MORE than 50 runners braved scorching conditions and a steep moorland course in the senior fell race at Kirkby Gala over the weekend.

Winner Ben Mounsey of Calder Valley admitted the red hot conditions got the better of him during the second half of the race, finishing what was an extended route this year in an impressive 39 minutes, 44 seconds in the British Open Fell Runners Association event.

"I didn't really know much about the second half of the race. It was so hot," said Ben as he collapsed to the ground and sought the shade and plenty of water to recover at the end of the race.

First local man home was Josh Hartley, of Kirkby, in fifth place. There was home success in the women's section with Ulverston's Hollie Orr, of Black Combe runners, coming home in 47 minutes, 27 seconds. The races started earlier than scheduled, with organisers keen to get everyone home safely in the heat, given the highest temperatures experienced at Kirkby Gala in living memory.

But Hollie was almost caught out by the change in schedule. She said: "The senior fell race was supposed to start at 4pm, so I had only just arrived on the field when they said they were going to be starting the race. I didn't have chance to warm up. You really need to warm up when you have such a steep climb, and such a tough start to the race that you have here."

But Hollie's local knowledge and pre-event training paid dividends. "I train a lot in this area. It's an amazing place to run. And after a tough start I began to get into my stride. I found my rhythm and took over the lead from half way and had a good run from there."

While fell runners of all ages took part in the races up the moor all afternoon, there was plenty of activity on the field to keep locals and visitors entertained.

Memorial football tournament

An inaugural five-a-side football tournament was held on two pitches in memory of Stephen Terpilowski, from Kirkby, who died aged just 38.

Stephen's brother Martyn, 41, flew back from Singapore for the event in aid of drug and alcohol service CADAS and support service The Well Communities.

Of the 12 teams who took part, all paying a charity donation entry fee, Tekkerslovakia came out on top in the final against the Terpinators.

Donations can be made on a gofundme page under Stephen's name. After Saturday's gala football tournament fundraising has so far reached £6,000.


Karate to model railway displays on show

South Lakes Academy of Karate-do, with members from Barrow, Walney, Ulverston, Dalton and Kirkby, put on a demonstration of the martial art, much to the delight of the big crowds.

For those who like their engines, an array of classic cars from all over the Furness and South Lakes area were lined up on the field, with their highly polished chrome sparkling in the glare of the sun.

And inside the main marquee, another display to delight engine buffs saw Mike Postle of Colton, Matthew Pye of Kirkby, and father and son duo Sam and Simon Sparkes of Ulverston, bring their model railway lay-out featuring working model steam engines. The volunteers from the Cumbria and Lancashire branch of the Association of 16mm Narrow Gauge Modellers have displayed previously at Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, and at Ulverston's Dickensian Festival, but this was their first visit to Kirkby Gala.

Also in the main marquee Kirkby author Charl Visby (alias Fred Davies), who has written his first novel at the age of 93, was signing copies of his book Geraint the Rebel's son. Half of the profits from the book are donated to hospice care and the British Heart Foundation.

Kirkby Brownies staged competitions and a plant sale, alongside other sales of flowers, a tombola, and a raffle which raised £400, with all money raised throughout the day going towards planned improvements at the community centre due to be completed by May 2019.

Musical entertainment was provided by the Ukeaholics, a group of ukulele enthusiasts from Kirkby and Dalton.

Children's sports, welly wanging, coconut shy, bouncy castle, and a tug-of-war were all part of the activities on offer. And there was an array of cakes and biscuits baked by local volunteers, a barbecue with all money raised going to the community centre improvements, and a bar provided by the Ship Inn to keep the crowds fed and watered throughout the afternoon.

The gala weekend activities continued on Sunday with a community praise event on Sunday morning in the marquee, a 50th anniversary party for Little Acorns nursery, and 15 gardens taking part in an Open Gardens event around Kirkby throughout Sunday afternoon.

*Kirkby Gala volunteer Chris Dean was recovering in hospital today after falling from a ladder while helping put up the main marquee on the showfield on Friday. Volunteers at the show wished Chris, who is also treasurer at the village's St Cuthbert's Church, a speedy recovery.


Kirkby Gala Fell Race Results 2018: Senior Fell race, men 1 Ben Mounsey, Threshfield, Calder Valley; 2 Jack Cummings, Ilkley, Ilkley Harriers; 3 Jack Smith, Haworth, Wharfedale Harriers. Senior Fell Race, women 1 Hollie Orr, Ulverston, Black Combe; 2 Kirsty Hall; 3 Jean Powell, Wharfedale Harriers. MV 40 Paul Reilly; LV 40 Caroline Harding; MV 45 Paul Crabtree; LV 45 Vicky Kirkwood; MV 50 Stephen Smithies; LV50 Lynn Whitaker; MV60 Dave Allen. First local man: Josh Hartley, Kirkby. First local woman: Hollie Orr, Ulverston. U17 Boys: 1 Sam Smith, Silsden, Wharfedale; 2 Ollie Sanders, Kendal, Helm Hill; 3 Robert Askew, Kendal, Helm Hill; U14 Boys 1 Ben Greenep, Burton-in-Lonsdale, Settle Harriers; 2 Henry Hunter, Kendal, Helm Hill; 3 Addison Willis, Sutton-in-Craven, Wharfedale Harriers; U14 Girls 1 Emily Swarbrick, 2 Amelie Lane, 3 Fayth Bowness. U12 Boys 1 Jacob Reeday, Hetton, Barlick; 2 Will McNally, Barrow, Leven Valley AC; 3 Leo Ranner, Kendal, Helm Hill; U12 Girls 1 Lucille Pickles, 2 Verity Ross, 3 Zoe Brannon; U9 Boys 1 Carl Sanderson, Settle; 2 Isaac Reeday, Hetton, 3 Oscar Clayton. U9 Girls 1 Lowen Steele, Kirkby; 2 Emmy Ranner, 3 Bethany Swarbrick.