West Cumbria Guide 19 December / January 2020

DECEMBER / JANUARY 2020

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West Cumbria Guide

A Word from the Editor

DECEMBER / JANUARY 2020

Managing Director Stephen Murphy

T: 01946 448 001 stephen@theguidemediagroup.com

W

ith Christmas practically here you don’t need me to point out just how quickly this year has flown by.

And as my attention turns towards the new year it dawned on me that we are fast approaching a whole new decade…. The ’20s are almost here. All of a sudden I realised a whole new generation of people can vote, drive and legally drink that didn’t even exist in the 20th century.

Maybe it’s just me but when I think of what was going on twenty years ago my mind jumps back to the 1980s and my childhood. That couldn’t be further from the truth, twenty years ago I’d already joined the workforce, got married and was contemplating fixed rate versus tracker mortgages.

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

So when the time feels like it’s slipping through our fingers, you sometimes have to take stock and appreciate what’s around you.

West Cumbrians are lucky to live in one of the finest parts of our tiny island. We have the Solway to the west, with its breathtaking sunsets, and an actual Unesco World Heritage site on the other side. Other famous Unesco sites include The Great Barrier Reef, The Grand Canyon and The Galapagos Islands, so when you’re in company like that it becomes obvious why people travel hours to spend holidays here.

Creative Director Mike Proud T: 01946 448 001 mike@theguidemediagroup.com

Seaside location and stunning scenery aside, Cumbria is perfect for stargazers with some of the darkest night skies in the country. It’s also one of the least densely populated counties so escaping the crowds is easy with our wildest open spaces.

All of this is on our doorstep, we can enjoy it any time and that’s why open this issue with a few ideas for next year. You don’t have to travel far to find yourself somewhere different and an experience is often as refreshing as a holiday. Get out there and enjoy it.

We also highlight an artist that has rekindled a love affair with nature. Emma Hunt spent many years dealing with the ramifications of serious illness but she recently rediscovered her passion for art which offered something doctors never could.

Feature Writer Craig Wishart T: 01946 448 001 craig@theguidemediagroup.com

With so many talented people in our area we couldn’t begin to highlight them all in one magazine but we shine a spotlight on amateur dramatics and The Workington Playgoers while our photographer in focus is Carrie Calvert who’s out early on these cold mornings, waiting patiently for the perfect shot of our local wildlife.

All the team at The Guide wish you a fantastic festive season and a happy new year. We’ll see you in 2020.

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Advertising/Distribution Paul Seath T: 01900 354 005 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, David Broatch and our wonderful online contributors

CONTENTS F E AT U R E S 06

20 THINGS FOR 2020

10

S T. B E E S S C H O O L

16

T H E AT R E R O YA L P L AY G O E R S

18

P H OTO G R A P H E R I N FOCUS

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A U T I S M AWA R E N E S S

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N E W Y E A R - N E W YO U

H E A LT H A N D B E A U T Y 34

BRIDGET FOSTER

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FA S H I O N

FOOD & DRINK 42

A L L I E V E R K N E W. . .

R O YA L Y E W

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L A RO S A R I O J A

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C O C K TA I L S

W H AT ’ S O N 66

E D I TO R ’ S P I C K

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KAMMY

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WA S T E R N WA L K S : S K I D DAW

F E AT U R E

20 things to do in 2020 Written by Jasper Baker

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new year brings resolutions. We tend to look further afield for new challenges but our county is huge, varied and beautiful and we have a score of ideas closer to home that will make 2020 special.

Keep Healthy Brandish your walking sticks, tie a double knot in your shoelaces and take to the fells. People travel around the world to enjoy our mountains but you can live the high life anytime you want. The more challenging the walk, the tastier the pint afterwards.

Find a crystal clear tarn or a lake-sized swimming pool to cool down, swimming in Cumbria’s Lakes and rivers is the ultimate way to enjoy the summer. Be the tallest person in England from the top of Scafell Pike, the stunning views are worth every step to get there.

Make the most of our dark skies and lack of light pollution with a bit of stargazing. Get out of town and get lost in the Milky Way. The C2C starts here and the Tour of Britain passes through so we have a wealth of cycle routes crossing the county.

Discover our quintessential villages or towns under your own steam.

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Stay Happy From sausages to sticky toffee, our food is celebrated. Visit one of the food festivals around the county and try our finest delicacies. Remember - Buying local supports our farmers.

Whether it's Kendal Calling, Solfest, Keswick Mountain Festival or the Music and Drama Festival, our celebrations draw talent from across the world. Head up Catbells at dusk with a torch and hundreds of others to experience the Festival of Light, or take it easy and gaze at the night skies under the roof of Carlisle Cathedral at the ‘City of Lights’ project.

Get back to your roots with local traditions like Uppies & Downies, Country Shows or the biggest liar at Santon Bridge.

Raise those adrenaline levels by climbing and abseiling in Borrowdale or test your courage at the Via Ferrata at Honister. Why not see the Lake District from the skies with the Gyrocopter experience in Carlisle.

Stroll through the woods and get lost in England's only forest park at Whinlatter. While you’re there get an update on the Ospreys or zip through the tree canopies with Go Ape. See the Lakes from the water and jump on a ferry for a tranquil journey, or propel yourself on a rowing boat, canoe or kayak to discover remote islets and quiet shores.

Drop underground and marvel at the naturally formed Coniston Cathedral Cave or the man-made Honister Slate Mine, which is the last bastion of our mining history.

Whether it’s the Green Room in Carlisle, Theatre Royal in Workington or Rosehill Theatre near Whitehaven you’ll find a wealth of local talent and a great night out. From amateur dramatics to national shows, you don’t have to visit the big city for entertainment. And while you’re wondering which pub to visit on the weekend, choose the one with live music every time. There is no shortage of local musical talent, go on, show them a bit of love.

Take the family for Sunday drive. With fantastic scenery and pubs galore a day trip is not over until you’ve sat by the fire and tucked into a roast dinner. In the summer head for one of our sandy beaches and treat the kids to ice cream.

Get up close with our wildlife. Keep your eye out for Red Squirrels or listen for the honking of geese as they fill the skies looking for new pastures. Nature is magical and it’s easy to get caught up in our lives and miss it.

Give Back to your community where you can. Pick up a bit of litter on our mountain paths and coastlines, help those that are less fortunate or keep an eye out for elderly neighbours. Cumbria’s close-knit community makes it special and it starts with us.

And finally...

Relive your childhood and play in the snow this winter.

Witness the rebirth of the countryside as spring takes hold.

Make the most of those lovely long summer days or take in the ecstatic colours of the Lakes in autumn. Appreciate each season because they pass quickly and before you know it 2020 will be gone.

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F E AT U R E

Christmas is coming...

Are you ready?

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f you still haven’t got the Christmas tree yet then why not make a family day of it and pick one up from Whinlatter Forest Park.

Their friendly and knowledgeable team will help you choose the perfect tree for your home, while the visitor centre and shop have lots of beautiful decorations to make your tree sparkle and shine. While you’re there, have a browse and find the perfect gift for friends and family from their range of fantastic products.

If you’re looking for the gift that keeps on giving, then treat your loved ones to a year of memories and purchase a year’s membership to England’s only mountain forest.

Membership provides free car parking, discount in the Visitor Centre shop, Siskins Café, Cyclewise, Go Ape and a range of national outlets. The membership also supports Forestry England’s work as the money raised is reinvested into caring for the nation’s forests.

They are England’s largest land manager and custodian of the nation’s public forests with around 1,000 committed staff and volunteers. Forestry England looks after more land and trees than any other organisation.

For more information on a gift membership visit www.forestryengland.uk/membership/gift 8

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Get 2020 off to the right start Post-Christmas blues? New Year’s resolution to be more active? Whinlatter can help.

Did you know that spending time being active in nature not only improves your physical wellbeing but also boosts mental wellbeing too? The mental health charity Mind said: “Being active outdoors improves mental, physical health and wellbeing. People tell us they like being active outdoors and taking part in activities they enjoy because it enables them to meet other people and get in the fresh air.”

Along with popular walking and cycling trails, Whinlatter is home to two fully waymarked running routes. Stunning scenery, a higher calorie burn, good paths and no worry of traffic are on offer when you run in England’s only true mountain forest. If you’re new to running then why not join them each Saturday at 9 AM for Parkrun. Yes, the course has the greatest incline in the UK but don’t let that stop you! You can run, jog, walk or volunteer.

Every Wednesday during term Jen Wilson runs a fitness session for new mums. Buggyfit is an outdoor all-weather Post Natal fitness programme where your baby comes too!

Improve your fitness, strength, mobility and reap the benefits of exercising. It’s suitable for all levels as adaptations are always provided and exercise progresses as you get fitter and stronger. Pelvic floor and core safe exercises are incorporated and, most importantly, you get to meet other mums with time to socialise too. Book a taster session or course at www.jenwilsonfitness.co.uk/buggyfit

F E AT U R E

Get yourself outdoors this winter, and whatever you choose, do it at Whinlatter.

For more information about weekly activities and events please visit www.forestryengland.uk/whinlatter

Make your own adventure at Whinlatter, Cumbria’s mountain forest!

Forest walking trails with amazing views / Mountain bike trails Siskins Cafe / Picnic areas / WildPlay adventure play area / Gruffalo sculptures / GoApe Treetop Adventure & Forest Segway / Cyclewise bike hire & shop Whinlatter Forest, Braithwaite CA12 5TW 017687 78469 whinlatter@forestryengland.uk

Mountains of forest,trails, wildlife,views &. adventure..

Whinlatter

forestryengland.uk/whinlatter T h e We s t C u m b r i a G u i d e

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ST BEES SCHOOL

Fusion Schooling

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t St Bees School education is different. They are innovative, they are unique and they are revolutionary.

St Bees is the only school in the UK to offer a “Fusion Curriculum” and rather than looking at education purely from a textbook-based fashion, they look at education in a different way. Under the watchful eye of Chinese education experts, Full Circle Education Group, St Bees School have devised a “Fusion Concept”.

And it’s this Fusion Concept that merges the best of the West and the East to provide an unparalleled model which sets St Bees students a world apart from their peers.

Education is approached with a global mind-set which better prepares students for the world of tomorrow, and in doing so, they inspire young people to become the movers and shakers of the future.

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At St Bees, students learn Mandarin as their first foreign language. It’s a language destined to become ever more dominant as China takes a leading role across the world and the ability to speak fluent Chinese will prove to be worth its weight in gold.

St Bees School recognises that character is key, meaning that every students’ IQ and EQ (character development) are developed in equal measure to ensure they become well-rounded individuals. St Bees students will develop into confident, caring, creative and independent people. They will harness a global mind-set and will walk away with competencies necessary to seize opportunities the future holds.

The students of St Bees School study a unique “Fusion Maths” programme which is developed in partnership with The School of Education at one of Britain’s leading universities. Fusion Maths combines the depth of the Eastern way of studying, alongside very strong British methods of teaching. Incredibly, the students are performing over two years ahead of their peers.

Not only are they coping with the advanced work but they are also excelling, achieving top grades and laying the foundations for a dynamic future.

Recent developments at St Bees are strengthening their unique ‘Fusion Curriculum’ with the opening of two offspring schools in China – a primary school in Shijiazhuang and a secondary school in Dongguan. Both of these schools carry the St Bees name and will allow a ‘free-flow’ of learning, giving both St Bees School UK and China based students the opportunity to exchange schools during their education.

The curriculum will run in parallel which allows for a seamless transition between the schools.

Whilst independent schools aren’t for everyone, St Bees does not classify itself as stuffy or posh.

They are offering students with potential the opportunity to excel, having recently launched the Pioneer Award Scheme to open up those doors to the young people of the UK. Scholarships and awards are often thought to be related to academic success. However, the Pioneer Award Scheme at St Bees School recognises natural talent, be that in Sport, Music, Drama, Art, Debating.

St Bees school offers the chance for an unparalleled education.

For further information, get in touch with St Bees School by calling 01946 828000 or email admissions@stbeesschool.co.uk

IN

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F UT PRO

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Here at St Bees we... are modern and internationalised... yet built upon tradition & heritage

offer Chinese, Fusion Maths & a Global Awareness Programme... balancing academic success with character development

prepare our students for a global tomorrow

IN

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stbeesschool.co.uk

AS

We are looking for the movers and shakers of the future.

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Wood Lane,GSt Bees, Cumbria, CA27 0DS R E(0) 1946 828000 T. +44 DE E. admissions@stbeesschool.co.uk

Ask us about our Pioneer Award Scheme!

RE

DE R Etoday! C I A S Apply UT PROFI

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F E AT U R E

Alternative Therapy

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rt is many things to many people but for Thornhill artist Emma Hunt, it gave her a life she had nearly given up on.

Four years ago Emma was diagnosed with the debilitating genetic condition Ehlers’s Danlos Syndrome, which is a chronic disorder affecting collagen in the body that causes pain, hypermobile joints and other complications. The diagnosis came after 20 years of crippling pain that had left Emma dependant on pain-killers and virtually housebound.

“I’ve always been ill,” said Emma. “I had endometriosis when I was younger and I elected for a hysterectomy when I was 27 because I assumed that’s what caused my back and hip pain. But a year after my hysterectomy I was still getting problems and it became too painful to work.”

With little understanding of what was happening doctors prescribed pain-killers that treated the symptoms but never got to the bottom of Emma’s condition.

“I was living in Oxford at the time,” said Emma. “While I’ve always had my art I knew it wasn’t a regular income so I went down the sensible route after I was offered an 12

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apprenticeship at Sellafield but work took me down south when I was in my twenties and that’s where my health deteriorated. I was becoming more disabled and was wrongly diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 2007.

My art was put on the back burner because I was in a constant haze with pain relief medication. It took away colour, depth, reasoning, it took away my drive, everything really. I was living in my bed for nearly ten years.

The doctors didn’t know what to do with me so they just kept piling painkillers down my throat and I was on so much medication that I developed sleep apnea, which is where you stop breathing at night. When I was finally diagnosed I was forty and the professionals started to take me a little more seriously. I felt like I lost ten years.”

With the confirmation of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, the opportunity came to move on with life: “I had a fit when they first told me they would reduce my medication but last November I came off everything. I was addicted to all these painkillers and it took months but that’s where everything changed.

F E AT U R E

I became addicted to getting myself back, I started crocheting which took me away from my worries. Creativity is so therapeutic. In June I started painting again and because I was doing landscapes I re-found my love for the countryside. Before I couldn’t appreciate where we lived or the beautiful sunsets.

Cumbrian Illustration and Design Studio Specialising in luxury, bespoke wedding and events stationery. w w w.whi teo rchi dp d.co m he l l o @ whi teo rchi dp d.co m

Now I’m like a kid with fresh eyes, it takes my breath away and I know I have to paint things I see. Art is a real alternative to medication, creativity distracts you while you’re in that moment. It’s a beautiful thing to do and you get such a feeling of wellbeing when you create something, it gives you a need to do more.”

Emma’s determination to pick up her life lead to a prolific period of creativity that resulted in her own exhibition at the Florence Arts Centre in Egremont.

“I’ve been lucky to collaborate with local photographers that have allowed me to use their photos,” said Emma. “Because I can’t walk in the countryside I appreciate their generosity. I plucked up the courage to ask Sean at the Harbour Master and my first works were shown there which lead to my first exhibition.

I feel humbled that people just want to look at my landscapes and seascapes. I’m always learning, so it’s never boring and I’ll never get fed up with it. The pain is always going to be there but it’s important people realise there are alternative therapies to pain relief because that can just kill your life.”

Find her on Facebook at @EmmaHuntArt

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F E AT U R E

Buying or Selling in the Town or Country

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roperty auctions are fast becoming more popular throughout the UK with buyers and sellers alike.

Andrew Dugdale recently launched Town & Country Property Auctions in Cumbria and whether you’re buying or selling, he can help you: “Selling at auction enables you to obtain a swift sale and listing your property with Town & Country is free,” he said. “I act on behalf of solicitors, banks, building societies, local authorities, housing associations, private owners and many other institutions so I can offer you independent advice no matter what your circumstance.”

Carlisle based Andrew covers the entire county with his new venture but Town & Country is a nationwide organisation so properties are marketed both locally and nationally to create the greatest amount of interest.

Property marketing includes a listing with Rightmove Estate Agents alongside regional newspaper advertising, internet and website portal advertising, ‘Auction For Sale Board’ on your property and listing on the Town & Country Property Auction brochure and website. Your property can also have a specially promoted Open House event hosted by a member of the team.

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Auctioning offers several benefits for sellers and with sales held every two months at North Lakes Hotel and Spa in Penrith, competition is fierce as potential purchasers are gathered in the same place at the same time.

“I work with sellers and partner agents on any type of property whether it’s a small terraced house, large barn conversion, commercial property or static caravan.”

“The average time for a house sale through a real estate agent is three months but our average is 28 days,” said Andrew. “I work with sellers and partner agents on any type of property whether it’s a small terraced house, large barn conversion, commercial property or static caravan.

I work closely with the seller, they set the reserve price, can instruct me to organise an online auction if they think it’s a better option or sell the property before it goes to auction if an agreement is made. It’s entirely up to them. ”

TOW N & C O U N T RY P RO P E RT Y A U C T I O N S

The professional approach utilises the latest technology alongside excellent local knowledge and contacts. Town & Country consistently sell properties for the highest prices which provides clients with peace of mind.

Once the hammer falls or a pre-auction offer is accepted there is no re-negotiating to take survey findings into account and no gazundering thanks to the legal pack, the buyer is legally committed to purchase and cannot change their mind without losing their deposit. It ensures delays are a thing of the past and the legal timescale of 28 days to complete the sale - unless agreed otherwise - attracts clients looking for a swift completion.

“I’m also fully qualified to issue Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs),” said Andrew. “I can add this to your listing for a small £10 fee. With the most competitive fees in the market and our unique Buyer’s Premium approach I will get you the best price for your property.”

Contact Andrew for your free market appraisal today by calling 07752 924 590 or 01228 734736.

You can email him at cumbria@townandcountrypropertyauctions.co.uk or visit www.townandcountrypropertyauctions.co.uk

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F E AT U R E

Break A Leg

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e are a long way from the bright lights of London’s West End but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a regular night at the theatre in West Cumbria.

I have been lucky enough to attend a few shows at Workington’s charming Theatre Royal this year and it made me wonder how much work is required to put on a four-night run?

Workington Playgoers put on eight shows every year and Maggie Bedford, who is an actor and assistant director, explained a lot goes on behind the scenes bringing a production to the stage: “Rehearsals start around eight weeks before but planning starts well before that, perhaps back to the previous year.

We are lucky because there are a lot of people in our area with very good theatrical knowledge and training. I don’t, although I was a teacher for 40 years and if you can stand in front of a class with a straight face then it’s probably the best training there is.”

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The Playgoers are volunteers and their skills cover everything from acting, directing, stage management, sound and light production, set building and costume design through to manning the box office and bar.

I spent a night at rehearsals for their recent production of ‘The Vicar of Dibley’ and I was amazed by the attention to detail. Taking a seat in the auditorium on opening night, you’re unaware of the array of decisions and thought given to positioning props, timing stage exits and entries along with the reactions, positions and timings of the actors themselves. The production has been analysed and streamlined long before the curtain rises.

Rebecca Wilson, who played the title role Geraldine Grainger, explained the dedication needed: “It’s very involved and it’s not just a case of coming in for rehearsals. We will meet up with other actors and practise our lines. If I thought about it, I’d estimate it at over 100 hours per show.”

Jim Samson played David Horton and he explained why he loves performing: “When the production comes together and you have convinced the audience you are the characters, there isn’t a feeling like it. We do it because we love it. It’s like a family and we become very close friends.”

F E AT U R E

“Some people do it for the camaraderie and some for the sense of achievement but others like a chance to be another character altogether.”

Confusion reigns as ‘Us’ and ‘Them’ try to work out what is going on and this witty play combines sci-fi with everyday school life and touches on themes like family, friends, identity, coping with grief and theories of the multiverse.

Former maths teacher, Tony Parker, was the director and his involvement in amateur dramatics stretches back to 1970. He calculates he has around 100 productions under his belt with 25 as a director: “Some people do it for the camaraderie and some for the sense of achievement but others like a chance to be another character altogether. Planning began back in July for this December production, it’s intensive but I like the problem-solving and challenges of directing.”

The Playgoers have plenty of great actors and many are involved with other groups across Cumbria. “We also have an excellent youth group,” says Maggie. “But many of them go off to study drama, so the problem is we never get to keep them for very long.”

The Playgoers are always on the lookout for new recruits and it doesn’t matter if you don’t want to appear on stage, there are plenty of roles on offer in this close-knit theatre community.

To become a member, purchase tickets or find out more about the Playgoers, visit www.theatre-royal-workington.co.uk

The next Theatre Royal Youth (TRY) production is a play called ‘Tuesday’, by Alison Carr. It will be on from 6th to 8th February as part of the National Theatre Connections drama festival for people aged 13 to 19. TRY will perform it at the Theatre Royal and then possibly Manchester. If their production is selected, they’re hoping to take it to the National Theatre after that.

It’s based on an ordinary Tuesday when the kids are out in the schoolyard, a large rip appears in the sky and pupils and staff are sucked upwards while a whole new set of people start raining down. Worlds have collided.

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PHOTOGRAPHER IN FOCUS

Carrie Calvert

Photographer In Focus

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f you follow us on social media you know that we love to showcase our local talent and highlight the very best photographers our region has to offer.

This issue we cast our eyes over the work of Brampton based photographer, Carrie Calvert. She works as a physiotherapy technician at the Cumberland Infirmary on the Acute Stroke Unit but in her spare time, Carrie loves nothing more than to head into the wilds of Cumbria on the lookout for local wildlife with her Nikon D7200 and 400mm lens.

She also thinks you don’t need to invest in an expensive lot of kit when you’re just starting out: “Start with a small camera at first but you need to really practice, take the time to learn and you have to be patient. That’s especially true when it comes to wildlife photography. It takes a while to begin with but all of a sudden you realise you know how to work the camera.”

“I love wildlife photography and my budget doesn’t really allow me to head off abroad so most of my pictures are of Cumbrian wildlife,” said Carrie. “I have been doing photography for six years and my best advice for any budding photographer would be to join a camera club for advice and experience. I’m a member of Carlisle Camera Club, they are a great bunch that are always happy to welcome new members and I learnt a lot from them.”

There’s no doubt that Carrie is a master of her craft, her images are stunning and we’re delighted she was happy to share her work with us.

You can see more of Carrie’s photos on her Facebook page @carriecalvertphotography

For more amazing snaps visit Cumbria Guide on instagram @thecumbriaguide

Share your pictures with us on Facebook @thecumbriaguide

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suppautism

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utism Support Allerdale and Copeland began as a simple idea which was to support parents and carers who were looking after children with autism.

“Initially we managed to get a thousand-pound grant which meant we could have group meetings in Distington Community Centre.” said founder Shirley Murphy.

“My son was diagnosed with autism when he was 13 and I had the idea because there was a need for a service like this. When my son was diagnosed, I was kind of left on my own and I thought the group would be a great chance to have a cuppa and shed a few tears if people needed. It was for mums, dads and carers because I wanted people to know they were not on their own.”

Demand has been high, 12 people attended that first meeting back in October 2014 but membership has ballooned to over 630 members and covers all over West Cumbria as word spread.

To expand their presence further, Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland are now a registered charity and have 20

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secured 3 years of funding from the National Lottery. It’s enabled them to move into their own premises behind Moorclose Community Centre in Workington.

The support meetings take place on a monthly basis and are a lifeline to members who find that living with disabilities can be very lonely and isolating.

However, the funding means the group has extended into working with the children themselves.

“This will only lead to bigger and better things,” said Shirley. “I have worked with people with disabilities for over 40 years, it’s been a passion for me and I’m excited at making this group even more fantastic than it already is.

We put on as many activities as we can in the summer because it can be a difficult time for parents.

We now host activities for children or organise events, parties and trips to local attractions or places like Blackpool.

We have a group for older children, 10 -18, where we go bowling or have a meal out.

F E AT U R E

“Autistic children are entitled to education and experiences too, just like any other child, but it’s always a bit more of a challenge.”

We’ll bring in something like Zoolab, who let the kids interact with wild animals like snakes. Autistic children often don’t get these kinds of experiences because a mainstream zoo is too busy, so we bring the animals to the children.

“We have reached a point where the authorities are contacting us trying to work out how to help,” said Shirley.

“Paediatricians are recommending the group and we have created close ties in the community. There are more people coming through with Autism but that’s because there is more awareness and we are here to help anyone who has (or are waiting for) a diagnosis of Autism.”

For more information visit www.asaac.uk for more information on events or meetings. You can call Shirley on 07702580347 or find them on social media.

Autistic children are entitled to education and experiences too, just like any other child, but it’s always a bit more of a challenge.”

The five staff are volunteers and all have a child with autism, some have young children, while others like Shirley have grown-up children and have a wealth of information to pass on.

Shirley believes in a cradle to the grave policy and Autism Support Allerdale and Copeland have no cut off points. As an evolving organisation, they are looking at ways to help older people in the community and Shirley plans to start a toddler group early in the new year. The toddler group will use donated toys like jigsaws puzzles to create an educational experience that will help the children’s concentration.

The support group is still vital and they now have regular representatives from local organisations to provide services to members. They also arrange speakers on a range of topics from benefits applications, education and sleep patterns.

The group also hold well-attended training days for parent carers, teachers and nursery workers, along with visits from local companies who want to make their venues more Autism-friendly.

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FWE H AA TT U ’RSE O N

A Sustainable Christmas

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ule was a pagan feast that observed midwinter rebirth, while Christians honour the birth of Jesus at Christmas but with traditions on the decline, our modern celebrations threaten to develop into little more than a show of excessive consumption.

We have been convinced our obligation is to part with crippling levels of hard-earned cash on gifts for everyone.

It’s unsustainable for our bank balances and a burden on the environment.

Consider the present we bought for Uncle Joe last year, he likes fishing so you got him a novelty singing fish. Thanks to the magic of the internet it was delivered the next day with one-click. It was fun… for five minutes but was soon dumped and hasn’t seen the light of day since.

But the cost was far more than the twenty quid you paid, the real costs came processing the crude oil and mixing the chemical compounds for the plastic that created Joe’s ‘Billy the Bass’. You can add extra packaging and the flight from China to the toll too.

Billy’s not recyclable and his final resting place will be the landfill, which is better than setting him free into our waterways where he’d make a deadly snack for some sea creature.

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What did this novelty toy contribute to our lives? Well, your obligation to buy something was fulfilled and your uncle had a bit of a laugh… And that was it. All that plastic, emissions and waste for a moment. And you were only one of the millions of consumers who made a similar choice.

Christmas shouldn’t be an extra burden on the planet and with some effort, imagination and consideration we can manage our impact this holiday season.

You can give more spending less on gifts that are personal and unique. It’s tricky with kids but most adults appreciate anything that shows thoughtfulness. Stop mindlessly scrolling, hit the streets and support your local retailers.

Many source their goods from the area, so buying local means your money will help our local economy.

Do you think you picked up a deal on an online sale? You didn't, what you did was put another nail into the boardedup windows on your high street. There’s black Friday and then there’s the Black Friday when our thriving town centres become a memory.

Support craft fairs, most of the items laid out before you were made in spare bedrooms and home kitchens. The person manning the stall has put their heart and soul into their work and it’s unlikely you’ll find the same goods anywhere else.

Suppor ting Local Business and Communities since 2007

W HFAETA’TS UORN E

Go on, put your hand in your pocket and make the vendors day.

Think green where you can, small changes make a big difference. Take re-gifting for example, it makes sense to give someone something you will never use if you think they’ll make use of it. It’s a logical and perfectly acceptable solution to wasteful practices.

Try and avoid gifts with batteries. About 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season and discarded batteries are an environmental hazard. Ask yourself when buying presents: Is it wasteful? Will it be used? What is its impact?

Choose a renewable live tree that’s been grown on a farm which is replanted regularly. They contribute to air quality while growing and can be recycled into mulch. Better yet, use a potted tree that can be reused year after year.

Do you send cards to everyone? You probably don’t need to and with most read once and discarded it’s not a great practice to buy cards every year when their production consumes natural resources. Homemade cards are not as professional but they are personal and appreciated. Making cards can also be a fun activity for the family.

Avoid glossy foil wrapping paper, it’s impossible to recycle and has no value as mulch. Plain brown paper is an attractive option and a few snazzy touches will add class. Make attractive solutions like gift bags from fabric scraps or wrapping can be made using comic strips, maps, posters and more.

Attitudes to our environment are changing rapidly as we realise there’s little alternative. Your decision to shop local and keep it green might feel like it’s not doing much but if others join you then it’s a huge step in the right direction.

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F E AT U R E

NEW YEAR - NEW YOU

Written by Jasper Baker

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t's a brand new year! And with it comes a renewed sense of motivation - a chance to refocus, recharge and make changes for the better.

Another New Year’s Eve means another list of resolutions, but let’s be honest, are we going to stick to them? Whether you're getting fit or wanting to rekindle an old project or a long-forgotten hobby; maybe you’re wanting to improve your career or home, or you simply want to declutter your life, it all begins in January.

It’s 2020, and with a year as easy to remember as that, how could we forget to stick to our aspirations? Here is a simple selection of our New Year’s Resolutions you’ll no doubt have fun keeping.

This year I promise to: Plan a Day Out If laughter is the best medicine, that makes friends and loved ones the best medication. With so much to explore out there, spending quality time in the company of special people is the surest way to alleviate life’s many stresses. Tell them what your resolutions are and they’ll help you stick to it. You don’t have to travel far to ensure a good time either, just by getting out and moving in the fresh air with someone important will instantly energise your mood and give you something to feel good about afterwards.

Switch Off I promise to not check social media longer than is necessary.

Since social media was recently labelled as the number one cause of procrastination, studies have shown that it greatly affects our happiness. Much like food and drink, social media should be taken in moderation. Use it to further your ambitions and to fulfil you. If it becomes a blank-faced, scrolling activity that stresses you out and makes you worry what everyone else is doing, then put the phone down. Concentrate on being in the moment, look up and take notice of what’s around you.

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Be Positive & Mindful

F E AT U R E

Research has shown that about half of all adults make New Year’s resolutions. However, fewer than 10% manage to keep them for more than a few months. Could it be that we are setting ourselves up for failure? I promise to ‘no longer harbour negative thoughts of any kind, ’ should be your number one resolution in life and seeking anything that can help with mindfulness should be a priority. If you change your mindset, you can turn your life into exactly what you want, with a positive mindset - failure can be the fuel to success.

Cut down on Alcohol After the imbalance of alcohol, food and celebrations that most people associate with the overindulgence at Christmas and new years, that banging headache in the morning of January 1st is a great indicator that your body isn’t enjoying it as much as you think. Better for your wallet and your health, use dry January to help cut down on your alcohol intake and gradually it will take fewer units for you to feel the positive effects.

Get active Getting active stills the mind, that’s why Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi have become so popular in Cumbria. Our local gyms and community centres are filled with fitness sessions that will make you feel instantly better about yourself and motivate you to achieve the things you want. Take a scenic jog down a country lane, join a sports team and meet new people, go to a meditation class and empty your thoughts. Make it fun, not a punishment.

Read more Take some time to remember what it feels like to be lost in a thrilling and spellbinding book. There’s no greater pleasure than a story that invests you in every line and captivates your imagination. “The mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone,” and if you’re open to some new wisdom and different attitude then best of luck for a wonderful and fulfilling 2020.

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The Great Exhibition - SPACE: God, the Universe and Everything, Carlisle Cathedral 12 - 14 February 2020

Created by the award-winning Luxmuralis artistic collaboration, come and see the universe, galaxies, space, creation and light through a variety of sound and light installations at Carlisle Cathedral.

Tickets ÂŁ5 for adults and ÂŁ4 for children aged 5 - 16 from Carlisle Tourist Information Centre or discovercarlisle.co.uk

CARLISLE

City of Lights Image courtesy of Peter Walker

F E AT U R E

Carlisle The City of Lights

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he festive season is in full swing and Carlisle is transformed into a city of lights with everything you need to make Christmas magical.

You might want to take advantage of the late-night Thursday Christmas shopping at The Lanes but with events taking place throughout December, Carlisle is the place to be.

Throughout the Lanes, independent stalls offering hot food, drinks and unique gifts have been set up. They include Bruce and Luke’s doughnuts, Stonehouse Smokery, Tipsy Filly, Refunked, Grasmere Gingerbread, Wavygrain and Hawkshead Relish.

While you’re in town, make it an occasion and enjoy the lively panto at the Sands Centre or something from the Old Fire Stations’ Christmas programme. Carlisle Market Hall holds its festive fun day on Saturday 14th of December with entertainment, clowns and face painting.

Local favourites, Hardwicke Circus are back for a headline show at The Brickyard on Saturday the 21st of December.

The first show sold-out thanks to their loyal following but an extra gig has been added.

In the new year an exciting lineup of events, displays and installations are planned for the first-ever ‘City of Lights’ project.

The event will take place between Wednesday 12 February and Saturday 15 February and is a partnership between Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council alongside local partners like Story Contracting and the Railway Heritage Trust.

Delivered under the ‘Love Carlisle’ brand, they aim to organise and promote events, opportunities and activities that raise the profile of the city, celebrating its cultural and creative talent.

The centre-piece will be a stunning visual spectacle from the 12th - 14th when the Cathedral hosts ‘The Great Exhibition – SPACE: God, the Universe and Everything.’

Inspired by the 1969 Moon landings, the award-winning Luxmuralis artistic collaboration created the display that takes people on a walking journey through the Cathedral.

By way of sound and light installations, the inside of the Cathedral will be transformed, revealing the universe, galaxies, space, creation and light.

This spectacular event is set to be a highlight of the new year.

Tickets can be booked in advance at £5 for adults and £4 for children aged 5 to 16. Buy your at Carlisle Tourist Information Centre in the Old Town Hall or at www.discovercarlisle.co.uk

Photography by Peter Walker

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KESWICK COMPUTER SOLUTIONS

New Horizons

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eswick Computer Solutions (KCS) specialise in Business IT Support Services including security, Wi-Fi and VOIP along with a web design team that boasts an impressive portfolio of over 300 websites.

Through strategic business investments, KCS offer a proactive support approach through advanced monitoring systems which allows them to lead the field in tailored packages that fit individual business requirements.

Businesses seeking an upgrade on their IT security should speak to them about gaining Cyber Essential Certification.

It’s a government-backed, industry-supported accreditation that helps businesses protect themselves against online threats.

With a first-class and professional IT Service, KCS offers a “One Stop Shop” for their clients.

www.kcssolutions.co.uk 017687 75526

hdd � wifi � Managed IT Solutions

Web Design

WiFi Services

VOIP Phone Systems

Big Enough to Cope. Small Enough to Care.

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KCS had been based in the centre of Keswick for 20 years but the ever-evolving IT environment, especially the rollout of reliable broadband, allows cost-effective remote support services which means a location in the town centre is no longer as important.

Peter Thurrell, Managing Director at KCS said: “Although our previous office was great, it was a barn conversion with minimal windows. The team had little sense of place and when you work in one of the most beautiful parts of the planet, it's great to be able to enjoy it.

The floor to ceiling windows in our new Braithwaite office offers an incredible view of Skiddaw and, as an added bonus, we have the Flight Park next door. The regular paragliding landings and occasional visits by light aircraft further add to the ambience.”

KCS are currently busy as Windows 7 Operating System approaches its end of life. Released in 2009, it is one of the most popular OS’s Microsoft ever produced but extended support ends on the 14th of January 2020.

That doesn’t mean Windows 7 will stop working overnight but Microsoft will stop patching crucial security holes and bugs. Basically, devices running Windows 7 will be sitting ducks next year for viruses, adware, malware and other scammers. KCS strongly recommends that Windows 7 should not be used after the deadline, particularly if the computer has internet access.

The good news is that Windows 10, has quickly become its most popular, capable and reliable OS. Visit www.kcssolutions.co.uk or give them a call on 017687 75526

T H E I FA C O M PA N Y

Money Matters with The IFA Company

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he IFA Company’s Lucy McKinley discusses the reasons why using a local financial advisor is beneficial.

At this time of year, we often see adverts encouraging us to use our small, local businesses as much as possible.

Of course, this is beneficial to the business owners who compete against larger companies for your trade, but is it beneficial for the consumer? When it comes to financial advice, the answer is yes. Here’s why:

running of our business. And most importantly, we have the flexibility to adjust our charges according to your financial situation, making our advice affordable for everyone.

If you’d like some more information on the benefits of taking advice from a small, local independent financial advisor then give us a call on 01946 821150, email contactus@ifaco.co.uk, visit www.ifaco.co.uk or find us on social media.

Independence – I think it’s fair to say that all consumers want the widest possible choice of product at the best possible price. When it comes to financial advice, only an independent financial advisor can offer products from across the market enabling them to tailor a product suited to your needs. Larger companies are often restricted in the products and services that they offer, so it’s always worth asking if an advisor is independent.

Convenience – whatever service you’re buying, it’s always reassuring to be able to pick up the phone or pop into an office to speak to someone face to face. These days, financial advice can easily be arranged online with very little need to meet an advisor. But when making important decisions about your money, isn’t it better to be able to meet an advisor in person and form a personal relationship? Having a local office and the ability to meet clients in their own homes means that we’re always available whenever we’re needed.

Cost – it’s often the case that the bigger the business, the more easily they can drop the price of their products and services. Happily, when it comes to financial advice, the opposite is true. As a small company we can keep our charges low because we don’t have to pay huge costs for the T h e We s t C u m b r i a G u i d e

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B R A N I F F & D AV I D S O N

LOOKING TO 2020

with 20/20 vision

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raniff & Davidson Independent Opticians have recently celebrated their 18th birthday with new equipment and a brand new extension.

At the helm of the Workington based store is Optometrist, Joanne Braniff and Contact Lens Practitioner Howard Davidson and the family-run practice employs a close-knit workforce of eight staff that has looked after the vision needs of West Cumbrians for generations.

The team have been busy in recent months expanding their premises into a neighbouring property. Not only has it provided a more spacious shop it also allowed them to modernise and add a brand new consulting room alongside new facilities.

The added space means Braniff & Davidson are pleased to offer Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) as a supplementary test. This technique is used for obtaining sub-surface images of the eye and retina at a resolution equivalent to a low-power microscope. It is effectively an ‘optical ultrasound’ that provides cross-sectional images.

OCT provides imagery at a much higher resolution than other techniques like MRI or ultrasound and builds very clear 3D images.

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“We’re delighted to have ensured future generations have access to modern testing equipment and clearer vision.”

“Our new imaging equipment has given us the ability to detect problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic macular oedema up to four years earlier than the standard eye examination,” said Optician Joanne Braniff.

“We’re delighted to have ensured future generations have access to modern testing equipment and clearer vision.”

Their fully qualified optometrists are always available to provide a thorough eye test along with digital Retinal Photography, Glaucoma Monitoring and Diabetes Screening, while their professional dispensing and fitting service helps you choose the perfect frames to suit your face.

F E AT U R E

Of course, Braniff & Davidson still provide the same personalised service they always have and pride themselves on the excellent reputation they’ve achieved in the local area.

They are members of the General Optical Council and offer a friendly, professional and customised eye care service for all the family, whether they are NHS or private patients. Their home visits have proven a lifeline for housebound patients.

They offer a large choice of sunglasses along with budget and designer frames for all the family and their designer range includes names like Tiffany, Versace, Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, Bvlgari, RayBan, Oakley and Emporio Armani.

Contact lens practitioner, Howard Davidson, has many years of experience and contacts lenses are available as daily, monthly and multifocals.

As a family-run, independent optician they care for their community and Braniff & Davidson offer ten per cent discounts to members of The Blue Light Card, which is the discount service for the UK’s Emergency Services and the NHS. Readers of The Guide are in for a special treat too with a 25% discount voucher off complete spectacles. It’s not to be used in conjunction with other offers but this massive discount is available until the end of January and should bring some festive cheer to our readers.

Keeping customers happy and healthy is the most important thing to Joanne, Howard and the staff at Braniff & Davidson and they’d like to wish all their customers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. They look forward to seeing everyone in 2020 with 20/20 vision.

Find them at 1 - 3 New Oxford Street, Workington.

Call 01900 606111 for an appointment or follow them on Facebook for up to date information.

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

“Wise men still buy gold�

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from

Bespoke Jewellery Makers Since 1990

Off Bell Close Car Park, Keswick Tel: 017687 79798 | info@fultonjewellery.co.uk fultonsljw The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development Europe investing in rural areas

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

C H A M PA G N E B E A U T Y C

hampagne Beauty is an exciting new progression for beautician Jodie Carter.

She worked as a mobile beautician for 3 and a half years but has recently taken the plunge and opened her own salon above the Westminster Cafe on Queen Street in Whitehaven.

“I trained in beauty at college,” explained 27-year-old Jodie.

“I loved it but pursued another career, which was a shame because I’d worked to the top of my chosen profession but I wasn’t enjoying my work. I continued to develop my beauty skills in my spare time and worked as a mobile beautician alongside my full-time job.

It’s the little touches that make my clients feel special, I’m delighted people have supported me and I want them to have a great experience at Champagne Beauty which is why I offer complimentary hot and cold drinks, including a glass of Prosecco.

I’m thrilled I opened my own business and only wish I’d done it sooner.”

Call Jodie on 07791619909, find her on Facebook @ ChampagneBeautyCumbria or @champagne_beauty_ on Instagram, or drop in at 133 Queen Street in Whitehaven.

When the company I worked for unexpectedly closed I thought if this can happen in a job I don’t really want then why not take a risk for something I always loved.”

Jodie turned disaster into opportunity when she opened Champagne Beauty. The salon has wonderful views over Saint Nicholas gardens and offers treatments and therapies like Classic and Russian Lash Extensions, Lash Lifts, Highly Defined Brows, Makeup, Acrylic and Shellac nails, Manicures, Pedicures, Waxing and relaxing treatments like aromatherapy and Indian Head Massages.

“I operate very flexible hours,” said Jodie. “People have busy lifestyles and I’m happy to work around special occasions or if they're heading out for the night. I also travel to Bridal parties.”

She is keen to build on the impressive reputation Champagne Beauty has established since opening a few months ago: “It’s important to use the best products available, I wouldn’t treat a client with anything I won’t use myself.

People might think wax is just wax but I feel it’s vital to use the best products, which is why I use Lycon Wax. I’m constantly updating my skills while researching the latest products available.

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

Vintage Make-Up

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he Vintage look has an elegance all of its own and our resident makeup artist, Bridget Foster, explains what you’ll need to achieve this timeless technique at home.

I was booked to create the hair and makeup look for a new fashion company, Roses Wardrobe, which is based in the Scottish town of Langholm.

Emma and Leanne have been busy designing and creating some vintage fashion items that are sourced using organic fabrics from Scotland and the photoshoot needed the makeup to match.

Bridget Foster Make Up & Hair www.bridgetfoster.co.uk @bridgetfos

The look of the 1940s is sophisticated and faces were flawless and fresh looking. Photographer Tommy Martin and Katie Jay produced the images and the reaction on social media was positive with people loving the vintage hair and make-up looks.

The red lip vintage look is a classic but I never like to carbon copy the look completely. We don’t want to go too far, it’s not a theatre drama. It’s nice to take elements of the look and update it for a wearable style with the use of our amazing modern products.

The key 1940s facial features are eyebrows and lips and I would say the flick liner pushes more towards the 1950s.

With a fabulous and authentic location and styling, I updated this vintage look with an orange toned red lips and eyes.

This worked so well with the small elements of blue in the fabrics and background items. I have used this shade on many “red lip” looks. It just works well on most skin tones and I used it on Vicky during the lanes shoot recently. It looks completely different as we styled it with modern clothes on a blonde model. Our model for this shoot was the gorgeous Simone, who has black hair and a cooler skin tone.

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

Adding half eyelashes to the corners of our perfect model Simone’s eye, gives a subtle illusion of a more elongated eye. I also added a black feline flick eyeliner to keep the look strong and clean.

Her skin was kept flawless but not completely matt. Keeping the skin matt would almost make the look theatre. A modern skin keeps the look appealing to clients with nice contour and bronze with a subtle dewy effect.

To create a vintage look at home you need these key items: Fine brow pencil – Nyx brow pencils gives good precision £9 Red lip – My favourite Red Square by Nars Bronzer – Mac Mineralise dark golden Black painting liner & eyeliner brush – Bobbi Brown black Ink Bobbi Brown Gretna outlet.

Skin – I used Born This Way oil-free Foundation which photographs perfectly.

Of course, a good concealer is essential and I used Bobbi Brown full coverage.

It’s important to try your best to keep the look clean and simple. If a red lip is too much for you maybe you can opt for a well defined nude.

I have uploaded a video on my Instagram recreating the same look with various hairstyles and incorporated a stylish headband that Emma and Leanne sell. Check it out and you’ll also find I have included a discount code in my video for customers to receive 10% off items.

Photographers - Tommy Martin & Katie Jay T h e We s t C u m b r i a G u i d e

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

Spotlight on the future -

Sustainable Fabrics

by Alexandra Boardman

F

or many people, the beginning of a new year is synonymous with a fresh start, normally in the form of New Year’s resolutions.

It’s a time when people take stock and think about what’s important. Many decide to make changes and some of the most popular resolutions include exercising, healthy eating and losing weight.

But what if we also decided on a resolution to help future generations? Have you ever considered the environmental and human costs of the fabrics we wear? If we all make small changes, then collectively, the benefits will be significant.

Marketers are great at selling Cotton and Wool as natural fibres – however, cotton is still the dirtiest crop around, in terms of pesticides and water used, and it’s only recently that fashion brands have started using ‘cruelty-free wool’.

Eco-Friendly Fabrics We want to highlight some more eco-friendly alternatives: Organic cotton is grown without harmful chemicals and considered to be environmentally sustainable.

Tencel is a soft fabric made from cellulose in eucalyptus which grows quickly and requires no irrigation or pesticides. It’s compostable and biodegradable so will return completely to nature. The fabric offers enhanced breathability, good colour retention, wicking properties and are unfavourable for bacterial growth.

Hemp is one of the ultimate natural fibres and made from one of the fastest-growing plants. First spun into fibre around 10,000 years ago it was once a rough, unyielding fabric but is now super soft and versatile. Thermo-dynamic, with superior wicking it’s up to 5 times stronger than cotton. Hemp fabrics have the look and feel of linen, without the care problems.

Modal is known for being soft and perfect for wearing next to the skin. Modal fabrics are cool, smooth, highly absorbent, lightweight, stretchy and breathable. Made from the pulp of beech trees, which require 10 to 20 times less water than cotton, it’s often blended with other fibres for added strength.

Modal is considered luxurious thanks to its soft feel and high cost.

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Viscose was originally called artificial silk in the late 19th century. It’s one of the oldest manufactured fibres (dating back to 1883) and made from wood pulp. To produce viscose and make it stand up to regular wearing, it must be chemically treated which is why it’s classed as semi-synthetic. Viscose is increasingly being manufactured where they recycle the water and the solvent and Viscose fabrics have excellent drape, colour retention, are breathable, very smooth and absorbent.

Recycled Polyester (or recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate) is derived from recycled plastic bottles!

Dyes used in textile production Textile processes use many toxic dyes and chemicals and the wastewater is often discharged into fields, ponds or rivers without proper treatment. Most synthetic dyes are not biodegradable and they accumulate on lands or rivers causing ecological problems. When looking at environmentally friendly fabrics look for those using natural dyes or AZO-free dyes, as they have the least impact on the fabric.

Next time you are shopping, look at the label and ask the shop assistant about the fabrics. By making considered purchases and looking at slow fashion (where you buy fewer items but of better quality) you can make a big difference.

L

ike many of us, Gary Robinson has always wanted to work for himself. Earlier this year he decided the time had come to put all his experience into a new venture supplying and installing blinds in domestic and commercial properties.

“I thought about doing this for a while,” said Gary. “I’ve been installing blinds for over 20 years so in July I set up Insta-blinds Cumbria.

I supply and fit Verticals, Romans, Pleated Blinds, Wooden Venetians and more. I offer a two year guarantee on all work and I’m happy to travel anywhere from West Cumbria right through to Carlisle.”

Insta-blinds Cumbria offers a free no-obligation quote and Gary promises he’ll beat any like for like price. With nothing to lose, why not give him a ring and support a local startup.

“It’s important as a new business that I go above and beyond when it comes to both price and service,” said Gary.

“Building a reputation takes time but with my experience, I’ve seen it all and there’s nothing I can’t handle. It might be a bit of an old-line but there really is no job too big or too small.”

Getting your new blinds couldn’t be easier, let Gary know a convenient time for a home visit and he’ll take care of the rest.

So if you think it’s time to get some new blinds for winter give Instablinds Cumbria a call on 01946395374 or email instablindscumbria @gmail.com to arrange your quote.

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

Award-winning

Enchanted welcomes you

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umbria’s largest Wedding and Prom event is now a double award-winner after Enchanted scooped the ‘Best Local Wedding Exhibition of the Year’ at the English Wedding Awards in Manchester for the second time in as many years.

Enchanted claimed top honours in November after beating off stiff competition for the North of England category and the event is set to return to Carlisle Racecourse on the 5th of January.

Event organiser Ailsa Taylor is delighted with the back to back awards, as the owner of the Wedding Warehouse in Carlisle she originally organised Enchanted as a way to help promote herself and other local suppliers. But in the space of 6 years it has grown to become the largest Wedding and Prom Fayre in Cumbria and South West Scotland and brings together the best of the region’s wedding industry under one roof.

If your big event is coming up next year, or beyond, and you’re looking for inspiration then Enchanted is a must.

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a glass of fizz before being transported into the world of weddings and prom.

Professional catwalks will feature throughout the event and you’ll find plenty of exclusive offers too. There’s also a raffle for your chance to win a prom dress or wedding dress. Enchanted has always raised money for a chosen charity and this year’s event will help raise proceeds for Carlisle Mind who believe no one should have to face mental health issues alone.

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

Last year there were over 35 exhibitors and Ailsa is hoping for more this year. Photographers, florists, venues and beauticians will all be on hand to help you plan your special day - so you can relax knowing everything is perfect. If you have a picture-perfect traditional wedding in mind then you’ll find everything you need but Ailsa is also looking at a range of new exhibitors that cater to ever-changing tastes.

“People are looking for something a bit different,” she said.

“They can get married in a whole range of places now so we are looking for more quirky exhibitors too.”

Catwalks will feature fashions from the Wedding Warehouse who have won "Grooms Wear supplier of the Year" in the English Wedding Awards for the past three years and are nominated again this year. The Wedding Warehouse are also nominated in the "Wedding Boutique of the Year" category after a top ten ranking last year. That gives you the assurance that the Bridal Wear, Prom Wear, Grooms outfits and Bridesmaids dresses are of the highest calibre. Models will also feature outfits for the mother of the bride who can expect the same quality and attention.

As a special offer Enchanted is free to anyone who preregisters their tickets or there’s a charge of £4 on the day.

Doors open at 11:30 and the event will run through until 4.

“Come and join us for a wonderful afternoon,” says Ailsa “We have a large selection of prom dresses too, we are open to everybody and it’s a wonderful chance to find everything under one roof.”

Pre-registering for tickets couldn’t be easier, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/enchanted or www.enchantedcumbria.co.uk where you’ll also find more information. You can contact Ailsa at 01228 595956 for other enquiries.

Photos credited to Gavin at GJP Photography

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FOOD & DRINK

ONLY ONE ROYAL YEW KESWICK’S TAPAS EXPERIENCE DARKER TIDES AT THE HARBOURMASTER RECIPES

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

FOOD & DRINK

Only One Royal Yew

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n a frozen winter night, The Royal Yew in Dean is cosy and inviting.

The bar is filled with chatting locals and first impressions are of a traditional village pub but that’s half the story, because The Royal Yew has carved out a reputation as a destination for discerning diners.

Nick Beattie and his wife Dawn have managed The Royal Yew since 2015 and he is all praise for his kitchen staff: “We have two fantastic chefs that have been here since we started. Dickson Sargoi Koskei is Kenyan with a longstanding local reputation and Henri Coicidan has 20 years experience, was Michelin trained in France and brings the extras you wouldn’t expect in a pub.

We serve pub classics but it’s shooting season so we also have Pheasant, Partridge and Game Pie. With fantastic produce on our doorstep, we source locally and the specials board changes depending on what’s come off the boats and the season.”

It brings plenty of visitors to the lonely village and as my wife and I order some drinks a steady stream of satisfied customers depart into the night.

They confirm the foodie reputation but local Henry explained over his Guinness the pub has another claim to fame: “This is the only Royal Yew in the entire UK. It goes back to when crown officials would collect taxes from the landowners under the local yew tree, which became known as the Royal Yew….. but that might just be a story.”

He nods knowingly and while I could sit by the fire listening to tales all night I’ve spotted the very real specials board and it’s time to try the food.

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I pick the pan-seared Partridge because Nick assured me it came from down the road and my wife opts for the chicken liver pate. The Partridge came with black pudding and bacon, was beautifully cooked and the quality of the ingredients was obvious.

For the main, I opt for the Cumbrian Grill and can confirm that when a Michelin trained chef works with the finest produce the outcome is perfection. My wife claims the freshly caught Hake was the best she’s ever had.

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“As a mother of two young boys it’s important we were family-friendly and because we are a rural village we are dog-friendly too.”

We can only manage to share a dessert and we took Dawn’s advice with the homemade chocolate orange cheesecake.

Every course confirmed The Royal Yew’s renown is wellfounded and while Dawn is pleased people love the food she’s proud she could return the pub to its community roots: “As a mother of two young boys it’s important we were family-friendly and because we are a rural village we are dog-friendly too. We started a ‘buy one get one free’ lunch offer from Monday to Saturday as a trial but it’s so popular, we kept it on. It brings groups and families together as does our Tuesday night quiz.”

Sunday dinners are special, and at £9.95 or £7.95 for senior citizens, you won’t pay less to have a Michelin trained chef cook your family roast.

The gin selection is extensive and draught ales come from local brewery Tirril with a Royal Yew Blonde Ale by the Tractor Shed in Workington.

The food is exceptional and the vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu is substantial.

To get a real flavour of The Royal Yew book a late table or stop back for a drink after your meal. The locals trickle in as the diners leave and you’ll see exactly what makes it so special.

Call them on 01946 861342 and visit www.royalyew.co.uk for more information.

Lu n ch Time S pec ia l O ff er

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE! from our selected menu

TWO MEALS FOR ONLY...

£10.95

MONDAY - SATURDAY 12 pm - 2.30pm

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Vegan yorkshire puddings

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e’re all now aware that we should eat less meat if we’re serious about helping the environment. We don’t expect people to simply go Vegan overnight but we want to show you that vegan food can be exciting and tasty and that dropping meat from one or two meals a week will help.

This vegan alternative is one of the county’s most famed culinary creations! So here it is, to complete your Sunday dinner or enjoy as a snack.

INGREDIENTS: For the gravy: • 1 onion • 2 carrots • 1 head of celery • 1 veggie stock cube • 75ml Henderson’s Relish (at least!)

• 2.5lt water • 50g cornflour For the puddings: • 325g plain flour • Pinch of salt and pepper • 1 tbsp baking powder • 600ml soya milk • 25ml Henderson’s Relish • A smidge of vegetable oil

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METHOD: For the gravy Chop all the vegetables as chunky or skinny as you like, plonk them in a tall saucepan and begin to roast them off.

Add the stock cube with a couple of lashings of Henderson’s Relish and continue cooking until the vegetables are beginning to brown. Pour in the water and leave your concoction on a low-medium heat to reduce for about 1 hour (usually a good time to make a brew, it’s thirsty work).

After this time, sieve out the veg, add all the Henderson’s Relish – if you can’t get enough of the spicy sauce, we applaud adding more, fill ya boots – and the taste test comes in handy till you get it to your liking. Make a paste with the cornflour and a dab of water then whisk it into the gravy.

Then my dears, you are done!

For the Yorkshire puddings Sieve the flour, salt, pepper and baking powder together into a mixing bowl. Add the soya milk and Henderson’s Relish while whisking everything together to create your batter. Cover the bowl – a tea towel will do – and leave the batter to stand in the fridge for 5 to 10 minutes.

While the batter chills, pour a smidge of oil into each hole of your Yorkshire pudding tray then place it in the oven at 220°c to heat for 5 minutes. Evenly pour the batter into the tray and leave to cook for 10 to 15 minutes before rotating the tray and cooking for another 10 to 15 minutes for a lovely even finish.

To serve: Lather the gravy on top of your puds and splash some more Henderson’s Relish over the top for good measure.

The Vegan North is available to buy in all good bookshops or online at www.mezepublishing.co.uk T h e We s t C u m b r i a G u i d e

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FOOD & DRINK

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FOOD & DRINK

Chorizo, queso and churros

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et on the banks of the River Greta, La Rosa Roja offers stunning views of Skiddaw and Latrigg while dishing out the best of Spain with an authentic tapas experience.

The historic Grade II listed building was left derelict after Storm Desmond in 2015 but new owners, Lindsey Berry and Peter Mounfield, restored the premises while adding extensive new flood resilience measures.

In August the couple unveiled a remodelled restaurant with wine and cocktail bar. The decor is intimate and charming with the option of sharing benches, private tables and booths.

“We have run a guest house in Keswick for ten years but this was a real challenge,” said Lindsey. “When the opportunity came to purchase the building we jumped at it, it was obvious that with sympathetic restoration it would work as a tapas restaurant. It was a big job but we self-managed the project and used local contractors wherever possible.”

The main dining area is centred around a large mirrored wall and the traditional Spanish charcuterie offers the best Iberico hams, cheeses and bread. It’s a perfect place to relax with a glass of good wine and an authentic tapas like Paella, Marinated Olives, Calamares Fritas, Salted Cod Croquettes, Patatas Bravas or Churros.

“Of course not everyone wants a sit-down meal,” said Lindsey.

“Some people will love a light bite in our wine and cocktail bar - The Tapas Tavern. It has a Spanish bodega feel but with magnificent views of Skiddaw and is perfect for parties, afterwork drinks or catching up with friends and family.”

A late license and live music will create a real buzz along with the 100 seat restaurant that brings something completely new to the Lake District village.

“It’s the type of food we enjoy,” said Lindsey. “We have kept it authentic, it appeals to so many different types of diner, for us it was an obvious choice. We have two excellent local chefs heading up the kitchen and diners can see straight into the gas-free kitchen.”

Alongside tapas, La Rosa Roja also offers sharing platters and dishes, a rotating market menu every week and a set menu over Christmas and new year.

Visit www.larosarojawineandtapas.co.uk or call 01768772111 T h e We s t C u m b r i a G u i d e

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FOOD & DRINK

A Year At The Helm

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hen Sean Reay opened the Harbour Master in Whitehaven last year, he wanted to create a friendly bar environment where you could get a coffee and a bite to eat as you watch the world go by.

From daytime dog walkers to people looking for a quiet drink at night, the Harbour Master has proven the perfect port of call for everyone.

“It’s been an amazing year,” admitted Sean. “It’s gone beyond our expectations but we think it’s down to the community feel and I’m happy for the support.”

The Harbour Master has always been accessible, it’s a place where anyone could come in and sink into the comfy Chesterfield sofas or settle on a high stool around the barrels. Because Sean didn’t want people waiting a long time to eat, the aim was always to provide quick and light food like traybakes, toasties and baps.

But his year at the helm of the Harbour Master brought some events Sean could not have predicted last December: 48

“I always wanted to source our food, drink and coffee locally so I was selling beer from the Ennerdale Brewery but the idea for a partnership with them was a coup when we brought out our American IPA. It was a real success so I approached the brewery again with an idea for a darker beer for the winter which has been getting some great feedback and is selling well.”

Dave Morton is Head Brewer at Ennerdale and when Sean approached him he had a smoked porter in mind that was perfect for the colder months: The American IPA in the summer was very well received,” said Dave. “And Sean wanted something that kept the nautical theme, so I came up with a very dark beer that we called ‘Darker Tides’. We’ve kept plenty of caramel and chocolate flavours in there but there is definitely no hiding the fact that it’s smoked. There is a wood smoke flavour from the malt and I threw subtlety out of the window with this one, it’s not overpowering but there’s no mistaking it’s there.”

Their rum selection and punches had proven to be a big hit over the summer:

T h e W e s t C u m b r i a G u i d e - S u p p o r t i n g Yo u r L o c a l B u s i n e s s e s

“I’d like to introduce a quiz night for the long winter evenings,” said Shaun. “It will give people a reason to come out and I want to tweak the food a bit and offer winter warmers like cups of soup. I still want it to be simple but also something homely that will keep the Harbour Master as a community meeting point. The original idea was to create a bar that’s got a community pub feel and I think we’ve done that, I’m over the moon.

I’d like to thank everyone for making the place what it is and I especially want to thank my assistant manager Sarah and shift manager Claire for their hard work and support.”

Find them on Facebook @theharbourmaster or follow their four legged friends on Insta @the.harbour.master.dogs

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FOOD & DRINK

Spiced Lamb Flatbreads

B

ring your cooking to life with The Hawkshead Relish Cook Book. These simple meals are packed full of flavour and make the most of the jars and bottles tucked away in your cupboard.

As the lamb is coated in spices, your home will fill with wonderful eastern aromas as they roast. Serve these with couscous or rice and drizzle the dressing over.

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 12-15 minutes | Serves: 4 Ingredients • 500g lamb leg steaks • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 1 finely chopped small onion • 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes • Juice of 1 lemon • Salt and pepper • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds • 4 flatbreads or pitta bread • Pinch of paprika • Salad leaves • Pomegranate seeds For the dressing • 175ml plain yoghurt • 2 teaspoons Hawkshead Relish Mango Chutney • 1 small deseeded and finely chopped chilli • Zest of 1 lemon • Pinch of salt

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Method For the koftas 1. Massage the lamb with olive oil, onion, chilli flakes, lemon juice, salt and pepper and leave to marinate for as long as you can (a minimum of 30 minutes).

2. Toast the cumin seeds in a dry frying pan until they start to colour, then grind to a powder using a pestle and mortar.

3. Heat a griddle pan or heavy-based frying pan until very hot, add the marinated lamb steaks and cook for a few minutes on each side until nicely browned all over. Spoon the remaining marinade over the meat and remove from the heat to rest. After a couple of minutes, slice the steaks into thin strips.

For the dressing Mix the ingredients for the dressing, cover and refrigerate until needed.

To serve Warm the flatbreads. Add lamb, sprinkle with paprika and toasted cumin powder then drizzle with the dressing. Serve with a fresh green salad dotted with pomegranate seeds.

Tip To warm flatbreads, either pop in a microwave for 10 seconds or place in a hot dry frying pan for a few seconds on each side so they start to colour but don't burn.

Embellish with Relish is available to buy in all good bookshops or online at www.mezepublishing.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK

tosca cake I allonby tea rooms

t’s time to get baking because Brenda from Allonby Tea Rooms has shared one of her favourite recipes with us.

This cake is common in Finland and Sweden.

Traditionally it only uses almonds in the topping but the addition of seeds, spices and cranberries really adds an edge.

Ingredients • • • • • • •

100g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 130g caster sugar 3 large eggs 50ml single cream 100g plain flour 1tsp baking powder 100g ground almonds

Nut topping • • • • • • • • • •

125g unsalted butter 75g blanched hazelnuts 100g brown sugar 100g flaked almonds 25g pumpkin seeds 25g sunflower seeds ¼ tsp ground cardamom 3 tbsp milk ¼ tsp vanilla extract 40g dried cranberries

Method

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1.

Preheat the oven to 170C/gas mark 3. Grease and line the base of a 23cm loose-bottomed cake tin. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar with an electric whisk for at least 5 minutes, until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking until fluffy. Stir through the cream.

2.

Sift in the flour and baking powder, add the ground almonds and gently fold through. Transfer the batter to the cake tin, smoothing it out evenly.

Bake for 30 minutes, or until lightly golden.

3.

For the topping, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Halve the hazelnuts and add to the pan with all the other topping ingredients. Stir to combine and keep warm over very low heat.

4.

Pour the topping over the cake and bake for another 15 minutes or until golden brown on top and a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

F FO OO OD D & & D DR R II N NK K

Christmas Pudding A

classic, simple Christmas pudding that’s so easy to make.

Ingredients • 1 cup raisins • 1 cup sultanas • 1 cup self-raising flour • 1 cup finely grated butter (about 115g/4oz) • 1 cup fresh brown breadcrumbs (from around 4 thick slices of bread) • 1 cup light muscovado sugar • 1 cup mixed nuts, chopped plus extra to decorate • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tsp ground mixed spice • 1 cup milk • 1 large egg • Butter for greasing For the butterscotch sauce • 85g butter • 100g light muscovado sugar • 200ml double cream • 1 tsp vanilla extract Method 1. For the pudding, empty the first six cups and the nuts, if using, into a mixing bowl with the spices, then stir in the milk and egg. Once well combined, tip into a buttered 1.5-litre pudding bowl.

2.

Cover with a double layer of buttered foil, making a pleat in the centre to allow the pudding to rise. Tie the foil securely with string, then place in a steamer or large pan containing enough gently simmering water to come halfway up the sides of the bowl. Steam, covered with a lid, for 2 1⁄2 hours. Check the water level during cooking, topping up if necessary. If you are preparing this pudding ahead, remove the foil, let it cool slightly, then wrap in cling film and then fresh foil. If you are serving it immediately, unwrap and invert onto a deep plate.

3.

For the sauce, put everything in a pan and bring slowly to the boil, stirring. Allow to bubble away for 2-3 minutes, still stirring, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce is pale caramel in colour and slightly thickened.

4.

Remove from the heat and pour over the pudding.

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FOOD & DRINK

Y

ellowjacket is a stylish little bar in Carlisle run by Cameron Ellis who fell in love with the art of cocktail making while travelling abroad.

He brought his skills back to Carlisle last year and his bar pits itself against the very best in the world. If inspiration takes hold readers might like to have a go at making some of these world-class cocktails…. Or better yet, take a break from your shopping, find a seat or grab a spot by the bar and let the experts do it for you!!

Green Idol A refreshing alternative to the ever-popular Amaretto Sour.

Ingredients • 40ml Pisco • 40ml Pistachio Liqueur, • 5ml Creme de Menthe • 25ml Lemon Juice • Egg White Method Combine in a cocktail shaker, shake the ingredients without ice initially to make certain the egg white is truly mixed with other spirits, then add the ice, shake and serve.

White Elephant Consider this an early Christmas gift because it’s the most popular cocktail at Yellowjacket and now you can make your own.

Ingredients • 25ml Elephant Gin (Which helps protect endangered wild elephants!)

• 25ml Fine White Port • 25ml Vanilla Liqueur, • 25ml Lemon Sherbet (Made from 2 cups sugar and 2 cups lemon juice) • Egg White • Thyme Method To make the Lemon Sherbet combine the sugar and lemon juice in a pan over low heat and stir until sugar is dissolved.

Once refrigerated this will last weeks. To make the cocktail add the ingredients together, shake and garnish with Thyme.

Dry thyme has a more intense aroma.

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FOOD & DRINK

Heart of the Wild Another popular number at Yellowjacket.

Ingredients • 25ml Jinzu Cherry Blossom Gin • 25ml Yuzu Sake • 30ml Goji Liqueur • 2 drops of Bitterness Burlesque Bitters • 1 Kaffir Lime leaf (You can get this from most oriental supermarkets) • Dried Hibiscus (for garnish) Method Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail tin and shake.

Pour into glass and garnish with dried hibiscus.

Intergalactic This is named after the Beastie Boys song and always goes down well.

Ingredients • 35ml Bols Aged Genever • 25ml Yuzu Sake • 15ml Amère Nouvelle • 50ml Pineapple Juice • 2 drops of homemade Eucalyptus tincture.

Method Make the tincture by combining 13 grams of washed Eucalyptus and 4.5 oz of Everclear (known as grain alcohol or neutral spirit) in a Kilner jar. Leave for 3 days, sieve out the leaves and add 125 ml of water. It will last indefinitely.

Combine the ingredients in a shaker and serve.

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Award-Winning Kia Sportage

I

t’s been a successful year for the Kia Sportage as it scooped a trio of top awards in 2019.

The Sportage continues to show why it is the best-selling Kia in the UK when it picked up two industry awards in one week. It can now add ‘Crossover of the Year’ at the 2019 Honest John Awards and ‘Best Car for Towing’ at the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2019 to its long list of accolades.

The Honest John awards are decided by the website’s readers and the popularity of each of the shortlisted cars is measured using data from the site over the past 12 months, with the cars creating the most interest picking up the awards. The Kia Sportage was commended for its practicality and the long list of standard kit with reversing camera, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and Voice Control as standard.

At the 2019 AutoTrader New Car Awards, the Kia Sportage picked up its second award with ‘Best Car for Towing’.

The awards are decided by over 63,000 real car owners who rate their cars across 16 different criteria, including reliability, performance and running costs.

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Erin Baker, Autotrader Editorial Director, said: ‘Owners of the Kia Sportage recognised the car’s reliability, safety features and how comfortable it is to drive. It was also praised for its durability and stability on the road, driving position, amount and quality of tech which comes as standard; all of which are key when towing.’

The Sportage also topped the polls in the Auto Express ‘Driver Power Best Used Car 2019’ survey. The ‘Driver Power’ survey allows car owners to rate their cars in 31 specific areas such as ride, reliability and running costs. In the most recent survey, the Sportage scored 92.78 per cent, outranking all other contestants in just under half the categories.

Hugo Griffiths, Consumer Editor for Auto Express wrote: “The Sportage put in a peerless performance, taking the top spot in four of the nine individual Driver Power categories, with owners praising its comfort, practicality and infotainment systems in particular.”

Commenting on the recent award success, Steve Hicks, Sales Director for Kia Motors said: ‘We are thrilled the Sportage has won these awards especially as they are decided by potential and current owners. The Sportage has continued to be a vital part of the Kia range helping push our growth while still satisfying customers ever-changing needs.’

The Sportage has remained as Kia’s best-selling model for six years in a row and the latest model features an updated exterior and interior design with new safety and infotainment technologies, as well as efficient new powertrains complying with future emissions standards.

The Sportage pairs an updated exterior and interior design with new safety and infotainment technologies.

Improvements to the Sportage’s sporty exterior design include new front and rear bumpers, as well as redesigned front and rear lamps and new 16-, 17- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs.

The refined cabin features a new steering wheel and revised instrument cluster, as well as new black-and-grey two-tone upholstery. The Sportage adopts the latest advanced driving assistance systems, including Smart Cruise Control, an Around View Monitor for easier parking manoeuvres and Driver Attention Warning to combat inattentiveness at the wheel.

In line with every Kia, the Sportage comes with the best warranty in the business – seven years or 100,000 miles, subject to terms and conditions. The warranty is fully transferable to the next owner if the car is sold before the time or mileage limit expires.

To book your test drive contact 01900 608000 or visit Walkingshaw, Joseph Noble Road, Workington, CA14 4JH or visit www.walkingshaw.co.uk

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PUZZLES

Word search search Word

Kid’s soduko

tinsel - sack - lights - rudolph - glitter - angel - stocking presents - santa - tree - sleigh - christmas - twinkle - star

Congratulations to last issues competition winner Cathy (with her amazing picture of Gertrude) who has won an art set.

Keep sending those lovely pictures in.

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THE GUIDE’S COLOURING PUZZLE COMPETITION

PUZZLES

Colour in this picture and send it to us for the chance to win an art set.

SEND TO CRAIGO Address...............................................................................................

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kids christmas roundup Have a chat with Santa before the big day, get up close and personal with the owls at Muncaster or take in a show… our Kids roundup is full of great ideas.

The Adventures of Pinocchio 21 - 24 Dec, Rosehill Theatre

Oddsocks Productions are bringing ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’ to Rosehill for the festive season. It’s a wonderfully adventurous story with touching lessons along the way as the handmade Pinocchio journeys through the world, discovering what it takes to be a real human. From villains and vagabonds to fairies and giant fish, Pinocchio meets adversity and adventure with equal measure and a jolly good dose of music and laughter. This enchanting family show is a heartwarming experience for all. www.rosehilltheatre.co.uk

Christmas Magic Cruise with Santa 15 December, Ullswater Steamers

A festive treat and fun for all. Be entertained by Stu-DiDoo’s fabulous Christmas magic show and meet Santa to hand over that all-important letter. You never know you may receive a gift! Your ticket includes a 90-minute cruise, magic show, Christmas balloon, a gift for the children and a complimentary drink with a mince pie. Unfortunately, there’s not enough space for our 4 legged friends. The cruise departs from Glenridding at 10:30 am or 1:30 pm. www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk

Puss In Boots

Dec 15 - Jan 5, Upfront Theatre The Upfront Puppet Theatre present “Puss in Boots”. It’s based on the original French fairy tale where the father dies and the eldest son inherits the flour mill; the second a donkey and the youngest son, Marco, inherits a cat! But this is no ordinary cat, Puss has magical qualities and hatches a plan to get rid of a local ogre so that Marco can pretend to be the Marquis of Carabis. At some shows, there is also an opportunity to meet the puppets and puppeteers.

For more information on times and to book tickets visit www.up-front.com or call 01768484538 60

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

K I D S W H AT ’ S O N

Actual Factual Christmas Trail

Weekends throughout December, Beacon Museum, Whitehaven Santa has set local children a festive challenge of arctic proportions at the Beacon Museum this December. Whether it’s guessing the colour of Rudolph’s nose to naming the gifts for the twelve days of Christma the clues take you through the museum on a festive quest. The trail leads to Santa’s Grotto where you can make Christmas crafts, meet Santa and make sure you are on his nice list! Participants will receive a Christmas gift. The Actual Factual Christmas Trail is £5 and is open to all ages. www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk

Owls by Moonlight

14, 21 & 22 December , Muncaster Castle A fantastic opportunity to visit Muncaster Castle in the evenings of the runup to Christmas to enjoy two breathtaking owl displays after dark. These spectacular evenings begin at 6 pm with supper and a talk from one of the expert bird staff before the first display in the Old Rose Garden. Then take an atmospheric walk through the illuminated gardens past the Castle to the Meadow for the second display. It’ll be a hoot. www.muncaster.co.uk

The Independent Day School for Boys and Girls aged 3 - 18

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs 22 - 25 Jan, Gosforth Amateur Dramatic Society

Mirror, mirror on the wall... Gosforth Amateur Dramatic Society’s pantomime is ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ by Alan Frayn. Alan is one of their go-to authors for up-to-date and hilarious scripts that the group scatter with a liberal dose of song and dance. Expect all the usual suspects, along with some unusual twists on some of the characters just to mix things up. The shows begin at 7 pm and on Saturday the 25th there is also a matinee at 1 pm with an evening show at 6 pm.

For tickets visit www.gads.org.uk

SCHOLARSHIPS The Scholarship scheme seeks to recognise and reward the contribution to school life by remarkable individuals.

Applications are now open for Year 7 and L6th entry for September 2020 in the areas of: Academic; Sport; Music; Art; Theatre; All Rounder.

Call 01228 550760 or email admissions@austinfriars.co.uk for more information or an application form.

AUSTIN FRIARS, CARLISLE I WWW.AUSTINFRIARS.CO.UK T h e We s t C u m b r i a G u i d e

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EA R SE PF U ZT ZU LE

Catch-Words

Across 1 9 10 11 12 art (8) 14 15 18 20 22 23 24 Down 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

13 16 17 19 21

Branch of dentistry (12) Academy Award (5) Highest bid in bridge (2-5) Branch line (4) Person appreciating the beauty of Headgear fixer (6) Hinged switch (6) For use in the theatre (8) North or South? (4) Had an ambitious plan (7) Stretch sideways (5) Living person’s double (12) Recently enlisted person (7) Rabbit-like animal (4) Capital of Colorado (6) System of musical symbols (8) Habituate (5) God (7,5) Male partner responsible for domestic duties (5,7) Ornamental work in wire (8) Newcastle-born? (7) Pampered pet (6) Tear to shreds (3,2) Duplicate copy (4)

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.

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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.

BOOK CORNER

Chronicling Cumbrians

W

hy does Cumbria produce such remarkable people? How did England’s most thinly-populated county nurture some of the world’s greatest poets, painters, scientists, rebels and storytellers?

Local author Paul Eastham has delved into Cumbria’s past in an attempt to explain why our beautiful county, with its towering mountains, silent lakes and deep woods has fostered its great inhabitants on to even greater feats.

After a lifetime working for mendacious national newspaper editors, Paul quit his job three years ago and moved to this uncanny place he has always Ioved. His assumption he would spend his days in the garden was off target when he started delving into neglected, misremembered and forgotten aspects of local history.

After hours trawling through letters, biographies, diaries and archaeology Paul realised that a rather large group of Cumbrian residents, who were not always good people, have changed the world in many ways.

His book, Huge and Mighty Forms, takes readers through his fascinating findings over 28 chapters that cover everything from the king-defying feminist Lady Anne Clifford to the religious fanatic and Gunpowder Plotter Thomas Percy or the Ismay family whose egotistical drive built the Titanic (and the internal feud that sank it).

Despite a sprinkling of Viking and Anglo Saxon incomers, Cumbrians are derived from the Atlantic Celts who sat out the last ice age around the Basque Region of Spain before heading north around 13,000 years ago. William Wordsworth’s’ visionary brilliance drew on this Celtic pantheism although his egotism destroyed his sister and daughter.

Iron Age Queen Cartimandua may have been toppled because she underestimated the Celtic Carvetii tribe but William the Conqueror did not make the same mistake when he left Cumbria well alone in 1066.

Why did Fletcher Christian lead a mutiny on the bounty?

Was it because his sponsor Captain Bligh seemed to threaten his proud aristocratic pretensions?

Huge and Mighty Forms offers answers to all of the above and can be bought at the New Bookshop, the Moon & Sixpence coffee house or Percy House Gallery on Main Street, Cockermouth. Buy it online at www.fletcher-books-shop.onlineweb.shop

PET’S CORNER

Christmas Food Warning

A

t Christmas, our houses are full of rich food and drink to celebrate but many can be highly toxic to our pets and it’s worth bearing this in mind.

Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine. Even small amounts can cause stomach upset, agitation, tremors, convulsions and heart problems.

There’s a few everyone knows about but there are a few festive surprises in too. Read on and save yourself a costly, and unnecessary, trip to the vets over Christmas.

Dried fruit such as raisins, currants and sultanas are found in Christmas cake, mince pies, Christmas pudding and stollen.

These can cause serious illness and even kidney failure!

We all know that chocolate is bad for dogs but there are other dangerous foods it’s worth being aware of. Here are a few of the worst offenders - but please note that the tolerance to toxic foods can vary between pets.

Gravy and stuffing can contain onions, garlic, leeks, shallots or chives which can cause damage to red blood cells resulting in anaemia. Symptoms occur within 24 hours or up to 5 days later and include paleness, lethargy, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea and blood in the urine.

Alcohol can cause a lack of coordination, drowsiness and there is the risk of low body temperature, low blood sugar and coma.

The majority of nuts can also cause stomach upsets. The worst are macadamia and walnuts that have the potential to cause neurological damage and seizures.

Mouldy leftovers are also a risk to pets and may cause tremors and seizures due to the presence of tremorgenic mycotoxins.

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PET’S CORNER

Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener often found in sweets, chewing gum and toothpaste. It is poisonous to dogs and can lead to low blood sugar and liver damage. Symptoms can appear immediately or be delayed and include poisoning, lethargy, vomiting, convulsions and in extreme cases coma.

Chewing bones can splinter and create blockages which cause serious gastrointestinal damage. Everyone wants to show how much they care but overindulging your pets with treats can also cause stomach upsets, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Please be aware and make sure to keep dangerous foods out of your pets reach so you can avoid an unwanted emergency trip to the vets. If you have any worries about something your pet may have ingested contact your vet for advice as soon as possible.

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W H AT ’ S O N

S

Editor’s Pick

ee out the year in style, see the new one with a challenge or just sit back and enjoy some fine music, witty comedy or classic tales. We have all that and more.

David Harper - Unexpected Tales 15 December, Rosehill Theatre

David’s show features behind-the-scenes anecdotes from TV, live auctions, antique finds, huge profits and even bigger losses. There are stories from TV appearances and historical journeys through time. David is known for appearances on the likes of Bargain Hunt and the Antiques Road Trip and this show is an audience-led adventure as he tackles subjects ranging from how to build the confidence to appear on TV, money-making schemes, meeting famous characters and real-life experiences. www.rosehilltheatre.co.uk

Celtic Christmas Strings

17 - 18 December The Gather at Ennerdale and Loweswater Village Hall Maire ni Chathasaigh and Chris Newman bring together a breathtaking blend of traditional Irish music, swing jazz and bluegrass. If you think there’s something magical about harps, particularly at Christmas, then Máire and Chris’s alchemy on harp and guitar creates a special magic. Festive favourites are given a fresh voice and performed in heart-warming style. Their new Christmas show features arrangements that are intricate, inventive, moving and beautiful. A spellbinding treat for midwinter. www.kirkgatearts.org.uk

Delorean - Back To The 80s New Years Eve Party 31 December, The Solway Hall, Whitehaven

If the ’80s was your scene then New Year’s Eve at the Solway Hall in Whitehaven is a must-do. Delorean is far more than a tribute act, they are determined to return music to its greatest ever decade. All the 80s greats are covered including Starship, Prince, Robert Palmer, Duran Duran, Madonna, Journey and more. Get a perm, grow your mullet, pull on the leggings and dig out your biggest shoulder pads. Entry price includes a buffet and disco.

Doors Open at 7 PM. www.thesolwayhall.com 66

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

North Lakes New Year Half Marathon

W H AT ’ S O N

5 January, Lorton Valley

Brush of the festive cobwebs with the North Lakes New Year Half Marathon. It’s set in the stunning Lorton valley and, although you will be surrounded by Lakeland fells, the course is quite gentle by Cumbrian standards with quiet rolling roads with no major hills.

It starts at 10 am and caters to runners of all abilities. Maybe you want an early season PB, complete your first half marathon or just burn off some of the winter festivities. Start your new year on the right foot. www.thenorthlakeshalfmarathon.co.uk

Arthur Smith - Syd 11 January, Rosehill Theatre

Arthur presents a touching and humorous tribute to his father - an ordinary man who lived in extraordinary times. Syd Smith fought at El Alamein, became a prisoner-of-war and ended the war in the notorious Colditz Castle in Germany. In the 1950s PC, Syd patrolled London’s South Bank and met a gallery of characters, whom he tried not to arrest. Arthur tells this 20thcentury story with laughter, amazement and a hilarious photo. www.rosehilltheatre.co.uk

Sorry We Missed You

20 January, Kirkgate Arts Centre, Cockermouth This hard-hitting Ken Loach movie addresses zero-hour Britain. Ricky and his family have been fighting an uphill struggle against debt since the 2008 financial crash. An opportunity to wrestle back some independence appears with a shiny new van and the chance to run a franchise as a self-employed delivery driver. It’s hard work and his wife’s job as a carer is no easier. The family unit is strong but when both are pulled in different directions everything comes to breaking point. www.kirkgatearts.org.uk

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U N B E L I E VA B L E !

here’s to christmas

Images: Beejoy Sanjeev

W

hen I was asked to interview Chris Kamara I assumed it was something to do with football or perhaps Ninja Warrior…. I was certainly not expecting to ask him about his Christmas album.

Chris ‘Kammy’ Kamara is known as the voice of Saturday afternoon on Sky Sports with his on-air gaffes and the catchphrase ‘Unbelievable Jeff ’ but he’s joined the ranks of Christmas chart contenders with his debut album ‘Here’s to Christmas’.

“I’m delighted with the outcome, it’s just amazing,” he said.

“The band have played the likes of The Royal Albert Hall and I’m thinking crikey now they’ve got me. They were brilliant but told me I complimented them with my singing, so I hope that was the truth.”

Footballer to pundit and now presenter to crooner, Kammy has a way about him that transcended his sporting career and endeared him to a new generation: “It’s amazing because I kicked my last football in 1996, there are people that know me only from the TV. 68

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When people see me they smile and it’s one of the greatest gifts given to me. I hear the phrase ‘Unbelievable Jeff ’ every day and people ask me if I get fed up with it but I don’t, it’s an honour and a pleasure.”

Chris is happy to go with the flow but the offer to record an album came rather unexpectedly: “I was on a show last year called ‘All Together Now’ where I sang ‘Your Song’ by Elton John and someone thought my voice would be perfect for a swing album. The rest is history.”

I tell Chris that my wife likes to crack out the Bublé Christmas album when she puts up the Christmas decorations but after hearing a sneak preview of ‘Here’s To Christmas’ she’s keen to crack out the Kamara this year which will set the tone for our Christmas.

“That will be unbelievable!” he says laughing. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d get to record a full album. It’s something I’m really proud of, it’s fun but doesn’t sound half bad either. It will get everyone into the swing of Christmas.” www.chriskamara.com For the full interview visit www.cumbriaguide.co.uk

W H AT ’ S O N

MUSIC / COMEDY /THEATRE / FILM / OTHER MUSIC DECEMBER

08

Thir teen Stars Henr y’s · Workington

08

Tony’s Festive Open Mic Night The Yellow Earl · Whitehaven

01

Darkside - Pink Flyod Tribute Henr y’s · Workington

08

DarkSide Live in Whitehaven The Lowther Club, Whitehaven

03

Live at Salsa - Melanie Baker Salsa Mexican Bistro, Penrit

11

Christmas at Jennings Jennings Brewer y · Cockermouth

04

Nativity!

Carnegie Theatre & Ar ts Centre · Workington

12

Luke Matear (Acoustic and much more) The Yellow Earl · Whitehaven

05

Chop Suey - System of a Down Tribute The Brickyard · Carlisle

13

Christmas Par ty Nights Marchon Club · Whitehaven

05

Melanie Baker - Debut Full Band Gig Fell Bar · Penrith

13

Britpop Union and Disco Washington Central Hotel · Workington

06

Christmas Par ty - Glitz & Glam The Solway Hall Whitehaven

13

Little FIX plus disco The Navy Club - Members Club · Mar ypor t

06

Sneaky Finch (Live Band) The Yellow Earl · Whitehaven

13

Christmas Par ty Night 13th December 2019 Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa · Keswick

06

The Springsteen Sessions at The Brickyard The Brickyard · Carlisle , Cumbria

13

Christmas Par ty feat. Collision The Solway Hall, Whitehaven

06

Moorforge December Session Moorforge Viking Settlement · Gilcrux, Cumbria

13

The Lake Poets at Threlkeld Village Hall Threlkeld Coffee Shop & Village Hall · Keswick

06

I Am A Raver : Workington Electric Soup · Workington

14

Madness Tribute Band and Disco Washington Central Hotel · Workington

06

Carl Higson at Bar eS Kewsick Bar eS, Keswick

14

VIP par ty night - Michael Griffiths Club 135 · Whitehaven

06

Christmas Par ty Nights!

Lodore Falls Hotel & Spa · Keswick

15

Cor y Spedding & Stu (acoustic duo) The Yellow Earl · Whitehaven

06

Abba Tribute and Disco Washington Central Hotel · Workington

18

Adam Amor (Acoustic Ar tist) The Yellow Earl · Whitehaven

07

A Little Respect and 80s Disco Washington Central Hotel · Workington

19

Roadstunner (Singer Guitarist) The Yellow Earl · Whitehaven

07

Christmas Par ty - Cher Tribute The Solway Hall, Whitehaven

19

Year 7 Xmas Disco St Benedict’s Catholic High School · Whitehaven

07

The Thieving Magpies Skint for Christmas Tour Netherhall Old Boys Rugby Club · Mar ypor t

20

Tr yckster at the Kirkgate Kirkgate Centre , Cockermouth

07

Christmas Par ty - Cher Tribute The Solway Hall Whitehaven · Whitehaven

20

Freddy Mercur y Tribute and Disco Washington Central Hotel · Workington

LOCAL SCENE

local releases

W Rachael Caine

e are committed to showcasing the best of our local musical talent. If you’re in a band, or are a singer or musician and you’d like to feature in The Guide then email us at info@theguidemediagroup.com

R

achael is a singer/songwriter from Workington who has recorded a heartfelt and touching EP ‘Forged by Fire’.

It’s the first time the 23-year-old has recorded any music but she has been writing songs for the past ten years.

“All my songs are personal and capture moments in my life,” said Rachael. “Writing songs helps me process experiences and it’s just like writing a diary, it’s a great way to deal with things.”

Rachael played at Cockermouth Live this year but her normal haunt is the open mic night at the Wild Zucchini in Cockermouth. To help her pay for the recording session Rachael started a go fund me page to raise a hundred pounds.

“I’d written a lot of songs over the years and I put together this idea of getting five songs that would go together. It was partly funded by donations from friends and family, who have made it possible. I recorded it at the Music Farm in Egremont with Tom Tyson and I’m really proud of how it turned out. The EP is entirely acoustic and I played all the guitar parts myself to create the most authentic sound I could.”

Forged by Fire was recorded over July and August and is out now. Rachael is currently studying down in Bangor, North Wales, and is keen to record and release more music this year.

Forged by Fire is available for streaming on iTunes and Spotify and you can check out her Facebook page at @rachaelcainemusic.

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l av e t t s

U

p and coming Whitehaven Indie band The Lavetts have recently released their new single ‘Silent Disco’.

It comes on the back of their self-penned debut single ‘Dotage’ earlier this year. The new single was recorded and produced by Dave Connor of Target Sounds and was released early October.

Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Brandan Rudd said: “The band came together about a year and a half ago at school, a few other guys came on board later and we started gigging not long after. Silent Disco is our second single this year and we’re really happy with how it turned out. It gives a breezy, feel-good vibe that’s completely different from our first.”

The Lavetts have a unique sound that you can’t pin down.

Brandon says influences like Echo and the Bunnymen, The Cure, Blossoms and The Kooks may creep into their music but their songwriting is a group effort: “I’ll write a song at home and bring it in to practice, then everyone will write their own stuff around it.”

The Lavetts are made up of Brandan Rudd - Rhythm Guitar / Lead Vocals, Callum Dawson - Lead Guitar / Backing Vocals, Reigan Telford - Drums / Backing Vocals and Tom Millburn - Bass Guitar.

The tracks are available on all major music streaming platforms and have featured on BBC Introducing in Cumbria.

Keep up to date with show dates, new releases and find out what the band are up to through their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

LOCAL SCENE

d r u d g e

D

rudge is a hard-hitting, beer-drinking stoner rock band from West Cumbria.

Their music certainly comes in at the heavy end of the spectrum but the theme behind their latest single ‘Lay Your Burden Down’ couldn’t be more sincere. It’s a song that goes out to everyone that wakes up with a huge battle going on in their skull every damn morning.

According to drummer John Branch, it was a message the band needed to share: “People in general but men, in particular, are bad at talking when things aren’t going too well.

All the band have different experiences in this and ‘Lay Your Burden Down’ is about trying to portray a positive message when it comes to mental health. If it points one person in the right direction then it’s done its job.”

The single is an absolute belter and the video fits perfectly: “We were toying around with the idea of a more traditional video,” said John. “But decided the lyrics would be enough to get the message across. We’ve had people make contact with us saying that it could have been written about them and it’s got people talking so we’re really pleased.”

The guys have been busy this year with a new album recorded, mixed and mastered. They are currently making plans for its release and with only two gigs in Cumbria recently they have been playing festivals and getting out to a wider audience.

Check them out on youtube, the usual streaming websites and www.drudgeband.com Got some new original music. Email us today at info@theguidemediagroup.co

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Got an Event?

W H AT ’ S O N

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

MUSIC DECEMBER CONTINUED

01

The Deeper Cuts The Lowther Club, Whitehaven

01

The Famous New Years Day Par ty!!!

The Gaslight Cocktail Bar · Workington

10

One Night of Elvis starring Lee Memphis King The Sands Centre · Carlisle

20

Mad Friday with Eats Ever ything (+ more tba) Thir ty Two · Workington

11

Strong Enough - Ultimate Cher tribute concer t The Forum theatre Barrow · Barrow in Furness

20

Christmas Par ty feat. AKA The Solway Hall - Whitehaven

12

Llama! Llama! live at The Navy Club, Mar ypor t The Navy Club of Mar ypor t - Members Club

20

Christmas Par ty night 20th December 2019 Armathwaite Hall Hotel and Spa · Keswick

17

Turin Brakes The Brewer y Ar ts Centre , Kendal

21

The Glamned - 70’s Glam Rock Tribute Workington Legion · Workington

18

One Night of Queen The Sands Centre · Carlisle

21

Goodbye To The Muff Wigs Skinny Jimmys · Workington

19

Blues Jam at The Old Fire Station old fire station · Carlisle

21

Tom Jones Tribute and Disco Washington Central Hotel · Workington

24

Beethoven 2020: The Next Generation St Cuthber t’s Church, Carlisle

21

High Dynamics Live Harraby Pub & Kitchen · Carlisle

24

Dance To The Music Carnegie Theatre & Ar ts Centre · Workington

21

Christmas Par ty feat. Queen Alive The Solway Hall Whitehaven · Whitehaven

24

The Springsteen Sessions Brewer y Ar ts Centre , Kendal

21

Unique Bounce Back With A Bang Generations - Bar and Club · Whitehaven

25

Sabbra Cadabra Special Charity Fundraiser Workington Railway Club · Workington

21

Slaves of Venus at The Crown The Crown Inn Stanwix · Carlisle

25

Burns Night stage supper and song Rosehill Theatre , Whitehaven

21

Hardwicke Circus at The Brickyard The Brickyard · Carlisle , Cumbria

25

Robyn Hitchcock Brewer y Ar ts Centre , Kendal

22

Dean Newton TRIO Henr y’s · Workington

25

One Moment In Time - The Whitney Houston Stor y Carnegie Theatre & Ar ts Centre · Workington

22

The Rockcliffe Christmas Carol Night!

The Crown & Thistle , Rockcliffe · Carlisle

26

Live Music With Francis Kelly Nags Head Brampton · Carlisle

22

Sneaky Finch at The Navy Club The Navy Club - Members Club · Mar ypor t

30

Woes at The Brickyard The Brickyard · Carlisle

26

Boxing Day Enter tainment Marchon Club · Whitehaven

31

28

Ultimate Christmas Par ty Night Egremont Catholic Club · Egremont

I’m Still Standing - The Music of Elton John Carnegie Theatre & Ar ts Centre · Workington

31

31

New Years Eve Family Par ty Night Marchon Club · Whitehaven

Field Music + Emma Pollock Brewer y Ar ts Centre , Kendal

Delorean - Back To The 80s 31 The Solway Hall, Whitehaven 72

J A N U A RY

F E B RU A RY 01

Fatoumata Diawara Brewer y Ar ts Centre , Kendal

T h e W e s t C u m bVr iisai t Gw u iw dw e .cumbria guide .co.uk for the latest what’s on

W H AT ’ S O N

Early Bird Beats the Blues 3 - 5 april 2020

B

owness Bay Blues Weekend returns for its 9th year next spring.

The event runs from April 3rd until the 5th and showcases the best of blues from France, the USA, Italy and Scotland along with a wealth of homegrown talent.

The Blues Weekend features three days of live music across 11 venues in the village of Bowness, right in the heart of the Lake District. The highlight of the weekend is the popular Blues Cruise that takes place on Windermere. Surrounded by the majestic Lakeland Fells, music lovers will enjoy a performance from Mark Flanagan, who is none other than Jools Holland’s guitarist in his Rhythm Orchestra.

The weekend also includes great acts like Trafficker, Crossfire, Stormwarning and many more. 28 bands give great value for money and with day tickets starting at £25 be sure you buy your early bird tickets before Christmas to take advantage of this fantastic offer.

Tickets and the full three day programme can be found at www.bownessbayblues.co.uk or find them on Facebook @BownessBayBlues for up to date information.

What makes this festival different is the stunning location, strong community connection and venues with views to die for. The weekend is organised by the Rotary Club of Windermere who will be supporting two local charities for 2020, The Bendrigg Trust and Growing Well.

Festival highlights from France include guitarist Big Dez (Phil Fernandez) who plays the guitar with the chilling intensity of Albert Collins and Johnny Guitar Watson. He writes great foot tappin’ blues, rocking songs and ballads that cross genres. Whether jamming with Lucky Peterson in the clubs of Paris or playing at the larger European blues festivals, he delivers a great performance every time.

From the USA, Detroit singer, Marcus Malone has joined forces with Innes Sibun to form the mighty Malone Sibun Band and the festival is delighted to welcome back Lorna and Northsyde who were unable to play at Bowness last time.

The Cinelli Brothers are Italian and champions of a new generation of passionate musicians who share a love of Blues, Soul, R&B and the true authentic sounds that made the blues a cornerstone of music history.

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W H AT ’ S O N

The Big Freeze Images by Mike McKenzie

N

ot everyone fancies a midwinter dip in the Solway… but then not everyone is part of the Golden Sands Polar Bear Club.

They are back for their 22nd charity swim this New Years Eve and invite everyone to take a plunge in Whitehaven Harbour to see 2019 out in style. The prospect hasn’t got me searching for my trunks just yet but over 100 hardy souls were brave enough to face the cold last year.

Organiser John O ‘Brien is thrilled with how the event has grown. “When we started there were four or five of us going in and half a dozen watching but every year more people join in. I used to do the London Marathon to raise money for charity but I much prefer to have a bit of a swim and I’ve only missed one since we started. The charity dip has never been cancelled although we did have to knock it back for a few days because the sea froze over one year.”

Swimmers are free to raise money for any charity of their choice but John asks people keep an eye out for the charity buckets: “The RNLI and Coastguard are in the water keeping us safe out there and if people could spare a small donation for them it would be appreciated.”

The change rooms are located below the Beacon Museum and they’ll open from 10 am. Participants need to sign legal disclaimers and organisers ask that anyone under 16 is accompanied by an adult.

Everyone can gather under the Hub for a warm-up and a few nervous moments at 11 am before heading round to Golden Sands for the swim at 11:30.

After the swim, Truly Scrumptious Cafe will generously supply free refreshments like soup, tea and coffee back at the Hub for participants.

Whether you’re swimming or just watching, this is the last big event of the year.

You’ll find details of the event and updates closer to the time on The Golden Sands Polar Bear Club Facebook page.

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Herdies - Ewe three

T

he Lake District would look very different without the iconic Herdwick and you’ll spot plenty about at this time of year as the inclement weather brings them off the fells and into the valleys and farms.

These unique woolly flocks are vital to the maintenance of the landscape as lovable ‘Herdies’ munch their way through virtually everything from heather to bilberry and bracken. In fact, they are often referred to as the ‘gardeners of the Lake District’. This irreplaceable breed of sheep, with its ‘heafing’ habit, is perfectly suited to its environment.

The lambs are taught from birth, by their mothers, which area of the mountain to stay on. There is no need for fences, they keep to their territory which is called a ‘heaf ’. Where any other breed would wander and get lost, Herdwicks will find their way back to their respective farms, even in the most treacherous weather. Herdwicks have such a homing instinct that when a farm is sold, it is bought with the ‘landlord flocks’.

If the future seems secure for the animals, it has not always been the case. This primitive breed was once threatened with extinction. Beatrix Potter, universally known for her

children’s books, used her position to draw attention to the problem and her conservationist vision helped to save the breed. Beatrix and her shepherd, Tom Storey, won several prizes for Herdwick breeding and when she died, she bequeathed over 4,000 acres of land and her flock to the National Trust.

Herdwicks have a distinctive look. Lambs are born black and as they mature, their fleece turns grey. The name itself derives from the Old Norse herdvyck. People used to speculate about their origins. Were they brought over by the rampaging Vikings or did they swim ashore from the wrecked ships of the Spanish Armada? The recent DNA testing was able to solve the puzzle when a primitive genome found in very few breeds suggests a common ancestral founder in the northern Orkney Islands and Scandinavia.

Excerpt from ‘111 Places in the Lake District That You Shouldn't Miss’ by Solange Berchemin, published by www.accartbooks.com/uk T h e We s t C u m b r i a G u i d e

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T

he Whitehaven Siege is a 24-page comic covering one of the town’s most notorious tales.

It’s written by Jack Harvey and takes a mirthful look at that fateful night while trying to dissect the mythology behind the man. Stories about American naval founder John Paul Jones are numerous and contradictory, none more so than the only US attack on British soil.

Was John Paul Jones a hero, pirate, idealist, criminal, murderer, revolutionary or merely an opportunist?

Locals are familiar with the raid but it’s often little more than a footnote in the pages of history, so when 32-year-old Jack graduated from university with an English Literature and Media Degree it wasn’t long before the local writer turned his attention to the tale: “I always intended to create comics but when I came out of university you have the impression that you’ll send scripts off to publishers and before you know it, you’re writing Spiderman comics.

You realise you have to follow your initiative and tell your own stories, so I started piecing the story together from three perspectives - The Americans, the locals and the banal reality of history. While I was researching, I learnt a lot I didn’t know previously.”

It seems strange to say you could learn a lot from a comic book but Jack presents the failed attack in a clear, concise and humorous way. It’s a great angle and very clever in the way it covers a variety of perspectives but Jack is no stranger to storytelling.

In 2012, he won the World's Biggest Liar competition at Santon Bridge with a yarn that involves Tony Robinson, Time Team, a Roman burial ground filled with Badgers and some late-night shenanigans that means many Cumbrians are at least two per cent Badger.

Jack’s hoping to create more comics in the future but in the meantime, you can pick up The Whitehaven Siege from The Beacon Museum gift shop and The Harbour Master in Whitehaven.

You can keep up to date with Jack’s work on his blog www.eljackscomicsblog.blogspot.com 76

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WW HA HTA’TS ’ SO N ON

MUSIC / COMEDY /THE ATRE / FILM / OTHER COMEDY

THE ATR DECEMBER

DECEMBER The golden age of satire?

0 5 Late-Georgian satirical prints T h e B e a c o n M u s e u m , W h i t e h ave n

01

Razzamataz Summer School C a r n e g i e T h e a t r e & A r t s C e n t r e , Wo r k i n g t o n

05

Nativity!

C a r n e g i e T h e a t r e & A r t s C e n t r e , Wo r k i n g t o n

05

A Christmas Carol A s To l d b y J a c o b M a r l e y ( d e c e a s e d ) R o s e h i l l T h e a t re · W h i t e h ave n

06

M A RV E L u s : A l l t h e M a r v e l M o v i e s - K i n d O f R o s e h i l l T h e a t re · W h i t e h ave n

15

D a v i d H a r p e r - U n e x p e c t e d Ta l e s R o s e h i l l T h e a t re · W h i t e h ave n

08

We s t E n d P e r f o r m a n c e R a z z a m a t a z T h e a t r e S c h o o l s We s t C u m b r i a

26

B o x i n g D ay E n t e r t a i n m e n t M a rc h o n C l u b · W h i t e h ave n

08

We s t E n d P e r f o r m a n c e R a z z a m a t a z T h e a t re S c h o o l s , W h i t e h ave n

08

Anna Tilbrook and Singers The Beacon Museum

09

Under The Frozen Moon Old Fire Station, Carlisle

12

The Wizard of Oz C a r n e g i e T h e a t r e & A r t s C e n t r e , Wo r k i n g t o n

12

Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs The Sands Centre , Carlisle

14

42nd Street C a r n e g i e T h e a t r e & A r t s C e n t r e , Wo r k i n g t o n

21

The Adventures of Pinocchio R o s e h i l l T h e a t re · W h i t e h ave n

26

Aladdin C a r n e g i e T h e a t r e & A r t s C e n t r e , Wo r k i n g t o n

J A N U A RY

06

M A RV E L u s : A l l t h e M a r v e l M o v i e s K i n d O f R o s e h i l l T h e a t re · W h i t e h ave n

An Evening Shared 0 7 with Jasper Carrott & Alistair McGowan Coronation Hall - Ulverston

J A N U A RY 11

A r t h u r S m i t h ’s S y d R o s e h i l l T h e a t re · W h i t e h ave n

FILM DECEMBER 08

Les Miserables: The Staged Concert A l h a m b r a C i n e m a , Ke s w i c k

10

The Royal Opera House: Coppelia LIVE A l h a m b r a C i n e m a , Ke s w i c k

13

Le Mans ‘66 A l h a m b r a C i n e m a , Ke s w i c k

20

S t a r Wa r s : T h e R i s e O f S k y w a l k e r A l h a m b r a C i n e m a , Ke s w i c k

21

Fozen II A l h a m b r a C i n e m a , Ke s w i c k

18

Dir ty Dusting - Ulverston Coronation Hall - Ulverston

24

I t ’s A Wo n d e r f u l L i f e A l h a m b r a C i n e m a , Ke s w i c k

22

L a d y W i n d e r m e r e ’s F a n C a r n e g i e T h e a t r e & A r t s C e n t r e , Wo r k i n g t o n

31

Berliner Philharmoniker LIVE A l h a m b r a C i n e m a , Ke s w i c k

31

I’m Still Standing - The Music Of Elton John C a r n e g i e T h e a t r e & A r t s C e n t r e , Wo r k i n g t o n

J A N U A RY 01

Friends Of The Alhambra A l h a m b r a C i n e m a , Ke s w i c k

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

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WE HSATTE’ R S NO W N ALKS

Western Walks - Lanthwaite Hill Distance: 4.0 miles Ascent: 400 feet

B

rackenthwaite Hows is one of the Lakes’ most breathtaking views and inspired a JMW Turner watercolour on his first visit to the Lake District in 1797.

This short walk has been popular since and is renowned for its views, bluebells, wildflowers, wildlife and history.

Lanthwaite Hill is shown on the Ordnance Survey map as Brackenthwaite Hows and is a stunning alternative for those not inclined to head to the top of the fells. The easy access means if you only ever do one lake district walk, it should be this one because the short ascent offers 360-degree views that include the Buttermere fells, Crummock Water, the rocky buttress of Grasmoor, Lorton Vale and views back towards Loweswater.

Once you park in the National Trust car park at Scale Hill you’ll be faced with the toughest part of your journey. Do you summit quickly or head to Crummock first and finish with the famous view?

If you want the views first, ignore the obvious track and turn left up a steepish path through Lanthwaite Wood. At a junction, turn left again to continue uphill and climb the steep rocky staircase.

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The Carlisle Guide

Leave the woods via a deer gate and you are soon at the top of the hill. You can then follow the easy path through Lanthwaite Wood to the eastern shore of Crummock where you can follow the path to the foot of the lake and the source of the River Cocker. From here you can take a brief detour to a pumphouse, wander along the banks of the River or opt for the track which will have you back at your car in 5 minutes.

Going the other way, a slightly longer route takes you along the footpath that runs alongside the river all the way to Crummock Water and a wonderful viewpoint. Follow the track along the left-hand side of the lake through Lanthwaite Wood and into the very different High Wood.

The lakeside path passes through two large fields and enters a narrow field filled with gorse bushes. Follow the path to the far end, turn left and follow the grassy path up to the higher side of the field. Staying in the field, turn left and follow the path along the upper edge of all three fields back to High Wood.

Here a gate leads onto a road, cross over and head across the hillside towards Grasmoor End (look for a suitable path through the bracken). This brings you to a major path across the hillside, turn left and follow it to Liza Beck.

Take a left at the beck and head down the line of an old drainage ditch towards the Iron Age homestead. Continue towards the road you crossed earlier. Turn right at the road

Turn left at the track, then right at the next junction to return to your starting point.

This walk is suggested by Andrew Locking who is a keen local fell walker.

For more information on his walks visit www.andrewswalks.co.uk Photos by Andrew Locking then left at the next signposted footpath. It runs along a narrow lane between stone walls and leads to the edge of Lanthwaite Wood.

Just inside the woods take a right onto along the narrow footpath that climbs onto Brackenthwaite Hows. Here is the famous ‘viewing station’ for Victorian tourists.

There are two summits, follow the path to the second and curve away to the left along a ridge that leads to a stile and the woods. Follow the path as it drops down Dick Robins’ Steps and onto a forestry track.

The Carlisle Guide

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W H AT ’ S O N

our lakes: derwent water

I

Andrew Locking f it wasn’t for the passage of time, weather and erosion we may never have ever featured Derwent Water as part of ‘Our Lakes’ series.

It was once part of a much larger lake which would have merited nothing more than a few extra words in our Bassenthwaite feature earlier this year. But as the surrounding fells succumbed to the elements, their sediment formed an alluvial plain that separates the two bodies of water that are now only connected by the River Derwent.

Given the lengthy timeframe and the fact that Seathwaite further up the Borrowdale valley is the wettest inhabited place in England, it will come as no surprise that water has shaped this area so drastically.

We are left with one of the most stunning lakes in our region. Pick any shore and the view is majestic.

Derwent water nestles beneath Borrowdale’s mountains to the south; Newlands on the west, Skiddaw further north and is watched over by the fells 80

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

of Derwent and Castlerigg. The lake was described by John Keats as being “shut in with rich-toned mountains”.

It’s the Lake District’s third-largest body of water at 3 miles long, 1 mile wide and it shelters numerous islands. Lord’s, Derwent and St Herbert’s are the largest.

Lord’s Island was once home to of Earl of Derwentwater and the ruins of the great house can still be seen. Not only was there a fine home there was also a drawbridge which was used to cross to the mainland. The house fell into a state of disrepair and eventually the stone was used to make the Moot Hall in the market square.

Local legend claims the Countess of Derwentwater fled the island after the arrest of her husband for his part in the Jacobite rebellion of 1715. The story goes that she was carrying a fortune in jewels which were lost during her ascent of Walla Crag which gave rise to the name “Lady’s Rake”.

St Herbert’s is the largest and is named after the hermit who lived there in the 7th Century. The remains of his “cell” can still be discovered in the undergrowth today and it’s somewhat ironic that a simple man who chose to live a life of isolation is now a saint and a legend 1300 years after his death.

O O T AW NH D AAT ’BSOO ONT

Frank Josef Opposite the Launch is Derwent Island. It’s prohibited to land here, the house is owned by the National Trust and rented out to private tenants. It was originally owned by Fountains Abbey but with the dissolution of the monasteries it was sold to a mining company and in 1778 Joseph Pocklington bought it for £300. He built a house, boathouse, fort, battery and druid circle. Pocklington held annual regattas on the lake where he fired cannon and the small fort was used for mock battles.

Further along is Friars Crag viewpoint, it has stunning views of the lake and Borrowdale valley. Described by John Ruskin ‘as one of the three or four most beautiful views in Europe’, it’s very popular with photographers and was said to be the departure point for monks sailing to St Herbert’s Island on pilgrimage.

The Derwent also has a mysterious floating island. It’s not permanent and was known to rise during periods of heavy rainfall when water tumbling down the steep mountains agitated the lake bottom in the shallow south-east corner.

Not far from Lodore a mass of soil and decayed vegetation rises when it was distended with gases and sinks again once it was released and the waters calmed. At times the island covered as much as half an acre and in the year 1831, it was seen from June 10 through to September 24.

Derwent Water’s name may come from a Celtic word meaning ‘Clear Water’ or from an Old English term meaning a region abundant with oak trees but whatever the origin, Derwent Water and its surroundings, certainly has an abundance of both and is one of our finest lakes.

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

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W H AT ’ S O N

OTHER

DECEMBER

Blow your own Christmas Glass Bauble!

Florence Arts Centre · Egremont

05

Keekle Christmas Concert Keekle Village Hall · Cleator Moor

16

Christmas Wreath with Helens Herbs Her Citi · Mar yport

05

Who Stole Christmas?

Lakes Escapes Ltd, Workington

18

Christmas Memorial Ser vice Distington Hall Crematorium · Workington

06

Egremont Farmers craft and fairtrade Market Egremont Market Hall

18

The Crown Kids Christmas Party !

The New Crown, Bowthorn Road, Cleator Moor

07

Bark and Ride for MIND The Lingholm Kitchen & Walled Garden · Keswick

19

Live Advent: Stick Man Stor ytime & Town Trail Bookends Keswick, Cumbria

19

Whitehaven Beach Clean Whitehaven

December Mini Messel’s Makers 07 Rosehill Theatre · Whitehaven Coro Christmas Craft Market 07 Coronation Hall - Ulverston

U3A Meeting, 1 9 Remarkable Trees & Forests of Cumbria Gosfor th Public Hall, 10.45 am

08

Psychic Fayre Falcon Club · Egremont

21

Winter Solstice in the Lake District Castlerigg Stone Circle

08

Christmas Carols and Fun St Michael’s Chuirch, Workington

21

Mad Friday The Drop Inn, Workington

08

Festive Wreath Workshop with Helen’s Herbs The Gather Cafe & Shop

22

Christmas Rock n Roll Bingo The Yellow Earl · Whitehaven

08

Sew A Robin Bauble Boo Bears Cumbria home · Workington

23

Free Networking Event The Henr y Bessemer, Workington

09

Design Your Own Christmas Plate The Crafty Workshop, Workington

23

Oldside Beach Clean and Sur vey Oldside Shore · Workington

09

Free networking event ever y Monday The Bransty Arch (Wetherspoon) · Whitehaven

28

HIIT Bootcamp Empire Sports Performance Gym, Workington

31

N.Y.E Wherever you are, make it a good one!

Talking Tuesday: 1 0 Cumbrian Songs and Stories at Christmas The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven

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15

10

Kids Christmas Party Dog and Partridge Sandwith · Whitehaven

12

J A N U A RY 01

Workington RNLI Coffee Morning Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre · Workington

Mince Pie Trains Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Co.Ltd · Ravenglass

03

13

VIP party night - Michael Griffiths Club 135 · Whitehaven

Star Wars Youth Arts Workshop The Brewer y Arts Centre, Kendal

05

The North Lakes New Year Half Marathon 2020 Events Up North · Cockermouth

14

Children’s Christmas Wreath Making Workshop Santon Bridge Gift Shop & Woodland’s Tea Room

10

Sir Ranulph Fiennes – Living Dangerously Better · Kendal

14

Mexican Night - Booking essential 019467 26281 Santon Bridge Gift Shop & Woodland’s Tea Room

11

Zebras vs Carlisle Crusaders Workington Rugby Football Club. Workington

14

Zebras vs Furness Workington Rugby Football Club · Workington

12

Shakti Dance® at The Gather Ennerdale The Gather Cafe & Shop

15

Santa Dash & Festive Family Fun Day Workington Cricket Club · Workington

25

Bumps Basics: Birth Preparation Class Carlisle Therapies · Carlisle

15

Whitehaven Artisan Christmas Craft Market The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven

25

80’s NIGHT 2020 Crown and Mitre Hotel · Carlisle

Not Just Smart

it’s VeriSmart

V

eriSmart Cumbria is the leading property inspection and compliance assessment supplier in the rental market.

From inventory reports to Housing, Health & Safety Reporting System (HHSRS) their service benefits letting agents, landlords and tenants.

With the backing of a nationwide organisation, local representative Andrew Dugdale covers Cumbria and Lancaster and he said letting agents are finding VeriSmart’s everimproving technology extremely beneficial: “Previously, agents used third party software and did the checks themselves. Where they might cover three properties a day I can cover ten and with a combination of a voice recording and imagery, my reports are far more thorough.

Our inventories detail the contents and condition within each property in a set, easy to follow format backed by high-res digital photography. Everything is numbered, which allows straight-forward cross-referencing at the end of a tenancy and the system is designed to be simple

on checks like Legionella Risk Assessments (LRA), Fire Risk Assessments (FRA), PAT Testing and Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs).

VeriSmarts training is unparalleled, the inventory check alone requires an intensive two months course and VeriSmart inspectors train with government advisors to record the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System.

With HHSRS as standard, Andrew guarantees his full-colour PDF reports are clear, accurate, easily understood and will stand up to any required scrutiny. After verification reports are stored indefinitely within an online calendar and can be downloaded at any point. All reports are linked via property ID and clients receive a secure email link with full tracking, date and time stamping.

Find how VeriSmart can help you, call Andrew on 07495 470 554, email andrew.dugdale@verismart. co.uk or visit www.verismartcumbria.co.uk or www.verismart.co.uk

We include meter readings and push-button testing for all smoke and CO alarms, which are photographed and the location is recorded for the tenant’s benefit. VeriSmarts advanced technology enables us to send reports to the letting agents, landlord and tenants. Everyone has a copy which means disputes won’t arise and tenants can add their photos and comments before accepting.”

Alongside inspection, VeriSmart offers a comprehensive range of compliance solutions to accommodate the everchanging legislation. There are also discounted packages T h e We s t C u m b r i a G u i d e

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COMMUNITY FOCUS

Bringing Veterans Together

W

hen Emma Weaver went into partnership with Denver and Sharon Watson in Truly Scrumptious Cafe in Whitehaven she was always planned to offer free meetups for armed forces veterans.

“My husband Chris served 26 years in the Royal Artillery and he used to attend a breakfast club in Darlington. He found it beneficial and always said when we had a place he would love to offer something like that.”

There is a certain humour in the Armed Forces that others often don’t get, so the meetups are a great chance for exservices to get together with like-minded people who have been through the same things. There are many charities out there that offer help but many veterans don’t have access to all the information and that’s where the group proves invaluable.

“One of our attendees was facing serious personal issues,” explained Emma. “But the group was able to point him in the right direction or he wouldn’t have known where to turn otherwise.

Our oldest attendee is almost 90 and he hadn’t been out socialising for 12 years until he started coming to the group.

He would turn up with his photos and medals and take it all in but now he really gets into it. It’s one big family, we don’t want veterans left to fend for themselves.”

With the help of Michaela Hurts, who volunteers her time, the group has grown to over twenty members meeting every second Saturday in Truly Scrumptious at 2:30. There is no set program but everyone is provided with a hot meal, unlimited drinks and can relax in each others company.

Many long-lasting friendships have been formed.

The next meet up is on the 14th of December and will start next year on the 4th of January. Emma is also planning a Christmas party on the 21st of December with a 3-course meal and port and cheese finish. The British legion has allowed them to use their premises and free transport will be put on.

They are also raising money during the new years eve dip to take the veterans on a trip to the national arboretum next year.

For more details call Emma on 07454889531 or pop into Truly Scrumptious on King Street in Whitehaven.

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

Help When it Matters

W

ith over 120 referrals in their first month, the launch of Copeland Age and Advice Service (CAAS) highlighted how desperately needed the service is in our area.

Cleator Moor based CAAS covers the whole of Copeland and is a not for profit, Social Enterprise that provides information, advice and guidance to over 55’s in relation to financial matters, housing issues and enables people to live safely and independently, wherever they choose.

“We’re here to make sure that everyone is getting what they’re entitled to and no one slips through the net,” said Financial Director Lesley Amor. “We do a full benefits check and if it’s a health benefit then it can open the door to other things too.”

COMMUNITY FOCUS

matters, housing options, form filling services, power of attorney applications and benefit checks. While home assessments will recommend relevant aids, equipment and adaptations.

Copeland Age and Advice Service are funded through Copeland Community Fund, Cumbria Community Foundation, The National Lottery Community Fund and Sellafield Charity Snowball which means they can keep their one-off fees to a minimum.

Referrals are easy and can be made by health professionals, social care, family, friends or a selfreferral which can be done by calling 01946 552166, email referrals@caasteam.com or on the website at www.caasteam.com

Local ladies Becky Goddard and Lesley Amor set up CAAS after they were made redundant from similar roles with an Age UK project when funding ran out.

“This is something Becky and I have done for a long time,” said Lesley. “We knew this service had a huge impact and letting it go wasn’t an option. The prevention side is very important and you have to visit someone’s home to assess the full situation.

We might help someone apply for a Blue Badge but we will identify other things like daily living aids or equipment they are entitled to. People don’t know what’s out there to keep them safe in their homes and we can help with housing options if they want to apply for social housing, or grants to keep them in their own home.”

With a large proportion of the population living rurally, access to services can be challenging. Many areas have poor transport links and therefore a service that provides home visits means everyone will still be able to access support.

They have a large network of contacts in relevant fields like health care, social care and other organisations like Alzheimers and Parkinsons. Their services cover money

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

85

WOHM C AM T ’US NOI TNY F O C U S

always there

S

amaritans have run a service in West Cumbria since 1967 and their primary purpose is to provide support for those in distress and who may be suicidal.

Most callers are not suicidal but have problems and issues they struggle to cope with. Christmas is often a time when there is more social connection and it’s known that this is a strong protective factor for suicidal and depressive feelings.

However, Christmas is also a time when people can feel separated from the high spirits and festivities they see around them. Feelings of loneliness and isolation can be exacerbated at this time of year, whether a person is alone, or in a crowd.

Last year, one in three calls to Samaritans on Christmas Day were from people who felt lonely and isolated. Nationally Samaritans had more than 13,000 calls for help and support on Christmas Day in 2018. Exploring feelings can be an immense help in finding solutions to distress. Talking about suicide is very difficult but talking to someone who will not judge, or tell you what to do, can be very beneficial.

Samaritans number (116123) is free to call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is no caller ID on the phones, while email and text services are encrypted to preserve confidentiality. If a caller telephones the Samaritans number it will not show up on their account.

Whitehaven Samaritans are in their 53rd year of providing support services and they train ordinary people professional experience or qualifications are not required to be a volunteer.

A Samaritan’s spokesman said: “You may think you could not do this work but you probably can. Full training and support are given and we have volunteers who work full-time in completely unrelated fields including retail, HR, engineering, IT, building construction, and more, or who are retired.”

The next training course begins in March 2020 so if you think you might be interested in volunteering, check the Samaritans national website www.samaritans.org/volunteering or the local website (Samaritans of West Cumbria).

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

From flax to linen to sailcloth

T

he industrial revolution shaped our lives in West Cumbria. Its impact was significant and the Cumbria Industrial History Society reveals how it affected our modern world.

In 1809, two men with a background in the industry – Joseph Bell and John Bragg – went into partnership to open a new mill in Catherine Street, Whitehaven.

The new mill housed machinery to spin flax and the yarn it produced was woven into sailcloth for which there was huge and growing demand from the local shipbuilders. The building operated as a flax mill until 1853, went on to house other industries and remains a major landmark in the town.

The Whitehaven Mill was one of a number built or converted around that time in West Cumbria. They include Oldfield Mill at Greysouthen, the Low Mill (c.1800) and High Mill (from 1847) at Egremont, Derwent Mill at Cockermouth in 1834 and Cleator Flax Mill in 1800.

The finishing processes like weaving, bleaching and dyeing would generally be carried out by specialists. So in the early 1800s we see newspaper adverts for linen cloth bleaching at Cockermouth, check (linen and cotton) manufacture in Maryport, and also check and canvas weaving at Workington.

John Banks of Cockermouth owned 22 cloth looms and 4 sailcloth looms in 1804.

The industry declined as demand for linen fell and cotton – which was cheaper to produce and lighter to wear captured the market for clothing and textiles.

Our past is fascinating, if you’d like to learn more visit www.cumbria-industries.org.uk.

These mills brought a massive increase in scale but growing and working flax had been a part of the local economy for hundreds of years beforehand.

Flax is not a difficult crop to grow but its ‘dressing’ before spinning is hard work and messy business. After pulling the thin, wiry stalks from the ground they would be dried (so the linseed could be recovered), then soaked in water for 2-3 weeks before beating and combing to extract the fibres.

There was never enough to meet demand which meant increasing amounts were imported, especially from the Baltic countries.

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

87

COAST AQUARIUM

Aquarium gift shop has year-round appeal

T

he staff at the Treasure Trove Gift shop at The Lake District Coast Aquarium in Maryport have a great feel for what visitors, and locals, are looking for.

They are always on hand with suggestions, if asked, which means they cater for impulse purchases by visitors as well as meeting the needs of locals who have come to depend on the shop as a source of interesting gifts and themed household decor.

88

Would you prefer something more educational? They have children’s books for early readers or specially selected nautical editions for adults that include a highly regarded native marine fish identification book, which is on offer all at unbeatable prices.

Amazing life-size sculpted metal seagulls may not be your thing, but maybe exclusive collectable teddy-bears are?

With Christmas approaching they have gifts-galore and there is plenty of choice in the way of eye-catching ‘Star Jars’, personalised decorations, scented candles and much more.

With first-hand knowledge the aquarium has a close connection to the sea and their increasingly well-stocked bait and tackle section can sort you out with all you need to start fishing. That’s the rod, reel and line, for as little as £25.00.

Meeting a friend for coffee in the Aquarium’s Harbourside Café can very easily lead to temptation, even if it’s just buying an amusing fridge magnet or greetings card.

Oh yes, and on your way out you should treat yourself to a real dairy ice-cream from their ever-popular English Lakes selection. It’s not a day out without ice cream!

If fish and marine animals float your boat then the Aquarium is the best place in West Cumbria for furry sharks, seahorses, octopuses and friends. There are sizes and prices to suit all pockets.

The Lake District Coast Aquarium is open 7 days a week from 10 - 5 all year round (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day). Visit www.coastaquarium.co.uk or follow them on Facebook @maryport.aquarium for more information.

W I L D L I F E O F T H E S O LWAY

WILDLIFE OF THE SOLWAY FIRTH NUMBER 60 THE SPINY STARFISH (MARTHASTERIAS GLACIALIS)

By Mark Vollers

T

his is a potentially quite large ( up to 70cm/28in across) brownish/greenish grey starfish, sometimes with purple tips, that is native to Britain and found on the western coasts of England, Wales and Scotland.

tenaciously to rock surfaces. In our aquarium displays they move around very slowly, but since their main food sources includes other slow moving or stationery animals like whelks, sea urchins and mussels ( their favourite food with us) this is not a problem!

You are very unlikely to find one in a rockpool or at the low tidemark as they frequent deeper rocky and muddy substrates down to 200m.

Whelks can sense the approach of such starfish and know that to simply withdraw into their shell is no protection…. the starfish if allowed will embrace the victim and evert it’s stomach to ingest the shell contents.

As their name implies, each of their five slender tapering arms has three longitudinal rows of conical whitish spines which should give them very good protection against would be predators. That said, their ecology has not yet been studied in detail so maybe they have little to fear!

In between the spines are numerous extendable tube feet which they use to move slowly around and if needs be cling

Reproduction can either be by cloning itself ( splitting off part of it’s body and then re-growing ) or by simultaneous release of sperm and eggs by separate individuals. In the latter case the free swimming larvae resulting will be spread far and wide by ocean currents before settling and metamorphosing into tiny juvenile starfish.

89

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TIDE TIMETABLES

Solution to Crossword

Solution to Sudoku

Solution to Alpha Sudoku

Solution to Kids Sudoku

The WEST CUMBRIA Tide

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W H I T E H AV E N M A P

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

WORKINGTON MAP

Parking

2

2

3

1

1

3

www.visitworkington.co.uk 01900 702986 office@workingtontowncouncil.gov.uk

1

6

4

The Workington Handy Map

5

1 2 3 4

Supermarkets Tesco Store Marks and Spencers Morrisons Dunmail Park

Information 1 Visitor Information

Things To Do Carnegie Theatre Bowling & Golf Helena Thompson Museum Theatre Royal Skate Park Library

Sports Grounds 1 Rugby League Ground 2 Rugby Union Ground 3 Workington Reds Football

1 2 3 4 5 6

Points of interest Town Hall Allerdale Borough Council Workington Library Law Courts Army Reserve Centre Workington Hall The Old Brewery

Shop/Retail 1 Retail Park 2 Washington Square

Parks 1 Vulcan Park 2 Curwen Park

Bus 1 Bus Station

Rail 1 Workington Railway

Places of worship 1 Our Lady and St Michael’s Church 2 St John’s Church 3 St Michael’s Church

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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

COCKERMOUTH MAP

The Cockermouth Handy Map

Supermarkets 1 Sainburys 2 Aldi Supermarket

Information 1 Tourist Information

Sports Grounds 1 Cricket Ground 2 Leisure Centre and Pools 3 Cockermouth Rugby Union FC

Shop/Retail Lakes Home Centre Oakhurst Garden Centre Limelighting Billy Bowman’s Music

Eat/Drink Bitter End Pub Trout Hotel The Fletcher Christian Koppers Points of Interest Mayo Statue Cockermouth Castle Mitchells Auction Room Lakeland Livestock Centre

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4

Attractions Wordsworth’s House Castlegate House Gallery Percy House Gallery The Kirkgate Centre Jennings Brewery

1 2 3 4

1 2 3 4 5

Business 1 Lakeland Business Park 2 Derwent Mills Commercial Park

Accommodation 1 Travelodge

Car sales 1 Lloyd Motors

Local Amenities 1 Police Station Parking

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

94

KESWICK MAP

THIS WAY R TO HONISTE

The Keswick

Handy Map

Supermarkets 1 Booth’s Supermarket

Information 1 The Moot Hall (Tourist Info.)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Points of Interest Rawnsley Centre Library Keswick Convention HQ War Memorial Museum Square Packhorse Court

Attractions The Pencil Museum Mini Golf Theatre by the Lake Lonsdale Alhambra Cinema Peter Rabbit and Friends Keswick Brewing Company Keswick Museum and Art Gallery Keswick Ferry Landing

Sports Grounds 1 Rugby Ground 2 Cricket Ground 3 Keswick Leisure Pool

1 2 3 4 5 6

Camping 1 Derwentwater Caravan/Camping 2 Lakeside Caravan Park

Parks 1 Crow Park 2 Hope Park 3 Fitz Park

Shop/Retail 1 Spar Convenience store 2 Derwent Frames Ltd

Local Amenities 1 Post Office 1 Police Station Parking

Churches 1 St John’s Church

Playgrounds 1 Children’s Playground

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

M A RY P O RT M A P

The Maryport Handy Map

Maryport Town Council Senhouse Street Maryport maryport.council@talk21.com

1 2 3 4

Points of interest Candlestick Lighthouse Harbour Marina Office Memorial Park Gardens Public Library

Attractions The Lake District Coast Aquarium The Wave Centre Maryport Maritime Museum Senhouse Roman Museum

Marina 1 Maryport Harbour and Marina 1 2 3 4

Sports Grounds 1 (to) West Coast Indoor Karting 2 Rugby Ground 3 (to) Maryport Golf Club

Rail 1 Railway Station

Places of worship 1 Our Lady and St Patrick’s Priory

Information 1 Tourist Information

Local Amenties 1 Lidl 2 Chemists 3 Chemists

1 Post office

1 Fire Station

Parking

01900 813205

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

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W H AT ’ S O N

HANDY NUMBERS ACCOMMODATION

Chase Hotel, Whitehaven Gosforth Hall Hotel Ennerdale Country Hotel Hundith Hill Hotel Irton Hall Hotel Lismore Guest House Lodge In The Vale, Nr Keswick The Sally, Threlkeld

ATTRACTIONS

Honister Mine

Helena Thompson Museum King Kong Climbing Wall Lake District Coast Aquarium Maryport Maritime Museum Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway Senhouse Roman Museum The Beacon, Whitehaven The Rum Story, Whitehaven

01946 693656 019467 25322 01946 813907 01900 822092 019467 26025 01946 328384 017687 73331 017687 79614 017687 77230 01900 64040 017687 75907 01900 817760 01900 813738 01229 717 171 01900 816168 01946 592302 01946 592933

COUNCIL & OTHER SERVICES Allerdale Council Enquiries Cockermouth Town Council Copeland Council Cumbria County Council Egremont Library Maryport Town Council Whitehaven Credit Union Whitehaven Library Whitehaven Town Council Workington Information Point Workington Town Council

0303 123 1702 01900 821869 01946 598 300 01228 60 60 60 01946 820 464 01900 813205 01946 667 55 01946 506 400 01946 67366 01900 706170 01900 702986

MEDICAL & SUPPORT SERVICES

Cumbria Health on Call (CHOC) 111 Domestic Violence Support 07712 117 986 NHS Direct 111 Non-emergency Police 101 OutREACH LGBT Helpline 0800 345 7440 Samaritans 116 123 (Free call) West Cumberland Hospital 01946 693181 Workington Community Hospital 01900 705000

IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SERVICE LISTED HERE PLEASE CALL: 01946 448 001

SPORTS GROUNDS & CENTRES Cumbria Sports Academy Whitehaven Sports Centre Hensingham Swimming Pool Workington Leisure Centre

THEATRES & CINEMA

Theatre Royal, Workington Solway Hall, Whitehaven Carnegie Theatre & Arts Centre Alhambra Cinema, Keswick Florence Art Centre Gaiety Cinema, Whitehaven Kirkgate Theatre, Cockermouth Plaza Cinema, Workington Rosehill Theatre, Whitehaven The Wave, Maryport Theatre by the Lake

TRANSPORT

Downton Travel Hobans 1923 Ike’s Cabs (Egremont) Jansen Travel M & I Travel

01946 694 411 01946 695 666 01946 696 049 01900 878 718 01900 603161 01946 690970 01900 602122 017687 72195 01946 824946 01946 748507 01900 826448 01900 870001 01946 692422 01900 811 450 01768 77 44 11 0800 118 2891 01900 512050 077 0683 3853 01946 862091 01900 603317

TRAVEL & WEATHER Bus Timetables Lake District Weather Service Train Timetables

0871 200 22 33 0844 846 24 44 08457 48 49 50

TOURIST INFORMATION Cockermouth Egremont Keswick Maryport Siloth Whitehaven Workington

01900 822 634 01946 820 693 0845 901 0845 01900 817 760 016973 31944 01946 592302 01900 706170

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