Carlisle guide 39 March / April

MARCH / APRIL 2018

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Carlisle Guide MARCH / APRIL 2018

Managing Director Stephen Murphy

T: 01946 448 001 stephen@theguidemediagroup.com

A Word from the Editor After a long winter, this is the part where I’m supposed to be commenting on how spring has at last sprung.

The daffodils blooming in the hedgerows, the lambs dancing through the fields, the weather finally warming up. However, as I type, the Beast from the East is lashing his way across the county, causing chaos with snow, wind and temperatures well into the minuses. It’s hard to feel optimistic about the joy and new beginnings of spring, when you’ve been snowed in for three days.

Office Admin Manager Steffany Clarke T: 01946 448 001 steffany@theguidemediagroup.com

On a more positive note, it’s less than four months until scheduled passenger flights take off from Carlisle Lake District Airport. Cumbrians will finally have the option to reach destinations via plane and it also means tourism hotspots such as the Lake District are far more accessible for visitors. It’s good news all round, bringing a great boost for the area and new opportunities for local people.

In other news, we need to talk about plastic. According to Greenpeace every piece of plastic ever made still exists on earth in some form or other. Every piece, ever. This certainly puts into perspective how big our plastic problem is, from the single use plastic straws in bars, to the polypropylene found in tea bags (yes, tea bags - and you’ve been chucking them on the compost heap this whole time).

Graphic Designer Mike Proud T: 01946 448 001 mike@theguidemediagroup.com

‘Plastic Free Cumbria’ is a Facebook group and initiative set up with the aim to reduce single-use plastic in the county. The group grew to 6,000 members in just three weeks, which shows that there are a lot of people and businesses in Cumbria who want to do their bit. It can be difficult though to know where to start, so on page 18 we take a look at how other people are tackling plastic pollution, and what you can do to help.

Also in this issue we get your garden ready for spring (if it ever arrives), and help you clear that clutter in a Home and Garden special (pages 24 - 28). And we have lots of ideas for how you can make the most of the Easter weekend.

Have a good one, here’s hoping it brings better weather, great days out and far too many chocolate eggs (just make sure you recycle that plastic packaging afterwards!)

Digital Content Manager Aiden Forrester T: 01946 448 001 aiden@theguidemediagroup.com

Sarah x

Editor Sarah Sinclair T: 01946 448 001 sarah@theguidemediagroup.com

FACEBOOK Advertising/Distribution Paul Seath T: 01900 448 001 paul@theguidemediagroup.com

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Published by EOL Publications, The Guide Media Group, Phoenix Enterprise Centre, Jacktrees Road, Cleator Moor, Cumbria, CA25 5BD. All feature articles and advertising is copyright of EOL Publishing.

Photography - Jim Davis Cover - Kerry Clark

CONTENTS F E AT U R E S

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D AT E S F O R Y O U R D I A RY T H I S E A S T E R

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C A R L I S L E A I R P O RT

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K E R RY C L A R K S N A P S IT UP

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F R O N T R O O M G A L L E RY

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PLASTIC FREE CARLISLE

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NEW! CUMBRIA GUIDE L O YA L T Y C A R D

HOME AND GARDEN

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M O O TA H A R D E N T I P S

28

D E - C L U T T E R YO U R HOUSE

H E A LT H A N D B E A U T Y 30

S P R I N G I N TO FA S H I O N

32

BRIDGET FOSTER

FOOD & DRINK 36

S C OT T ’ S B I S T RO

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C A M P E RVA N C O O K I N G

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TA R A ’ S T I P P L E S

M OTO R I N G A N D S P O RT

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L A N D R O V E R AT 7 0

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CARLISLE UNITED

W H AT ’ S O N

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T H E E D I TO R ’ S P I C K

67

COMIC BOOK GUYS

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SARAH STEPS UP!

F E AT U R E

have a cracking easter

H

ave a break from the Creme Eggs and make the most of your Easter weekend, with plenty going on around the city.

Far more than summer - when most of us head off to lie horizontal on a hot beach - the Easter break is a time for ‘staycations’, day trips and having the family round for a huge roast with all the trimmings. Admittedly, we might not get the sunny spring weather we’ve been daydreaming of, but us Cumbrians won’t let that put a dampener on our Bank Holiday weekend.

Get a taste for something different...

In Carlisle City Centre, 29 March - 2 April

The International Market returns to give the city centre some continental flavour over the Easter weekend. Traders representing a number of countries - including India, Italy, Germany, Spain, Kenya and many more - will showcase a whole host of fare from across the globe. The annual five day event marks the first Bank Holiday of the year, offering visitors the opportunity to visit a number of countries as they make their way through the stalls. But it goes further than just food, featuring a range of multicultural crafts, gifts and clothes so once you have filled up on all the treats on offer, there will be an abundance of crafts and unique gifts to feast your eyes upon.

Get ready for some horseplay...

At Carlisle Racecourse, 31 March

Fancy a day at the races? On Easter Saturday Carlisle Racecourse is hosting an Easter Family Fun Raceday, where you can enjoy a great day of racing and take the kids with you for free.

The Horseplay zone will be bustling with family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained while you have a little flutter on the horses. Opens 11:40am, first race 1:40pm, last race 5:10pm. www.carlisle.thejockeyclub.co.uk

Go on an egg hunt...

At Kirklinton Hall and Gardens, 1 April To celebrate the start of the season, a grand opening event and Easter egg hunt will take place at Kirklinton Hall and Gardens. It’s a great opportunity to see the progress made over the winter and meet the new team members, from the ducks and pigs to the dragons along the Faerie Glen walk. Hunt for Easter eggs around the spectacular gardens, enjoy a bouncy castle and browse the food stalls and a newly refurbished shop selling artisan food products from its very garden. 11am-4pm.

Entrance £4 adults, £2 Children, free to season ticket holders.

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Enjoy Easter Lunch...

At The Crown & Mitre, 1 April

If you can’t face cooking for the whole family this Easter Sunday, let someone else do it for you. Gather everyone together and head to the Crown and Mitre hotel where they are serving a delicious three course Easter lunch with all the trimmings. With plenty of choice for each course, and the option of a children’s menu, there is something to appease even the fussiest of eaters.

Plus all children receive a free gift.

Adults £19.95, children under 10 years £10, children under 2 free.

To book contact 01228 525491

Venture down the rabbit hole...

At Rheged, running until 3 June

Cumbria’s most famous literary character, Peter Rabbit jumps right off the page in this interactive exhibition about Beatrix Potter’s very first creation. Peter Rabbit™ Mischief and Mayhem includes rarely exhibited original artworks and manuscripts and reveals a fresh insight into the innovative way Beatrix Potter developed Peter Rabbit toys and games. Little bunnies can even play like Peter in an interactive learning area where they can help Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle hang out the washing, or aid Mr McGregor planting carrots in his garden.

Admission is £3.50 for ages 3 years and above.

Discover hidden history...

At Carlisle Citadel, 4 - 6 April

Make the most of a rare opportunity to discover The Hidden History of Carlisle Citadel, on a very special tour of both Citadel Towers. See remains of the original Citadel built in 1542 on the orders of King Henry VIII, as well as the Nisi Prius Courtroom in the east Tower. The tour will take you to the Grand Jury Room and Former Crown Court in the west Tower and you’ll hear why the Citadel was built and the historic events that influenced its role in history. As there are many steps and stairways to negotiate the tour may not be suitable for small children. Adults £6, children (8-15 years) £4.

Places are limited, to book contact 01228 598596 www.greatguidedtours.co.uk The Carlisle Guide

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ready for take off

C

umbria is set to reach new heights as the Carlisle Lake District Airport gets ready to launch scheduled passenger flights in June.

Earlier this year, local infrastructure company, Stobart Group caused a roar of excitement when they announced that commercial and business passenger flights would be launched from the airport on 4 June, for the first time since 1993.

The airport, which has been owned by the company since 2009, will connect Cumbria and the Lake District - which receives 41.5 million visitors per year - with major tourism and business hubs including London, Dublin and Belfast.

Leading the project is Kate Willard, head of corporate projects at Stobart Group, who also own and operate London Southend Airport.

Kate said: “We look forward to working with partners in the visitor economy over these next months to help develop packages and promotions to make sure that our air services match the needs of our visitors; that we are able to attract new visitors to Cumbria and the surrounding area and that we are able to support the local economy through the development of a sustainable and really fantastic airport.”

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It has been 25 years since Carlisle last had a scheduled air service, when Lakeside Northwest operated flights to and from London Stansted. When the airline collapsed at the end of 1993 it put an end to commercial passenger flights to and from the region. Now 25 years later, locals and visitors will have the option of a faster, more efficient method of travel once again - and the opportunity to fly to the capital in just an hour, as opposed to a train journey of three and a half.

The flights will also bring increased footfall into the county, making it easier for visitors to travel to the area and access World Heritage Sites such as Hadrian’s Wall and The Lake District National Park. This advancement will, without question, have a huge impact on Cumbria’s visitor economy and is set to be a key strategic asset for the county.

“Developing the airport’s passenger offer will provide smoother, quicker access to local tourism attractions and help to increase international tourism visits.”

The project is being supported by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), who have committed £4.95m for the development of the airport, specifically to help make improvements to the runway and terminal.

F E AT U R E

Graham Haywood, executive director of the Cumbria LEP, explained: "Increasing the numbers of high-spending international visitors is a key target within Cumbria LEP’s Rural and Visitor Economy Growth Plan and will help widen the county's international connectivity. Developing the airport’s passenger offer will provide smoother, quicker access to local tourism attractions and help to increase international tourism visits.”

He added: "As well as growing visitor numbers and supporting tourism businesses, development of the airport will open up more commercial industry opportunities, especially in key sectors, such as logistics, nuclear and advanced manufacturing.”

She added: “We knew that our developments would generate some great jobs and it is really exciting now to be starting recruitment to bring these new people on board. The airport is committed to playing its role in the sustainable growth of the Cumbria economy and delivering these new jobs is a fantastic and tangible start to this.”

With a busy few months ahead to prepare for the first passenger flight in June, it’s time to fasten seatbelts and get ready for take off.

For more information and a full list of job roles visit www.stobartgroup.com

Indeed opportunities are already opening up, as Stobart Group recently started their recruitment drive, creating dozens of new jobs for local people. The new plans present exciting possibilities and promising career prospects with vacancies including air traffic controller roles, a security manager position and rescue and firefighting service officers.

Kate said: “We are delighted to be starting recruitment for Carlisle Lake District Airport ahead of our summer launch.

We have already received great support from the Local Enterprise Partnership, Cumbrian communities and further afield.”

Places available for

September 2018 Call 01228 550760 to request a prospectus or to book a personalised tour of the Pre-School, Junior or Senior School.

The Carlisle Guide

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F E AT U R E

L

LAKELAND LANDSCAPES

ooking at John Russell’s rugged scenes evokes feelings of familiarity, but these are not your typical Lake District landscapes.

The Scottish artist, who now lives on a farm in northern England, combines a mix of the traditional with contemporary finishes for his British landscapes. Barren scenes of Yorkshire farms, Lake District vistas and Highland crofts are the subjects of John’s work. However, while they feel like recognisable beauty spots you have admired yourself once upon a time, he doesn’t paint with a particular view in mind.

Rather, John is inspired by a style or feeling or possibly a memory of what he has once seen.

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As Ben Heslop of Edwin Talbot gallery explained: “Even though he doesn’t do specific views, it’s obvious that he has spent a lot of time here. I feel like I’ve been to the a lot of the places depicted in his paintings, which is great. It’s good for the viewer to feel like they have an affinity with the piece, especially being from the Lakes.”

John’s paintings are certainly evocative of the Lake District, with small cottages, crofts of trees and boats racing on the water all featuring in his work. But their unique style lends a very different meaning to what we tend to think of as Lakeland paintings.

Ben continued: “While there’s nothing wrong with traditional Lakeland paintings, I think nowadays people are really interested in having something a little bit different like John's work or that of Alan Stones or Martin Evans. It allows people to have something bold, a real statement piece that fits in with the modern contemporary art that would go in their house, while still being very true to the area that we live in.”

Painted in oil, directly onto board, one-tone backdrops are a major feature of John’s work and provide a real strength of depth, albeit from their one dimensional style. However, when contrasted with the dramatically lit detail of the foreground, the solid blocks of blue and taupe give an almost three dimensional effect.

F E AT U R E

At the Edwin Talbot gallery, this is highlighted by the use of the highest quality, solid wood picture frames, Ben explained: “The way they are framed really does create a quality finish and increases that sense of depth and perspective to the picture.”

But in fact, it’s not just in the gallery that John’s pieces have pride of place. Ben liked one so much he made it the centrepiece in his bedroom, matching the colour of the feature wall to the smooth blue hues of the sky. “They are of a ​great​ size, where they can be used as a centrepiece o ​ r similarly fit into a hall or smaller area,” he commented. “​We also sell a lot of the very popular, more imposing 28" square studies, there’s something to fit every space.”

John’s work makes an impact whatever size it comes in. But not only are they a bold, contemporary statement, they can easily fill a room with heart-warming memories and inklings of home.

Ben added: “His scenes can be anything to anyone. I can look at his paintings and swear I know where he’s painted them of, which is a really clever thing to do.”

John Russell's, as well as Alan Stones’ and Martin Evans’ Lake District paintings are all available from the Edwin Talbot gallery on the Own Art scheme, with 0% finance and no deposit.

For more information visit www.edwintalbot.co.uk or contact 01228 525231

The Carlisle Guide

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F E AT U R E

A LIFE ON LOCATION

O

ne of Carlisle’s most popular photographers is trading her four walls for the great outdoors.

After the “best six years” photographer Kerry Clark – renowned for her ability to capture the most magical of moments – has made the decision to swap the confines of her Carlisle studio for spectacular settings out in the open air.

Kerry closed her studio on Finkle Street in Carlisle at the end of February, however the business, Imagery by Kerry Clark will be very much alive. Kerry explained: “The studio closing is really sad, but I’m a natural light photographer, I love being outdoors in the lush scenery and it would be a waste not to use it.

“We need to stop for a few minutes and take in what we actually have around us. We’re so lucky and it’s a shame to confine everything to a studio when you’ve got such beautiful surroundings.”

Kerry thrives on the challenge of being on a location and having to think on your feet, so now alongside the weddings, Kerry’s focus will be on location shoots, capturing her – mostly young – subjects in a natural light.

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She continued: “You can do a lot of creative stuff and children are more themselves in the great outdoors, rather than in a studio. There’s no pressure on them, we can have a laugh, run around and that way we capture their natural smiles and expressions.”

Of course, Kerry has been photographing precious bundles of joy since the very beginning, but now there’s no need for new mums to worry about getting baby all wrapped up and out the door – or even about getting themselves dressed, as she plans to shoot newborns in the comfort of their own home. “I don’t think I could imagine myself not photographing newborns,” Kerry explained. “Now I will be doing more of a lifestyle shoot, at home in their crib for example, but we can still get that posed style like in the studio, I would just take my equipment to their house.”

Kerry’s creative juices are already practically overflowing at the prospect of the limitless locations on offer, and she is not short of original ideas to make that shot a real one-off.

Having always been a fan of taking the inside out, Kerry has even been known to trudge a two-seater couch through a wood in pursuit of that perfect shot, she added: “I’ll have a vision and we do whatever it takes to get that into a photograph.”

F E AT U R E

“My aim is to do things that you wouldn’t get with another photographer. “ “My aim is to do things that you wouldn’t get with another photographer. I would rather keep thinking on my feet and coming up with new things that nobody else does.”

As well as maintaining the longstanding relationships with her regular customers – many of whom she considers friends – Kerry is hoping this new direction will help her to reach new customers, new locations and of course, new challenges. “I want to reach out to people who’ve never seen me before or don’t know what I do. I’m not just confined to Carlisle, I travel all over.”

She added: “I want to thank everybody for being so lovely.

At the end of the day, I just want people to absolutely love the photographs.”

To book and for more information contact 01228 317025 or visit www.imagerybykerryclark.co.uk

Pick up the May/June issue of the Carlisle Guide to discover our next Photographer in Focus, Kate Douglas.

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F E AT U R E

AWAY WITH THE FAERIES

A

mid a fascinating past and an exciting future, the magnificent Kirklinton Hall will reopen to the public this April.

The 17th Century, Kirklinton Hall sits on a 12-acre site that features a beautiful part-walled garden. With its five bays and two tower-like wings, the grandiose ruin is so majestic that even in the depths of winter the site feels somewhat enchanted. Never mind how spectacular it all looks throughout the sunnier seasons, when the plethora of flora and fauna are in full bloom and the Hall and Gardens are flooded with colour. Thousands of tulips and daffodils are planted during the winter, lawns are lush green, fruits apples, pears and quinces - grow in the orchard, and orange trees embellish even the walls of the Hall itself.

With the house currently in the process of being restored to its former glory, building and restoration work takes place throughout the winter months while the Hall and Gardens are closed to the public. It will reopen for the spring on 1 April, with a grand, Easter-themed event.

The Grade II listed Kirklinton Hall which was built in 1660, has a rich history. Over the years it evolved from a country house to an RAF base, a school, a hotel, and even a casino and nightclub.

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For its current owner, Christopher Boyle - a local from Mallsburn - the Hall was a landmark growing up. Seeing an opportunity to rescue it from further dereliction, Christopher bought Kirklinton Hall with a dream to return it to its former glory and preserve its fascinating history for which the community can benefit.

With new team members on board who share Christopher’s passion and perspective, the project will finally move forward to fulfill his vision for Kirklinton Hall utilising local builders and local suppliers.

The message, first and foremost, is community. Kirklinton Hall and Gardens is a community asset, a place for everyone to enjoy, and to emphasise this a new ticketing scheme will give those with a local postcode free entry during the school holidays.

As well as the weddings and events held over the summer, art workshops, photography and cookery classes are on the agenda, and there’s a space where local artists can exhibit their work for free.

From the food and drink, to the artwork on display and even the tradesmen working on site, all are local to the area. They have formed new partnerships with local artisans suppliers and are the Head of Slow Food Cumbria, a movement which is in the process of being revived.

With a new michelin star chef in the kitchen, jams and chutneys made on site and produce grown in the Gardens will soon be available to purchase in the newly refurbished shop and online.

F E AT U R E

The Grand Opening and Easter Egg Hunt on 1 April will offer everyone the opportunity to discover or indeed, rediscover Kirklinton Hall. Ahead of a jam-packed calendar of upcoming events, it is a chance to soak up a little faerie dust, to meet the new team members - both two legged and four - and get a glimpse of what the future has in store for this ‘haunt of ancient peace’.

For more information visit www.kirklintonhall.co.uk

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F E AT U R E

When Two Become One

Inigo Ford

A

n upcoming exhibition will combine the work of two Cumbrian artists with an unlikely connection.

The artist Inigo Ford, known for his abstract creations with religious undertones, lived in Brampton as a child, but has resided in the Wasdale valley for the last 30 years. Gillian Naylor, meanwhile, whose distinctive style tells stories of human nature and the world around us, was born in Wasdale (daughter of Joss Naylor) and now lives in Brampton.

This March, the work of these two artists will be brought together in an exhibition showing at the Front Room in Brampton from 17 - 31 March. Gillian and Inigo’s work will go on display as part of a series ‘Two Artists’ in which the Front Room gallery will showcase the work of two artists, every two weeks from February to June. Viewers can expect iconic imagery, vivid colours and extraordinary stretches of the imagination - albeit in very individual ways.

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Inigo explained: “Neither of us do pretty pictures of the Lakes. I can remember going into an exhibition in Eskdale years ago and seeing one of Gillian’s pieces, an ink drawing of Great Gable. It was just brilliant and I thought that’s not like a Lake District painting, that’s done by an artist.”

It is out of this mutual respect for each other’s work that the idea to exhibit together was born, Gillian added: “I think we are both quite authentic in the sense that we’re not necessarily trying to work towards a particular market, we’re both on our own journey, exploring aspects of being human.”

Gillian goes as far as to describe her work as “visual philosophy”. Through it she explores human nature and our connectivity to the natural world, exploring societal issues such as migration. Inigo meanwhile takes much of his inspiration from personal stories and art history, and has created masterpieces from the most mundane of materials, from wood and slate to wool and thread. He added: “Both sets of work come from internal experiences but they differ in the imagination, where your thoughts travel.”

F E AT U R E

Being dyslexic, both Inigo and Gillian naturally respond visually to their thoughts and beliefs. Inigo’s loud splashes of colour and strong symbols send out waves of energy, whereas Gillian contrasts energetic mark making with more precise details. Both conjure up pieces overflowing with spirit and vigour.

“I’m looking forward to seeing them together,” Gillian said.

“When you start putting work up with other artists it’s an exciting process, usually if it’s someone’s work you like, it just fits together.”

“Once you’ve given up a painting, once it’s finished, it takes on its own life and creates its own history.”

For more information and opening times visit www.frontroomworks.com

Gillian Naylor While they may not see many similarities in the work itself, there is certainly more of a connection between the two than meets the eye. Not least in the way they both think and feel about art.

Speaking of the upcoming exhibition Inigo said: “People can expect colour, humour, and a lot of pieces that are very meditative.

Gillian Naylor

“Once you’ve given up a painting, once it’s finished, it takes on its own life and creates its own history.”

And Gillian agreed: “People will respond emotionally to what they see, we both put that kind of content into our work. There will be plenty of room for the viewer to bring their own story to it, nothing is over explained.”

Whatever the viewer does take away from it, the works of these two creatives intertwined will surely be a sight to behold.

The Carlisle Guide

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not so fantastic plastic

By Danielle Murphy

O

ur own environmentalist, Danielle Murphy explores how we can tackle Cumbria’s plastic pollution.

Let’s talk about plastic. The impact that plastic is having on our planet is becoming increasingly more talked about, people are becoming more aware of the amount of plastic we are using, and thankfully, even those people who are pretending that it isn’t a problem are finding it harder to escape the pleas of the planet.

It appears we are waking up to the devastation the manmade product is causing, especially in our oceans. Over the last year awareness of the problem has spread like wildfire and with media influences such as the BBC’s Blue Planet II addressing the issue head on, Cumbria is now getting on board and making distinct efforts to change the way we use plastic.

Cumbria is one of many regions striving to eliminate single-use plastic from our daily lives. Counties such as Cornwall and Devon have been pushing the issue for many years. Surfers Against Sewage was established in 1990 in a small village in Cornwall, their aim was to clean up their beloved coastline. Now they are one of the most prominent and well known eco-action charities in the UK, organising beach cleans across the country and now have a strong presence in Cumbria.

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Carlisle man, Steve Wilson has recently become heavily involved in the campaign to reduce plastic on Cumbrian beaches. After becoming worried about the amount of plastic he was seeing on our beaches, he decided to get involved with the Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) and has now set up a Facebook page called Cumbria Coastline Clean-up.

Steve said: “I originally got involved with SAS through seeing just how bad some of the Cumbrian beaches are.

“They are so often covered in waste - from cans, plastic bottles and fast food packaging from local businesses - but its plastic that we see the most. Some from distant shores, some from local coffee shop, some that is just completely unidentifiable, but just a small chunk of plastic.”

He added: “Through getting involved, I realised quickly that just working alone cleaning beaches wasn’t going to make much of a difference, so I started this page to help raise the awareness and gain support from others interested in doing their bit for the environment.”

Another group of people taking action against single-use plastic are sisters Heidi and Marcia Frith who have set up the Facebook group ‘Plastic Free Cumbria’.

Marcia lives in Cumbria and Heidi in Devon, Heidi said: “We could never have anticipated the response we got when we set up the Facebook group. Nearly 6,000 members in less than 6 weeks and still growing. More than 1 per cent of the population of Cumbria.”

R E C YC L E

“recycling really does work, we can all do it and we can all make a difference.”

Other local organisations such as Cumbria Waste Group are also putting in efforts to make a difference by offering a range of eco-friendly waste solutions such as composting and recycling services. Linda Macilwraith from Cumbria Waste Group commented: “We live in a beautiful place but also in an increasingly fragile world due to overuse of natural resources. But, recycling really does work, we can all do it and we can all make a difference.

“Help us by making sure your plastic is properly cleaned, the tops are taken off and you only include the items we have listed for collection.”

She added: “Look at what you buy and how it is packaged, but most of all make full use of the recycling services available to you. And please follow the guidelines, the wrong or contaminated material is our biggest challenge in effectively recycling. Bad recycling can be worse than not recycling at all.”

It is clear that the community in Cumbria is beginning to come together to take action against plastic and becoming more aware of the importance of saving our planet.

Thanks to Workington Nature Partnership and Cumbria Coastline Clean-up for images.

What can you do to help?

Below is a list of simple and easy changes you can make to your lifestyle to contribute to minimising plastic.

1.

Refuse plastic straws in restaurants, instead buy reusable straws and take them out with you.

2.

Invest in a reusable water bottle, they may seem a bit expensive but they have a dramatic effect on plastic waste.

3.

Pick up at least three pieces of plastic every time you visit the beach and recycle them.

4.

Buy fruit and vegetables loose from the local market (reduce plastic and help your local economy)

For eco-friendly packaging and supplies visit www.blueplanetecosupplies.com

Waste solutions

that don’t Cost the earth

Find out more

www.cumbriawaste.co.uk

Call: 0845 241 3333 The Carlisle Guide

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WAT C H T R E E

wild at heart

W

e all need a bit of wilderness to soothe the soul from time to time, which is why Watchtree Nature Reserve offers an escape that’s accessible to everyone.

Located near the village of Wiggonby, six miles west of Carlisle, Watchtree Nature Reserve is a thriving wildlife haven, home to hundreds of thousands of species. Roe Deer sightings are a daily occurence, Brown Hare and the Great Crested Newt - officially the most protected species in the UK - have made themselves at home there, and iconic solways birds such as Curlew and Skylarks swoop overhead.

But alongside these flourishing habitats, this 205 acre reserve is a real community asset - this year alone, it will see 40,000 visitors, placing it up there with the likes of Talkin Tarn. School visits are becoming more popular, with lessons taking place in the forest in a bid to reconnect the younger generations with nature, and the reserve has even held site specific theatre and performance events. “The more that we become indoorsy, urbanised people the more we seem to need green spaces to play, to relax, to exercise,” said Access and Recreation Manager at the reserve, Ryan Dobson. “At watchtree everything is accessible, we have a big focus on disability and everywhere being accessible to all people.

That’s a big part of our popularity.”

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The Carlisle Guide

This is perhaps encapsulated best by the onsite cycling centre. Alongside teaching children to learn to ride, and hosting a number of weekly clubs, they specialise in disability riding. Among the fleet of 70 bikes, are a whole host of magnificent machines - from trikes and two seaters, to hand cycles - designed to get everyone moving, whatever their ability. But don’t take my word for it, for three years running Watchtree received the national Wheels for All award for the disability centre of the year, among a number of other impressive recent accolades.

Enhancing this accessibility, is the fact that the site - which was once a World War Two RAF airfield - is also completely flat. It has attracted those from all walks of life, from parent groups with pushchairs to the Carlisle Roller Derby team who hold events there. It’s these weird and wonderful goings on that make the reserve unique, Ryan said: “I think it’s seeing that diversity of people in once place. Like most nature reserves we have a lot of people who come here to walk their dogs and relax, but then we have all these other niche markets who have tapped into the fact that we’re the ideal place to do it. When you throw into that the schools, the disability groups and our links with charities such as Mencap and the Calvert Trust, there is a buzz about the place which is rare.”

What is also rare is the fact that Watchtree is run almost entirely by volunteers. With the maintenance of the reserve, the cafe, reception and admin and even the specialist cycling instructors all volunteers, it works out at around 6,000 voluntary hours per year. The equivalent of six full time members of staff. Ryan explained: “It’s really good for people who are recently retired but also people who are wanting to go into work in these kind of areas.

“Whatever it is that it does for people, it obviously does it well because we’re growing by as much as 20 - 25 percent every year.”

With so much of life taking place in front of a screen today, it’s hardly surprising that the wider community are catching on to the appeal of places like Watchtree. The idea place to escape to for a couple of hours, where you can enjoy benefits the great outdoors all year round - and without the worry of accessibility.

Ryan added: “Nature reserves as a whole are important for that mental wellbeing, but in particular, Watchtree is accessible for that. In the middle of winter when most fields are knee deep in mud, you can be walking right beside a woodland or a hayfield, which is quite unique.”

If you’re interested in volunteering at Watchtree Nature Reserve or to find out more, contact 01228 712539 or email: wnr@watchtree.co.uk

“In the middle of winter when most fields are knee deep in mud, you can be walking right beside a woodland or a hayfield, which is quite unique.”

Photography by Terry Abraham, Ian Watson, Daniel Richards

The Carlisle Guide

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S AV I N G S

cumbria guide loyalty card

H

ere at the Cumbria Guide we're committed to bringing you the best Cumbria has to offer, and to showcasing and supporting our local businesses because we believe in keeping it local.

As a means to say thank you to all of those who have supported us by picking up one of our glossy magazines over the last 10 years, we're giving you something back.

With this in mind, here's the latest Cumbria Guide offering. Our Loyalty Card scheme, where you get rewarded for spending on your doorstep and supporting great Cumbrian businesses.

We are linking up with a variety of bars, restaurants, shops, cafes, hotels and attractions, with more exclusive offers every week.

To get your Cumbria Guide Loyalty Card simply visit www.cumbriaguide.co.uk and start saving today.

Here are just some of the wonderful offers we have...

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15% Off Lunch on Tuesday & Wednesday between 12:00 - 2:00PM at The old Bank City Pub & Chop House

Discounted admission to the Colour Run at Eden Valley Hospice

2 for 1 on treatments at Aromatherapy Matters

10% all food on a Thursday 9.30 - 4.30 at The Wellington Bistro

Free Child Admission with every paying Adult & Free Cup of Tea ort Coffee with your Cake at The Rum Story

Free dessert with any main at Summergrove Halls

The Carlisle Guide

Carlisle’s Hidden Gems

F E AT U R E

cathederal lodge antiques I

t’s Carlisle’s wealth of independent shops, each one a project of passion, that make it so special.

In each issue we’ll take a closer look at one of the city’s hidden gems, and where better to start than the treasure trove that is Cathedral Lodge Antiques?

Appearances can be deceptive. Located at the entrance to Carlisle Cathedral, the Old Vergers House - and now home of Cathedral Lodge Antiques - has stood in the grounds since 1890, but from the outside looks far too tiny to house anything of substance. Venture inside though, and this charming little cottage is transformed into a cave of wonders. If there was ever a hidden gem this is it, and when I pay a visit on a midweek afternoon, a surprising number of seekers are already finecombing the shelves for that perfect find.

It could be a sparkling brooch, a 1970s vase or a rare piece of militaria. The two floors are crammed with treasure from Victorian and Georgian furniture to 20th century glass and ceramic keepsakes. But then there’s the highly sought-after Harry Potter collectibles, the boxes and street signs, which draw in a younger crowd.

“He is constantly sourcing things, people bring things in to us, we do house calls, car boots - you just never know what treasure is coming in, but we’re always looking for that quirky little something.”

There’s always something new. As we speak two pieces that only came into the shop yesterday have already gone to a new home. Jen added: “Local things tend not to last very long, we get them in and they go straight out.”

For Jen though, it’s the jewellery - which they buy, as well as selling - which always catches her eye, she said: “There are some really gorgeous pieces, but generally the favourites don’t make it to the shop.”

And with that she shows off a beautiful purple stone around her neck, her newest gem.

Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm, Sunday 11am – 3pm. For more information, contact Jen (07564707723) or Martyn (07770834546) or visit www.cathedrallodgeantiques.co.uk

Owners Martyn and Jen Nichol started selling antiques full time nine years ago. From humble beginnings on Ebay and at car boot sales and antiques fairs they took the plunge and opened the shop in 2016.

Having grown up around antiques, Martyn’s passion began from a young age. However, it was just a hobby until he was made redundant nine years ago. Jen explained: “Martyn loves the hunt. He would never bother if we never sold another thing, as long as he’s found it.

The Carlisle Guide

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F EOAMT EU R H &E G A R D E N

A

Blooming lovely

fter a long, cold winter, your garden may well be in need of some TLC. The team at Moota Garden Centre give us the lowdown on what to do now that spring has sprung to ensure that by the time summer comes, your garden will be in full bloom.

Grow Your Own • • •

Plant seed potatoes, onions and shallots Prepare beds and plots ready for sowing seed and planting young veg Clean and disinfect greenhouses, tools and equipment ready for the season

Planting Beds & Border Maintenance • • • • • • • •

Fork out early weeds as they will compete with plants and shrubs for nutrients.

Mulch with bark to suppress further weed growth.

Start feeding shrubs and trees with a balanced fertilizer to encourage healthy spring growth Control slugs and snails (their favourite food is tender shoots and fresh growth) Cover young tender plants and fruit blossom with fleece to protect against late frosts Tie climbing plants to their supports, this will encourage more flowers Cut back any remaining perennials and seed heads Prune summer flowering Clematis during March for good summer flowering

Lawn Care • • • 24

Mow and feed your lawn as soon as it is mild and dry enough to do so Aerate your lawn with a garden fork to improve drainage and soil structure, this will encourage better spring growth Top dress with grass seed during April to thicken the sward and reduce weeds

The Carlisle Guide

HOME & GARDEN

Wildlife •

•

Continue feeding the birds and red squirrels during spring, its their breeding season and natural food sources are running low.

Report sightings of the non-native grey squirrels to Northern Red Squirrels. Grey squirrels need controlling to reduce the spread of the squirrel pox virus which kills the Reds, they also compete for food and push the reds from their habitat.

Planting • • •

Plant summer flowering bulbs to add colour to beds and borders.

Freshen up pots and containers with early spring bedding, bulbs and perennials.

Sow hardy annual and wild flower seed outdoors throughout April (when the weather and conditions allow)

Pond Maintenance • • • •

Tidy up plants in the pond and bog areas.

Remove debris from pond.

Clean out filter systems.

Check pumps, pipes and UV bulbs are in good working order.

The Carlisle Guide

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HOME & GARDEN

a room with a view

I

f you’re looking to utilise your outdoor space, while improving your indoor living, a garden room offers a sanctuary no shed can provide.

Offering the luxury of leisure or work space just steps from your back door, they may not be a necessarily new concept, but in recent years the number of people looking to invest in a garden room is on the up. This could be down to an increasing number of people working from home, and needing office space, or it could be that people are finally catching on to the possibilities they can provide.

The term garden room might bring to mind images of glorified sheds - too cold in winter, too hot in summer and damp and drafty all year round - but we’re talking about fully insulated rooms, made from strength graded structural timbers with a range of finishes such as slate roof and oak flooring. All electrical, plumbing and lighting facilities can be installed, just as they would be for an extension on your home, however this option is often considerably cheaper.

Carlisle based construction company, Croft View Construction have built bespoke garden rooms for a number of happy customers, not least Johnette and Relph Irving from Cockermouth, who were looking for a little extra space for when the family came home to visit.

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“It has transformed our house, it’s a prayer room, a hideaway, a place to admire the wonderful garden away from the world... it’s like a home away from home.”

Johnette explained: “It came about that we needed extra space where we could escape occasionally when the kids were back. That was the plan, but we had no idea how much a garden room could be a thing of beauty.

“It has transformed our house, it’s a prayer room, a hideaway, a place to admire the wonderful garden away from the world... it’s like a home away from home.”

From just a picture Johnette had, the Croft View Construction team worked with the couple to design and build their bespoke room. Relph said: “As a garden room it’s just amazing, but we owe a lot to what they suggested in terms of materials and design ideas.”

Despite some initial doubts, the quality of the work far exceeded their expectations, Relph explained: “One of the things about having any kind of development is there’s always a bit of anxiety about work quality, so we feel very fortunate that we found Croft View Construction.

HOME & GARDEN

“We never had one moment of anxiety and in fact the things that they adjusted, suggested, and fitted were way beyond anything we could of expected. They were a delight to work with.”

Although planning permission is sometimes required depending on the size, Garden Rooms are usually around 30 per cent cheaper than a regular building extension, while still boasting all the same potential.

Each one is made to order, so can be tailored to meet your every need. Whether that be a home office, a hairdressing salon, a studio, extra accommodation or just a little place for some much needed peace and quiet.

Relph and Johnette are certainly looking forward to making the most out of theirs this summer, he added: “It’s an unbelievable result for us and has completely improved that part of our garden. It’s the best thing we ever did.”

For more information contact Croft View Construction on 01228 511100 or visit www.croftviewconstruction.com

The Carlisle Guide

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DO H E CMLEU & T TGEAR R D E N

Clear Your Clutter

E

ver heard the saying “Tidy home, tidy mind?” We all like the idea of living a simple life with less ‘stuff’, and now that spring is here with its new beginnings and fresh starts, it’s the perfect time to embark on clearing the clutter that has been crowding your home for too long.

It can seem like a daunting task at first, but with these pointers, your living (and head) space will be decluttered in no time.

Break it down

With nooks and crannies you didn’t even know existed, attempting to declutter the entire family home in one fell swoop is overwhelming, to say the least.

Instead, break it down into rooms, and only focus on one at a time. Work your way around the house, that way and it will seem much more achievable.

Three box method

Give yourself three boxes, label one ‘keep’, one ‘throw away’ and one ‘recycle’. The rest is pretty self explanatory, but don’t be afraid to be ruthless. For each item ask yourself if it really does belong in the ‘keep’ box - if you haven’t used/worn/read it in the last 12 months the chances are it doesn’t.

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HOME & GARDEN

Give it away

Giving items away, whether to charity or friends and family, feels almost as good as the actual relief of getting rid of them. Fill those collection bags that are always coming through your letterbox or use your imagination - you could give away one item every day for a year, from old clothes you never wear, to a book you know a friend will love.

Storage solutions

Of course, like it or not there’s some clutter that you just have to live with. For this you need ingenious storage solutions. Fill a wall with open shelves to make a statement out of your stuff, make the most of unused space with boxes and baskets and hunt out unique items that will double as a focal point of the room as well as storage space.

One in one out

But old habits die hard. Even after all that work, it’s easy to let the clutter creep back in. From now on live by a one in one out rule. Every time you buy something new get rid of one you already own.

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put a spring in your step

H E A LT H A N D B E A U T Y

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The Carlisle Guide

F

rom pretty pastels to statement sequins, these are the looks you’ll be wearing this spring.

Ice-Cream Shades

This summer Ice cream hues are not just reserved for placing on top of a cone in the park. From parma violet tailoring, layers of lemon sorbet and piles of pistachio, ice cream shades from head to toe are seriously cool this summer.

Primary Colours

It’s going to be a very bright summer indeed, at least in the wardrobe department anyway. If pastels aren’t your thing there’s a vibrant, bold shade to suit every colouring, think tomato red, cobalt blue and canary yellow - and don’t forget Pantone’s colour of the year, Ultra Violet.

Check Mate

W H EE D AD L TI N H G& SBP EE A CU I ATLY

It might be controversial, but checks are going nowhere this spring/summer - good news if you invested in last season’s heritage styles. And there’s a check for every occasion, from folksy, floaty ginghams for down time to smart, statement checked coats.

Summer Sequins

Thought you had to save your sequin fetish for the office Christmas party? Wrong. This is the summer of sparkle so whether you go all out in a sleek slip dress or style them with a sweatshirt for daytime, give in to the glitter and shimmer.

Plastic Fantastic

Just what you need for spring showers and a good old Cumbrian summer, waterproof plastics were predominant on the spring/summer 18 catwalk. Yes really, wipe-clean macs, dresses, knee-high boots and even rain hats are now a thing - the fashion set must have had us in mind.

The Carlisle Guide

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drated. Olay Spa Exfoliating Body Scrub is great for sensitive skin d can be used as a daily scrub.

H E A LT H A N D B E A U T Y

get them tinted.

RevlonMake Colour Lip-liners FACEBOOK: Bridget Foster Up Stay & Hair Artist are brilliant and long-lasting at only

urt’s Bees Sugar Scrub £12.99 or Sanctuary Sugar Scrub 11 are my current favourites but its best to only use them a few mes a week.

£3.98.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The Carlisle Guide

B

ridget Foster gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of her one-to-one make-up tutorials, with friend Emma Stoszkowski.

With the start of a new year, and the quieter weekends, I have been booked out with my one-to-one make-up tutorials. I get a lot out of doing these, teaching women to look their best every day and feel good about themselves.

Personally, I have been glued to ‘Sali Hughes Beauty’ on YouTube where she interviews iconic Make-Up Artists such as Bobbi Brown , Charlotte Tilbury, Mary Greenwell and Val Garland. They all have a unique style and business ideas but the passion is the same; “making women feel beautiful” and “the best version of themselves”. This is what make-up is really about.

So I wanted to show you what happens in my own one-toone tutorials, as this is where I show local women how they can make the best of themselves.

I met my friend Emma Stozkowski, a well-established photographer working on many weddings. Most of the time it was a quick “hello” and then cracking on with our job, focusing on the client.

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www.bridgetfoster.co.uk

By Bridget Foster

At Elly Bowness’ wedding she watched me apply her make-up in fascination and asked if she could get it done for an occasion. Emma came to my make-up room and we just clicked. We have similar values with our businesses and personal lives. It was Emma who taught me the value of social media.

Emma follows all my tips and tricks and buys a lot of my recommendations. I Introduced her to brands such as Nars and Laura Mercier which is not available in Cumbria but accessible online or in nearby cities. I thought she would be the ideal person to record what happens during a one to one tutorial.

Name: Emma Stoszkowski Age: 36 Occupation: Freelance photographer Concerns: Needs to look polished and presentable all day for business purposes. Concerned about her smile lines and make-up creasing.

Me: Right, let’s see what you have, and tell me about your typical make up regime.

Emma: This is what I wear everyday but not to a wedding I am photographing. Just everyday stuff.

Me: Okay, great so what do you wear when you’re photographing someone’s wedding or going out?

Emma: I wear foundation and these eyeshadows. I like a smokey eye. I have this Powder by Nars and this eye primer but I think it creases and doesn’t sit well on my skin. I have a few products I have bought but was never told how to use them.

Me: Okay, it might just be how you apply it.

Throughout the tutorial I tried different products on one side of the face, while also making sure she was evenly matched. The difference was very subtle.

Emma became quite focused and quieter than normal. At one point she looked at me and said, “you will write this all down won’t you, I’m not good at remembering everything.

It’s so overwhelming.”

After a basic look we added more drama around the eyes.

Emma has a look of Snow White about her, with dark hair, pale skin and blue eyes. I used a simple black kohl pencil smudge around the eye line, which was simple but suited Emma’s style perfectly. I did notice Emma is quite ‘slap-dash’ when it comes to applying make-up, so I needed to make sure she had products which could be applied quickly and easily.

Photo credit: Emma Stoszkowski

What we added to her make up bag: 1. Brushes (Brushes are essential to applying good makeup. They do the majority of the work for you, making everything easier and quicker. I suggested three face brushes, and three eyeshadow brushes and an eyeliner brush.)

2. Eye Primer by Urban decay £16.50 or Mac paint pots £16. This is the key to good eyeshadow.

3. Laura Mercier mineral powder, to set and also be adaptable to wear alone in the day or gym.

4. Softer paler bronzer such as Laura Mercier Mocha Spice or Charlotte Tilbury First Love, both £30.

Emma loves a sparkle so I suggested go for matt eyeshadows to shape and add depth to her eyes and then add a touch of sparkle after. My favorite is Dior Mono Fusion, £25.

The Carlisle Guide

33

FOOD & DRINK

CAMPERVAN

COOKING PAR EXCELLENCE AT SCOTT’S BISTRO WORLD MARMALADE

AWARDS 2018

TARA’S

TIPPLES RECIPES

MENUS

LOCAL FOOD

COCKTAILS

INTERVIEWS The Carlisle Guide

FOOD & DRINK

par excellence at scott’s bistro

A

fter more than 100 years of being members only, Carlisle Golf Club has opened to the public with its new restaurant Scott’s Bistro.

The bistro is named in honour of club legend Syd Scott, the Club Professional at Carlisle Golf Club from 1946 to 1957.

He was runner-up at The Open at Royal Birkdale in 1954, the success of which put Syd and Carlisle Golf Club firmly on the map. In the following year, the highest playing honour was awarded with his selection for the Great Britain and Ireland team to play the USA in The Ryder Cup. Despite only opening its doors to the public two months ago, Scott’s Bistro has already received glowing reviews.

The restaurant is open for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings and for lunch throughout the week. However, it’s the Sunday lunches - a set menu of one to three courses, with four choices for each - with reduced prices for children, that have been particularly popular.

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The menu showcases the very best of local ingredients in its traditional, home-cooked British dishes, which have been given a creative, contemporary twist.

Clubhouse Manager, Chris Johns, explained: “We’re very proud to be Cumbrian and of the local produce that is available to us. We like to use all local ingredients to show them off and show what we can do.”

And it’s under the helm of head chef, Garry Deighton - who trained at L’Enclume in south Cumbria, under Simon Rogan - that Scott’s Bistro is really showing off.

Chris, who was a chef himself up until 12 months ago, said: “We’ve got two fantastic chefs, our head chef and sous chef are unbelievable - I’m in awe of these guys. Gary’s from good stock, his use of ingredients and sense of flavour is something else.”

FOOD & DRINK

This might explain why Scott’s seems to be, quite literally, flavour of the month in the city at the moment, Chris added: “We’ve had such good reviews. We’re confident that once people have been once they’ll come again and again. We’re just trying to get them through the door, to believe what they’re hearing.”

The views from the Bistro are a selling point in themselves.

With windows looking out onto the magnificently manicured course stretching as far as the eye can see, diners can sip their after-dinner coffee in the lounge, as they watch the golfers coming up the eighteenth. Last year the Club even scooped a gold Cumbria in Bloom award. “You won’t get a better view,” admitted Chris, “There’s some fantastic restaurants in the city, but when you look out of our windows it’s just unbelievable.”

Booking is essential due to Club functions being held, contact 01228 513029 or email catering@carlislegolfclub.org For more information visit www.carlislegolfclub.org/clubhouse

Inside is pretty impressive too, far from the stuffy, conventional golf club you might imagine, but rather refreshingly modern. The dining room and lounge have been newly furnished to create a stylish, but relaxed environment. Which is perfect for the top quality, casual dining experience they are looking to achieve.

Chris said: “We are a 110 year old golf club, so we have plenty of traditional features such as the trophy cabinet and the board with the names of all the players on, but we are continually modernising and improving the Clubhouse.”

The dress code for the Clubhouse also breaks with tradition, and is much more relaxed (jeans and trainers are more than welcome as long as they are presentable). And importantly, there’s plenty of free parking on site, so absolutely everyone is welcome to while away a few hours, enjoying beautiful food in spectacular surroundings.

Chris added: “When you walk in it’s definitely got that wow factor that you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a golf club - it’s in a different league.”

The Carlisle Guide

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FOOD & DRINK

marmalade a-PEEL

T

he 13th annual World’s Original Marmalade Awards, is set to take place on 17 March, with entries already flooding in from around the globe to Dalemain Mansion in the Lake District.

Founded in 2005 to help to preserve, grow and widen one of the most British of customs – marmalade making - the awards have since gone from strength to strength. As well as showcasing thousands of lovingly created homemade marmalades, the Artisan competition is now recognised as a key event for quality producers.

This year will welcome new artisan judges, most notably talented chef and main food columnist for the Saturday Telegraph, Xanthe Clay and consultant pastry chef to Waitrose, Will Torrent. They will join the small panel of experts in finding the best marmalades in the world for 2018.

Last year’s awards attracted entries from over 30 countries including Japan, Columbia, Singapore and Canada and with a new ‘Commonwealth Competition’ in 2018 organisers are hoping that this will be the most international year yet.

Founder and marmalade lover, Jane Hasell-McCosh said: “It is always so exciting to see all of the wonderful flavours and ingredients that are sent from all over the globe. I love to see exotic versions of such a quintessentially British product arriving at my home, which every spring becomes the centre of the Marmalade world. We look forward to welcoming many more international Gold winners to the Awards ceremony at the Festival.”

The Awards also remain hugely popular locally, with entries flooding in from across Cumbria, and entrants keen to help raise funds for local charities. The Awards & Festival have raised more than £200,000 for Hospice care, and hope to significantly add to this amount in 2018, with the full donation for every homemade entry going directly to charity.

At the heart of the Awards & Festival is Dalemain Mansion - a Georgian stately home and the holder of a rich archive of early marmalade recipes - where all the glorious, golden homemade entries will be on display, with a selection of the artisan marmalades available to taste and buy.

For more information visit www.marmaladeawards.com 38

The Carlisle Guide

M E A FL O SO ODN &W D HR E IENL K S

campervan cookbook

I

n a new cookbook, two Cumbrian foodies, authors and explorers, offer their favourite recipes for eating well on the road.

Having spent months exploring the world in their trusty VW camper, Megan Winter-Barker from Kendal and Simon Fielding, who grew up in Keswick, are experts at putting together incredible food equipped with just a two-burner camping stove and a tiny fridge or cool box.

Start the day with one-pot Mexican poached eggs with chorizo, tuck into satay chicken for lunch and enjoy an alfresco feast under the stars with ideas for Spanish meatballs, Asian stir fries, fiery curries, and more. No longer does food on the road have to involve yet another portion of beans on toast.

Here they’ve given us a little taster, to inspire your own campervan cooking...

Megan and Simon, whose family own The Apple Pie Café & Bakery in Ambleside, are keen travellers and big foodies. The Clever Camper Cookbook was born out of a recent roadtrip around Europe in their campervan ‘Pip’.

The Cookbook features over 20 of the best recipes they came up with on their travels. No fuss, nothing too fancy, just deliciously simple cooking. Whether you’re on top of a mountain, down by the water’s edge or setting up for a few nights at a festival, they’ve got all your food needs covered.

The Carlisle Guide

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FOOD & DRINK

FAJITAS WITH SALSA & HOMEMADE WRAPS

T

his is a great dish when you’re starving and need food on the table quickly.

Here we’ve gone for a traditional filling, but you can add whatever you like to your wraps and use up leftovers.

Try frying some chorizo for a bit of extra spice or throw in a few cherry tomatoes for some sweetness.

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T h e We s t C u m b r i a G u i d e

OO OD D & & D DR R II N NK K FF O

Ingredients for fajitas • • • • • • • • • •

Olive oil 2 chicken breasts (optional), cut into thin strips 1 onion, cut into strips 1 clove of garlic, crushed 1 bell pepper, cut into strips ½ zucchini (courgette), cut into strips 1–2 tablespoons fajita spice mix ½ x 14-oz (400-g) can of mixed beans, drained (optional) Crème fraîche (or sour cream), grated cheese (optional), and scallions (spring onions), to serve Cilantro (coriander) and fresh red chili, to garnish (optional)

Method for the fajitas 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Heat a splash of oil in a non-stick skillet (frying pan) over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken, if using, to the pan. Stir regularly so the meat doesn’t catch and cook until sealed.

Once the chicken is sealed, add the onion and the garlic and fry for 5 minutes to soften. Once soft, add the pepper and zucchini (courgette).

Cook for another 5 minutes and then add the fajita spice mix to the pan. Stir so it coats all the chicken and veg. If you’re going veggie, you could add half a can of mixed beans at this point to bulk up the dish.

Cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is definitely cooked through and the spices have turned sticky and delicious.

Serve on wraps (see below) with a good helping of your homemade salsa (see below), a dollop of crème fraîche, a sprinkle of sliced scallions (spring onions), sliced chilis, and a few cilantro (coriander) leaves. Finish with a grating of cheese if you’re feeling extra hungry.

For the full recipe head over to www.cumbriaguide.co.uk The Carlisle Guide

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FOOD & DRINK

rocky road

N

o baking, no fuss, these are the perfect campervan treats for picnics or refueling on long walks.

Don’t worry about measuring ingredients precisely, rough amounts will work just fine.

Ingredients • • • • •

44 22

3 ½ oz (100g) your favorite cookies (biscuits) 5 tablespoons (70g) butter 3 ½ oz (100g) chocolate buttons 2 tablespoons honey 3 ½ oz (100g) marshmallows, chopped into small pieces

Waer sl ti s C m ubirdi ea G u i d e TT hh ee C l eu G

OO OD D & & D DR R II N NK K FF O

Method 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Place your cookies (biscuits) in a sandwich bag or wrap in a clean kitchen towel and bash up into different sizes, from dust to small chunks.

Melt the butter in a pan with the chocolate and the honey over a low heat.

Take the pan off the heat and add the broken cookies and the marshmallows and mix together well. You could also add nuts, dried fruit, or even popcorn to your rocky road bars at this point.

Tip the mixture into a foil-lined tin or plastic container—anything that you can put in the fridge.

Squash the mixture down so it will stick together when it sets.

Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours. When it has set, cut into squares and tuck in. Enjoy!

Mix it up

Try substituting 2 tablespoons of peanut butter for 2 tablespoons of the butter to make your bars extra moreish!

Recipes extracted from The Clever Camper Cookbook by Megan Winter-Barker and Simon Fielding.

Published by Dog ‘n’ Bone Books on the 13th March and available from all good book retailers.

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FOOD & DRINK

Ant Brown’s Braised Baby Gem Lettuce with Peas, Mint, Bacon & Mustard Mayonnaise

C

umbrian chef, Antony Brown treats us to another seasonal recipe. Head over to Ant’s Facebook page (@antbrown) to watch him cook this dish live.

Braised Baby Gem Lettuce with Peas, Mint, Bacon and Mustard Mayonnaise A play on the classic dish Petit Pois a la Francaise, this side dish works really well with a variety of meats, fish, or vegetable main courses. I’ve served it alongside a beautiful roast rack of local Hogget and some seasonal Purple Sprouting Broccoli.

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FOOD & DRINK

Roast Baby Gem • • • • • • • • • •

2 x Baby Gem, cut lengthways 1 x Fennel, chopped 1 x Shallot or small Onion, chopped 1 x Clove of Garlic, finely chopped ½ Glass of White Wine 500 ml of Vegetable or Chicken Stock 200g Frozen Peas Juice of ½ Lemon 200g Purple Sprouting Broccoli, blanched and cooled immediately in cold water 6 x Leaves of fresh Mint, shredded

Mustard Mayonnaise topping • • • • • •

1 x Tablespoon of Mayonnaise 1 x Teaspoon of Dijon 25g of Finely Grated Parmesan Squeeze of Lemon Juice 3 x Rashers of Streaky Bacon, sliced and fried until crispy ½ tablespoon of chopped chives mixed with the crispy bacon

1.

Gently sauté the fennel, garlic and shallot in a little vegetable oil until tender 2. Add the wine and reduce the liquid by half 3. Add half of the stock and let the mix gently reduce 4. Meanwhile heat a separate frying pan, season the baby gem with salt and sugar, and fry in a tablespoon of vegetable oil until beautifully caramelised 5. Remove the baby gem and set to one side, and then add to the vegetable mix 6. At the same time add the blanched broccoli to the pan and cook it together for 2 minutes to heat through 7. Now add the frozen peas, and cook for a further 2 minutes.

8. Remove the baby gem from the pan, dry on paper towel and coat the caramelised side with the mustard mayonnaise and crispy bacon and chive mix 9. Add the mint and lemon to the pea mix, and taste for seasoning 10. Plate up the peas mixture, and place the gem and broccoli on top alongside the meat, fish or vegetable of your choice!

The Carlisle Guide

45

Tara’s Easter Tipples P

ut some zing into spring with these delicious Easter-themed treats. Whether it’s Easter brunch or a family lunch, they’ll leave your guests wholly impressed.

The Easter Basket A smooth and indulgent cocktail, with a fun twist... this little beauty captures the true essence of the Easter celebrations.

Adored with individual sugar baskets and pretty chocolate eggs, making for a colourful combination.

You will need for cocktail: • 30ml cremè brûlée liqueur • 20ml vodka • 10ml sugar syrup • Topped with orange juice • Mini eggs You will need for sugar basket: • 100ml water • 500g caster sugar

Method: 1. Combine and shake all ingredients over ice and strain into a small tumbler.

2.

3. To make the sugar basket: 4.

5. Combine sugar and water in a heavy based saucepan over a low heat. Keep low until the sugar has dissolved completely, but do not stir. Once sugar has dissolved, increase heat until the liquid turns into a light golden syrup.

6.

7. Take pan off the heat and using a fork, drizzle the syrup over the back of a ladle in repetative strips. Allow to cool slightly before gently twisting off.

8.

9. This sounds fiddly and does take a few attempts to get right, but well worth the effort.

10.

11. Finally top your cocktail with the easter basket and fill to the brim with mini eggs for the prettiest drink going.

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The Carlisle Guide

Spring Garden: Delicate floral and aromatic flavours come together here and are a welcoming nod to the longing arrival of Spring.

You will need: • 30ml gin (I prefer Bloom as it has serious floral undertones thanks to its chamomile and honeysuckle botanicals) • 10ml creme de cassis • 10ml elderflower and rose cordial • Half a lemon sqeezed • 1 egg white • Topped with tonic water • Edible flowers to decorate Method: 1. Combine all ingredients together (minus th tonic) and dry shake (no ice) in a cocktail shaker. When the egg white has started to produce a frothy white top, add ice and shake again.

2. Strain into a pretty coupe or martini glass and top with tonic.

3. Decorate with edible flowers/petals/rose buds. This is definitely a case of the more elaborate the better. This drink is encapsulating a garden in bloom, so go forth and be bold.

FOOD & DRINK

Bunny Boiler: Don't be fooled by the name, there's nothing fatal about this candy coloured delight. There's something wonderfully nostalgic about multi coloured hundreds and thousands, teamed with a reminicent bubblegum tuck shop vibe.

You will need: • 20ml vodka • 10 ml bubblegum syrup • 10ml amaretto • Topped with cranberry juice • Hundreds and thousands • Chocolate Easter Bunny Method: 1. Twist the top of a chilled coupe glass in sugar syrup, then proceed to twist in hundreds and thousands to create a sugary decorative rim.

2.

3. Combine all ingredients and shake over ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into the glass and decorate with a chocolate Easter bunny, or whatever sweet treat takes your fancy.

C aa rr ll ii ss ll ee G G uu ii dd ee TT hh ee C For more great cocktails and recipes visit www.cumbriaguide.co.uk

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Word search

PUZZLES

Search Words

Kid’s soduko

Solution On Page 81

BASKET - BUNNY - CHICK - EASTER - EGGS - FIND - FLOWERS - GRASS - HIDE HUNT - LAMB - LILY - NEST - RABBIT - SEARCH - SPRING - SUNDAY - TULIPS

Congratulations to last issues competition winner Bobby who has won an art set.

Keep sending those lovely pictures in.

48

Roberts The PUZZLE Reptilian THE GUIDE’S COLOURING COMPETITION PUZZLES

Can you colour in this picture and send it to us for the chance to win an art set?

SEND TO SARAH Address............................................................................................... The Guide Media Group Phoenix Enterprise Centre ..............................................................................................................

Cleator Moor .............................................................................................................. CA25 5BD Name........................................................................... Age...............

F E AT U R E

Easter Egg-tivities I f they can tear themselves away from the chocolate eggs over the Easter holidays, there’s plenty going on to keep them busy.

Easter Bunny’s Eggs Factor Harraby Community Centre, 24 March

In the most chocolatey Easter show ever, join the hunt for the hidden chocolate factory in Easter Bunny’s Eggs-ellent Adventure and meet the Easter Bunny himself afterwards, when each child will receive a special Easter gift. Expect lots of singing, including children’s favourites from The Hokey Cokey to the Wheels On The Bus, as you find out the truth behind the tale of the Easter Bunny and the mysterious Easter Egg trail. A family show suitable for 4 - 7 year olds. www.harrabycommunitycentre.org.uk

Peter Rabbit Party Rheged 24 - 25 March

If your little bunnies love Peter Rabbit you need to pay a visit to Rheged this Easter. With a screening of the new film every starring James Corden and Margot Robbie every day from 16 March – 3 June, running alongside their Peter Rabbit: Mischief and Mayhem™ Exhibition. Then over the weekend of 24 - 25 March they are hosting a special Peter Rabbit Party, where little ones can meet a real ‘Peter Rabbit’ bunny and join in with lots of bunny fun. You can book a joint exhibition and film ticket – pick your choice of film screening and visit the exhibition any time on the same day. www.rheged.com

Teddies Go Free

Ullswater Steamers, 30 March - 15 April If you go down to the lake today, you’re in for a big surprise. The Ullswater Steamers beloved Teddies Go Free event is back, which means between 30 March - 15 April every child accompanied onboard by their BFF (Best Furry Friend), travels for free.

And can they locate all the bears on the Teddy Trail? Don’t forget to share your favourite pictures from your day out online and use #TeddyFest. www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk 50

Adventure Camp

Talkin Tarn, 24 March onwards Kick start the season at Talkin Tarn Country Park as they reopen for summer on 24 March. Boat hire will be open every weekend and school holiday until October, or just enjoy the beautiful woodlands and tea rooms. If you really want to get the kids out from under your feet drop them off for a day of adventure activities, where qualified, experienced instructors will guide your children through a range of exciting outdoor activities. The Adventure Day Camp runs on 6, 11 and 12 April throughout the Easter holidays from 9.30am - 3pm. Suitable for ages 9 - 14, it will cost £45 per child or £40 each for groups of 2 or more.

For more information visit www.talkinadventures.com To book email info@talkinadventures.com

Easter CRAFTS

Tullie House, 31 March - 14 April This Easter holidays, Tullie House will host an array of crafts and activities inspired by their China exhibition. From egg decorating and making easter sock bunnies to traditional Chinese dragon puppets and willow patterns, there is something to keep them amused every day of the week. While you’re there, make sure you explore the galleries and hunt for the eggs in the Easter Trail. All these sessions are drop-in between 1pm - 4pm, free for families with annual tickets. www.tulliehouse.co.uk

Dragons & Chocolate Lowther Castle, 24 March - 15 April

Last year, hundreds of children - young and old - rolled up at Lowther to take part in their Easter egg hunt. Nests were scattered around the garden and a cunning map steered the hunters in and out of rock gardens and summerhouses and hidden groves. This year, they are bringing you something slightly different - amazing shiny scaly eggs and a trail that will lead you to all different parts of the grounds. Dragons have been laying eggs at Lowther Castle, join the hugely popular Easter Dragon egg hunt in the Castle gardens, with a chocolatey prize waiting at the end and lots of fun on the journey.

Free with admission. www.lowthercastle.org

T h e We sT t hCe u C mabrrl ii as l G e uGi du ei d e

5511

PUZZLES

Catch-Words Test your knowledge.

Answers on page 81 ALPHA SUDOKU Place a letter from A to I in each empty cell so every row, every column and every 2x3 box contains all the letters A to I.

52

The Carlisle Guide

Across 1 7 8 9 10 12

14 16 19 20 21

Malicious talk (10) Sea seen from Bari (8) Upper permitted limit (4) Shout (4) Period in prison (7) English stage and film actor, d. 1990 (3,8) Clairvoyant (7) Cordial (4) Decamp (by moonlight?) (4) Airedales, for example (8) Organised card-playing event (5,5)

Down 1 2

3 4 5 6 11

12 13 15 17 18

Pal (5) Calm down and take it easy (informal) (7) Two considered together (4) Not saying much (8) Cheek (5) Bird with a colourful beak (6) People who make and serve coffee (8) Outcome (6) Language of East Africa (7) Concealed difficulty (5) Amalgamate (5) Reared (4)

SUDOKU Place a number from 1 to 9 in each empty cell so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains all the numbers 1 to 9.

OAKTREE ANIMAL REFUGE

get them chipped O

aktree Animals’ Charity explain why chipping your pet is so important.

At Oak Tree Animals’ Charity we get many calls from owners who have lost their beloved pet and many of the animals we see do not have a microchip or, the details associated with the chip are incorrect. The latest figures from the Dog’s Trust Stray Dog Survey 2017 show 181 dogs go missing every day.

details. There may well be a fee to update your details but surely it is worth it to ensure your pet can be reunited to you if it is found straying or goes missing?

It is also worth noting that by law a dog will still need to wear a collar and tag that states the name and address of the owner when in a public place, even if microchipped.

By following these simple steps you have the best chance of being reunited should the worst happen.

Microchipping your pets is a simple and safe procedure and has the potential to make all the difference to your chances of being reunited with your beloved pet.

The microchip is the size of a grain of rice and the procedure, which needs to be carried out by a vet or trained implanter, takes only a couple of minutes. Many species ranging from dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and reptiles can be safely implanted with microchips.

Once a microchip is implanted, the unique 15 digit code and the owner’s details are stored on a secure database. When a missing pet is found, a professional (such as a vet, dog warden or animal charity) will scan the pet to see if they have a microchip and contact the microchip database to retrieve information on who the pet’s owner is. Owner’s details are only given after security checks by the microchip company so all personal data is secure.

From the 6th April 2016, all dogs must be microchipped by law with up-to-date keeper’s details. Failure to do so can result in up to a £500 fine.

Although it sounds like common sense to ensure you update your pet’s microchip details if you move house or change your contact details, last year 69% of all microchipped stray dogs were unable to be returned to their owners due to incorrect or out of date contact/owner

53

M OTO R I N G A N D S P O RT

70 years on the road L

and Rover’s 70th anniversary celebrations begin with the restoration of ‘missing’ original 4X4.

Land Rover will mark its 70th anniversary with a series of events and celebrations in 2018, beginning with the restoration of the vehicle that started it all – one of the three pre-production Land Rovers shown at the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show launch. This gave the world its first glimpse of the shape that would become instantly recognisable as a Land Rover.

For years the whereabouts of this launch Land Rover was a mystery. The demonstration vehicle from the Amsterdam show was last on the road in the 1960s, after which it spent 20 years in a Welsh field before being bought as a restoration project; it then lay languishing unfinished in a garden.

Following its surprise discovery just a few miles outside of Solihull, UK – where the car was first built – the experts at Jaguar Land Rover Classic spent months researching in company archives to unravel its ownership history and confirm its provenance.

The team behind the successful Land Rover Series I Reborn programme, which allows customers to own a slice of Land Rover history with meticulously restored Series Is, will now 54

embark on their most challenging project yet: a year-long mission to preserve this historically significant prototype and enable it to be driven again.

Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic Director, said: “This Land Rover is an irreplaceable piece of world automotive history and is as historically important as ‘Huey’, the first pre-production Land Rover. Beginning its sympathetic restoration here at Classic Works, where we can ensure it’s put back together precisely as it’s meant to be, is a fitting way to start Land Rover’s 70th anniversary year.

“There is something charming about the fact that exactly 70 years ago this vehicle would have been undergoing its final adjustments before being prepared for the 1948 Amsterdam Motor Show launch – where the world first saw the shape that’s now immediately recognised as a Land Rover.”

The Jaguar Land Rover Classic team will follow a dedicated process to restore the launch vehicle, which has a lot of special features that are unique to the 48 pre-production Land Rovers that were produced prior to the mass production vehicles, such as thicker aluminium alloy body panels, a galvanised chassis and a removable rear tub. The patina of its components will be preserved, including the original Light Green paint applied in 1948.

M OTO R I N G A N D S P O RT

Previous owners of this historic vehicle are being invited to Jaguar Land Rover’s Classic Works facility to share their experiences and to witness its loving restoration.

This landmark project, representing the earliest beginnings of the Land Rover story – which led to more than 67 years of continuous production of iconic Series I to Defender vehicles at Solihull – is the first in a series of stories and events that will celebrate the past, present and future of Land Rover throughout 2018.

Follow the story on Instagram @LandRoverUKP

55

28TH - 29TH APRIL

rallies up

By Paul McGuirk

C

arlisle is set to host record-breaking Pirelli International Rally.

In 2018, Carlisle is set to once again play host to the Pirelli International Rally, one of the biggest events on the UK motorsports calendar.

The great border city will be home to the 2nd round of the 2018 Prestone MSA British Rally Championship, marking the 27th year Carlisle has been chosen as a venue for the UK’s premier rally series, a unique achievement in British sporting history.

This year’s rally will take place over the weekend of the 28 29 April. Spectators will not be required to purchase tickets to enjoy the event, with opportunities to view the competition from a variety of vantage points. Maps will be published by the organisers in the run-up to the event, highlighting the best places for keen petrolheads to catch a piece of the action.

The rally is typically met with fervour and excitement and this response is cited by the organisers as a reason why Carlisle is repeatedly chosen to host the event on an annual basis.

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The Carlisle Guide

Pirelli has long held ties with Carlisle, where the tyre maker has a major manufacturing facility which employs over 750 locals. The factory initially opened its doors in 1969 and has witnessed exponential growth in recent years.

Last year saw a revised format to the rally, which featured two laps of the vast Kielder Forest before an exciting urban finish in Brampton town centre. Spectators lined the streets to witness cars crossing the finish line and winners lifting their trophies, amidst a carnival atmosphere enjoyed by people of all ages.

This year follows a similar format, albeit with some minor improvements. Two wheel-drive crews from the Rally2 2WD Challenge will be given the opportunity to run first on the smooth surfaces and fast, flowing tracks which guarantee excitement and competitiveness in equal measure.

Competitors in the Fuchs MSA History Rally Championship and the HRCR Motoscope Northern Historic Championship will follow in what promises to be an action-packed weekend of thrills and spills for motorsports fans.

M OTO R I N G A N D S P O RT

The first car will leave Carlisle’s H&H Borderway Auction Mart at 7:30am and make its way through the Kielder Forest, encountering four short and snappy stages of action over 43 miles of prime road before returning to base at 12:30pm, leaving plenty of time for visitors to make their onward journey home. Those who wish to make a day of it are welcome to re-join the event for a further 26 miles of stages, culminating in a ceremonial finish in Brampton town centre.

Businesses in the area look forward to the increased economic activity the Pirelli International Rally brings, with hundreds of hotel rooms booked up by racing enthusiasts, competing teams and visiting officials every year. Many local hospitality trade operators are booked out months in advance in anticipation of the event.

Highlighting the esteem that a sporting event of this magnitude brings, a spokesperson for Pirelli International Rally said: “We are absolutely delighted to be chosen once again as a round of Britain’s premier rally series. It requires some serious hard work to produce an event of the standard required by a prestigious series, but we are fortunate in having a dedicated and enthusiastic team who excel at everything they do and make sure the event retains its top-level status.”

Spectators are considered the heart and soul of the rally, which typically features car displays, a big screen television and a Pirelli Formula 1 simulator. Fans are advised to arrive early to get the best possible viewing experience and to soak up the atmosphere of what promises to be a unique and exciting weekend of motorsports right here in the heart of Cumbria.

The Pirelli International Rally will run over the weekend of 28 - 29 April. The rally’s headquarters and service area is based at the H&H Borderway Mart complex, easily accessible from the M6.

For further information, visit the event website at www.perilliinternationalrally.co.uk The Carlisle Guide

57

CARLISLE UNITED

Neither Bad, Nor Particularly Good. Is United’s Season In Danger Of Going Flat?

By Ross Brewster

I

/

Photography by Mark Fuller

t’s not that they have been particularly bad, it’s just that they have not produced performances often enough to excite.

There have been times when Carlisle United seemed capable, for all their inconsistency, of bridging the gap with the League Two play-off places. Some individual flashes of brilliance.

But there’s been a disappointing pattern to the season in that just when Carlisle have seemed to be heading the right way towards a fascinating finale to the campaign, it’s been one step forward and one step back again.

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The Carlisle Guide

Next August will mark 60 years since I first set foot in Brunton Park, as a schoolboy watching from the old Scratching Shed and later from a regular spot adjacent to the halfway line in the Paddock where the comments of the regulars were as entertaining as the football.

I’ve seen the glory, and I’ve followed United through many more years of pain and suffering. That’s the eternal fate of the football fan.

What worries me, as the current season drifts in mediocrity, is hearing older supporters say they won’t be returning to Brunton Park next season unless there’s a more compelling reason than some of the stuff they’ve witnessed this time round.

I suspect the summer will be a time of change for United.

Right now it’s a time of uncertainty surrounding just who will still be here, both on and off the pitch. And for some of those hard-bitten loyal supporters, it will also be a time for decision on where their Saturday afternoons are going to be spent.

There have been seasons when you’d have given your eye teeth for mid-table safety. But Carlisle fans demand more than security. Us oldies were brought up on Balderstone, McIlmoyle and the rest of that golden era and I suppose at times we hold unrealistic expectations of those who represent the club in the present.

I believe the players are not satisfied with how the season has shaped. It’s odd that some of Carlisle’s best performances have come against teams a league above them in the FA Cup. The Oldham and Gillingham games showed that United were capable of better, but weren’t producing the goods week in, week out in the bread and butter atmosphere of League Two. On-loan Millwall defender James Brown admitted:”We have to hold our hands up and say we have not been good enough at times this season. With the quality we have in the dressing room we know we could be five or ten points better off.”

The quest for “the need to improve, but without breaking the bank,” as Curle said in an interview for the club’s website with the January transfer window looming, has been compounded by long term injuries to key players Nicky Adams and Jason Kennedy.

United did move to refresh the squad with a couple of departures and some arrivals, but initially at least the gap between them and the play-offs got wider.

On the plus side the defence, United’s long time weakness, has stiffened, largely due to the signing of veteran Clint Hill with his organisational presence. There was a period where United would play okay for 20 minutes, then concede a soft goal and it was a matter of how many? That leak has been plugged, but alongside that positive the side has lacked creativity and never properly worked out which partnership up front is most productive.

Manager Keith Curle agreed that United were “grinding out” results, but asked: “What comes first. Do we want stylish, entertaining, free flowing football but we get beat?”

Yes, result are the ultimate criterion, but the paying public want entertainment, too, and United have fallen short too much for the liking of a section of their supporters who feel it’s all gone a bit flat this season. Hard to argue with that analysis.

As Curle affirms, a manager’s job is measured by results.

“Results have to come first, then we can build on our style of play. If we find we are starting to get two or three goals ahead of teams, that’s when we can go on and be open and expansive.”

Truth to tell, United have not been that “open and expansive” side often enough in home games. Back in August they began with a defeat and somehow that set the template for too many average displays. The team has shown it can perform in patches, but rarely has it dominated opponents.

The Carlisle Guide

59

BRAND

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NEW FOR 2018

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CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING

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FLY FISHING

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

W H AT ’ S O N

MUSIC / COMEDY /THE ATRE / FILM / OTHER

MUSIC

GLENN TILBROOK OLD FIRE STATION

24

MAR

Take Me, I’m Yours and Squeeze youself Up The Junction to be Cool For Cats and Labelled With Love. Tempted?

Doors 7pm Show 8pm

MARCH 15

Christian Moss - Nathan Linney Nostaiga Open Mind,Carlisle

15

Lisa McHugh Harraby Community Theatre

16

Dark Horses The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

16

Krow The Source Collective,Carlisle

16

Open Mic Night Hungry Horse,Carlisle

16

Cocktails and Kareoke C a l v a B a r, C a r l i s l e

21

L a s t Tr a i n To S k a v i l l e The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

21

Paul Lewis Rosehill Theatre ,Whitehaven

22

Carlisle Music Society presents A l e n a L u g o v k i n a , ( f l u t e ) N i k l a s Wa l e n t i n , (violin) and Viv McLean (piano) S t C u t h b e r t ’s C h u r c h , C a r l i s l e

23

The Doors Alive The Brickyard,Carlisle

23

Club Anthems Club Concrete,Carlisle

24

We s t C u m b e r l a n d C h o r a l - A H o w a r d Goodall Evening Rosehill Theatre , Whitehaven

24

Glenn Tilbrook The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

24

R a t t l e d a n d H u m m i n ’ - U 2 Tr i b u t e The Source Collective,Carlisle

24

Soul Junction Club Brittania,Carlisle

29

Celebration Rocks T h e a t r e B y T h e L a ke , Ke s w i c k

30

One Night Stand - Mason Maynard - Ki Creighton Lee Clark-Just Keys Club Concrete,Carlisle

31

Blues Revue

31

Soul Junction Harraby Catholic Club,Carlisle

31

Strike It Up Museum Inn, Carlisle

The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

APRIL 01

A i d e n ’s J a z z - F u n k O d y s s e y Mealsgate Hacienda

01

M a r r a To n e s The Throstles Nest,Wigton

06

Gaz & Daz Easter Sunday Vinyl Par ty Coco Mill,Carlisle

06

Chris Antonik The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

06

Seven Drunken Nights - The Dubliners The Sands Centre

06

Open Mic Night Brampton Conservative Club

07

Pink Floydian The Brickyard,Carlisle

07

The Real Thing The Sands Centre

07

Bruno Mars vs Michael Jackson tribute Hallmark Hotel,Carlisle

The Carlisle Guide

61

F E AT U R E

O

Editor’s Pick ur Editor picks some of the highlights happening in Carlisle over the coming months, including dance, comedy and gin, of course.

Jonathan Pie 23 March, Sands Centre

The frustrated News reporter is back and he’s angrier than ever. Pie attempts to host a night of serious discussions on current affairs whilst simultaneously attempting to smash the system from within. Join him for a night of political comedy that soon descends into chaos. Political satire at its finest.

The Gin Society 13 - 15 April, Old Fire Station

The Gin Society is back with more dates, more gin, and more fun. Discover the delights of over 120 gins, plus a changing range of guest gins from the classic to the contemporary. Sample what’s on offer at the exclusive Tasting Station and prosecco cocktail bar, with mellow, vintage sounds from the DJ’s to soothe as you sip.

Kiri Pritchard-Mclean 19 April, Old Fire Station

Chortle Award nominee Kiri hasn’t been doing stand up for long, but has already made an impression with her unique, assured voice and whip smart material to match. She has the rare ability to be challenging in her material without alienating her audience, evident in her show, Appropriate Adult - an immoral comedian’s morality tale about other people’s lack of morals.

John Robins

21 April, Old Fire Station Edinburgh Comedy Award 2017 winner, comedian John Robins – one of the most exciting and distinctive voices in comedy – returns reflecting on love, loss and lamenting the fact he can’t break up with himself. This is powerful, angst-ridden comedy at its finest, a must-see from one of the UK’s brightest talents. (Rescheduled from 16 February, tickets for the original date are still valid.)

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U Dance

26 April, Sands Centre The annual celebration of children and young people’s dance from across Cumbria returns. U.Dance Cumbria supports schools to create high quality creative dance within the curriculum and to celebrate this through performance.

As always the evening promises to highlight the amazing dance talent here in Cumbria.

Jason Manford 4 May, Sands Centre

The first of two Cumbria dates for his 2018 tour, Muddle Class. The nationally acclaimed comic has had a busy few years but Jason hasn’t changed a bit and promises to bring lots of laughs to the county.

And one for the diary…

Paloma Faith

7 July, Carlisle Racecourse Chart-topper Paloma Faith will headline an open-air concert at Carlisle Racecourse this summer. With her acclaimed Number 1 album ‘The Architect’ riding high in the charts and a BRIT nomination for Best British Female, Paloma is the latest in a long line of stars to headline the event, renowned for combining an exciting evening at the races with a spectacular live concert.

HELLO

Sunday 17th June

what a feeling, cumbria will be

Dancing on the Ceiling T

he Legendary Lionel Richie will have Cumbria dancing All Night Long this summer.

The International superstar will visit the county, with a show at Brunton Park, the home of Carlisle United FC on Sunday 17th June.

The date is part of a summer tour which will see the singer return to the UK, visiting iconic venues across the country.

Performing hits from his extensive and much loved repertoire spanning decades, all the way from the Commodores to the present day, Richie’s shows are world renowned for their party atmosphere. Fans will be able to enjoy timeless mega-hits and sing along to classics such as ‘Lady’, ‘Truly, ‘Dancing on the Ceiling’, ‘Say You Say Me’, ‘Hello’ and ‘All Night Long’.

Speaking of his return, Lionel said: “I’ve been missing the UK and can’t wait to make my long awaited return and to see parts of the country I’ve never made it out to before. The fans are always incredible and they make the atmosphere at every show electric, so I look forward to singing along with them soon.”

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The Carlisle Guide

These will be Lionel’s first UK shows since receiving glittering reviews for the ‘All The Hits’ tour. The dates followed a phenomenal Glastonbury performance which drew the biggest crowd of the weekend as over 200,000 people flocked to the Pyramid Stage. The incredible success continued as his album ‘The Definitive Collection’ topped the charts and provided his first UK Number 1 in 23 years.

Lionel went on to receive British GQ’s Icon Award adding to a celebrated career which includes the four GRAMMYs, a Golden Globe and even an Oscar as well as the prestigious Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Award. Having sold over 100 million albums worldwide he recently joined the judging panel on ABC’s American Idol.

Phil King, Sales and Marketing Director at Carlisle United said: “We are delighted to be able to welcome Lionel Richie to Brunton Park. Lionel is a major international artist, and we are excited to see him here in Carlisle. This will be the third successive year we have held concerts here, and it's great to see things going from strength to strength - it's fantastic for the club and for the city” Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com

Got an Event?

TO L I S T YO U R E V E N T F O R F R E E EMAIL: info@theguidemediagroup.com

23

Peter Hook & The Light The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

27

The Battle of Manchester - The Clone Roses Vs Oaces The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

07

Misfitz The Redfern,Carlisle

28

The Sensational 60s Experience

10

T h e L u c k y L e l e ’s The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

28

Baghdaddies

11

The Young’ uns - The Ballad of Johnny Longstaff

13

That’ll Be The Day The Sands Centre

13

Carlisle Folk & Blues Club present Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby C a r l i s l e E x S e r v i c e s M e n ’s C l u b

13

Grade 2 T h e Ve n u e , C a r l i s l e

14

Rhythm A GO GO

14

Maiden Scotland The Brickyard,Carlisle

14

UK Number 1 Elvis Tribute

15

Emma Johnson

17

R o b H e r o n & T h e Te a P a d O r c h e s t r a The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

MARCH

18

Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers

09

Iain Stirling

20

3 River City

11

Mitch Benn

21

The Police String Show

12

John Cooper Clarke

Czech National Symphony Orchestra

16

Shappi Khorsandi - Mistress & Misfit

21

Come & Sing Faure Requiem

22

Alun Cochrane

21 21

Almost Pink Sun Inn,Aspatria

22

Ed Byrne: Spoiler Alert

22

Money For Nothing The Sands Centre

22

Carlisle Music Society Alena Lugovkina - Flute N i k l a s Wa l e n t i n - V i o l i n Viv McLean - Piano S t C u t h b e r t ’s C h u r c h

The Sands Centre

The Old Fire Station - Carlisle

The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

The Old Masonic Hall,Carlisle

22

The Greenhill Hotel,Wigton

MAR

Rosehill Theatre . Whitehaven

Mcgrews Bistro,Carlisle The Black Lion,Durdar The Brickyard,Carlisle The Sands Centre

S t C u t h b e r t ’s C h u r c h , C a r l i s l e

Alun Cochrane Old Fire Station, Carlisle

Alun Cochrane is a no-nonsense comedian who specialises in funny nonsense.

Not to be missed.

Old Fire Station, Carlisle Old Fire Station, Carlisle Old Fire Station, Carlisle Rosehill Theatre ,Whitehaven

The Old Fire Station,Carlisle The Sands Centre

APRIL 07

Jane Postlethwaite Creating Comedy Characters Workshop Old Fire Station, Carlisle

13

Jonathan Pie: Back to the Studio

The Sands Centre 13th-14th

The Carlisle Guide - head over to www.cumbria guide .co.uk for the latest what’s on

65

W H AT ’ S O N

stars of sci-fi headed to carlisle comic con

By Paul McGuirk

W

hile many of us associate St. Patrick’s Day with wearing an oversized hat, drinking too much Guinness and pretending to be Irish for the day, 17 March this year represents something entirely different for Cumbrian fans of science fiction.

Carlisle Comic Con 2018 will be making Richard Rose Central Academy its home for the day, with stars from some of the world’s most critically-acclaimed sci-fi franchises making an appearance - offering fans a chance to discuss their favourite shows, take selfies and get autographs from the biggest names in the genre.

Guests include Spencer Wilding, who played Darth Vader in the Star Wars series of movies; Robert Llewellyn, best known for his role as the hapless mechanoid Kryten in the cult BBC series Red Dwarf; Peter Davison, the fifth doctor from Dr Who; and Mike Mundy, famed for his role as a “walker” in the hit zombie series The Walking Dead.

Movie and TV veteran Julian Glover, known for his roles in Indiana Jones, Star Wars and Game of Thrones will also be in attendance, alongside other famous faces from the wizarding world of Harry Potter and more.

This year will also see the return of a cosplay competition, with amazing prizes and trophies up for grabs for the winners. Fans are encouraged to attend dressed as their favourite comic characters, with die-hards expected to spare no expense to create ultrarealistic costumes.

Fans of comic books are in for a treat, as artists from Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, IDW, 2000AD including Jeff Anderson, Simon Furman, Lyndon White and Emma Vieceli will be on-hand to discuss their works. Afterwards, fans will have the opportunity to shop for rare and original comics and artworks.

The sci-fi extravaganza will also play host to a variety of movie props, including the DeLorean from the Back to the Future franchise and Lightning McQueen from ‘Cars’. Keen button-bashers will also get a chance to showcase their skills in a free gaming area after a fun-filled day of meeting the stars and shopping for exclusive memorabilia.

Carlisle Comic Con takes place at Richard Rose Academy.

Early bird passes enable visitors to enter from 9:30am, costing £12 for adults and £6 for children. Standard passes (with entry from 10:30am) cost £8 for adults and £6 for children. Under 5’s go free.

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1UP COMICS

1 up for carlisle’s nerds

A

new venture is hoping to become the hub of Carlisle’s “nerd” culture.

The newly opened, 1Up Comics and Collectibles on Carlisle’s Castle Street, is the joint venture of two self-confessed comic geeks. Marti Smith and Daniel Barbour share a love of all aspects of “nerd” culture, so much so that they opened their own store, specialising in manga, comics, graphic novels, statues, clothing and various collectibles and trading card games.

Marti, who has been involved in the culture for a while, travelling to conventions in London, explained: “It’s something we are passionate about, that is the main driving force behind it. Me and Dan both love this stuff, so we wanted to turn what we love to do into a business venture.”

He added: “We’ve had customers in here for two hours, just talking. I will give them nothing but recommendations, I’m that type of person, I just want people to enjoy what I enjoy.”

“We wanted to see what kind of driving force there was for this in Carlisle, to see if people wanted it to work,” said Marti. “A lot of people come in and say ‘Carlisle really needs this’, and we hear them, we really wanted it too and that’s why we’re here.”

There are even plans to invest in an arcade machine and host tournaments in the store, and by the end of the year they hope to have a designated gaming area set up, with an Xbox and a Wii for multiplayer gaming where people can socialise with friends - and maybe even make new ones.

So as the saying goes - be there or be, erm, square.

To donate to their crowdfunding page go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk/1upcomicscollectibles Visit the 1Up Comics and Collectibles Facebook page @1UpStoreUk

But as well as being a one-stop shop for everything nerdy, Marti and Dan want to develop the social aspect of 1Up. They envision a hub, where people with common interests can relax and bond over something they enjoy, in a warm and friendly environment.

Having already invested their own money into the business, they set up a crowdfunding page and are hoping to raise £5,000 by 23 March, to allow them to fully stock and furnish the shop and bring in some new ideas.

The Carlisle Guide

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GREEN ROOM CLUB

DING, DONG! T

he Green Room Club’s latest production is set to be a bit of a ding-dong.

A fantastic farce is showing at West Walls Theatre from 19 24 March. Ding Dong, adapted from the French play, Sexe et Jalousie is written by Marc Camoletti, the same talent who brought the classic Boeing-Boeing, performed in 2013.

Audiences can expect hot air and hilarity, as the charade centres around Bernard, who has just discovered that his wife, Jacqueline, is having an affair with Robert. Being a reasonable businessman, Bernard gives Robert two options to compensate for the affair, either he will sleep with Robert's wife in order to keep things even, or he will have him killed.

Needless to say, Robert chooses to let Bernard sleep with his wife. Scheming to woo her, Bernard arranges an evening meal with both couples. But of course, this French farce is never going to be straightforward, and a whole new set of complications develops.

Ding Dong is directed by Jack Lester, who moved to Carlisle from Middlesbrough five years ago to study performing arts at the University of Cumbria. Jack joined the Green Room Club in 2013 and during his time there has impressed centre stage as well as behind the scenes. His latest role was as Stanley in January’s production of ‘Broadway Bound’. This will be the second play he has directed after the success of last year’s production of 'Blithe Spirit' at the Green Room.

Support the Green Room Club through advertising and sponsorship.

Their programme offers value for money with a 1/4 page advert for £30, 1/2 page for £50 or a full page for £100.

For £30 a week you can advertise on a large screen in the auditorium which displays slides before a performance and during the interval.

Sponsor a production for £250 with a package including; the sponsor’s name and logo on all advertising to do with the production, a full page advert in the programme, an advert on the projector for the run of the production, 6 free tickets for an available performance, a complimentary drink during the interval and a member of the Executive Committee as a host for the evening.

For any further enquiries contact Kath Paterson on 07834174497 or email ihkp@aol.com Ding Dong is showing at West Walls Theatre from 19 24 March. Tickets available from the Old Town Hall or contact 01228 598596

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W H AT ’ S O N

MUSIC / COMEDY /THE ATRE / FILM / OTHER FILM

THE ATRE MARCH 15

Ta m i n g o f t h e S h r e w The Halston,Carlisle

18

S t a g e d R i g h t Yo u t h T h e a t r e The Sands Centre

22

Bye Bye Birdie Stanwix Theatre,Carlisle

22

22nd,23rd,24th L i t t l e Wo m e n Stanwix Theatre,Carlisle

23

23rd-10th April H y m n To L o v e T h e a t r e B y T h e L a ke , Ke s w i c k

24

The Chef Show Outlon Village Hall,Wigton

25

F r e e Ta s t e r S e s s i o n - A d u l t D r a m a Wo r k s h o p s Harraby Community Theatre,Carlisle

26

Blood Brothers The Sands Centre

28

W h e r e ’s M y I g l o o G o n e The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

MARCH 16

Showing from 16th March - 3rd June Peter Rabbit

Rheged

16

I , To n y a

19

Darkest Hour (PG)

20

V i n c e n t Va n G o g h : A N e w Way o f S e e i n g Rheged

26

Phantom Thread (15) Kirkgate Ar ts Centre , Cockermouth

26

Easter Parade Harraby Community Theatre

Rheged

Kirkgate Arts Centre, Cockermouth

APRIL

01

The Paul Seath Story (18) Can a DJ save the world and get back in time for a chippy tea? Only time will tell.

This film will be projected onto the side of a skip. TB A

06

Early Man (PG) Kirkgate Ar ts Centre , Cockermouth

07

Labyrinth (Carlisle Cult Cinema Club) Harraby Community Theatre

09

The Mercy (12A) Kirkgate Ar ts Centre , Cockermouth

16

La La Land Harraby Community Theatre

APRIL 03

A Street Car Named Desire T h e a t r e B y T h e L a ke , Ke s w i c k

08

T h e Wa r o f T h e Wo r l d s

By The Pantaloons The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

08

Beauty & The Beast The Sands Centre

10

Great Expectations T h e a t r e B y T h e L a ke , Ke s w i c k 1 0 t h - 1 4 t h

13

Jekyll and Hyde The Musical University of Cumbria

20

Pitch Perfect 3 (12A) Kirkgate Ar ts Centre , Cockermouth

19

Here I Belong T h e a t r e B y T h e L a ke , Ke s w i c k

23

T h e S h a p e o f Wa t e r ( 1 5 ) Kirkgate Ar ts Centre , Cockermouth

21

We Are The Lions, Mr Manager!

30

The Square (15) Kirkgate Ar ts Centre , Cockermouth

Rosehill Theatre ,Whitehaven

For information on all upcoming GIGS head to www.cumbriaguide.co.uk

W H AT ’ S O N

That north eastern swing!

By Paul McGuirk

I

n a crowded musical climate, it can be difficult to create something unique, genuine, exciting and entertaining in equal measure. But Rob Heron & The Teapad Orchestra’s special blend of roots, skiffle, rockabilly, gypsy jazz and blues, manages to tick all the right boxes.

In anticipation of the band’s appearance at Carlisle’s Old Fire Station on Tuesday 17 April, Paul McGuirk spoke to Teapad Orchestra frontman Rob Heron about life on the road, new album plans and the concept of North Eastern Swing.

Hi Rob – you’re about to set off on a lengthy tour of the UK and Ireland. Are you ready to back on the road, and are you looking forward to it?

We do enough shows to keep on top of it all. Rehearsals are for indie bands. We only rehearse if we have a new record or new material.

We did a festival in Ireland last year with a saxophone player who’d never played with us and he smashed it.

We’re always ready.

One thing that’s immediately noticeable upon listening to your music is that there’s a lot of different influences in there.

How would you describe 70

The Carlisle Guide

your sound to those who might want to come along to your show without having heard your music?

We often refer to our music as “North Eastern Swing”, as a play on Western swing. Our influences include rockabilly, jazz, R&B, swing and blues, but I write about life in the North of England, hence “North Eastern Swing.”

The Teapad Orchestra last released an album – Something Blue – to great acclaim. Are there any new releases in the pipeline?

We were hoping to begin recording at some point in the first half of the year, with a view to putting out our best record yet towards the end of 2018. I have huge ideas for it, most of which still need to come to fruition.

Your tour schedule looks fairly extensive and I think I’m right in saying you’re visiting a lot of towns you’ve never been to before – any in particular you’re looking forward to?

Carlisle (laughs). We’ve never played the Old Fire Station before, but we’ve heard it’s a great venue so we’re looking forward to performing there. But yeah, part of the beauty of touring is that you get to visit lots of wonderful places you’d never think of going to otherwise.

Rob Heron & The Teapad Orchestra will be performing at the Old Fire Station on Tuesday 17 April.

Tickets cost £13.20 www.oldfirestation.carlisle.city

W H AT ’ S O N

MUSIC / COMEDY /THE ATRE / FILM / OTHER OTHER MARCH

APRIL 01

Season Open Day

01

Easter Sunday Lunch

01

Easter Fair

The Sands Centre

03

Easter Intesne - Mamma Mia Workshop

17th - 31st March 1 7 Gillian Naylor & Inigo Ford

04

Easter Ball

05

Alan Whitworth Book Launch

06

Sportsman’s Dinner

08

Greenhead Hotel Spring Fair

08

Retro Toyota Day

12

Jim Cox Book Launch

12

Paula O’Brien

13

The Gin Society Festival

Showing until 3rd June Peter Rabbit: Mischief and Mayhem™ Exhibition.

Rheged

16th - 18th March 1 6 Cumbria Life Home & Garden Show Rheged

16

Big Dance 2018

The Front Room, Brampton

Cumbria Pride Gala Ball 17 T h e Ve n u e , C a r l i s l e

Carlisle Comic Con 17

Richard Rose Central Academy

Clare Crossman Book Launch 22 Cakes & Ale ,Carlisle

22

Nefertiti’s Face

23

Night of the Watches

23

Sporting Dinner with Kevin Keegan

Carlisle and District Egyptology Society The Old Fire Station,Carlisle T h e S h e p h e r d s a n d A u c t i o n e e r, C a r l i s l e

Historical Tour of Cumbria 2 3 with Eric Robson Rheged

24

Ghost Hunt

Solway Aviation Museum

Easter Bunny’s Eggs Factor 24

Harraby Community Theatre

Toy, Train & Sci-Fi Fair 25

The Shepherds Inn,Carlisle

25

Wedding Fair Tullie House

A d u l t D r a m a Wo r k s h o p 25 Harraby Community Theatre 28

A d u l t D r a m a Wo r k s h o p Harraby Community Theatre

Kirklinton Hall Crown & Mitre Hotel.Carlise O a k Tr e e A n i m a l s C h a r i t y , C a r l i s l e Harraby Community Theatre

Crown and Mitre Hotel,Carlisle Cakes & Ale ,Carlisle

T h e S h e p h e r d s a n d A u c t i o n e e r, C a r l i s l e The Greenhead Hotel To y o t a , C a r l i s l e Cakes & Ale ,Carlisle Hallmark Hotel,Carlisle The Old Fire Station,Carlisle

14th - 28th April 14 Carol McDermott & Carlo Castelvecchi The Front Room, Brampton 19

Charity Quiz Night

28

Digital Photography with Tricia Meynall

C a l v a B a r, C a r l i s l e Kirklinton Hall

28th - 29th May

2 8 Nature Explorers’ Weekend Tu l l i e H o u s e 29

Skate & Eat Cake Open Day

29

Ray Greenhow Book Launch

B o r d e r C i t y R o l l e r D e r b y, C a r l i s l e Cakes & Ale ,Carlisle

71

W H AT ’ S O N

stepping up to the challenge

T

his year our Editor, Sarah Sinclair is stepping out of her comfort zone for a cause very close to home.

Every two months, Sarah visits the hospital where she receives an in intravenous infusion of a drug which (so far) keeps her well enough to enjoy a normal quality of life. She was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2015, a condition that causes inflammation of the digestive system or gut. Crohn’s is a chronic condition, it is ongoing and life-long, although there can be periods of good health, as well as times when symptoms are more active.

In the UK, someone is diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease every 30 minutes.This often comes after a period of severe illness and before what will inevitably be an even longer process of finding a treatment that works for them. And even then, it’s not always a permanent solution.

8 out of 10 sufferers will have surgery at some point. Almost everyone will experience flares which will leave them too ill and exhausted to do many of the things most take for granted, like going to work, taking a shower or even getting out of bed.

In what she describes as a “moment of madness”, last October Sarah signed up to take part in the Great North Run, on 9 September this year, she explained: “Having stopped pretty much all physical activity when I became ill, I was anxious that I needed to get my body moving again but at a complete loss of where to start. I reasoned that a challenge, and an opportunity to do something positive with my experience was just what I needed.”

Running the half marathon on 9 September, Sarah is hoping to raise £400 for Crohn’s and Colitis UK, the UK’s leading charity in the battle against IBD. She added: “Crohn’s and Colitis UK are committed to treatment, support, research and ultimately finding a cure for a disease we still know relatively little about.

“They want to see a world in which people’s lives are not limited by Crohn’s and Colitis, and so do I.” To sponsor Sarah and to donate to Crohn’s and Colitis UK visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sarah-l-sinclair 72

The Carlisle Guide

2018 r o f s n r u t e R n Colour Ru

V

ivid colours will brighten up Carlisle this May as the annual Eden Valley Hospice Colour Run returns to the racecourse, bigger, brighter and with added bubbles.

Registration is now open for the hospice’s fourth 5km Colour Run, which will take place on Sunday 13 May. The family friendly event will see thousands of fundraisers transforming themselves from a blank canvas into a rainbow of colour as they complete two laps of the track.

More than 1,300 people took part in the 2017 event raising almost £60,000 to help the care, support and activities provided at the hospice. Since launching in 2015 the three previous Carlisle Colour Run events have raised an incredible £190,948.

Whether you walk, run or dance around Carlisle’s brightest 5km, you’re guaranteed to have a colourful day.

Registration for the Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw Colour Run at Carlisle Racecourse is now open. Prices are £20 Adults (16+), £10 Children (5 to 15) FREE Under 5s, £45 Family (two adults and two children) and £60 group (four adults).

To sign up visit www.edenvalleyhospice.org or www. jigsawhospice.org or call the Fundraising Team on 01228 817613

Sam Johnston, Community Fundraiser, explained: “The Colour Run is a brilliant occasion which really pulls the community together to help raise money for the hospice. It is our signature and biggest event of the year.

“All ages can join in from the toddlers to the elderly. We had three generations of one family taking part last year.”

The vibrant day of fundraising will see participants pass through the different paint stations where they will be showered in coloured powdered paint, along with the return of the foam station.

There is no minimum sponsorship for the Colour Run, all is asked is that you raise as much money as you can to help Eden Valley Hospice and Jigsaw. The registration fee covers all costs involved in administering a place in the event, as well as providing Colour Run paint, t-shirt, sunglasses, bubbles and a finishers prize.

The Carlisle Guide

73

COAST SERIES

CumbriaN Coast: Haverigg

By Dave McMillan

O

n our next port of call along the Cumbrian coast, Dave McMillan explores the spectacular sand dunes of Haverigg.

Nestled on the edge of the Duddon estuary, just a stones throw from the town of Millom lies the peaceful fishing village of Haverigg. Tucked away under the shadow of Black Combe, this rare gem is a haven for a spectacular variety of wading birds and breeding terns.

Derived from the Norse language, Haverigg can be translated as ‘the hill where oats are grown’. You can be guaranteed a warm and friendly welcome to the village from both the locals and the wildlife of The Hodbarrow Nature Reserve.

It is one of the quieter areas of the Lake District and is sure to make you feel at home. Well suited to cyclists, walkers and bird watchers, the RSPB Nature reserve was once the site of the Hodbarrow Mine which was in operation until the late 1960’s. Remnants of Haverigg’s industrial past can be found hiding in among an array of beautiful wild flowers

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The Carlisle Guide

and rare flora and fauna along the many winding footpaths surrounding the Hodbarrow Lagoon.

As a site of Special Scientific Interest, the Duddon Estuary is home to around 50 percent of the country’s Natterjack Toad population. Should you arrive in April onwards you could be greeted by a chorus of these nocturnal creatures as the males call can be heard up to a kilometre away. It is also an important habitat for tern and waterfowl. Butterflies, peregrine falcons and crested grebes are a favourite sight for many.

With its many enticing attractions, from the open sands and sweeping dunes of Haverigg Beach to the ‘hidden treasures’ waiting to be found around the Hodbarrow Lagoon Nature Reserve, you’ll be spoilt for choice when visiting with the family. Haverigg beach is also of Blue Flag status, making it an ideal place to bring the kids and perfect for kite flying and horse riding. The small beach café offers warm meals, sandwiches, ice creams and non-alcoholic drinks and is just a few minutes from the holiday caravan park.

Adrenaline junkies will easily get their fix here, thanks to an abundance of watersports on offer at the Port Haverigg Wakepark. Surrounded by the sandy beaches and breathtaking scenery, speed demons can try Cable Wakeboarding, Water Skiing, Kneeboarding, and Wakeboarding, as well as Stand Up Paddle-boarding and Banana Rides, on the freshwater lake. And it’s also worth noting that Port Haverigg is the only venue in Cumbria to offer boat sports without a speed restriction.

Newly installed in 2016, the addition of the The WakeStation, a two tower cable pulled system is a great way to learn to Wakeboard if you’re new to the sport. Meanwhile those already established riders will enjoy its third cable, a Smart-Tensioning system which is fantastic for air tricks. But if you’re not quite ready to dive into the unknown, there’s lovely large veranda to watch friends and family from.

After a leisurely stroll or fun filled day of adventure, the village offers a wide range of accommodation, along with cafes and pubs. The Harbour Hotel is perfect for a pint in the sunshine with it’s large welcoming beer garden and hearty meals. Or why not make your way down to the Ski Bar of an evening. Tucked away on the shore of the lagoon this quaint ski bar is livelier than it appears and plays host to an extensive variety of live music and special events throughout the summer months.

With Millom close by there are many options when it comes to accommodation. From camping at one of Haverigg’s quiet campsites and holiday parks to a range of hotels and B&Bs close by, this new home away from home will assure a content nights sleep leave you wanting more.

Haverigg truly is one of Cumbria’s hidden gems, not convinced? Go see for yourself.

The Carlisle Guide

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M U S E U M O F M I L I TA RY L I F E

Hidden Histories: Women’s Voices within the Military Museum Collections

By Jules Wooding, Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life

M

useum collections across the county contain objects and archives which reflect different aspects of history.

Objects not only give an insight into times gone by but if you look more closely and scratch the surface, there is sometimes another less obvious layer of history waiting to be told.

Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life is one such museum.

With a rich and varied collection, visitors are often amazed at the history that is told within the displays. It is not all about war, guns and bullets but illustrates the people’s history, the men and women whose own personal histories are intertwined with that of our local Regiment.

It is right and fitting that in 2018 when we are commemorating the centenary of the limited emancipation of women, that Museums look more closely at their collections and the links to women’s history. Within the military museum women’s stories are evident but their presence may not always be obvious, hidden behind the tales of military action and regimental duties. But take a closer look and it is amazing what the collections can tell us about the past.

Objects, archives and photographs highlight the hardships and difficulties of being an army wife. Catherine Exley and Biddy Skiddy, both who accompanied their husbands throughout the Peninsular War of the early nineteenth century. A small baby’s bonnet from India, on display, that illustrates the danger for wives and families living in parts of the Empire. Women have always followed the army, although military commanders were not keen for the ordinary soldier to be married and did not recognise wives within the military system.

However, women were persistent and it soon became obvious that the military establishment could not prevent soldiers marrying. Rules were introduced and whilst a limited number of wives could accompany their husbands abroad, those left behind often fell on hard times with only the workhouse to fall back on. Resourceful wives provided nursing and cooking skills for the army to provide support themselves and their children in a period when a soldier’s meagre pay was full of stoppages for uniform and accommodation.

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From March to May an exhibition in Alma Block called ‘Follow the Drum’ will display some of our collections and stories gathered from women with connections to the Regiment. This is an opportunity to share the highs and lows of military life from a woman’s perspective. The exhibition forms part of a county-wide celebration of local women entitled ‘Women of Cumbria’ with events and exhibitions throughout the year hosted by Cumbrian Museums. www.cumbriasmuseumofmilitarylife.org

W H AT ’ S O N

Maryport Aquarium spring 2018

M

ark Vollers gets ready for a busy season at the Lake District Coast Aquarium.

Spring starts earlier than on land in our local Solway Firth marine environment as rapidly increasing light intensity and hours of daylight trigger the first plankton bloom. This in turn supports the growth of countless millions of newly hatched fish fry that have synchronised with this event.

Simultaneously in the Lake District Coast Aquarium at Maryport, there is always an early season bustle of activity as we make use of the relatively quiet period between New Year and Easter to complete any works which would otherwise effect the visitor experience.

Within our aquarium displays there is a continuous upgrade process to not only improve our fish care but also to improve public engagement and levels of approval. Regular

By Mark Vollers

visitors will soon find our new Solway Habitats Island tank in place, the largest all glass tank we have ever constructed, holding nearly 4 tons of water.

Sometimes we get calls from members of the public wishing urgently to find a home both for fish and unwanted aquariums and - provided we have space available - this can lead to a spontaneous ‘unplanned’ new displays like our new African Cichlid exhibit housed in our Wild Solway extension.

These fascinating multi-coloured fish from Central Africa’s Rift Valley may be a departure from our mainly native species policy but are already proving a popular new attraction.

For more information visit www.coastaquarium.co.uk or contact 01900 817760

The Carlisle Guide

77

CUMBRIA CASTLES

Cumbrian Castles: Lowther Castle

O

n the latest stop-off on our journey across the county Paul McGuirk is struck by the story of Lowther Castle.

While Cumbria certainly has no shortage of treasures just waiting to be discovered, Lowther Castle and the story surrounding it is one of intrigue, preservation and renewal.

Constructed at the beginning of the 19th century, the original castle – with its 365 rooms – was often lauded as boasting “a room for every day of the year”.

While its architectural grandeur and lush gardens were once the envy of Britain, the castle was sadly demolished in 1957, leaving just the outer walls and façade remaining. For over five decades, this once majestic stately manor was lost to the wilderness.

However, fast-forward to 2018 and Lowther Castle is once again a premier visitor attraction. With dramatic, imposing ruins, well-tended gardens and one of the best adventure playgrounds in the area, it makes for a fantastic day out for visitors of all ages – from culture vultures to thrill-seeking kids and even four-legged friends, there’s truly something for everyone here.

An exhibition, ‘The Story of Lowther’, explains the history behind the castle, detailing how the same family have lived on the grounds for the best part of a millennium. Portraits of family members and historic figures central to the culture of the castle adorn the walls, some of which are centuries old.

The ruins, gardens and surrounding woodland all offer an opportunity to enjoy some fresh air among outstanding scenery, making for a great dog-walking opportunity – although visitors are advised to dressed sensibly, with suitable footwear. After all, this is Cumbria where one can expect to experience all four seasons in the space of a day.

Younger visitors can enjoy ‘The Lost Castle’, which is one of the largest play areas in the UK, while adults can enjoy delicious, home-cooked food in the café to relax and unwind after an afternoon of sightseeing around the grounds, before picking up a memento in the gift shop. As one of the most beautiful attractions in all of Cumbria, Lowther Castle can be enjoyed by everybody, all year round.

Lowther Castle is open every day from 10am-4pm in the winter, and 10am-5pm in the summer. Last entry to the gardens is 1 hour before closing. Parking is free.

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WILDLIFE

WILDLIFE OF THE SOLWAY FIRTH

NUMBER 52

THE COMMON PIDDOCK (PHOLAS DACTYLUS)

By Mark Vollers

T

his bivalve mollusc, a type of clam, is remarkable not only because of its lifestyle but also where it has left evidence of its presence in the Solway Firth.

Initially it’s free swimming offspring (larvae) live on rock surfaces like mussels, but they soon start to bore into the rock by making circular motions with the serrated front edges of its shell.

So a safe and perfectly cylindrical home is created, being enlarged as it grows up to 15cm long during an eight year lifespan. Not all rocks are soft enough so the Piddock will also target submerged wood, of which there is a ready supply in the Solway Firth, this being a story in itself.

With the retreat of ice sheets 7-8,000 years ago as the last ice age ended, plants moved in where the Solway Firth is today. There were then periods of tree and peat bog colonisation until the sea level rose with the melting of the ice and submerged them. Today remnants of these trees are still sometimes visible at low tide.

Many have unlikely looking circular holes up to 4 cm diameter. These are the result of colonisation by the Piddock.

Boring into wood or peat presents no problem to them at all! The Piddock, once regarded as a seafood delicacy, is a filter feeder so never leaves the security of it’s home.

Furthermore, it displays bioluminescence, a dull greenish light being emitted from it’s burrow.

The Carlisle Guide

79

The

Carlisle Handy Map

Attractions

1 Carlisle Castle and Border Regiment Museum 2 Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Guild Hall Museum The Pools LaserQuest VUE Cinema

3 4 5 6

Points of Interest

1 Central Library 2 Market Hall 3 Skate Park

Local Ameneties

Tourist Information Public Toilets Police Station Citadel Station Parking 24hr Petrol Station The Lanes Shopping Centre

Places Of Worship

1 Our Lady and St Joseph’s Catholic Church 2 St Cuthbert’s Church 3 Carlisle Cathedral

Colleges/University

1 Carlisle College

Parks

1 Bitts Park

Sports Grounds

1 Swifts Golf Course and Driving Range

Old Fire Station

Solution to Crossword

Solution to Sudoku

Solution to Alpha Sudoku

Solution to Kids Sudoku

The Carlisle Guide

81

CLASSIFIED

GUIDE

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HANDY NUMBERS COUNCIL & OTHER SERVICES Carlisle City Council Cumbria County Council (out-of-hours service) Cumbria County Council Carlisle Post Office (Scotch Street) Carlisle Library (Globe Lane) MEDICAL / SUPPORT SERVICES Emergency Police/Fire/Ambulance Police (non-emergency) Cumberland Infirmary Accident and Emergency NHS Direct National Blood Service Dental Emergency Cumbria Health on Call (CHOC) Domestic Violence Support Samaritans (free to call) OutREACH Cumbria LGBT Helpline MUSEUMS, ATTRACTIONS & MUSIC VENUES Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery Guildhall Museum Carlisle Indoor Market Hall Carlisle Cathedral AMF Bowling Brunton Park Carlisle Castle Cumbria’s Military Museum Carlisle Racecourse

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SPORTS INDOOR & OUTDOOR Carlisle Golf Centre & Driving Range The Pools Swimming & Health Centre Sheepmount Athletics Stadium Stoneyholme Golf Club

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