 0808 808 0000
Doctor - Worried about stroke Stroke Association (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday) Tel: 0303 303 3100