Frank, my dad, often talked about the high tides at Sandside, but it was not until March 27 1967, a few years after his death, that I saw the effects of a very high tide and was able to fully appreciate his stories. I’d found it difficult to believe that dad, as the village postman on his bicycle, had been cut off at Storth Road End by the high tide and had been forced to wait for the tide to turn before he could proceed either to Carr Bank or return to Milnthorpe.
Early that day I set out from Milnthorpe, on foot with camera, after hearing warnings of a high tide, and walking along Parkside I noted that the River Bela was in full spate. As I passed over Dallam Bridge there were signs of flooding across the fields and I was reminded of the arches of the Meversham-Sandside railway bridge which had been demolished only recently, how, as they played under those arches, children loved to hear their voices echo!
As I continued on my way to Sandside I felt a sense of excitement and adventure, and wondered what was ahead. I reached Storth Road End and perched myself on a wall just in time to see the tide rise over the sea wall on to the main road. As if to prove the power of the sea, a Ribble bus on its way to Arnside was halted by the tide near the Ship Inn and could go no further. It was an exciting spectacle, and few people were there to see the rare event. The road from Sandside to St. John’s Cross really was under water, just as dad had described. Walking back to Dixie’s Bridge I could see the tide as I looked across at the Lakeland hills, a view which I also loved to see at sunset.
On my return towards Milnthorpe, via Parkside again, I was astonished to find that I was cut off for a short time by flooding near the old bridge by the entrance to Dallam Park, across from Birkett’s Farm. Cars travelling along the road were caught in the flood, and I had to wait until the water subsided.
What a memorable day! I realised that it was just one of many experiences which Frank the postman had accepted as part of his life which he enjoyed so much in that friendly neighbourhood at the gateway to the Lake District.
Lorna Dunford
