Many people in the village will be sad to hear of the passing of Pat Calvert in the early hours of Wednesday 13^th January following her diagnosis of Lung Cancer in October last year.

Pat was a very well known figure around the village, having been born at No. 5 Balksyde and living virtually her entire life in the village.  She was an active part of both the Sports Club and the Village Hall, as well as many of the other activities around the village over the years.

The funeral of Pat will take place on Wednesday 3rd February at 11am with the service taking place at Slingsby Cemetery.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing Covid Pandemic there are limitations on the number of people who are able to attend the service.

If people would like to pay their respects the family have arranged for the funeral cortege to drive around important points of Slingsby that were significant to Pat.

The cortege will leave Wheatlands Farmhouse at 10:45 and will travel up Railway Street to Green Dyke Lane, The Balk, Malton Road, High Street, The Green, High Street, Church Lane and Railway Street back past Wheatlands Farmhouse before heading to the cemetery.

Family flowers only but if people would like to make a donation in lieu of flowers then the family would appreciate contributions to Cancer Research which can be done via the link to the online funeral notice below.

Funeral Notice for Mrs Patricia Mary Calvert (dignityfunerals.co.uk)

The family would like to thank everyone who has been in touch to pass on their condolences to them.  Knowing that they are in the thoughts of so many friends and members of the local community has been of great comfort.

We thank Paul Hogarth for kindly sending us this message.

Cases of Alabama Rot have been reported in Slingsby and throughout the UK. It’s a very serious illness so it’s worthwhile for all dog owners to be able to spot the symptoms.

If you think your dog is showing signs of Alabama Rot, speak to your vet immediately.

What is Alabama Rot?

Alabama Rot is a potentially deadly disease which damages dogs’ blood vessels. This can cause skin sores and sometimes kidney failure (when the kidneys stop working and can’t clean the blood properly).

The disease only affects dogs. Nearly all cases occur during winter and spring (between November and May) and is often reported in dogs that have been walked in muddy or woodland area.

Signs and symptoms of Alabama Rot

Alabama Rot causes tiny clots to form in blood vessels that damage the skin and kidneys. Symptoms often include:

• ulcers and sores on paws, legs, face or mouth
• being sick
• not wanting to eat
• lethargy (sleepiness and having much less energy than usual).

If your dog seems under the weather and has any of these symptoms, speak to your vet right away.

Not all dogs who have skin sores go on to have kidney problems but early treatment by a vet is important. If you notice any sores on your dog, speak to your vet immediately to rule out Alabama Rot.

How can I stop my dog getting Alabama Rot?

There’s been lots of research into Alabama Rot but vets still aren’t sure what causes the disease or how to prevent it. However, there are some simple things you can do to that may protect your dog or help you spot the symptoms early:

• If Alabama Rot has been reported near you, avoid walking your dog in muddy woodland areas.
• Washing any mud off your dog after a walk might help, although this hasn’t been proven. It won’t harm your dog and might help keep your mind at ease if you’re worried about the disease.
• Check your dog regularly for signs of redness or sores, especially on their paws, legs and face.

If you notice any health problems with your dog or a change in their behaviour, speak to your vet.

We thank Fiona Farnell for sending us this information (Ed).