Wasdale News Archive

Welcome to the new News section on the WasdaleWeb. I intend to use this section to report on activities news and events as and when they arise. If you have a Wasdale-related news story please email them to us on

30 April 2009 : May pole in place just in time !

A REFURBISHED maypole – which is classed as a listed building – has been added to the attractions at the Nether Wasdale May festival on Saturday.

The successful erection of the maypole at Nether Wasdale is celebrated by the team responsible

The afternoon event will celebrate the area’s heritage with a number of activities as well as showing off the maypole which is being relocated to its original 1897 position on the village green.

The event was organised as part of a Heritage Lottery funded project called Our Green Space. The project highlights the importance of heritage in communities today and has paid for the restoration of the village maypole.

When the maypole was taken down and inspected last year it was found to be in a very bad state of repair and deemed unsafe. It was also decided that it should be moved to its original place.

David Killick, Nether Wasdale group secretary, said: “The maypole is classed as a listed building because of its historical importance. It was originally put up to celebrate Queen Victoria’s jubilee in 1897.

“The pole was moved about 12 yards in 1960 but because it’s a ‘listed building’ this has caused problems when we wanted to refurbish it. We had to fill in an 11-page document about the number of windows which were going to be refurbished and access points to the building!”

Repair work was done to the pole, by Shepley Engineers, including restoring the cast iron and capping off the top of the pole to prevent corrosion inside.

Last week the maypole was put back up in the village ready for Saturday’s festival.

The event will start at 1pm and will run all afternoon.

Activities include a fancy dress competition, sports activities, parade with Whitehaven brass band, maypole dancing and home made teas in the Old School.

30 April 2009 : Statue unveiled

A statue commemorating he comedy genius of Laurel and Hardy has been unveiled in the Cumbrian town where Arthur Stanley Jefferson – better known as Stan Laurel – was born.

Fundraisers spent 10 years raising £60,000 for the sculpture which was placed outside the Coronation Hall theatre in Ulverston on Saturday.
Comedian Ken Dodd, 81, who unveiled the statue, wrote a tribute to mark the occasion.

In a partnership spanning 31 years, Laurel and Hardy made 106 films spanning the silent era until the 1950s.

Hundreds of people attended the official unveiling of the statue, including members of The Sons of the Desert Laurel and Hardy fan club who helped raise funds for the sculptures.

Ken Dodd said he was 'tickled' to be chosen to unveil the town centre memorial.

"Laurel and Hardy made the world laugh. They were the kings of comedy," he said.

The statue was designed and created by Graham Ibbeson who is also known for his work on the statue of Eric Morecambe – which thousands of people have their photo taken with every year.

Stan Laurel was born in June 1890 in Argyll Street, Ulverston, and returned to the town with Ollie in 1947 when the duo waved to a crowd of fans from the balcony of the Coronation Hall.

Mr Ibbeson said: "I sculpted Stan and Ollie over a winter period a few years ago, it was cold and miserable in the workshop, however, when I took the cover off the boys every morning it uplifted my soul.

"Stan and Ollie were looking down on me with grins on their faces, and I was looking back at the greatest clowns that have walked this Earth with affection and joyous memories."

The statue is the centrepiece of a major project to improve the centre of Ulverston.

30 April 2009 : Habour rescue

An elderly man had to be rescued from a Cumbrian harbour this morning after going into the water to save his blind dog.

The man is believed to have climbed into the water at Sugar Tongue, Whitehaven, swimming out to save the animal, which had fallen in.

He was then rescued himself by a passer-by at about 10.15am and taken to hospital.

Gordon Atkinson, a Sellafield diver, said: “We were doing routine work when we saw someone running along Sugar Tongue with an inflatable ring.

“We believe after the dog fell in, his owner began panicking and climbed down the ladder on the wall into the water. He saved the dog and was then helped out by the passer-by.”

30 April 2009 : Earthquake hits Cumbria

THE earthquake that shook South Lakes and north Lancashire at 11.22 this morning is the biggest in Cumbria for 30 years.

Environmental scientist Dr Hugh Tuffen, of Lancaster University, said the magnitude 3.7 earthquake which caused buildings to shake throughout the area was not as bad as the one experienced in Carlisle on Boxing Day 1979.

Then chimneys toppled into the streets or fell through roofs and people ran out of their homes in panic.

In contrast, this morning's earthquake below Ulverston caused no visible damage to buildings, although several people rang The Westmorland Gazette to say they heard 'explosions'.

Dr Tuffen said: "The earthquake this morning is the biggest in the North West since Boxing Day 1979 but it was not quite large enough to cause any significant damage.

"We have between 200 and 300 earthquakes a year in the UK and the last tremors felt in this area were from a magnitude five event which occurred in Lincolnshire.

"The last earthquake to actually occur in Cumbria was a magnitude three event recorded in Ambleside in 1988."

25 March 2009: Nuclaer debate continues

OUTRAGED homeowners have vowed to abandon their village should a nuclear power station be built nearby.

An action group has now been set up to fight plans to build the plant at Layriggs Farm in Kirksanton.

A private vote carried out by campaigners found that 90 per cent of villagers said they would leave Kirksanton if the nuclear power station was built. Construction would leave 75 residents living less than half-a-mile from the plant.

Furious homeowners crammed into the village hall yesterday to voice their fears at what marks the beginning of a two-year consultation process.

Fears over the impact on house prices and damage to tourism were also aired.

Action group spokesman, Michael Wills, 45, said: “We have been totally ignored. We are very upset. A huge proportion of the village has made it quite clear they will move from the area if it goes ahead. We will just have to cut our losses.

“Just the talk of a nuclear facility nearby is going to have a detrimental effect on house prices and the tourism trade.

“We aren’t against nuclear power as a concept, just not in our parish boundary.

“The boundary of the proposed site would literally come 200 yards from people’s gardens.”

Condensation dripped off the walls of the small room at Kirksanton Village Hall as 100 angry residents demanded answers.

A panel, which included nuclear development manager for RWE npower, Stuart Dagnall, which is fronting the plans, Copeland Borough Council leader Elaine Woodburn, Cumbria county councillor Sue Brown and energy opportunities director for West Lakes Renaissance, Rosie Mathisen, tried to answer residents’ questions.

John Sandford, from Silecroft, said: “It would lower our quality of life. A lot of people are being bamboozled that Millom will get the jobs. How many people in Millom will actually get jobs? We would lose the beautiful views. We moved here for the tranquility of the place.

“It is so quiet and peaceful. That is all going to go.”

It is hoped that the plant will create 600 jobs and could supply power to five million homes.

Six other sites have been named across the country as possible land for development, including one at Sellafield and another at Braystones near Egremont.

During the meeting Councillor Woodburn defended the plans.

“If we don’t secure this plant it will be the death knell for West Cumbria”, she said.

Mr Dagnall also defended the company’s method of consultation, after residents made accusations of “done deals” and sly negotiations during the meeting.

He said: “This is the beginning of a long consultation process, not the end.”

Resident Carl Carter said: “I am very excited by this. I have worked in the nuclear industry for 25 years and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to secure the future for our children and their children.”

The topic will also feature as part of a Japanese television documentary on the pros and cons of nuclear power.

A film crew attended the meeting to capture the debate on film.

The documentary will be aired in July.

25 March 2009 : Irish sea could produce 5% of power

More than 5% of the UK’s electricity needs could be met by harnessing the tidal power of the Irish Sea in the North West, engineers have claimed.

Researchers have been studying ways to generate renewable energy by using the “natural motion “ of the tides around the North West of England and North Wales.

The results showed that four barrages stretching across estuaries at Morecambe Bay, the Solway Firth and the Mersey and Dee rivers could be capable of meeting approximately half of the region’s electricity needs.

The study was carried out by the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory and the University of Liverpool.

Professor Richard Burrows, from the university’s Maritime Environmental and Water Systems Research Group, said: “With concerns mounting over the UK’s future energy provision it will soon become paramount that all sources of renewable energy are fully developed.

”Unlike the wind, tides are absolutely predictable. The geographical location of the UK, and the seas that surround it, provide a great platform for marine renewable sources.”

The barrages, which would run from one bank of an estuary to the other, would guide water through sluices and power turbines for up to 11 hours a day.

Prof Burrows added: “In terms of the four North West barrages, the energy extracted could equate to 5% of the UK’s electricity generation needs.”

The study, funded by the North West Development Agency, used advanced two-dimensional computational modelling to gather its findings.

Those in favour of building barrages also say they would provide substantial sea defence, as well as flood alleviation, by draining the estuary following heavy rainstorms.

25 March 2009 : Historic lakes hotel for sale

AN HISTORIC hotel in the heart of the Lake District has been put on the market with a guide price of £1.3 million.

The Sawrey Hotel, in Far Sawrey, which dates back to 1700, has 19 en-suite bedrooms, a 45 cover dining room, and a 50 cover bar with many original features still intact such as exposed beams and an open log fire.

Mark Bailey, an associate at selling agents Knight Frank, Leeds, said: “This is a rare opportunity to acquire a Lake District Inn, situated in a prime location with excellent road position, close to Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top.

“This profitable business has been in the same ownership for 41 years and there is now potential to capitalise on its position by expanding the food and beverage element of the business, as yet not fully exploited.”

25 March 2009 : Balloon drama in Langdale !

Visitors enjoying the sunshine outside a South Lakeland hotel were in for a surprise when a huge balloon started drifting their way.

A hot air balloon preparing to take off in a field near to the New Dungeon Gyll Hotel, Great Langdale, Ambleside got into difficulty when it started to drift towards the hotel, at one point resting on the roof of a parked car before snagging on a barbed wire fence.

25 March 2009 : Whitehaven News re publish account of Wastwaters famous lady in the lake

AIRLINE pilot Peter Hogg believed he had committed the perfect crime. Eight years after dropping the weighted body of his strangled wife from an inflatable rowing boat into the watery grave of England’s deepest lake, he was sure he had got away with it.

Had it not been for the disappearance of Veronique Marre on a walking tour in the western lakes, he might well have done, and Wastwater – 72 metres deep – might have held its grizzly secret forever.

The personable Air Europe holiday pilot flying Boeing 757s was not to know that police, aided by amateur divers, were carrying out intensive searches for the 21-year-old student from France.

Eight years earlier – in October 1976 – Hogg had driven 300 miles from Guildford, Surrey, to lonely Wasdale and, as darkness fell, rowed his dead wife into Wastwater. She was wrapped in plastic inside a sack tied to a block of concrete.

Police frogmen brought the body ashore from the icy water after being alerted by local amateur divers. One of them, Colin McCourt, from Moresby Parks, revealed to The Whitehaven News this week that the sack had been seen in the lake years before but the divers in the Egremont and Solway clubs had been completely oblivious of its content. Now and again the divers used it for lifting exercises.

Twenty-five years ago to the month since police brought the body ashore, the drama continues to fascinate locals, criminologists and anyone interested in mystery stories, however macabre. It was also one of the most fascinating news stories I have been involved with.

It all started with an early evening phone call from a friendly police officer. “There’s been a body found in Wastwater and you’d better get out there,” said the caller.

First thoughts were that it was the body of Veronique, who had vanished without trace. But despite many years in the water the body was so well-preserved that within six days of discovery it was positively identified as Margaret Hogg. Police travelled from Whitehaven to Surrey and knocked on the door of a 56-year-old stunned husband, a former boarder at Keswick School.

The couple met while she was working as an airline stewardess. Her husband, 19 years older, was the prime suspect. He was immediately arrested, and charged with murder, which he denied, at the Old Bailey.

Had he rowed further out into Wastwater, his wife’s body would almost certainly have fallen to the very bottom of the lake, below normal diving depths at the time. Instead the grim package settled on a shallow part of the lake bed – not on a ledge as commonly thought – and due to the lack of oxygen it failed to decompose: it was preserved like wax because Wastwater is so cold.

Hogg’s trial at the Old Bailey brought out revelations of Margaret’s infidelity and a stormy relationship. He had strangled her after another row in their home.

But it was the events in the local police investigation that led directly to his own discovery. The local media were summoned to Whitehaven police station to witness a gold wedding ring.

Hidden engraved around its inside face were the wedding details of Margaret and Peter Hogg. This was the fatal mistake: Hogg, notwithstanding all his meticulous pre-meditated preparations, forgot to remove it from the body.

The inscription read: “Margaret 15-11-63 Peter.”

A friend in Surrey recognised the well- publicised description and Whitehaven police were hot on the trail.

Another vital clue which confirmed her identity was her dentures.

Then followed the knock on the door of the couple’s £90,000 home.

Detective Des Byrne was one of the officers there. He and Whitehaven CID colleague David Harrison were already in Guildford making initial inquiries before a second team followed on to make the arrest.

Des recalls: “We found out that the sack or the wrapping had links with carpet-making in Surrey and we were also able to locate the dead woman’s dentist. It was a lucky break because her dental records were just about to be destroyed. With this and publicity over the wedding ring, we quickly found out where the couple lived.”

While other West Cumbrian officers went to the house to be greeted by a bemused Peter Hogg, Acting Detective Sergeant Byrne kept watch round the side of the property. “You could say it was a shock to him. He had been out of the country and knew nothing about what was going on

“In an interview, Hogg told us what had happened. He said his wife was having an affair, an argument developed and he killed her. He thought about how to dispose of her body, decided to wrap it up and put it in the boot of his car, drove his son to school in Taunton and then up to Wasdale.”

Detective Byrne searched the house. “We found quite a lot of evidence connected to the crime. There were still bloodstains under the carpet in the bedroom. We also found rope matching what was used to tie the sack.

“What we also learned was that Hogg had gone to see a solicitor to get a divorce claiming she had run off with somebody else.”

At Hogg’s Old Bailey trial, the jury heard in his defence that, for years, he had been provoked by the unfaithful and bad behaviour of his wife who had flaunted her three-year affair with banker Graham Ryan.

Hogg’s QC said: “The law recognises that within every human being lies the fires of emotion and you can provoke a human being so far.”

Margaret Hogg was strangled in October 1976, only a week after she had been to Dorset with her lover. When asked if he had murdered his wife, Hogg said: “Murder is not the right word. Certainly she died. I think I strangled her. We had an argument, she did her usual act, she was always throwing things at me. She was scratching my face, kicking me in the crotch and I belted her. She flew at me, hitting and kicking, then I grabbed her round the neck and squeezed hard. I realised one of her eyes was glazed and I let go. She fell back on the floor and I realised she was dead.”

But the accused was described to the jury as cool and calculating, for within minutes of the strangulation he had changed his clothes and trussed up his wife before working out how best to dispose of her.

Describing his long drive north and rowing an inflatable boat out on to pitch-black Wastwater, he said: “It was the longest day of my life. You don’t realise how difficult it was. I nearly went in with her.

“I was in a perfectly logical frame of mind once I put my mind to dealing with the current emergency.”

One month later Hogg reported his wife’s apparent disappearance to Surrey police.

The jury found Hogg not guilty of murder but convicted him of manslaughter. He was jailed for three years and another year was added for obstructing a coroner and for perjury in divorce proceedings.

Margaret’s ashes had been scattered on Wastwater (her family’s wishes) after her body was cremated at Distington. When deputy coroner John Taylor opened an inquest in Whitehaven he heard from a Home Office pathologist that death was from strangulation and also from a Hertfordshire dentist that the dentures belonged to Margaret Hogg.

Former Marchon worker Colin McCourt, a member of the Solway diving club, said: “I remember thinking what a scene it must have been. Wastwater is a particularly desolate spot in winter with the dark screes on far side of the lake. So imagine somebody rowing out there, probably as darkness was falling and just as the sun was going down so there was still enough light to see where he was going and what he was doing.

“Also imagine someone rowing out and trying to tip a dead body in a sack with a heavy kerbstone tied to it and trying to roll it off the inflatable.

“People still say you would never have found the body if it hadn’t dropped on to a ledge, but we had previously moved it on to the ledge before the police removed it. The actual resting place was 36 metres on the bottom of the lake and we were led to believe it had been in the lake for a number of years.”

Both the Egremont and Solway frogmen were using Wastwater for diving and lifting exercises. “Our understanding was that this package had been seen for many years, you couldn’t tell what it was, it wasn’t like a body. We never opened many packages underwater because it was not unusual to find dead dogs or cats. We located this particular package at 36 metres which meant we had under 20 minutes diving time.

“This day was particularly cold when we went down, I remember the package was tied to a concrete block, we lifted it up to a higher level, decided to leave it and go back.

“It was Neil Pritt who went to tell the police who were searching for Veronique at the time. We knew it couldn’t be her because the sack had been seen long before she went missing.”

Colin’s diving record read: “It was nice calm day, we actually went looking for the package in a lifting exercise, we lifted it but never opened it. Perhaps next time. I added later ‘No next time, female body found.’

“We were down there for 14 minutes, that was the first time I myself had seen the package, we decided we would go back and move it, probably one of the reasons as a bit of fun get one back on the Egremont divers. We had a good relationship and some friendly banter.”

And the missing French student Veronique Marre? In April 1984, she was found lying dead at the foot of Broken Rib Cragg where she had fallen 1,100 ft above awe-inspiring Wastwater a month or so after the divers recovered the body of Wastwater’s Lady in the Lake.

23 Feb 2009 : Maid of Butermere by the lake !

PEOPLE in Cumbria got well and truly stuck into rehearsals recently for Theatre by the Lake's world première of The Maid of Buttermere, sponsored by Jennings Brewery. While the professional cast haven't as yet arrived in Keswick, the community cast of 37 budding amateur actors were all too keen to get their teeth into the production.

The Maid of Buttermere will be a collaboration between the theatre and members of the immediate Cumbrian community. The cast of 11 professional actors will work closely with the community cast of local amateur performers who will represent the Cumbrian communities of Keswick and Buttermere in the story.
The current community cast spans the generations with members aged from 10 to 70 years old and the dedicated team have made a real commitment to the project giving up their spare time for rehearsals and a busy performance schedule.
Norman Brayton, a member of the amateur cast said: "To be given the chance to work with a professional group in a lovely theatre is a unique opportunity and a real privilege. I thought the first session was thoroughly entertaining and I'm really looking forward to the experience."
Set in Keswick and Buttermere in the early 19th century, The Maid of Buttermere is the true story of Mary Robinson, the daughter of the innkeeper of the Fish Inn at Buttermere, whose beauty attracts scores of admirers, including the bigamist and fortune hunter, John Hatfield, who woos and wins her. The play, an epic tale of love, passion and deception, tells of the couple's fateful meeting, consuming passion and tragic separation.
This dramatisation by Lisa Evans, based on the novel by Melvyn Bragg, marks a special 10th birthday year for Theatre by the Lake and a whole year of celebrations.
The Maid of Buttermere runs from Saturday, March 21 to Saturday, April 18 and is sponsored by Jennings Brewery.
Tickets start from £8 to £21 and are available by calling Theatre by the Lake's box office on 017687 74411 or visiting www.theatrebythelake.com.

23 Feb 2009 : Life saving skills used

A BARROW man put his Army life-saving skills to the test when he gave emergency first aid to a heart attack victim.
Derek Phillips, 56, came to the rescue of Martin Smith last Tuesday.
Mr Smith was attending a college conference at the Lakeside Hotel in Newby Bridge when he suffered a heart attack.
Mr Phillips, of Winchester Street, Barrow, rushed to the aid of the man while staff at the hotel alerted emergency services.
At one point Mr Smith stopped breathing, but Mr Phillips managed to perform live-saving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on him.
Mr Phillips, who has worked at the hotel for 10 years, used first aid skills learnt during his 25 years serving in the British Army.
He said: “I heard people shouting ‘phone an ambulance’ and saw that a man had collapsed. He was showing all the signs of a heart attack.
“I felt around and he wasn’t breathing and had no pulse. I knew I had to revive him. I can’t really remember exactly what happened, it is a bit of a blur. There were other people helping at the time, too. I instructed one man on what to do and used CPR to get him breathing again.
“A couple of people are calling me a hero, but it was a team effort really. I put it down to teamwork. I just did what anyone else would do.”
After an ambulance arrived at the hotel, Mr Smith was rushed to Furness General Hospital in a critical condition.
Paramedics at the scene said that Mr Phillips had probably saved the man’s life.
Mr Smith is now in a stable condition. The hotel received a letter of thanks from Runshaw College, Preston, where Mr Smith is an employee, last week.
The letter thanked all members of staff who dealt with the emergency situation, but praised Mr Phillips in particular for his heroic, life-saving feat.
Mr Phillips said: “It was nice of them to write a letter to us. I haven’t heard off Mr Smith’s family yet but I don’t think they really knew what happened at the moment.”
Tom Sharp, a manager at Lakeside Hotel, said: “Derek has worked for us for 10 years and we’re all really proud of him.
“Obviously with the location we’re in it can take a while for an ambulance to arrive, but he really did save the life of that man. He kept him going before the paramedics arrived.
“He is modest about it but we think he did brilliant.”

23 Feb 2009 : Wainwright statue shold go on fell

THE owner of a popular Lakes tourism business believes that a proposed statue of Alfred Wainwright should be built in the Lake District mountains - rather than a high street in South Lakeland.

The Westmorland Gazette exclusively revealed plans earlier this month to build a bronze statue in Kendal as a tribute to the legendary fell walker, writer and artist.

But Mark Weir, of Honister Slate Mine, said the statue should go on the top of a Lake District peak and become the area’s answer to the Angel of the North - or as he called it, ‘The Alfred Of The North.’ “I appreciate Wainwright lived and worked in Kendal but his heart and soul was in the middle of the Lake District mountains,” he said.

“If you are going to build a statue to him, don’t make him a pigeon roost in a town centre. Build it in the place he loved, where people can appreciate what he stood for and have to put in effort to go and see. Considering his passion for the fells, to put him in a town would be a travesty.”

Mr Weir said that he was planning to commission a sculptor to make a giant slate Wainwright monument to be placed on the fells.

He compared its size to the Corcovado statue in Brazil: “It’s the new thing isn’t it?” he said. “The thing is, it opens a debate for people to discuss and agree. Every town centre has a statue but with Wainwright, there’s real justification for it to be allowed to go on top of a mountain and become a world first.”

The proposal has sparked a lot of interest, with letters flooding into The Westmorland Gazette.

Most of the writers have opposed the plans, saying Wainwright was a very private man and would not want a statue.

However, Eric Robson, chairman of The Wainwright Society, believed that Wainwright would have been proud to have had a statue in his honour, but he would certainly not have wanted it on the fells.

12 Feb 2009 : More information released about digital switch over and its effects on local population

Many of you, I know, have already been through the switchover process when the Bigrigg, Gosforth and Eskdale Green transmitters switched over in October/November 2007. You may well feel that you would not want yet more information about the switchover, but, as I am sure you know, switchover will once again impact on Copeland. I thought it might be helpful if I outlined what the effect will be for Copeland viewers:

Analogue only viewers receiving their signals directly from Caldbeck or via the relays at Bleach Green or St Bees will need to switch over as there will be no analogue signals from any of these three transmitters after 22^nd July

Analogue viewers in the Millom area receiving their signals from the Millom Park , Lancaster or Winter Hill transmitters will need to switch over when the Granada switchover takes place in November/December 2009, as there will be no analogue signals from any of these transmitters after 2^nd December.

ALL digital terrestrial (Freeview) viewers will need to retune their set top boxes or digital televisions at switchover in order to pick up digital channels on revised frequencies. This will affect Bigrigg, Gosforth and Eskdale Green viewers who switched to digital in 2007.

Gosforth viewers will be able to receive Channel 5 in digital for the first time as the existing digital Channel 5 is moving to a public service multiplex on Caldbeck and so will be included in the public service channel line-up from Gosforth for the first time.

I hope that most viewers are well used to retuning their set top boxes or digital televisions and that this will not present too many problems.

10 feb 2009 : Date set at the Bridge Inn

Friday 13 March 2009 at The Bridge Inn

Ian Dee Hypnotist with Tatie Pot supper from 7.30 pm - £10.00 per ticket or stay the night for £85.00 double bed and breakfast and two tickets

for more info click here

10 feb 2009 : Wainwright to be honored

CUMBRIA'S most famous writer on the fells is to be marked with a statue in Kendal.

A bronze effigy of Alfred Wainwright, author of the famed Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells, is to be commissioned at an estimated cost of £80,000 to be placed in Kendal, the former Westmorland town where the grumpy fellwalker was borough treasurer.

Sculptor Graham Ibbeson, best known for the statue of Eric Morecambe that adorns the Lancashire town from which he took his name, will create the figure.

The project is supported by his family and the Wainwright Society, guardians of the fellwalker's memory, though there is doubt as to whether the reclusive detailer of the fells and instigator of the Coast to Coast Walk, would approve. Wainwright, who died aged 84 in 1991, was born in Blackburn.

His love of the Lake District was spawned by an early trip to Windermere and he spent almost all his spare time walking the 214 fells described in his books, writing up the routes and producing the intricate hand-drawn illustrations which lend his work a unique quality.

Notoriously anti-social – he admitted to pretending to be urinating away from the mountain paths if he met a fellow hillwalker he did not want to converse with – he nevertheless produced works imbued with a dry humour and meticulously researched detail.

His ashes are scattered at Innominate Tarn on Haystacks, the fell he said was his favourite Lakeland mountain. There is a memorial tablet to the writer in St James's Church in Buttermere, below the fell.

Kendal's present-day tourist information centre was Wainwright's office when he was borough treasurer between 1947 and 1967.

10 feb 2009 : Back the bus route

CAMPAIGNERS have helped to put a bus route between two busy towns back on the timetable.

The 511 route between Ulverston and Broughton-in-Furness was cancelled last year, leading to protests and a petition from residents and town councillors in both towns.

It will return on February 23,but funding will cease at the end of October.

County councillor Geoff Cook said: "I really hope that the service will now be better used to bring more money in and the route can prove to be self-sustainable."

10 feb 2008 : Early opening for some NT properties

NATIONAL Trust properties are making a romantic start to the 2009 season by opening their doors early on Valentines Day.

Hill Top and the Hawkshead Beatrix Potter Gallery both open on February 14.

“The Trust has extended its open season longer than ever before, so now you can visit properties from February through to early November,” said Property Manager at Hill Top, John Moffat.

“We’re delighted that Hill Top and the Beatrix Potter Gallery are the first in the North West region to open, particularly on Valentine’s Day, and we're looking forward to a busy season.”

The gallery currently has a new exhibition on, entitled Because I Never Grew Up, celebrating 100 years since the publication of The Tale of Ginger and Pickles, featuring original watercolours from the story. There is also a new Conservation in Action display where visitors can learn more about the behind the scenes conservation work carried out by the Trust at the Gallery.

Visitors to Beatrix Potter’s former home at Hill Top are able to see the author’s personal collection of china, paintings and furniture.

10 Feb 2008 : Two walkers die in the Lakes

Two Lake District walkers have died in the last two days after heading out in icy conditions.

The body of a 60-year-old man was discovered today by Langdale and Ambleside Mountain Rescue team.

The unnamed man, who is believed to be from Windermere, had gone walking alone in Great Langdale and failed to return home. His green Volvo car was discovered parked at the foot of the fells.

The body was discovered 50m below Climber’s Traverse on Bowfell and has been lifted to the West Cumberland Infirmary by RAF helicopter. The man’s family have been informed and police are working to formally identify him.

In a separate tragedy, a man in his 60s died from his injuries yesterday after falling more than 100m from Pavey Ark in the Langdale Pikes.

The man, believed to be from the Stockport area, was airlifted to the West Cumberland Hospital at 4.30pm and later died from his injuries.

A mountain rescue spokesman said the walker was part of a number of people who had grouped together after getting into difficulties in freezing conditions.

He added: “While trying to find a way off they got onto steep ground. At this point one of them slipped and fell, sustaining fatal injuries.”
The rest of the group were evacuated to safety.

A police spokeswoman said conditions on the fells were “icy and cold”.

20 JAN 2009 : WASDALE HEAD SHPEHERDS MEET SHOW SECRETARY PASSES AWAY

We are Very Sad to announce the unexpected death of David Smith, Our show secretary for many years.

David passed away on Friday 16^th January, he had been in good health and had attended the funeral of another of Wasdale Head Show’s Stalwarts, Jack Lancaster the day before.

David will be sadly missed by everyone, including his fellow Wasdale Head Show Committee Members and our deepest sympathies go out to all his friends and family

David’s Funeral will take place at Saint Mary’s Church at Gosforth on Monday 26^th January at 10.45, followed by a Cremation service at Distington Crematorium.

No Flowers Please, Donations for Cancer Research

19 Jan 2009 : Wasdale MRT celebrates 40 years

A HOST of long-service awards have been handed out as part of Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

Team members and their guests gathered at the Wasdale Head Inn for the dinner that saw a number of dedicated team members presented with framed awards and a glass tankard with plaque showing their name and years of service.

David Allan, chairman of Mountain Rescue (England and Wales), was invited, along with his wife Sheila, to present the awards to team members past and present.

The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team members who received awards on the evening were: 25 years (retired): Dave Barras, Allan Dunn, Bill Pattison, Maurice Pringle; 25 years (active members): Pete Baines, Martin Bentley, Julian Carradice, Dave Fryer, Peter Holburt, Penny Kirkby, John Noake, Susan Noake, Dave Willey; 40 years: Joe Moody, Martin Willey.

19 Jan 2009 :A CUMBRIAN charity is encouraging budding conservationists to take to the hilltops and volunteer with the Fix the Fells project.

Ten million people trample across popular paths every year, leaving lasting scars on the landscape. The Fix the Fells project aims to protect some of Cumbria’s most-walked routes.

Ten million people trample across popular paths every year, leaving lasting scars on the landscape.

Run by the Lake District National Park Authority, the National Trust and Natural England, the Fix the Fells partnership works to prevent further erosion of upland paths through repair work by contractors, staff and a large volunteer force.

Tim Duckmanton, of LDNPA, said Heritage Lottery Fund money did a lot to help with path repairs, but manpower had an enormous part to play.

“We are looking for volunteers to monitor and maintain upland paths, doing practical tasks and talking to the public about our work,” he said. “Experience isn’t essential, because we will be giving full and diverse training, from path repair work to first aid, upland heritage to working with the public.

“We would like to hear from anyone willing to work in stunning locations and would like to make a major contribution to safeguard some of the finest fell paths in the national park.”

Dave Emery, who has volunteered with Fix the Fells since 2007, said it was a great opportunity to meet like-minded people.

“As I enjoy walking in the Lakes, but unfortunately cause my own personal erosion through being out on the fells, I felt this was a perfect chance for me to give something back,” he said.

“Since becoming a volunteer, I now have a new circle of friends of all ages, who are really friendly, come from all walks of life and we all share a love of the outdoors.”

For more information about volunteering, contact Tim Duckmanton on 01539-792674 or email: tim.duckmanton@lake-district.gov.uk

19 Jan 2009 : praise for Lakeland race

The Lakeland Trails team are celebrating national recognition after being awarded the most scenic race in the UK award, along with an overall top three placing for the best running events in the UK by the publishers of Runnersworld magazine.

The first of the Lakeland Trails events, the Puma Hawkshead Trail Race and Challenge was rated third overall, when the list of the UK’s top 50 running events was published in this month’s magazine.

Race Director Graham Patten was enthusiastic when talking about the acolade saying: "It’ s a tremendous achievement for everyone involved in last year’s Lakeland Trails event in Hawkshead - competitors, marshals, landowners, sponsors and all the local businesses that supported the event.

"Last year was only the third year of the event, and to come from nowhere to being up with the biggest and best running events in the UK is a tremendous accolade for us".

Entries are now flooding in from all over the UK for the 2009 Puma Hawkshead Trail Race.

19 Jan 2009 :A memorial gig will be held for a Workington man who died last year.

Glen Oglethorpe, the former drummer of local band Opium Breed, tragically died at the age of 28.

The remaining members of the band, which has changed its name to The Breed, are hosting the Gig for Glen in Monroes Bar on Saturday February 7,

Five other local acts will take to the stage, with each performing mainly original material.

Dicky Clark, an original member of Opium Breed, said that he was adamant that only bands playing their own songs should play.

He said: “We had offers from a couple of bands who usually specialise in playing covers who wanted to play, but we wanted to remember Glen, who had a degree in Digital Music, and was a keen fan of bands and artists who wrote their own material”.

Also playing that night will be Colt 45, who have just released a four-track demo recorded in Manchester, and free copies will be available on the night.

Zero will play a totally original set on the night. Streamer from Workington , another of Glen’s former bands, also take to the stage.

And IX Lives will bring the night to a close with a set of originals and covers.

The first band will be on the stage at 8.30pm.

Tickets are £5 and are available on the door, with all of the proceeds going to Amnesty International, which was a cause of special interest to Glen.

19 Jan 2009 :Major rescue underway after person seen struggling in Cumbrian river

A major rescue operation is underway following reports that someone was seen struggling in the River Eamont near Penrith, this afternoon.

Police, mountain rescue teams, an RAF helicopter and ambulance personnel are searching both banks of the Eamont and the Eden.

A police spokeswoman said the alert was raised by a member of the public at 12.30pm after someone wearing a blue coat was seen in the swollen Eamont, near Brougham.

19 Jan 2009 : rain causes problems in Cumbria

AFTER the fierce cold last week came the weekend thaw and torrential rain which caused trouble in Cumbria and North Lancashire.

A land slip at Shap closed the West Coast Main Line just weeks after it was announced it was open for business following years of upgrading. It was later back open for business.

The Kendal by-pass was also closed after flooding. The number of major roads hit by the deluge built up during Sunday.

On Monday as the River Kent overflowed onto the flood plains drivers were forced to turn back or make major detours to head north from South Lakeland.

06 Jan 2008 : Fallen Walker named

A 35-YEAR-OLD woman who died after falling from a Lake District fell has been named by police. Kirsty Densham, an experienced mountaineer from Oxford, was on holiday in the area with friends last Friday afternoon (January 2) when the tragedy occurred.She was walking with two friends at Westmoreland Crag on Great Gable when she fell.Wasdale Mountain Rescue were called to the scene and a helicopter from RAF Boulmer took her to West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven where she was pronounced dead.Her relatives have been informed.

06 Jan 2008 : Police warning of dangers from playing on frozen lakes

Police have issued a stark warning after small children were spotted playing on ice that had formed more than 50 yards from the edge of a Cumbrian lake.A skater on Derwentwater. Photo: Lisa GarnerOfficers are urging people not to go out on to ice that has formed on the county’s lakes, tarns and waterways.They say it puts lives at risk at a time when the ice can only be best described as ‘unstable’.The warning comes after two small children were seen far out from the edge of Derwentwater on Saturday afternoon.Keswick officers were called to Kettlewell car park on the Borrowdale road shortly after 2pm.

They were horrified to discover children are taking out large boulders with them to smash the ice directly under their feet, watched or being accompanied by parents that are allowing them to do it.Sergeant Gary Armstrong said: “This is a very dangerous situation and people are putting their lives and possibly the lives of others in real danger.“There is no real pattern or uniformity to the formation of the ice and it can be thin in places.“It may appear suitable to walk on but you can’t really see or gauge how thick the ice is“If someone falls through the ice the consequences could be fatal.”He added: “Temperatures are not expected to rise much over the next four or five days and so we expect ice to remain unstable. Our message is don’t go out onto the ice.”

06 Jan 2008 : Cumbrias temperature drops

Cumbria's in the grip of some very icy weather as temperatures plunge to minus 10.6c
That was the lowest recorded this morning at Shap in the county.
Drivers are being urged to take care in the arctic conditions.
The cold snap will last until this weekend, when some milder weather is expected

06 Jan 2008 : dangers of Lakeland fells

A local mountain expert says he's gobsmacked by "senseless" people making their way up the Lake District fells.
Lake District fell-top weather assessor Craig Palmer is an ex Marine Commando, and goes to the top of Hellvellyn every day to gather weather information for the National Park's weatherline.
He says he's seen families making their way up the fells in what he's calling "woefully inadequate" clothing.
Temparatures have been falling as low as minus 16 this winter.

19 December 2008 : Fire at the Zoo

A FIRE at a popular zoo claimed the lives of 30 lemurs on Monday.

The lemurs died when fire raged through an animal enclosure at South Lakes Animal Park, Dalton in Furness.
Fire engines from Dalton and Barrow were at the scene shortly after 8.20pm.
The large number of different types of lemur is one of the most popular attractions at Dalton Zoo and it is a sad loss that so may have died.

19 December 2008 : Cumbria to avoid the worst of the postal strike problems

UNION officials have reassured the public that postal strikes will have a limited effect on Christmas post in Cumbria.

Industrial action: Seven sorting offices in the north west will shut on December 19, one of the busiest days of the year for Royal Mail, over closure plans

For the time being, affected mail in the county should not be delayed by more than one day.

But Ian Taylor, of the Communication Workers Union, warned there could be more disruption if the row is not resolved.

The strike over Royal Mail cutbacks will shut seven sorting offices on December 19, including those in Liverpool, Stockport and Crewe.

Mr Taylor, divisional officer for the north west, said: “We believe that proposals to close mail centres in the north west will be part of a wider programme of cuts by Royal Mail. It’s that which we desperately want them to reconsider.”

The 24 hour strike – on one of the last posting days before Christmas – could include up to 2,000 workers. It has been organised in protest at proposed mergers of mail depots, which the union claims could cost up to 500 jobs.

He added: “We’re still hoping we can avoid this action and I understand discussions are going on at a national level. There may be some scope for rationalising the mail network but Royal Mail need to understand the effects on the people and the service.”

Plans by the firm include transferring work from mail centres in Crewe and Liverpool to a new regional office in Warrington. It has said the Liverpool depot is no longer viable in the face of falling mail volumes. A spokesman for Royal Mail said: “We are clearly disappointed that the union would urge strike action at this important and busy time of year. We are asking all our people to get on and deliver the Christmas service our customers want and deserve.”

19 December 2008 : Caravan park to be developed

A SOUTH Lakeland farmer is to invest millions of pounds developing a caravan park near Milnthorpe.

Beetham sheep farmer turned property tycoon John Morphet, is to spend £3.5million building state-of-the-art leisure facilities at Fell End Caravan Park at Hale.

The plans are awaiting approval from South Lakeland District Council this month but if approved will see the multi-million pound swimming pool, gym, restaurant and retail units up and running by June next year.

The park, which is run by Mr Morphet’s Pure Leisure Group company, has already been given five stars by the country’s tourist board and boasts a Gold award from the David Bellamy Conservation Scheme.

The project will offer the good news of 40 temporary jobs within the local economy, with a further five full-time positions being created when the facilities open.

Mr Morphet, who owns several luxury holiday companies at home and abroad, including Hall More Caravan Park near Milnthorpe, Lakeland Leisure Village near Carnforth and the exclusive Royal Westmoreland golf estate in Barbados, said: “Our investment in Fell End Caravan Park emphasises how we continually strive to better cater for our customers’ needs and also highlights our long-term commitment to developing all of the holiday parks within our portfolio.”

19 December 2008 : Hill top assesors back

Whilst most of us are snuggled up in front of a roaring fire, a fell top assessor is climbing to the top of Helvellyn to gather information for the Lake District National Park's Weatherline.
After 7 days, Craig Palmer's daily treks up Helvellyn would almost reach the top of Mount Everest.
The Ex-Marine Commando is reminding people of the dangers of mountain walking.
It's important to check the weather conditions, take an extra hat and pair of gloves, and to be prepared for all eventualities.
He also advises walkers not to over estimate their abilities and know when to turn back.

03 December 2008 : Cold day but clear at Wasdale

Thought I would share todays photo with you as it was so blue and cold at Wasdale !

03 December 2008 : Big Freeze hits Cumbria

Snow, ice and rain created treacherous conditions across Cumbria today – but forecasters warned the worst is still to come.

This morning police were asking motorists to only drive if it was necessary because conditions on many roads were dangerous, with three-times as many accidents reported across the county today as yesterday.

Problems emerged after temperatures reached as low as -5C on higher ground during the night.

Police officers said they had reports of 16 minor road accidents across Copeland and Allerdale since midnight.

They added that between 1am and 8.45am incidents had been reported to police from Moor Row, Cleator, Broughton Moor, Muncaster and Bassenthwaite.

There were also incidents at Egremont, Frizington, Keswick, Cockermouth, Seaton, Maryport, and Ravenglass and Bigrigg in the early hours.

A police spokesman said this morning there have been 39 incidents across the county.

He said: “There has been significantly more today than normally.”

Detective Inspector Cliff Walker said that the accidents were mostly minor bumps from cars hitting others. He added: “It is due to the weather, it has been treacherous.”

Cumbria County Council deployed 27 gritters out on to the highways this morning - 11 in the east, nine in the south and seven in the west.

A spokesman said: “These are on priority one and two roads and, as resources allow, we'll move out to the smaller roads, concentrating on more densely populated areas that haven't been gritted yet.”

In the west, conditions are under control; in the east there is lots of snow, especially around the Penrith area; and in the south there is freezing fog which is keeping temperatures down.

In Allerdale, the council warned some of its services would be affected by the frosty conditions.

Due to the temperatures dropping below freezing point, several public toilets which are owned and maintained by the council have had to be closed for safety reasons.

However, the following public toilets will remain open:

Aspatria, Queen Street

Cockermouth, Main Street

Keswick: Banks Court; Central Car Park and Theatre by the Lake

Skinburness, Silloth

Wigton Local Links Customer Service Centre

Workington town centre

A spokesman said: “The council is liaising with Cumbria Highways and will not deploy its road sweeping vehicles if roads have been gritted, so as not to sweep up the grit needed to thaw out icy driving conditions.

“In addition, some residents may find that their wheelie bins for recycling garden waste have broken after becoming brittle in the severe temperatures. Allerdale Borough Council would like to assure residents that it is taking steps to replace any wheelie bins damaged in this way.”

In north Cumbria a number of schools were forced to close, partly because pupils due to travel to them by bus were unable to get there.

Snow fell on higher ground, affecting places such as Brampton. In parts of Carlisle there appeared to be a dusting of snow sitting on top of ice.

Inspector Ann Hodgson said: “Police are advising motorist to drive with care due to treacherous road conditions. Snow and ice is affecting the whole county.”

If drivers had to use the roads, they were urged to allow extra time for their journeys.

Most of the collisions were described as “minor bumps” with cars colliding with other vehicles. The trans-Pennine A66 was closed for a time at Brough because of the snowfall.

Some forecasters have predicted that Britain is set for an arctic blast today with snow showers set to sweep the country.

A band of wintry showers is predicted to start in Scotland and the north of England this morning, working their way southwards through the day.

About an inch of snow is expected in the north of England today, with sleet and rain more likely in the south, according to MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association.

And while many struggled with the wintry conditions this morning, a Met Office spokeswoman warned they could worsen this week.

She said: “Tomorrow night looks pretty awful, with snow coming in around midnight and strong southerly winds to go with that.”

On conditions today, she added: “Almost everywhere in Cumbria we’ve had snow at some point during the night.

“Obviously we do get cold weather in December, but -1.1C is the usual minimum so it is colder than we would expect for this time of year.”

Most snow fell in the county at about 3am with 3cms recorded at the Spadeadam observation point.

Temperatures today are expected to rise to about 2-3C.

It is expected to be frosty again tonight – with temperatures dipping to as low as between -3 to -5C – before fine conditions during the day tomorrow.

Meanwhile, traffic on the southbound A74 was slow-moving as work continued on the upgrade of the Cumberland Gap.

Traffic was down to one lane between Metal Bridge and Carlisle as construction of the M6 extension neared completion.

Traffic began to slow from Gretna.

Delays were also reported in the Caldewgate area of Carlisle.

Anyone with queries about road conditions or closures, is urged to call the Highways Agency hotline – 0845 609 6609.

For further information on council services contact Allerdale council’s Customer Service Centre on 01900 702702 or email: customer.service@allerdale.gov.uk

Temperatures plummeted to -11 degrees C in parts of Cumbria over the weekend, making it one of the coldest snaps of the year.

Landscapes were dusted with frost and snow and a freezing fog made for treacherous driving conditions on Saturday and Sunday.

Freezing temperatures forced the closure of a race meeting at Carlisle Racecourse on Sunday.

The jumps meeting had to be abandoned because of frost. Officials say they were left with no option after an overnight temperature of minus five.

Clerk of the course Andrew Tulloch said: “It got down to minus five overnight and it was not going to really warm up, and we also had fog as well.”

03 December 2008 : Calder Abbey tour

A GUIDED tour of Calder Abbey is to take place on Thursday December 7 at 2pm.

Tickets are available from Egremont Tourism Information Centre and Printpoint priced £4.

All funds will go to the Restoration of the Abbey fund. Refreshments are available.

03 December 2008 : Keswick lights turned on

KESWICK is all lit up this festive season thanks to a brand new set of town centre lights which were officially switched on by BBC Look North weatherman Paul Mooney on Friday evening.

Six-year-old Lydia Longstaff at Keswick lights switch-on

Mooney, who was introduced by deputy mayor Andrew Lysser, brought crisp but fine weather for the ceremony performed on the steps of the Moot Hall.

Hundreds gathered in the square to witness the spectacular effect of the lights which fill the whole of the Market Square and extend into many of the surrounding streets.

Carols were sung by the choir of St John's parish church and, earlier, there had been a torchlight walk from the lakeside to the town centre after another set of lights, decorating the trees alongside Hope Park, were also switched on.

Father Christmas was in attendance at the theatre where children from St Herbert's School sang and another large crowd turned out.

03 December 2008: NEW BIKE TRACK OPENS

A new 19 kilometre bike track is unveiled in the Lakes today.
The purpose built trail based in Whinlatter Forest near Keswick aims to attract and challenge expert mountain bikers.
Whinlatter is the only mountain forest in England and it's hoped to become a known tourist spot for off roaders.

03 December 2008 : LOCAL TEAM REV TO VICTORY IN GRIZEDALE RALLY

A South Lakeland team's managed to grab the podium in this weekend's Grizedale Stages Rally.
Team Kankku from Ambleside came 1st and 2nd in their class with both cars in the top 10 overall.
Lakeland Radio were at the event in Grizedale shadowing Team Kankku throughout the day.

03 December 2008 : FELL CLIMBERS TO BEGIN WEATHER CHALLENGE

Two men are getting ready to take on their annual challenge of climbing the Lake District fells every day to make fell top weather forecasts.
Former Marine Commando Craig Palmer and ex hotel manager Jon Bennett will work alternate weeks to climb to the top of Hellvellyn every day.
Last year, they faced the worst conditions up there for decades.
We'll be talking to them next month when they're started their gruelling job.

21 November 2008 : Wasdale Residents meeting announced

17 November 2008 : Great New Events at the Bridge Inn

SATURDAY 22nd NOVEMBER
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND
THE FABULOUS GRAHAM BROWN

from swing to rock Graham always receives a
warm welcome when appearing at The Bridge Inn

and ...

17 November 2008 : Goats for sale !

BOER GOATS FOR SALE FROM WASDALE

2 OF 100% BOER BILLIES
OVER 30, 75% AND 50% BOER NANNIES

A WELL PROVEN HERD IDEAL STARTER GROUP FOR THIS WONDERFUL AND UPCOMING MEAT...CONTACT RICHARD FOR MORE DETAILS.

TEL:019467 26246 OR EMAIL INFO@CUMBRIAN-GOAT-EXPERIENCE.CO.UK

OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CUMBRIAN-GOAT-EXPERIENCE.CO.UK

1 November 2008 : Marry me on Great Gable

Marry me on the summit of Great Gable and the lady said YES ! click the image for more details

29 October : National Trust Campsite Wasdale shut

27 October - 7 November - Wasdale Campsite closed.

Please note that Wasdale Campsite is temporarily closed due to water damage and will reopen on Friday 7 November.

Please call the campsite for further information or keep checking this page for updates.

We apologise for any inconvenience!

24 October 2008 : Buttermere Show canceled

Wet weather has meant that the Buttermere Show due to be held this weekend has been canceled

24 October 2008 : Widespread flooding hits Cumbria

A flood warning - the second highest level of alert issued by the Environment Agency - means flooding is likely in those areas.
The affected areas are:

Keswick Campsite
River Cocker at Cockermouth
River Cocker at Southwaite Bridge

At the peak of the bad weather, flood warnings were also in place on the River Ehen at Egremont, Bleach Green, Ennerdale Mill, Springfield Rd, Vale View, Wood Bank and the River Greta at Keswick, Keswick Campsite, Rugby Club, Greta Side and Quinta.
Flood Watches - the lowest level of alert - are still in place today at:

lower River Eden
middle River Eden
rivers Brathay, Rothay and Winster
rivers Cocker, Marron and Derwent
rivers Duddon, Crake & Mill Beck
rivers Ehen, Calder, Irt & Esk
rivers Greta, St Johns Beck and Bassenthwaite Lake
rivers Lowther and Eamont
rivers Wampool and Ellen
Upper River Derwent, Stonethwaite Beck and Derwent Water
Upper River Eden

The Red Raven Weather Station in Lorton Village reports that at least 55mm of rain fell yesterday, 95mm - about four inches - since the storm began.

Two school coach parties had to be rescued from a remote mountain pass in the Lake District after 80mph gale force winds and torrential rain lashed the area.

The teenagers, from Cleveland, were rained off on a geography field lesson so spent the day visiting Honister Slate Mine at the top of one of England's steepest mountain passes - Honister Pass - between Keswick and Buttermere.
As the weather began to worsen, the party left the tourist attraction in coaches only to descend the 1100ft mountain pass in coaches and be blocked by high floodwaters the tiny village road, the B5289.
To make matters worse, the river Derwent running alongside the road broke its banks - making the only road in both direction totally impassible - and flood levels above waist height.
The road was also blocked on the other side of the mountain at Gatescarth, near Buttermere.
Mark Weir, the owner of Honister Slate Mine, pulled together a team of mine staff and used 4x4 mine vehicles to tow the stricken coaches through the high floodwater with all the children safe on board.
He said: "We are used to extreme weather being at the top of a mountain but I have never seen anything like this.

"All the kids loved it, they were filming on their phones and putting it on YouTube and were cheering at the end. They said they are definitely coming back here next year but I said we couldn't guarantee the weather.
"It was like a biblical storm. The wind is so strong that all the rain coming down the mountains in streams is being blowing back uphill."

He added: "The children are all okay and actually it has all been a real adventurous day out for them. They'll certainly remember coming to the Lake District."
Honister cancelled all trips on its high-level Via Ferrata zip wire experience due to worsening conditions.
Mr Weir usually flies to and from his business in a helicopter but left it at home because of the atrocious weather and flying conditions.
He added: "The only way to get to Honister Slate Mine right now is by speedboat. We are now officially an island at the top of a mountain, but it'll be gone tomorrow, I'm sure."

The weather led to hundreds of sandbags being issued to areas across Allerdale. A council spokesman said they got them out to people as fast as they could.

In Copeland, council officers were called out to parts of Egremont. A spokeswoman said they had received a flood warning after the River Ehen had over-flowed.

Sandbags were dispatched to homes in the area during the afternoon.

Police reported widespread flooding in the Mockerkin area on the B5086 road. They said it was impassable. The B5289 from Lodore falls to Rosthwaite was described as almost impassable.

Other areas affected were Ullock, Lorton and the A594 between Dearham and Maryport.

The road outside Netherhall School, in Maryport, was at a standstill during the afternoon due to the weather.

The Embleton road near Cockermouth School was also flood hit.

Joan Ellis, school development officer, said they had had a small flood in one of their corridors during the day.

She added that some parents living in rural areas had been to school to pick up children earlier than normal to avoid the flooding.

The minor road between Buttermere and Newlands was also closed due to a landslide.

Buttermere Shepherds' Meet, due to take place tomorrow (Saturday), has been cancelled because of the weather.

22 October 2008 : More specials !

THE BRIDGE INN

SANTON BRIDGE

WINTER WEEKEND SPECIAL OFFERS

NOVEMBER bed and breakfast offers are stay Friday and Saturday get Friday for half price.

This does not include the first weekend of November.

DECEMBER AND JANUARY Bed and Breakfast offers are stay Friday and Saturday for £100.00 for double room and £70.00 for a single room.

This does not include the weekend of 26^th December 2008.

ON BOTH OF THESE OFFERS STAY A THIRD NIGHT (SUNDAY ONLY) BED AND BREAKFAST FREE OF CHARGE

For more info please click here

22 October 2008 : Special offer due to cancelation

THE WASDALE YURT HOLIDAY

Due to a cancellation

10th to 17th April (Easter 2009) is now available; book now and pay this year's price of £550 for 7 nights including full breakfasts!

click here for more info

17 October 2008 : Great Gable and Scafell Pike Remembrance day services

It's that time of year again and the war memorial service on remembrance day will once again be held on Great Gable at 11.00am, the service which is none denominational takes place on the summit of the fell and so fell going gear to protect against the cold and wet are needed, also allow a little longer to climb the fell than normal because the paths can be a little busy .

As well as the Great Gable service this year a small group will be climbing Scafell Pike to hold a minutes silence next to the war memorial on the summit. All are welcome , aim to be at the top for 11.00am

17 October 2008 : Response to the cancelation of the Wasdale Head Show

As you will be aware the Wasdale Head Show was cancelled at the weekend and this has left many of you with lots of different opinions on the matter. It would be helpfull if you could email us your thoughts on this and we will make sure they get passed onto the show committee

the email address as always is admin@wasdaleweb.co.uk

17 October 2008 : Changes to WasdaleWeb

As of today the WasdaleWeb now boasts a host of new pages and features. Most of which can be found in the horizontal menus on the pages or from the home page.

In summary you can now watch the webcam on every page, there is an indepth weather forecast as well as summary, the photo competition is back, we have a new Blog and a huge video section.

Comments and suggestions are always welcome please feel free to email them to us .

17 October 2008 : Speed limit on lake

A local environmental group is vowing to fight plans to change the 10 mile per hour speed limit on Windermere.
We found out about the move on Saturday - which the "The Friends of the Lake District" says the Lake District National Park Authority is considering raising by 15%.
That's from 10 miles per hour to ten nautical miles per hour.
The group's urging locals to object to the plans, before the end of the month.

17 October 2008 : Red squirrels on cam !

RED squirrels are now in the spotlight with four new red squirrel cameras being set up at the Forestry Commission's Whinlatter Forest in Cumbria.

Live pictures of the squirrels will be seen on a large screen at the visitor centre, giving people the chance to see these popular but rather elusive creatures up close.
The Forestry Commission and Save Our Squirrels have teamed up with Studsvik UK to introduce the new 'squirrelcams' at Whinlatter.
The cameras were unveiled by children from St Herbert's School in Keswick who won a competition to write a story about red squirrels in Whinlatter Forest.
The Forestry Commission's Nathan Fox said: Red squirrels are one of Britain's favourite animals but they're not always easy to find. These cameras will give people the chance to watch Squirrel Nutkin's friends in action even if they don't spot one when they're walking around the forest."
Earlier this year Whinlatter Forest became a flagship Red Squirrel Reserve. Save Our Squirrels has been working with the Forestry Commission to create a range of new facilities that offer visitors a great opportunity to see, enjoy and learn about red squirrels in the wild.
Charlotte Widgery, people and wildlife officer for the Cumbria and North Yorkshire branch of Save our Squirrels, said: "We're delighted to be working with Studsvik to provide this new facility which will allow so many more people to watch red squirrels in the wild.
The live footage will enable visitors to see the squirrels at Whinlatter as if they were standing beside them all; from the comfort of the visitor centre!
"It's a really inclusive idea which allows even those for whom the steep and uneven woodland tracks are a problem, a chance to experience the magic of squirrel watching."
The pictures from the cameras will also soon be available on the Save Our Squirrels website – www.saveoursquirrels.org.
Other facilities that have already been created in the forest include an exciting and interactive indoor Red Squirrel Experience where people can learn about this endangered mammal. There is also a Squirrel Scurry trail, which gives people more opportunities to understand and see red squirrels in the surrounding forest.
Whinlatter is one of the few places in England that still has a good population of red squirrels and is ideally suited to the species because of the way the forest is managed.

16 October 2008 : Major updates to WasdaleWeb with other lakelandwebs sites to follow asap !

New sections including vdeos links, blogs, updated travel info and embedded content are going onto the WasdaleWeb site today and the same overhaul will continue over the next few days on the other lakelandwebs sites, we hope you enjoy the extra content and look forward to your feedback

14 October 2008 : Wasdale Head Show Canceled

For the first time in living memory the weather got the best of the Wasdale Head Show last weekend and due to the show field flooding the event had to be canceled at the last minute. It is hoped that everyone was informed in time, however, for all those who turned up or had their plans upset you have our apologies !

06 October 2008 : Langdale gig announced

If you REALLY love Langdale then please support our next Charity Folk Weekend. Following the success of the LANGDALE CHARITY FOLK FESTIVAL REUNION at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel this September. Neil and Jane and the staff have agreed to host another weekend in the Spring.

Dates 8/9/10th May

Price - Nothing! (please contribute to raffles/collections)

ALL INFORMATION/INFO SHEETS FROM

MIK MEAD

mikmead@uwclub.net or

mikmead@live.co.uk

TEXT ONLY!

07773530334

All performers/organisers/staff give thier time and talent FREE!.

All money raised goes to Mountain Charities within the Langdale/Ambeside area.

PLEASE NOTE ... THE EVENT WILLL BE HELD ONLY AT THE OLD DUNGEON GHYLL HOTEL

See you there.

Mik

06 October 2008 : Slide show in Gosforth

“Mustang”

The Lost Tibetan Kingdom

A slide-show and talk by Rob Steele.

Thursday 9^th October. 7.30 pm

The Methodist School-Room,

Gosforth.

Admission £2 (concessions £1)

ALL Proceeds to Cancer Research at

The Royal Marsden Hospital

“Raffle”

All Welcome

06 October 2008 : Eskdale Show blessed with sunshine

IN the equivalent of the Olympics in the world of traditional wrestling, Joe Thompson from Alston won the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling world championship for the under 15s at Eskdale Show on Saturday.

Under sunny, late summer skies and watched by a noisy crowd of supporters, he won a tough three-holds bout to get Kendal’s William Hayhurst (13) to the ground to lift the world cup.

Joe was presented with the cup by vice president Stan Roberts from Drigg, who remarked that his own name was “the first on the cup from 60 years’ earlier!”

Joe, 14, trains with Carlisle Academy.

This year’s president at the Eskdale Show was Wilson Boow from Gosforth who has been the stalwart organising the show’s hound trails for more than 25 years.

Show secretary Jenny Porter said: “Unlike several shows that were rained off, this season we were blessed with sunshine. It makes it so much easier to organise if you have good weather and happy showgoers.”

Mrs Porter added that the recent wet weather had meant the sunny weekend left many of the show’s judges busy doing last-minute hay-timing.

“Willy Tyson was too busy hay-timing, but fortunately Kevin Wrathall from Cockley Beck stepped into the breach to referee the judging of the sheep and sheep dogs.”

This year the champion Herdwick at the show was a ewe exhibited by Tony Hartley from Turner Hall, Seathwaite.

The winning Herdwick in the local Eskdale categories was shown by messrs Harrison from Brotherilkeld.

The prize for visitor to travel the furthest to the show was won by schoolboy Sam Galati from near Perth in Western Australia. Sam was over in the UK visiting his grandmother, Eleanor Graham from Egremont.

Top accolade in the industrial tents, the WI rose bowl, was shared this year with Vicki Duns from Cleator Moor and Mrs E McLaurin from Bootle having joint honours.

The senior fell race was won by Lee Amor from Cleator Moor, but 46-year-old Brian Thompson, from Egremont, was snapping at his heels to cross the line in second place. Tom Postlethwaite was third senior.

The junior fell race was won by Sam Denwood

06 October 2008 :Movie director Ken Russell puts Lakes cottage up for sale

A Lake District cottage which inspired some of a British film-maker’s most famous works is up for sale.

Ken Russell, the man behind The Who’s rock opera Tommy and Oscar winner Women In Love, lived with his second wife Vivian Russell in Borrowdale near Keswick.

And now Coombe Cottage, the house they shared until their divorce in 1991, has been put up for sale with an asking price of £625,000.

It was while living at the house that Mr Russell made Tommy, and he wrote several of his other films in the Borrowdale cottage.

It also inspired his wife, who has lived in the property for more than 30 years, who built a career around writing and photography at the cottage.

Mrs Russell said: “It is completely different from where I come from in New England.

“Ken wrote scripts for films he made up here. He lived here for 20 years, so all his work emanated from here and he did a lot of local TV programmes as well.

“I watch his old films and see the local baker or the man who ran the health shop.

“All our friends and our kids’ friends were asked if they wanted to be extras, there’s lots of local people in the films.”

Ken Russell bought the 19th century slate cottage in 1972 and began extending and refurbishing it. His wife moved in in 1977 and the American has remained at the property ever since, bringing up two children there.

The five-bedroom property is close to Derwentwater and looks out across the fells.

The garden has been designed over the course of 30 years by Mrs Russell, with the valley’s notorious rainfall statistics in mind.

Mr Russell moved away in 1992 and now Mrs Russell plans to move on from the property. After writing several books about gardening in the Lake District, the Daily Telegraph columnist is moving to the coast.

She said: “I didn’t want to leave Cumbria and thought I would move to the sea so I have found a cottage near Silloth. It is a new life and a new chapter.”

The house is being sold by Cumbrian Properties.

06 October 2008 :Worst year in living memory for Cumbrian fishermen

Cumbrian fishermen have experienced their worst year in living memory as a crippling cocktail of bad weather, soaring fuel prices and low fish prices has conspired against them.

Going out?: A trawler in Whitehaven harbour. High winds have caused problems this summer

The county’s chief fisheries officer David Dobson said strong winds in particular had kept fishermen ashore for a record amount of time.

“I’ve been involved in fishing for more than 35 years and was a trawler skipper for 20 years and I have never known a year like it,” he said.

“It’s the strong winds that have been the main problem, they mean the smaller boats just can’t get out to sea at all.

“Between the start of June and the end of July, over about a six-week period, they were hardly able to get out to sea at all, and that is usually the best time of year for fishing.

“When they do get out, the massive hike in fuel prices, coupled with the fact that for several species of fish and shellfish the price has gone down considerably, mean it is difficult to make a profit.

“They are being put under awful pressure. I’m not aware of anyone going out of business because of it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened. We are a pretty resilient bunch and we are going to have to be to get through this.

“The Cumbrian fleet is getting smaller and smaller anyway as the older people leave the profession and the young ones no longer take it up and this will just increase that pressure.”

Rising fuel prices now mean it costs hundreds of pounds for a skipper to put to sea and there is no guarantee that he will return with anything in his nets.

It is estimated a 60ft trawler, spending two days at sea, would burn up £850 worth of fuel alone.

And many of the species that provide a living for Cumbrian fishermen: langoustines, skate and plaice, have seen their prices plummeting, despite worldwide food inflation that has seen other foods rocket in price.

06 October 2008 :Deadline looms for lake byelaw objections

THE clock is ticking away for opponents of new Windermere byelaws to officially register their objections.

Officials at the Lake District National Park Authority say just one calendar month remains for people to make their opposition known.

The proposed Windermere Navigation Byelaws 2008 have created a flurry of comment because they confirm the controversial speed 10mph speed limit for the lake.

However, officials moved to counter some criticism by suggesting exceptions could be incorporated into the new byelaws such as allowing boatyards to test boat engines at higher speeds.

The byelaw change also aims to clarify the exact nature of the speed limit after lake users complained of confusion over whether the restriction was in nautical or land miles.

Anyone wishing to check the new byelaw proposal can see a copy at the LDNPA's offices in Murley Moss, Oxenholme Road, Kendal, or view online by visiting wwwlake-district.gov.uk/windermereconsultation.

The deadline for objections is November 3

06 October 2008 :Teenager Ianthe wins £7m on lottery

SEE, it really can happen to you! (Or at least someone in our area).

Teenager Ianthe Fullagar who scooped millions on the Euro-lottery bought her winning ticket at Lakeland Habit in Gosforth.

But the down-to-earth new millionaire from Eskdale says she will reject a life of luxury when she heads to university next year, living simply on beans on toast.

Her only immediate buys will be a new car and a family holiday to Egypt, she added.

Eighteen-year-old Ianthe learned she had won £7,055.142.10 as she watched TV last Friday to check the numbers on her lucky dip ticket in the £100m draw.

“At first I thought I had matched three numbers so I couldn’t believe it when I realised I had five main numbers plus one Lucky Star,’’ she said.

“My mum called the national lottery line and it was only then that I realised I had won a share of the jackpot.

“We were both screaming so loudly that my dog Brock did not know what was happening and bit me on the bottom!

“After waking up everyone in the house, checking the numbers over and over again we drank some Prosecco to celebrate. I then called my boyfriend, Sam.

“I didn’t know what to do with my ticket so after hiding it in my bra and jewellery box, I settled for my gym bag until it was confirmed I was a winner,’’ she said.

“It still hasn’t sunk in yet but we have already celebrated with a traditional family party – beans on toast, curly fries, cider and loads of ice cream.”

Gap-year student Ianthe hopes to study law at university. “I’m going to live the life of a student in digs,’’ she said. The only thing I won’t need is a loan. But I don’t want a millionaire lifestyle. I’m going to live on beans and toast – I love that.’’

Ianthe recently moved to Eskdale from Portsmouth with her nurse mum, Zoe, to live with her grandparents, Joy and Ivo Fullagar at their farmhouse at Birkby, Eskdale.

Named after a type of violet, Ianthe once spent a weekend experiencing poverty – living in a slum on a measly diet – as part of a charity project to raise awareness of hardship. It is believed she was working at The Brook House, Eskdale, as a waitress for £4.75 an hour when she bought her winning ticket.

A Camelot spokesman said: “This girl’s win is very exciting. She’s just done her A-levels and this will surely change her life. At 18 she’s the youngest Euro Millions winner.”

The teen is one of four UK ticket holders who scooped a total of £28m on last weekend’s lotto. They were among 15 winners sharing £100m.

Another West Cumbrian teenager, Callie Rogers, was just 16 when she became Britain’s youngest ever lottery winner – netting £1.9m in 2003.

She told Ianthe this week: “Enjoy it as much as I have.”

However, Callie’s fortune came with the hefty price of boredom, depression and media scrutiny of her private life. Now, however, she has started a new life in Spain with fiance Nicky Lawson and their son and daughter.

“The win has changed my life for the better and five years on I now have my own house, financial security and a gorgeous family,’’ Callie said. “I am now settled, much more confident in myself and very happy.”

06 October 2008 :BFest music festival rocked Eskdale

www.bfest.co.uk

CHARITY music festival BFest took place at the Bower House Inn in Eskdale.

SUNDAY

11pm Did I say halfway through? They're now on their last song of the evening. So that's it, BFest 2008 is over. The weather held for most of the weekend, the bands played their hearts out and the organisers and staff worked their socks off to make it a success.

This is probably the only chance I'll get to thank everyone for making us feel welcome, and to say see you next year!

10.50pm The Thursdays - formerly The Drunken Thursdays - are about halfway through their set, the last of the evening.

The crowd is dancing and waving sparklers around. It's been a great couple of days - good music, good food and fantastic atmosphere.

The organisers are already talking about next year and are planning to introduce an acoustic tent to replace the dance tent, as well as the main and second stages and comedy tent.

Initial plans are to make it even more family-focused than it was this year.

10.10pm Youngsters Jessica and Stephanie are asked up on stage and sing Amy Winehouse's Rehab. The duo held their own event and raised cash for the organisations. Can't be sure but think they got the biggest cheer of the weekend. The Thursdays are due on any minute.

9.34pm Chi Weapon has an interesting sound - a bit of prog rock, mixed with reggae and now they've launched into Sparky - a song about the lead singer's dog, dedicated to all the dogs at the festival. They are good musicians and the tunes so far are infectious.

9.25pm A t-shirt signed by all the bands who played over the weekend has just been auctioned off by Darren for £25 and signed CDs from The Rileys, The Thursdays, Occasional Rascuedos, Coustics, Sidewinder and a half-eaten biscuit has been sold to the highest bidder for £32.

All money raised from the weekend will go to the Gosforth First Responders and Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.

Scottish band Chi Weapon have just come on stage - to the sound of bagpipes - and have just begun the first song of their set.

8.40pm Well, the rain didn't last that long and it suddenly became a summer's evening.

West Cumbrian bands Sidewinder and the Marratimes have done the area proud. Sidewinder produced a top set and the Marratimes are on now, with an energetic set - and very energetic bass player, who wouldn't stay still enough for me to get a decent picture.

The crowds have thinned out, with it being a school night, but there's still enough of us to appreciate the music. There's only two acts to go - Chi Weapon and The Thursdays - and then it's all over for BFest 2008.

6.45pm The weather's taken a turn for the worse and it's now bucketing down. People are huddled under the food teepee, the bar teepee and are in the hotel bar.

Saying that, there's still a number holding on to their deckchairs - and some brave souls even had the foresight to bring umbrellas. The Occasional Rascuedos are still playing with relish, however.

6.20pm Now, according to the list Sidewinder are supposed to be on the main stage now but for some reason they're not. I'm not complaining as The Occasional Rascuedos are on from Blackpool and although they're just one song in, I'm already liking the style of music, a mix of rock, blues and funk.

Hats off to whoever decided to offer a pound for every bag of rubbish collected by youngsters on the site, it's keeping them busy and the field cleaner than it would be.

6pm Full Tilt are now on the second stage, doing a cover of Chris Isaacs' Wicked Game. It's begun to spit with rain, but most people are shrugging it off. A special mention to Blind Kings on the main stage - some fabulous harp, guitar and trumpet work from the band that got people up dancing - a video should be uploaded shortly.

4.15pm Hey Molly, due to appear on the main stage now-ish, haven't turned up without letting organisers know. As compere Darren Skelly said, it's for charity. London band The Rileys have stepped in and are doing an excellent job.

Remember, you can tell us what you thought of the festival, who your favourite band was or your moment of the event by filling in the form below.

3.40pm Telf are on the second stage now, and have brought some good old fashioned rock to Bfest - a mix of their own stuff and covers. We liked the band's cover of Guns n Roses' Nighttrain, mainly because lead singer Telf (no idea what his first name is, don't actually think he remembers) was not trying to be Axel Rose. Video coming soon of one of their songs.

2.55pm Organisers have closed the dance tent as a precaution against further trouble. Gorgeous weather appears to have put everyone in a better mood - although it has to be said, I've yet to see Chris Webb without a smile on his face.

Paul Dobie has been on the main stage, with a really good set. He looked familiar and I've realised he was the unknown artist at the jamming session yesterday.

Myth of Unity are on now, the Blackpool band are a ball of energy and are delivering a fusion of Beastie Boys-style tunes, ska and rap set. Husband says he feels it's more traditional hip hop. Whatever it is, it's addictive listening, although sounds better to me indoors in front of the computer than outside in front of the stage.

They've just turned into Kid Rock. They appeared at Glastonbury earlier this year afer winning a battle of the bands competition.

They're using a lot of samples and the high energy music has woken most of us up from that lazy Sunday afternoon feeling. They said they were also beaten up las night, but it would take more than that to stop them performing.

Once again, the beer and food are fantastic.

Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team members are here. Deputy team leader Stephen Walter, who has been with the team for 10 years and new boy Rob Tulloch, only three years in, said they were delighted with the fund-raising efforts of the festival.

The team need a new Land Rover, at a cost of £30,000, and it's events like this that keep them going, they said.

Also bumped into Miss Cumbria, 18-year-old Natasha Cooper, who just lives down the road.

The Lakes College West Cumbria student is having a great time and is helping to sell BFest t-shirts.

We're going to try to get pictures and video of Whitehaven band Telf, who are appearing soon on the second stage. Keep checking back to see if we've managed!

12.30pm Manchester band Dirty Soul Club are on the main stage now, giving it their best shot. Gavin McKew video should be uploaded shortly, technology willing.

12noon Fantastic acoustic set now from Gavin McKew, of Go, on the second stage, easing festival goers into day two of the event.

There's been a bit of trouble overnight, apparently, in the dance tent. Organisers looking harrassed after little or no sleep.

Rumour is there was a fight in the dance tent , on the camping field and Nicky Flash had his inflatable sumo suits stolen at some point yesterday. I don't know how you steal inflatable sumo suits without anyone seeing you. . .but still.

We also saw a bloke, looking the worse for wear, being escorted off site this morning by security.

I must point out that this was a minority of people and I, and I guess the majority of people, weren't aware of it happening.

It's a shame when this happens, especially when the festival, overall, is brilliant. I hope organisers don't let this incident put them off next year - they shouldn't. There's a really good atmosphere here and long may it continue.

9.30am Been outside, it's a bit overcast and people are wandering about looking bleary-eyed. Sign on the gate says the campsite is full, so there must be over 1,500 people here.

There seemed to be a bit of trouble yesterday about people parking on the very narrow road outside the hotel but looks like it was cleared up relatively quickly and people moved their vehicles when asked.

8am Know diary stopped suddenly last night, but was far too tired to post. Didn't get to the silent cinema - music was just excellent and we couldn't tear ourselves away from it.

Riverside Trio, Wardrobe Monsters and Coustics all rocked. Didn't venture down to the dance tent but may have a nosey tonight and will do the cinema too!

Just going for breakfast and will report back after fed and watered. Sounds like there's lots of activitiy going on out there. . .

SATURDAY

8.40pm: After the relentlessness of One Way System, a more laid-back few songs from an artist on stage two before Razordog take over the main stage with bluesy rock n roll.

Check out the video from the jamming session this afternoon. A few technical hitches have meant much less video than we would have liked but we'll carry on trying!

7.40pm: One Way System are on, playing angry punk-style music to an appreciaitive crowd, and they even have fans down the front, dancing and singing along.

6pm: Outl4w are on the main stage now - providing the festival with a metal edge. They're probably the rockiest band that's been on all day and are playing with loads of gusto. they must be the youngest band on the bill - pictures of them will be added soon, have a look!

It's just been announced the secret cinema in the woods - a big screen, some deckchairs and a piano - will screen Nosferatu tonight. Sounds great because it'll be really spooky in there and for the same reason, sounds awful. Not sure the husband is going to allow me to attend.

4.45pm: Impromptu jamming session going on on second stage, involving Guy Kendall, Courtland Bresner and another musician, whose name I didn't catch, playing good old blues that the crowd are loving.

The band I liked earlier but didn't know who they were I have found out were Soundstripe on the main stage. The Silvertones are on now, with an intense melodic set.

Estimates put audience numbers at about 1,500.

4pm: In the last two hours, the excellent Three Ages of Elvis rocked the main stage, Guy Kendall produced a brilliant set on the second stage - which you won't be able to see because our video/stills camera blew up, sadly - Nicky Flash from ITV show Britain's Got Talent (he who could not get out of a duvet) has amused us with intentionally rubbish magic and the duvet in the children's/comedy tent, I've drunk a lovely pint of Hesket Newmarket beer from its stand and we've eaten quite possibly the best festival food ever - potato dauphinose and salt beef on a bagel. Yum!

Being in the comedy tent, I've lost track of who is playing at the moment or which stage they're on but they're sounding good too.

The weather has stayed fine and warm, bit of a breeze but okay. Spoken to lots of people who are all enjoying themselves, including Adam Poulton, 28, of Eskdale, who said: "Who needs to go to Glastonbury when you've got this near home?"

Pictures are being uploaded now and more will follow. . .

2pm: Hurrah! The sun is finally shining, the band on the main stage Dead Man's Jacket are playing The Clash and not killing it, so all is right with the world at Bfest. More later. . .

IT’S 12.45pm on Saturday, rain keeps threatening but the sun is determined to make guest appearances at music festival BFest, at the Bower House Inn in Eskdale.

With more than 1,000 people already here and more due during the two-day event, it’s shaping up to be a good weekend.

On the main stage at the moment are Shore, doing a cracking mix of covers and originals.

The second stage was opened by Courtland Bresner, who stays at the Bower House during the week for work, who played a nice and easy blues set on his steel guitar to ease the first influx of revellers into the festival.

It’s just been announced by the compere that BFest has had its first engagement.
Brett proposed to Rachel in a tent last night. We will try to find them later to find out more. . .

The festival is organised by Chris Webb, who owns the hotel and is run by him and his staff, who are all looking a bit harassed at the moment, making sure everything goes smoothly.

Now in its third year, the festival raises funds for Wasdale Mountain Rescue and Gosforth First Responders.

11 September 2008 : Job in a brewery !

Brewery Worker

A person is required to assist in the Great Gable Brewery based at the Wasdale Head Inn. The person needs to be meticulous in cleaning and hygiene and used to manual handling of heavy materials. Full training will be given and product tasting, though offered, is not compulsory!

Click the image below to apply

11 September 2008 : New specials from the Bridge Inn

Special October Offer
Stay 2 nights Friday and Saturday get Sunday bed and breakfast for free and eat for a £1.00 per person on the Friday (3 course set menu).

This years Biggest Liar competition is on Thursday 20th November, tickets are available from the beginning of October from Copeland Council at Whitehaven Civic Hall.

Quiz night every Tuesday evening from 9.00pm

Bookings are now being taken for

Christmas & New Year

September 2008 : LANGDALE CHARITY FOLK FESTIVAL REUNION

13^th September 2008 atTHE OLD DUNGEON GHYLL HOTEL,GREAT LANGDALE,CUMBRIA

(All exaggerations, misinformation and Downright Lies are the sole fault of the Organisers – Particularly Mik)

The Charity Folk Festival was held based on the ODG for over ten years. Due to the removal of the organiser to the Metropolis of Ambleside the main event is now held there. We are having a fun, low key, self indulgent, weekend meeting old and new friends of the Festival, drinking, jamming, drinking, with a touch of organisation (and drinking) thrown in at random to justify us running a raffle or two & collecting for Charity in the form of Fix the Fells and Mountain Rescue Services.

Everyone who has been involved in the past and present Festivals are all very welcome to come and play, jam along, listen (oh and eat and drink) at this unique hotel in the beautiful Lakes. Old and new friends alike just turn up and play/listen/read poetry/go for a walk (God forbid). The ‘official’ day is Saturday 13th but people will be drifting in Friday afternoon and will doubtless drift away Sunday.

There are bits you need to know if you haven’t been to Langdale before or for a long time or had too much Old Peculiar when you were there and it’s a bit hazy!

Shelter: There is a Campsite (recommended) about five minutes stagger away (no bookings – just turn up). Also a Bunkhouse at The Sticklebarn Tavern and Caravans for hire at Greenhowe Site – all easily found on the net. Hotel accommodation at the ODG and the New Dungeon Ghyll.

Food: The Campsite has a shop. All the Pubs provide good value Bar Food. Nearest shop – Chapel Stile about 20min hoof away.

Drink: Yes please! Sorry the ODG is a Free house and famous for its real ale, cider (oh dear!) and all other alcoholic needs (try the There and Back Club, Ivor needs a good laugh!)). .

Transport: If you have a car no problem, plenty of parking (but tend to fill up early with them walker/climber types?).

There is a Bus Service from Ambleside (in tales of Legend) no; it’s pretty good at weekends. It’s known as the 516 or Langdale Rambler or other silly name!

Music: We have a few acts booked but please just come along and enjoy yourself playing... what it is that you play – Singers are particularly welcome. We are trying to keep the event as acoustic as possible. There will be a P.A. there if needed.

Acts Booked so Far: Jim Smith, Meridian, Alisandra Bennett, Nicky Snell, Neil Wamlsley, Jamie Green, Stan (the Man) Vannin, Harvey Lord, Kev Smith, and (Oh yeah?) Mik Mead!

How Much?: Nothing, but please help with the Charity Collections/Raffles & feel free to buy any musician a drink!

OUR THANKS To Neil and Jane Walmsley and the Staff and Regulars at the ODG for allowing this sort of lunacy! Cheers long may it rain (spelling? – maybe not!)

CONTACTS

PLEASE for All Reunion Details contact Mik Mead

Not the Hotel.

mikmead@uwclub.net or mikmead@live.co.uk

Website www.myspace.co/amblesidefolkfestival

Phone Mik 015394 31410 Mob (Text only! - 07773530334)

If you would like to help please contact Mik ASAP.

Please come along enjoy in the best surroundings in the world and other places – See you there

Mik, Maureen and Dave

Other useful contacts:

Old Dungeon Ghyll 015394 37272 (Hotel Accomodation/Food/Bar only Reunion

Info – Mik as above) www.odg.co.uk

National Trust Campsite: 015394 35668

Greenhowe Caravan Accomodation: 0153934 37231 www.greenhowe.com

Sticklebarn Bunkhouse Accomodation: 015394 37356

Bus: Traveline 0871 200 22 33 www.traveline.info

New Dungeon Ghyll – Bar and Accomodation www.dungeon-ghyll.com

8 September 2008 :Cumbria escaped the worst of the damage caused by heavy rain and strong winds that swept across the country this weekend.

Swollen: Dozens of river throughout Cumbria were put on flood watch, including the River Cocker f at CockermouthAt one point twenty four flood watches were issued on county rivers including the Eden, Caldew and Petteril in Carlisle and the Cocker, Derwent and Marron in the west of the county.All but two - flood warnings at Keswick campsite and the Upper Derwent from Seathwaite to Derwent Water - have now been removed.
Everywhere else in the county has been given the all clear.
Yesterday, mountain rescuers spent three hours trying to find two walkers who hit trouble in appalling conditions while taking part in the three peaks challenge. The Wasdale rescue team were called to Piers Gill on Scafell Pike and the men were found near the top of the Gill.
A spokesman for the rescuers said too many people are trying to climb the fell without the right equipment.
In Dalston, fire crews evacuated livestock from a farm and pumped water from outbuildings.A landslide was reported on the west coast rail line at Nethertown station, at about 1pm yesterday.One train was delayed at St Bees station for 10 minutes at 1.30pm after the area was inspected.Trains were then allowed to pass the area at 20 miles per hour.The landslide happened between the railway and the sea wall.A Network Rail spokesman said: “The line hasn’t had to be closed fortunately.“We have been able to allow trains to go past the site at a reduced speed restriction for safety.”He added that it had not had any impact on the train services.During the weekend, Network Rail, will carry out work to repair the area.In Workington, Friday's Premier League speedway match between Workington Comets and Stoke Potters was called-off after heavy rain fell all day.The worst may be yet to come with though, with forecasters predicting heavy rain and strong winds this aftrenoon, before eventually clearing tomorrow.Walney Island, Barrow, suffered the highest rainfall yesterday with 32.2mm falling in 24 hours.The Environment Agency says Cumbrian householders at risk of flooding should check flood risks by calling Floodline on 0845 9881188 or using the online postcode checker at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/flood

8 September 2008: A NEW steam railway museum is being planned for South Lakes.

The Lakeside and Haverthwaite Steam Railway Trust is looking for a suitable site near to its existing base in Haverthwaite.
The Furness Railway Trust plans to bring its collection of historic railway exhibits under one roof, with a workshop where it can restore them.
A public meeting where experts will outline the proposals is due to take place on September 17.
A trust spokesman said: "There continues to be an urgent need to bring the trust's valuable collection under cover on a single site and to allow further restoration projects to take place.
"There is no room at the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway for such a facility.
"Full and detailed consultation will be carried out throughout this process with the local communities most likely to be affected by this development."
The trust owns a number of locomotives, including the oldest working standard gauge steam engine in Britain, Furness Railway Number 20.
The trust has hired Witherslack -based Kate Willard Ltd, working with a team including local engineers and transport experts Bleasdale Wand of Ulverston and Brian Campbell Associates of Spark Bridge and architects Sheppard Robson of Manchester to undertake this work.
Tim Owen, trust chairman said: "We were asked to flesh things out at last December's public meeting and report back. Kate and her team will do one better than that, because they will involve the local community at the heart of developing these ideas."
This project has also been recognised by the Lake District National Park Authority as one of the key projects in the Windermere Waterfront Strategy.

8 September 2008 : A SELLAFIELD worker has cycled 100 miles to raise money for a children’s charity.

Healthy result: Paul Hardon, 32, raised almost £1,780 to help children born without an immune systemPaul Hardon, 32, of Workington, raised almost £1,780 for the Bubble Foundation, an organisation that works to save the lives of babies and children born without an immune system, when he cycled from Workington to Blackpool.The fitter and shift assistant team leader was inspired to do the ride as a way of saying thank-you to the staff at the Newcastle General Hospital, where Mason Walker, his wife’s seven-year-old cousin, is receiving treatment for leukaemia, as well as undergoing a bone marrow transplant.Paul said: “I cycled for five and a half hours before my first stop for refreshments, followed by a further stop an hour later. “I completed the ride after eight hours, which is an hour ahead of my original target.“I would like to thank everyone who has made donations, including Sellafield Ltd; it has made the whole experience very worthwhile. The money raised will go towards helping this very important cause.”Paul also raised money by enlisting the help of friends and family for a bag-packing event in the Sainsbury’s store in Bispham, near Blackpool.He said: “The bag-packing raised £834 and was an enjoyable day for everyone who took part.”This now takes the total raised for the Bubble Foundation to £2,632.

8 September 2008 : Ennerdale show a success

The show celebrated its 101st annual horticultural and agricultural event held at the muddy Kirkland Leaps.Show secretary Will Rawling said: “The weather was against us, but all things considered, we had a lot of support from our exhibitors. Nearly everyone who entered the show turned up.“The crowd was tremendous. There was a lot of interest with the afternoon events like the fell running and the wrestling.”There was the usual variety of attractions such as cake stalls, bouncy castles and handmade craft stalls in the craft tent along with tombola, cider and plant stalls.

Michael Ivinson, from Clifton Dykes, sold a number of homemade products for the first time at the show. He has been running the farm shop for three years, selling jams, chutneys and tea bread.Show president Norman Brayton said: “We are very surprised about the number of people that has turned up.“There is so much support for this traditional event. It just shows the community can pull together.”Mr Brayton retired last year from WCF country centres, where he worked for 47 years.Sue Branney, secretary of the horticultural and industrial section, said: “The standard of the entrieshave just got better and better.“We hope to appeal to the young people and invite them to enter the competitions.”Pupils from Ennerdale School displayed some of their work in the tent, alongside competition entries.Judges commented: “The standard of work and the number of entries has been excellent today. You have all worked hard and have achieved some interesting work.”Rosie Watson won first prize for an original work of art and a pencil drawing. She was highly commended by judges.C Williamson received first prize for her arrangement of garden flowers in a sugar bowl. The judges commented that the colours and arrangement of the piece was very good.J Reed won best handicraft entry and first prize for an exhibit of craft work by a person over 60 years old.The overall winner of the Wilkinson Trophy, Miss Hughes prize and the Margaret Rawling Trophy was Rene Crayston.She said: “I’m really pleased to be getting these awards, it took me a while to complete the entries.”A top favourite at the show was the heavy horse section. Mr Brayton said that the heavy horses this year were the best yet.James Curr won first prize for his mare in the three years and over category in the heavy horse section. He also won the heavy horse championship with his five-year-old Clydesdale, Newlands Lady Catherine.

Joe Adams, from Cleator Moor, became champion in the vintage machine category for showing his Fordson Standard N and Bamford 1942 mower.The West and North Cumbria branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association, which had a stall at the show, presented Dr Mary Philipsz of the Beech House Group Practice with “The extra mile award”.Neil Bruce, from Hensingham, presented the award to Dr Philipsz for her help and care she gave to his mother, the late Rosie Bruce.

08 September 2008 : Walkers rescued

Two walkers had to be rescued from Scafell Pike over the weekend after getting into difficulty.
They were trying to complete the Three Peaks Challenge but got into trouble due to poor weather.
The Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team took three hours to find them in the early hours of Saturday morning and lead them to safety.
They escaped cold but uninjured.

13 June 2008 : Late availability at Wasdale yurt

Special Offers from Rainors B&B and Wasdale Yurt

4 nights @ £350 only - including full breakfasts!

16th-19th June

6th July-9th July

14th July-17th July

Please phone John or Debbie Hughes if you would like us to reserve the yurt for you

email :info@rainorsfarm.co.uk

www.rainorsfarm.co.uk and www.wasdaleyurt.co.uk

03 June 2008 : Appleby fair returns

APPLEBY Fair returns this weekend and people are coming from far and wide to enjoy the gathering. It is running for a week from Thursday, June 5 to and Thursday, June 12, with the busiest days being the Saturday and Sunday when 45,000 people are expected.

It is probably the best known of the horse fairs attended by Romany families travelling to meet up with old friends and conduct business. It is world famous, the largest of its kind in the world, and attracts a huge gypsy gathering.
It has existed as a fair for horse trading since 1685, under the protection of a charter granted by James II.
The field on the outskirts of Appleby originally known as Gallows Hill, due to its usage in earlier times is now called Fair Hill.
During the fair, horses may be found everywhere and young people wash the horses in the river before showing them off.

03 June 2008 :Apine test due

TWO members of a Lake District gym and their personal trainer are travelling to Chamonix in France this week to prepare for the 155km Chamonix Ultra-Trail.

The Chamonix North Face Ultra-Trail in France is one of the toughest long-distance races. Taking place over three days it is more than double the length of the London Marathon.
The course starts and finishes in Chamonix but also covers three countries, seven valleys, 71 glaciers and 400 summits– adding up to a total ascent of 6,000 metres all to be completed in 25 hours.
Jo Wood, a personal trainer at the Low Wood Hotel Leisure Club, plans to run the race at the end of August with Janet Lefton and her daughter Michelle from Windermere.
Jo has been training the two women at the Low Wood for four years and after running a number of local trails she and Janet have decided they are ready to put their training to the test.
All three are travelling to Chamonix this week specially to train at altitude to prepare themselves for the event.
Jo commented; "We have never run anything of this magnitude before. It will be a true taste of endurance and a combination of pleasure and pain, with highs and lows!
" We have been training in The Low Wood Hotel Leisure Club and have also done a lot of steep hill running in the Lakes District.
"However in addition to this we need to train at altitude to
acclimatise as part of our preparation. Our three-day trip will help us do this and also help us to start planning what energy drinks are going be the best. We will be running the trail over three days so food and drink will be a fundamental part of keeping our energy
levels up."

03 June 2008 : tragic death on the fells

A woman died while walking in the Lakes in west Cumbria and another fell 200ft from England’s third highest mountain in what was a busy day for mountain rescuers.

A 49-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven on Friday after she and another walker were airlifted from Shamrock Crag on Scafell.

The deceased was named as Clare Wright, from Kings Heath. She had suffered head and leg injuries. A man, believed to be in his 40s, suffered a dislocated shoulder trying to help the victim.More than 20 rescuers were involved in the operation. Julian Carradice, team leader for Wasdale Mountain Rescue, said: "The couple, who are not married, were walking along Lord's Rake and instead of going more horizontal, where you have crags below and above you, they had gone down too early."It is a mistake that has been made before. It is one of those tragic accidents." Nearby a 59-year-old woman suffered leg injuries as she tried to descend Styhead.

Teams from Patterdale, Penrith, Wasdale and Cockermouth were all called out on rescues, which also involved helicopters from RAF Boulmer and Leconfield.

Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team was called to incidents of walkers falling from Striding Edge on Helvellyn.

A 47-year-old woman from Nottingham sustained multiple injuries after plunging 200ft from the ridge.

A couple from Ellesmere Port fell near the same place.

She suffered a broken wrist and he fractured some ribs.

03 June 2008 : Queen comes to Whitehaven

THERE will be some free parking in Whitehaven for the Royal visit on Thursday, June 5.

Copeland Council announced on Tuesday that its public car parks would be free for the day, when the Queen and Prince Philip come to Whitehaven. APCOA will allow free parking at Tangier Street and Queen’s Dock parks and it is hoped the County Council (sports centre car park) will follow suit. But, due to technical difficulties the multi-storey car park will not be free of charge.

“We know there is going to be a lot of people coming into town. If we can make it easier for them by making our car parks free then that’s what we should do,’’ council leader Elaine Woodburn said.

The council stressed however that disc parking (which is a County Council matter) would be as normal.

“Restrictions on on-street parking will remain in place,’’ said Copeland Council. “It is not up to us to change it. More importantly, we would not want to do anything which might affect safe traffic flow, or give people the impression that it’s OK to park anywhere just because this event is on.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh will be the guests of honour at a the special day to mark the 300th anniversary of Whitehaven town and harbour, as well as opening the newly-refurbished Beacon.

Her Majesty is likely to be on the harbourside around 10am. Exact times have still to be confirmed but the Queen will be officially opening the newly-revamped Beacon and given a tour inside. Whitehaven Sea Cadets will be providing a Guard of Honour.

The royal couple will be the guests of honour at the day’s celebrations which also mark the links with John Paul Jones and the signing of the pardon finally granted to him in 1999.

There will a short ceremony and parade on the harbourside which will include a Colour Party made up of the Royal Navy and the US Navy, at about 10.45am. There will be an RAF air show at about 11.20am

Also taking place (1pm) will be the official grand opening of the Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners’ new boat building facility, by Captain Jeff Miller, US Naval Attache to the UK.

Other events marking the anniversary include a Town Crier competition and a continental market.

One of Whitehaven’s favourite tall ships is due to dock on Monday, in time for the Royal visit on June 5.

The Zebu has been a regular at Whitehaven’s Maritime Festivals and was used by the BBC in a recreation of the town’s infamous John Paul Jones raid. The brigantine was built in Sweden in 1938, and was originally a high-canvas merchantman, trading timber along the Baltic ports. In World War II she ran refugees in and out of occupied Poland. An adventure training vessel the Zebu is 110ft and will tie up alongside Sugar Tongue when she sails into Whitehaven.

The vessel is due in on Monday evening, between 9.30pm and 10pm.

Zebu was built in Raa, Sweden She traded under sail for 30 years out of Swedish and Danish Ports and in the 1980s adopted a new role as adventure flagship of the International Youth Expedition Operation Raleigh.

She is now based at Liverpool’s Albert Dock.

Sellafield Ltd, the nuclear site's operators, is donating £25,000 towards the town and harbour's 300th anniversary celebrations. which includes the Royal visit.

23 May 2008 : walk up the pike !

Novice fell walkers Lisa Harris and Gayle Rowe climbed Scafell Pike on Sunday 13 April to raise money for the British Lung Foundation for research into Pulmonary Fibrosis. They were accompanied by a support team made up of friends from Gosforth Hall Hotel. Money raised to date has exceeded £1100 and contributions are still coming in.

Thank you to everyone who supported us financially through sponsorship and on the day.

1 May 2008 : more reportings of ghostly goings on in St.Olafs church

The following email was received in relation to the story we ran a while ago regarding ghostly sightings in the church of St.Olafs at Wasdale head, the original article can be found by clicking here

Just a message regarding the hauntings at Wasdale Head Church, St Olafs.

My dad told my brother and I a story about when he was hiking at night and needed a place to stay. My dad and his friend decided to stay in the church. They knew nothing about the previous ghostly stories about the church and obliviously fell asleep in their sleeping bags, in the centre of the aisle. In the middle of the night they both heard footsteps coming towards them, without dareing to move they froze and didnt look out of fear. The footsteps stopped at their head, for what felt like a long time, they heard no breathing from the 'person', and it didn't speak, before the sound of the footsteps exited the church. To this day my dad doesnt know who or what it was, but has always wondered what he would have seen if he had turned around. He always put it down to being the vicor, but after my brother researched the church out of interest to see where my dad slept that night, he found this website, now my dad isn't so sure! He slept that night right under where the orb appears on the 28th Jan 2005 photo.

1 May 2008 : Sponsored walk annouced

This Summer I will be walking to every Newspaper office and Radio Station in England, UK, about 3,500 miles all told, to raise crucial funds for two Multiple Sclerosis Charities - The Accelerated Cure Project, an American national non-profit organisation which is recognized as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization by the IRS, and The British Trust for the Myelin Project (Registered Charity No.1000614).

further information, please feel free to use any from my website, or from www.aboutms.co.uk

29 April 2008 : May day event draws closer

May day celebrations in Nether Wasdale

Each May Day Nether Wasdale celebrates the event in the same way it has for years.

This years events will be held on Saturday 3rd May 200

Events will include :

1.00 Children's Fancy Dress

1.30 March with the Whitehaven Band

2.00 Dancing around the Maypole

2.30 Morris Dancing

3.00 Teas and Children's Sports

Tombola, raffles, stalls, ice cream and more!

For more info on past events please click here

24 April 2008 : Festival of fools underway

PLANS have been unveiled for this year's Festival of Fools at Muncaster Castle in the Lake District from Saturday, May 24 to Thursday, May 29.

Muncaster Castle was home to the original Tom Fool and the Festival, which is sponsored by Jennings Cumberland Ale, is the Castle's annual celebration of all things foolish.
The culmination of the Festival is the International Jester Tournament on Thursday, May 29 when a new Fool of Muncaster is appointed. Six entertainers will be competing for the prestigious title, using a mad mix of comedy, juggling, fire eating and magic.
The event will be compered by last year's winner, American entertainer Paul Garbanzo. The prize for the winning jester includes a crate of Cumberland Ale every month for a year.
On the evening of Saturday, May 24 the festival gets underway with a Comedy Cabaret evening with performances by comedians, jugglers and musicians.
From Sunday, May 25 until Wednesday, May 28 there will be a packed daytime schedule of entertainment in the castle's gardens. This will include performances by some of Europe's wackiest entertainers, as well as walkabouts by comedians, magicians and musicians.
The performers include Robert Blake from Holland who has been the Dutch Street Magic Champion three years in a row. He will be wowing the crowds with his hilarious Cowboy Magic Show.
Washing machines that play music, disco dancing with sink plungers and the legendary Ironing Board of Death all feature in the one man kaleidoscope of circus, music and comedy from Circus Fudge.
Danny Zapparelli's amazing performance features fireworks, circus skills, magic, comedy and audience participation, climaxing in a daring and spectacular display of fire juggling on a ten foot unicycle.
There will also be a host of other entertainment including Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, a Pirate ship inflatable, a Space Ball and a variety of stalls.
Normal entry prices for Muncaster apply during the Festival. Adults £7.50; children aged 5-15 years £5.50; family tickets (two adults and two children) £24.
Entry to the castle costs an extra £2.50 per adult; £1.50 per child and £5 per family ticket (two adults and two children).

24 April 2008 : Sausage mad !

CUMBRIAN farmer Peter Gott took the fight for the Traditional Cumberland Sausage right to the heart of London yesterday.

Peter, from Sillfield Farm, Gatebeck near Kendal, displayed a banner in Trafalgar Square as part of the campaign to persuade the European Union to protect Cumbria’s favourite banger from poor quality imitations.

An application to stop anyone outside Cumbria calling their sausages Traditional Cumberland Sausages is due to go to Brussels in the next few weeks, as part of the European Union’s Protected Food Name Scheme. The EU initiative gives special protection to the best regional and traditional foods.

The campaign to win protected status for the Traditional Cumberland Sausage is being headed by Made in Cumbria and the Cumberland Sausage Association.

Mr Gott was in Trafalgar Square with the famous Borough Market as part of the capital’s St George’s Day celebrations. His Traditional Cumberland Sausages proved to be a big hit with Londoners .

He said: “We’ve been waiting a long time to protect the Traditional Cumberland Sausage. We wanted to make sure that Londoners knew the difference between Traditional Cumberland Sausages and the poor imitations being produced outside Cumbria

24 April 2008 :HARECROFT Hall School in west Cumbria is to close with the loss of 18 jobs.

The Gosforth school is shutting in July, after nearly 80 years, due to dwindling numbers.Headmaster and owner Paul Block said: “Harecroft has always been a small school but falling numbers mean I have made the decision to close in the best interest of the pupils.”“I have made the decision to close before the situation gets worse. I felt this was fair to pupils, parents and staff.’’ All staff, including 11 teachers, have been paid to the end of August this year. The fee-paying school takes in pupils aged three to 16 and has seen classes fall from between eight and 12 to four pupils at their lowest. Attempts to boost pupil numbers by recruiting boarders from Hong Kong proved unsuccessful and the school’s roll-call is now “in the 60s.”.Small classes, while not detrimental to pupils’ academic education, could affect their social development, Mr Block explained.

The school was established in 1925, but the Hall dates back to 1881 and was formerly the home of the late Sir John Ainsworth. A meeting was held on Tuesday night at Santon Bridge between parents of pupils from Year 4 and upwards and staff from St Bees School, to look into the youngsters transferring to the school.Philip Capes, headmaster of St Bees School, said: “We have had a long relationship with Harecroft, as it has been our main feeder school.“It is sad when a school community has to close and we will be doing all we can to help.’’

24 April 2008 : Road won’t last

THE road alongside a West Cumbrian gun range will be washed away by coastal erosion within three years.
That’s the fear of councillor David Moore, who is alarmed at the state of the road alongside Eskmeals Gun Range, near Bootle.
Fears have also been raised that failure to protect the whole coastline from Millom to St Bees Head would mean the loss of tourism, business and heritage.
The Seascale councillor and Tory group leader on Copeland Borough Council wants more money spent on protecting the West Cumbrian coastline.
Cllr Moore said: "I was amazed the other day to discover how much erosion there was on the Eskmeals road. In the next three years that road will be gone. I would not like emergency services waiting for the tide to go out.
“It is about protecting the shoreline, which is our heritage. If money is not spent tourism would be lost and business would be lost."
A full council meeting heard that a new shoreline management plan was being completed.
St Bees councillor Norman Clarkson said help had been given in the past with sea defences at Haverigg and he thought they would be "worth looking at."
Haverigg councillor Doug Wilson said: "In the seven years I have been in Haverigg, I have seen no maintenance to the shoreline.
“The best coast defences were in the 1920s when people were out of work. Some of these defences will stand now, but are sadly in need of repair."
Deputy leader George Clements said public shoreline meetings will be held in various parts of the borough in September, December and next June.
He added that £11,000 had been budgeted for shoreline flooding.
Shoreline management plans, which aim to develop a flexible policy that allows people, places, industry and wildlife affected to adapt at a reasonable pace without committing future generations to expensive coastal defence options, are being completed around the country.
Cumbria has been broken into two units - Walney Island to St Bees Head and St Bees Head to the Scottish border.
Co-ordination and management of the North West costal group has been assigned to Blackpool Council,who will liaise with Halcrow to arrange public consultation and stakeholder workshops.
The plan is expected to take up to two-and-a-half years to complete.
No-one from defence company QinetiQ Ltd, who run Eskmeals Gun Range, was available for comment.

24 April 2008 : Ospreys on the move

THE BASSENTHWAITE ospreys have surprised bird experts by moving home.

Big attraction: Experts say they are keeping their eyes peeled and fingers crossed for the ospreys’ returnAfter seven successful breeding seasons at a nest in Wythop Woods on the shore of Bassenthwaite Lake, the ospreys have switched to a new nest on the other side of the lake.Experts say that it is unusual for a pair of ospreys to move in this way, as a well-established nest is often used by many generations of ospreys, with some nests known to have been in use for more than 100 years.

Graeme Prest, of the Lake District Osprey Project, said: “Over the years we have learnt to expect the unexpected when it comes to our ospreys and clearly this year it's going to be no different with yet another twist to the tale.“It looks like it's going to be business as usual for our ospreys but just at a different nest and it means that we'll need to alter our osprey viewing arrangements for visitors slightly.”It's likely that the arrival last year of a new female in the pair may have something to do with the change of location.Mr Prest said: “Each osprey has its own personality and the team felt that the new female never looked settled in the Wythop Woods nest.“Hindsight is a great thing and, looking back, some members of the osprey watch team now think that the behaviour of the female last year probably hinted at the change of nest site.“We think that the Bassenthwaite area can support several pairs of ospreys and so we've put up artificial nest platforms around the lake to give new colonisers a helping hand. It looks like the returning ospreys have shunned the old nest site and have taken a shine to one of these new starter homes.”

Since ospreys first nested in 2001, more than 500,000 visitors have watched the birds nesting and rearing young from the viewpoints provided by the Lake District Osprey Project. The Project is a partnership between the Forestry Commission, the RSPB and the Lake District National Park Authority.The existing viewpoint at Dodd Wood is still in use and the osprey team is working to set up a new viewpoint near to the new nesting site.

24 April 2008 : New season of arts events set to inspire and amuse

Lake District audiences in 2008

The hills and streets of the Lake District will come alive to the sights and sounds of a new season of arts events in 2008.

Lakes Alive will feature some of the world’s best outdoor performers, bringing a taste of the Edinburgh fringe festival to the Lake District’s towns and villages.

The summer season of arts events will start with a spectacular show on the shores of Lake Windermere in June and culminate in Kendal, where more than 150 artists will be performing over three days at the Mintfest international street arts festival.

Kendal Arts International is organising this ambitious summer season. Julie Tate, from Kendal Arts International, says: “After the huge success of the inaugural Mintfest 2007, a lot of people told us that they would like to see similar events held around the Lake District.

“Most cultural events in Cumbria take place indoors. Lakes Alive will enable large numbers of people to enjoy some really stunning and exciting performances in the great outdoors, set against a backdrop of lakes and mountains.”

The Lakes Alive season is being supported by a number of organisations, including the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

It will open on the 14^th of June with a free breathtaking performance, the WOW Factor, the finale of the Windermere on Water festival (WOW).

Internationally-acclaimed French performers Transe Express will provide an uplifting experience as they take to the air in an extraordinary human mobile. The evening will finish with a thrilling fireworks display by pyrotechnic geniuses Walk-the-Plank, who helped start Liverpool’s year as Capital of Culture with a bang.

In August Swiss circus company, Nicole et Martin, will be touring Ambleside, Ulverston and Kendal. The duo, who won the prestigious Tapwater Awards at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2006, use music, storytelling and simple props to re-tell traditional fairy stories from central Europe including ‘Hansel & Gretel’, ‘The Bremen Town Musicians’ and the ‘Fisherman and his Wife’.

Also in August, all the fun and amazing skills of an African circus will come to the Lakeland villages of Grasmere and Hawkshead as part of a new street arts roadshow. Bani Obashwe’s performances include the bamboo pole, in which a young acrobat climbs up to 12 metres above the ground and changes from a young sportswoman into an African Queen.

Lakes Alive will come to a dazzling conclusion with the three day Mintfest street arts festival in Kendal from 29 to 31 August. Like last year’s successful pilot event, this will include a packed line up of top acts from all over the world performing at usual and unusual locations across the Town.

Mintfest’s grand opening will include a performance by Dutch entertainers Tuig who use fire, air and water to spectacular effect as a man is slowly raised 14 metres above the ground before making a breathtaking jump.

Over the next two days every corner of Kendal will come alive with comedians, acrobats, jugglers and musicians.

The highlights will include a giant pig in Abbott Hall Park. The show by the Whalley Range All Stars features a 30’ long sleeping sow snuffling and snoring in a pen. A farm-hand offers the public the opportunity to act like pigs and take a peek at a 10 minute long show that takes place inside her belly.

Other acts confirmed so far include performers from across the UK as well as Finland, the United States, France, and Germany.

More information on the Lakes Alive season will be available at www.lakesalive.org towards the end of April. Details on Mintfest can be found at www.mintfest.org.

Julie Tate says: “Lakes Alive is going to be an adventurous, contemporary and stylish season of events. We believe it will inspire, amuse, amaze and captivate audiences in the Lake District.

“We hope to continue to develop the festival over the next few years and to help re-define the image of the Lake District by playing our part in giving the area a new, more dynamic identity.”

Peter Mearns, Executive Director of Marketing at the NWDA says: “The Lake District is already home to a fantastic array of cultural events. Lakes Alive will enhance this cultural offering and help to shape the image of the area and of the North West as a culturally dynamic region.”

“Events play an important part in the visitor experience and through the Lakes Alive programme we hope to further cement Cumbria’s reputation as a world-class visitor destination.”

Councillor Peter Thornton, South Lakeland District Council Portfolio Holder for Communities and Well-Being, says: "Mintfest is exactly the kind of exciting and innovative event that South Lakeland is becoming known for. SLDC is really pleased that Kendal Arts International are building upon last year’s success to produce an even bigger and better street arts festival. We encourage everyone in South Lakeland to take the opportunity to see this unique and fantastic event."

22 April 2008 : ANOTHER TWINNING SUCCESS FOR THE “WESTERN VALLEYS”

Wasdale, Eskdale and District recently hosted another group of visitors from their twin town of St. Martin d’Auxigny near Bourges in Central France. This time the Western Valleys Twinning Association (WEVA) welcomed 43 visitors ranging in age from 10 to 80, and accommodation was provided for them in homes from Thornhill in the north to Broughton in the south.

During the 4 full days of the visit hosts helped the visitors to get to know the area. They all went to Wasdale Head to see the “smallest church” and enjoy a farm visit. Howard Christie of the Wasdale Head Inn celebrated WEVA by instituting a new brew from his brewery called “Oui, Va!” With amazing generosity Howard gave all the visitors and their hosts a superb free lunch – hospitality the French will surely never forget.

Another day was spent enjoying the Ratty railway, with their locomotive resplendent in a new twinning headboard made by Bill Bailey for the occasion. Visits were made to the Boot corn mill, St. Catherine’s church and the Dalegarth Falls before the return to Ravenglass for yet another example of generous hospitality – a free tea for about 80 people provided by the ladies of the Ravenglass WI. Many of the French went away gleefully clutching the WI’s own recipe book which they had bought in order to enjoy those delicious cakes again the other side of the Channel.

WEVA members gave their guests a choice of other activities. Some went to Muncaster Castle, others visited Whitehaven harbour or undertook car tours further afield in the National Park. There was also a fell-walk for those who were suitably clad, and fortunately the weather was kind and the views dramatic.

The final event was yet another delicious free meal – this time afternoon tea generously provided by Samantha Clamp of the Wastwater Youth Hostel, where everyone enjoyed excellent cooking in splendid surroundings looking out over the spectacular lake of Wastwater and its Screes. But before that there had been a Saturday-night Anglo-French Party at Drigg Village Hall, decked out for the occasion with French and English flags and buzzing with excitement. Guests were “piped in” to the Hall by a finely-dressed Highland Piper, and inside there was entertainment provided by the Holborn Hill Royal Band and an Eightsome of Scottish Dancers – who succeeded wonderfully in getting the French to join in some hilarious and energetic highland flings!

Representatives of the St. Martin Twinning Committee and Town Council gave speeches of thanks to their Cumbrian hosts, and they paid tribute to the hard work of WEVA in organising their visit without the benefit of any help from the local Council. (On the French side of the Channel such things are heavily subsidised.) WEVA’s response was given by Lord Rea of Eskdale, who had just agreed, to everyone’s delight, to become Patron of the Twinning Association.

WEVA hopes future visits will be made in both directions by special-interest groups such as cyclists, rugby-players and musicians, as well as by individual families who have formed genuine friendships across the Channel. The next organised group will be going to France in 2009, probably in the Spring, and anyone reading this who would like to take part should contact either the WEVA Secretary, Steve McLeod, on 01946-822982 or the Chairman, David Killick, on 019467-26258.

22 April 2008 : Low Wood Hall , Nether Wasdale

The Low Wood Hall Hotel, now open to non-residents. Serving lunches & evening meals in a relaxed atmosphere over-looking the Wasdale Valley. Also open for teas & coffees throughout the day.

For more information please click here

11 April 2008 : Latest member to join the Lakelandwebs project !

Scafell View

A delightful, semi-detached house, situated on the edge of the small hamlet of Santon, 7 miles from Seascale. Spacious and comfortable throughout, this charming property boasts a lovely sitting room with warming Parkray woodburner, magnificent views of the surrounding fells from the bedrooms and a large kitchen with dining area and access via patio doors to the fabulous garden. The high level walking and climbing available from the doorstep is unrivalled and visitors don't have to be champion walkers with a vast variety of walks and climbs to suit all skill levels. Add this to the fantastic bike trails available in the area, a welcoming local pub serving excellent food, Muncaster Castle and an 18 hole golf course and miniature railway in nearby Eskdale and you have all the ingredients for a memorable holiday for family and friends to enjoy, at any time of year!

For more info please click here

08 April 2008 : Middle Fell Race results announced

The local Middle Fell race sponsored by the Screes Inn

have been published, for more info please click here

31.03.08 : Fell runner ina race with a car !

Click the image below to view the poster !

31.03.08 : Old Post Office

‘The Old Post Office Campsite’ has the following promotion for April 2008; for Caravans & Motor homes.
Picturesque Riverside hard standing pitches with electric hook up £14.00 per night or £40.00 for three night stay.

Or click here !

18 March 2008 : House wanted to rent in Gosforth Cumbria

A public service announcement ! I have been asked if I can see if anayone has a house to rent in the village of Gosforth, Cumbria.

A professional local lady is looking for a 2 or 3 bedroomed house to rent long term in the village. For preferance she would prefer it to be un furnished.

So if you have a property to rent or indeed know some one who has please could you let me know or 019467 25667 or email me on Guy@214fells.com

18 March 2008 :THE public footpath over the Wetheral Viaduct near Carlisle will be closed temporarily from tomorrow.

The move will allow the walkway, which runs alongside the Carlisle-Newcastle railway line over the River Eden, to be inspected.The path, which is owned by Network Rail but managed by Cumbria County Council, is visually checked every two years for any obvious defects.But this time a specialist team will carry out a full inspection, including underneath, using ropes. That means the closure of the high-level walkway which links Wetheral with Great Corby, is likely to last for about a fortnight.No alternative provision can be made for pedestrians and people will face having to travel between the two communities via Warwick Bridge – a journey of several miles.People use the footpath over the viaduct to get to the railway station at Wetheral, for trains to Carlisle, and to the village shop and post office. It is also used by many recreational walkers.The Wetheral Viaduct, which was constructed by Francis Giles between 1830 and 1834, stands 100 feet high. It was one of the first railway viaducts to be built in this country. It has been the scene of a number of fatalities in recent years and there have been calls for video cameras to be installed there.

18 March 2008 : A FAT camp for teenagers is expanding.

The Wellspring UK camp, has moved to a new home, at the YMCA’s National Centre in Newby Bridge, in order to cope with demand.
The weight loss camp will be held for the third year running this July.
It has had to more than triple in size to cope with increased
numbers due to parents’ fears over their growing youngsters.
This year it will be able to accommodate around 100 youngsters, compared to 30 in 2006. Course fees range from £3,500 for four weeks, £5,000 for six weeks and £6,500 for eight weeks.
Camp director Ian Carter said: “Every time there is a news story about childhood obesity, we get a flurry of calls.
“We are expecting around 100 students to attend camp this year. There is a tangible feeling among the parents we speak to, that they want to take action before it is too late.”
It is estimated that almost one in four children in Britain are either overweight or obese, with studies showing that along with poor diets, children aren’t exercising enough.
Youngsters who attend the camp, which runs from July 6 to August 30, will engage in activities like abseiling, rock climbing and canoeing while aiming to walk 10,000 steps per day.
Along with healthy meals there will be unlimited foods like fat-free yoghurts, fruits, and salads. Children will also get cognitive-behavioural therapy during group and individual sessions that help them change the way they look at diet and activity.
Mr Carter said: “Wellspring UK’s techniques are one of the most widely accepted approaches to long-term weight-loss success.”
Last year, on average, children lost 2kg per week and more than 16-19kg over the course of their stay.
Tracy Dixon, from the YMCA National Centre at Lakeside, said: “We are delighted to have secured the partnership with Wellspring Camps in the UK.
“We are assisting in the design of a programme which will really make the best of the facilities here, including climbing, sailing, hiking and aerobics.”

18 March 2008 : WINDERMERE TRADERS TOLD BE PATIENT!

Traders and shoppers have been reassured as work continues to improve a main road in Windermere.

The resurfacing of Crescent Road means there will be disruption until around the end of May, with contraflows in operation and a reduction in parking spaces.

However The Windermere enhancement scheme have stated that once completed traffic flow will be improved, and free parking will also remain.

They've dismissed fears that the road could be pedestrianised.

13 March 2008 : Camper van for sale !

Continuing our spate of public service announcements we have been asked to advertise the below !

13 March 2008 : Cumbria by night

PHOTOGRAPHER Henry Iddon is mounting a special exhibition of remarkable colour pictures taken at night from the summits of many of the Lake District fells.

His 'Spots of Time' photography, exploring the vast landscape of the Lake District at night, will be on show at the Wordsworth Trust's 3º West Gallery in Grasmere from this Monday, March 17 until Sunday, June 22.
His extraordinary photographs were taken from the summits of the peaks between November 2005 and February 2007, and capture the extraordinary Lake District landscape at night, but with some surprising results.
Iddon climbed 53 fell summits for the project and camped out for 19 nights, often in freezing conditions, spending in total 44 moonlit days and nights on the mountains.
During Wordsworth's lifetime, the Lake District was a relatively remote and peaceful area, but with the huge number of visitors today the only time when it's possible to experience anything like 'peace' is the dead of night.
Henry Iddon's 'Spots of Time' photography, at the Wordsworth Trust's 3º West Gallery in Grasmere explores the vast landscape of the Lake District at night and runs from Monday, March 17 until Sunday, June 22.
The project aims to produce a cohesive body of work that considers the vast landscape of the Lake Dis

trict at night. The work centres on the themes and philosophies of Wordsworth and other Romantic poets such as Coleridge.
They were among the first British poets to work in the peaceful surroundings of the Lake District. Here they found a place where they could ponder the relationship between nature and human life, explore the power of the imagination, reflect upon the mythological, fantastical, gothic and supernatural.
There was an emphasis on the sublime – a spiritual awareness that could be stimulated by a grand and awesome landscape – now showcased at night by Henry Iddon.
He has more than 10 years' experience as a professional photographer and art practitioner. Working in both the still and the moving image for a range of commercial, non-profit and news organisations, his work has featured in several individual exhibitions as well as having been included in group shows.

13 March 2008 : Body found in river

A POLICE investigation is underway after a body was found in the River Esk at Langholm earlier today.The discovery was made at about 8.15am by a member of the public, who spotted the body near the south side of the bridge, just off George Street.Police have not released any further details of the identity or ruled out that the death was suspicious.A spokesman for Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary said: "Our enquiries have only just commenced so it is too early to speculate what may have happened."However we would ask anyone who was in the area early this morning or late last night to get in touch on 0845 6005701."

March 13 2008: ULVERSTON is set to be transformed with major developments planned for the town.

South Lakeland District Council says towns such as Ulverston, Kendal and Grange must break their current boundaries and expand to cope with demand for housing and employment land.
Ambitious developments planned for Ulverston over the next 17 years include:

• 1,130 new homes built by 2025

• 20 hectares of land for employment

• A new medium sized supermarket

• A green gap between Ulverston and Swarthmoor to keep both areas separate.

The public will now have their say on the SLDC document, Core Strategy: Preferred Options Report, which outlines the redevelopment earmarked for Ulverston.
The preferred site for the 1,130 homes in Ulverston is to the south of Birchwood Drive and West Hills Drive, part of which is currently in use as a golf driving range.
Around 20 hectares of land will be needed for employment. The town’s Canal Head area and Canal Corridor have been put forward as the likely choice in line with the Ulverston Canal Masterplan.
Further employment land has been highlighted in West Ulverston next to the A590, with the railway acting as a border to the south.
The strategy proposes new retail development in the town centre to accommodate a small to medium sized supermarket and around 2,300m/sq of comparison shopping space – for retail items bought infrequently such as televisions and fridges.
The document suggests maintaining a ‘green gap’ between Ulverston and Swarthmoor to keep the two settlements separate.
It also recommends improved transport links, supporting and building on the town’s tourism and festival themes and continuing economic regeneration on the back of the Market Town Initiative.Ulverston town and SLDC councillor Brian Wilkinson said: “I think it is something that the public needs to be aware of.
“They need to take part in the consultation because it is about the development of housing and affordable housing for the next 10 to 15 years.
“It is the next generation that this is being prepared for. The more the public can grasp it, the better.
“It has got to be good news for the area.”
Council chiefs say South Lakeland needs to expand by the equivalent of 350 football pitches over the next 17 years.
Development is also earmarked for Grange, Cartmel and Allithwaite, with the need identified for 12.5 hectares of new residential land and 10 hectares of employment space.
It identifies the Berners site in Grange as a “major regeneration opportunity” and proposes small-scale retail development including a new small supermarket.
Kendal will see the biggest changes, with 43 per cent of new housing and employment development being targeted at the town.
About 92 hectares of development land will be required.SLDC portfolio holder for housing and development, Councillor Brenda Gray, said: “This document is key to achieving the council’s corporate priorities of housing to meet local need and prosperous and healthy communities.“In particular, it is crucial to help us retain young people in the area and attract others.”
The preferred options report will now be published and a consultation period is expected to start in the middle of next month.

13 March 2008 : Storms collapse road

STORMY seas and spring tides have washed away a 12-metre long section of the B5300 after the sea breached defences.The stretch of road at Dubmill, approximately one mile north of Allonby, collapsed after the water breached the sea wall and undermined the road on yesterday.A section of carriageway 12-metres long and three metres deep has disappeared. Around half the width of the carriageway is already missing and there is a real danger that the rest is unstable and likely to collapse, a county council spokesman said..Local businesses remain open as usual, but the road itself is closed from the Salta junction to the south of the collapse to the Mawbray to the north.Motorists are using alternative routes and heavy goods vehicles are being required to follow an official diversion along the A595 to Aspatria and Silloth.While local drivers may know alternative routes, width restriction will be used to keep HGVs and other wide vehicles away from inappropriately narrow routes.With the tide remaining high and more rough weather forecast in the days ahead, it will not be possible to begin repairs for several days.The spokesman said: "When work can begin, repairs are expected to take around four weeks and the road is likely to have to remain closed until the job is complete."Cumbria Highways is working to get this stretch of the B5300 back to normal as soon as possible and is appealing for people's patience in the meantime."

13 March 2008 : Windermere road works to stop for Easter

DESPITE continuing work on the Windermere enhancement scheme Crescent Road will be temporarily re-opened to traffic over for the Easter break from March 21 to 30.Some barriers will remain in place to ensure the safety of pedestrian safety and temporary traffic flows on Main Road (southbound) and College Road (northbound) will remain in force.

05 March 2008 : Low Wood Hall Nether Wasdale under New ownership and looking to recruit new staff

The Low Wood Hall Hotel in Nether Wasdale has recently come under new ownership and the proprietors are now looking to take on some new staff.

Positions available are for a Chef / Cook and a general assistant.

More information and contact details can be found by clicking here

25 Feb 2008 : Fairtrade events in Gosforth, West Cumbria

Wednesday 27th February, 2.30-4.30pm, Fairtrade Teaparty at Foulsyke, Nether Wasdale,

Fairtrade Stall, Video and Quiz. Entrance including tea and cakes £2. Come and support Fairtrade and help the poor to work their way out of poverty.

Monday 3rd March, 7.30pm, 1st Anniversary Celebration of Fairtrade Status and launch of a Fairtrade & Local Produce Directory at Gosforth Public Hall.

Talk, Fairtrade Stall and Raffle with Puddings, Fairtrade wine & fruit juices.

Entry free - all welcome.

13 Feb 2008 : Irton Hall sold in an exciting new project

Up to 25 jobs are set to be created after an historic Cumbrian stately home was sold in a £1.5m deal.

Irton Hall, Holmrook, in West Cumbria was built in the 13th century and it is believed former guests included Oliver Cromwell and Henry VI.

In recent years a hotel was built at the site and the new owner, accountant Steve Cottrell, intends to build more holiday cottages.

The hall, in the shadow of Scafell Pike, will also be restored.

Mr Cottrell acquired Irton Hall from Corp Limited after staying there for a family holiday and falling in love with the place.

He said: "I intend to ensure that Irton Hall is a great success. I've had plenty of support from the local community who are keen to see the place thriving again.

"The previous owner had not realised the full potential of the cottages as an alternative to the mass tourism of the main lakes."

6 Feb 2008 : Star walk anounced, click below for more info

6 Feb 2008 : Birds eye view at Brockhole

Photographer Si Homfray got up close and personal with some of the Lake District’s most amazing sights as he hung precariously out of a helicopter to capture the iconic nature of the area.
Hundreds of exceptional photographs taken from the Lake District skies in a single day are set to enthral crowds in a compelling new exhibition.
An aerial perspective revealing hidden treasures that cannot be seen from the ground, ‘Rugged Reflections’ will be unveiled at the Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole.
It features the inspirational work of Derbyshire-based Si Homfray, whose not for profit organisation Living Art promotes the beauty of nature and importance of environmental support. Capturing the ‘sheer magnificence’ of the Lake District National Park from the air, Si said: “Hanging precariously out of a helicopter, with the shattering noise of rotor blades and 80 miles an hour winds, it was possible to develop a closeness and intimacy with the landscape. It was a very privileged insight into just what makes this iconic place so revered.”The first flight set out from Newby Bridge and headed north via Windermere, Borrowdale and Keswick to Caldbeck, returning along the eastern fringe of the lakes, taking in Blencathra, Haweswater, High Street and Helvellyn. A second ascent produced dramatic shots of western gems, including Buttermere, Ennerdale and Pillar down to the Langdales, Hardknott Pass and Coniston.
Lake District National Park Authority designer James Cook said it was a major coup to be hosting exhibits of such breathtakingly high calibre. He said: “We know this is going to be a major draw for our visitors, who will be treated to a veritable feast of world class photography.

“Even those who are less mobile can experience the joys of the high fells through these wonderful images.”
Si said: “I hope the exhibition will be a major attraction for the Lake District’s 12 million visitors, particularly as it opens up the whole of the national park to absolutely everyone. We want to encourage a wide audience to view the detail, warmth and essence of the landscape. We want people to learn, to be inspired and to respect the environment as a national treasure and to safeguard its future.”
A fervent fan of the outdoors, mountains, photography and the arts, Si has lived in the heart of the Peak District for the past 20 years, embracing every opportunity to explore diverse landscapes; running, climbing, taking pictures, mountain biking and caving. He has 22 years’ experience in graphic design and marketing, stages exhibitions and works with the internet, traditional media and a variety of clients on environmental art projects.
Rugged Reflections can be seen from February 9 until the end of Brockhole’s season.

6 Feb 2008 : K village to concentrate on Food

KENDAL'S new K Village retail and leisure complex, due to be opened in 2009, will have five riverside restaurants and cafes, the company behind the £100 million redevelopment project has revealed, reports Allan Tunningley.

The water front setting could ensure the eating places becoming visitor attractions in their own right, according to Kendal Riverside project director John Drummond.

And Mr Drummond revealed a research company had been recruited to survey local residents and visitors to discover what kind of food they would like to see served up at the restaurants.

The research company interviewed more than 1,000 people across a number of locations, including Kendal, Windermere and Bowness. Core information was collected to determine attitudes on catering, such as quality, service and price; lifestyle; behaviour; and demographics.

05 Feb 2008 : Music festival announced

THE hills of Cumbria will come alive to the sound of the North West's most exciting music festival in May.

Up to 15,000 people a day are expected to flock to Forgotten Valley, which will kick off the UK festival season between May 23 and 25 at the Westmorland County Showground at Crooklands.
With organisers planning one of the strongest talent line-ups ever seen in the region, an array of other exciting entertainment and the opportunity to camp on the site, it promises to become the North West's very own 'boutique festival'.
The first bands signed up for the new festival give a taste of what's to come. They include fast-rising indie trio The Wombats, who were recently the first band on at the opening ceremony to launch Liverpool Capital of Culture. Their latest single, Moving to New York, was released in January.
Also in the initial line up for Forgotten Valley are one of the most prolific bands to emerge from the 'Madchester' scene of the late 80s and 90s, the Happy Mondays, with their mix of house, funk and rock.
Among the new talent are Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong, described by the NME "as the freshest and most downright sizzling young pop pretenders currently grasping at the rungs of the indie ladder of glory".
Other bands signed up so far include Parisian band The Teenagers, New Young Pony Club, Crystal Castles and Zenfo. The Early bird weekend camping tickets will be available until the February 21 for £80, a £20 discount on the normal price.
People living in Cumbria and Lancashire are also being given the chance to win VIP passes to come backstage, meet some of the ma

in stage talent and hang out in the VIP bar!
Forty pairs of VIP passes will be available and for a chance to win you simply have to buy your weekend tickets before February 21 and provide an address in Cumbria or Lancashire.
Bookings can be made on ticket hotline – 01900-820601 – or email locals@forgottenvalley.com, with the subject 'Forgotten Valley ticket registration', including your name, address with post code and telephone number. For further information visit the website – www.forgottenvalley.com.
Festival organiser, Rob Dunphy said: "We're really going to put Cumbria on the festival map with this major new event."
As well as the music, Forgotten Valley will have much more to offer, including themed bars, food, dance tents, comedy tent, games, cinema, and a children's area.

05 Feb 2008 : Brantwood exhibition announced

BRANTWOOD, Coniston's exhibition programme for 2008 opens with a photographic exhibition by Ulverston based photographer, Rene Knopfel.

With no formal training, Rene has learned what works and what doesn't from his experience of taking thousands of photographs, resulting in an impressive collection of atmospheric and carefully composed images.
In his younger days, Rene traveled as a backpacker to many spectacular locations around the world and has an eye for atmospheric light and colour. His travels also taught him to look hard at what he was composing and asking himself if it was interesting, unusual, special and worth using film on. Rene still composes with the same hard eye

, but now, thanks to digital photography, has the luxury of experimentation without reams of wasted film.
Rene's current work reflects his interest in the local and Lake District landscape, including more quirky compositions, as views and objects take his eye.
Each photograph is special to Rene: "Experience is feeling and a successful photo is one that closely relays and repeats the feeling of the original scene.
He finds this personally fulfilling, but added: "If I can share the feeling with others via a photo then I believe, as a photographer, I've created a meaningful work."
Kaleidoscope – Kalos, Eidos, Skopeein is on display in Brantwood's Severn Studio until Sunday, March 9.
Brantwood is open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am until 4.30pm.
Admission to the Studio is included in the daily house or garden ticket.
For further information, please call 015394 41396.

4 Feb 2008 : Don’t forget to feed the birds !

CUMBRIA Wildlife Trust is urging people to help the creatures in their gardens survive severe weather.
They say leaving out food and making your garden more hospitable could help save some animals from the harsh winter.
Water shortages are caused by frozen pools, ponds and lakes, and there is a general lack of wild food at winter.
Animals that hibernate can become confused by the swing from warm to cold weather.
Hedgehogs can come out of hibernation too early, then expend too much energy – hedgehogs made it on to the list of UK endangered species last year for the first time.
Animals that stay active such as small birds are susceptible to cold snaps and after the cold winter of 1963 it was estimated that up to 60 per cent of Cumbria’s small bird population were lost.
A Trust spokeswoman said: “Feed your garden birds. Use good quality, mixed wild birdseed, peanuts or sunflower seeds.
“Buy fat balls or make your own by mixing leftovers such as cake, breadcrumbs or bits of meat into melted fat and let it set. Blackbirds love apples. Keep feeding birds regularly, they will often rely on your source of food.

4 Feb 2008 : Race for life campaign begins

THE countdown to Race for Life 2008 has officially begun and today (February 4) marks the official launch of the website.The website, www.raceforlife.org/northwest, is the essential first stop for women interested in taking part in the race and helping Cancer Reseach UK in its life saving work.As well as providing all the information and advice needed, it is also possible to register online and get your very own sponsorship page.This year, Cancer Research hopes to bring together 750,000 British women to walk, jog or run the 5k course and raise over £50 million.In the South Lakes, the event will be taking place at the Westmorland Showground, near Milnthorpe, at 11am on June 01, so there is still plenty of time to dig out your trainers and get in shape for the big day.Nelson Laurencia, area event Manager said: "Last year's event had an unforgettable atmosphere and we raised an incredible £ 60,354. This year, we are hoping that 1,400 women will sign up to take part in the Lakes event, helping us to raise a target of £78,000."Cancer is a disease that affects over 40,000 women in the UK every year and many participants run on behalf of a close friend or relative that has been touched by the disease.

4 Feb 2008 : Man resuced from fells in strong winds

A 22-YEAR-OLD man has been rescued from Kidsty Pike near Haweswater after becoming stuck in strong winds.The walker called for help when he became unable to move in the windy conditions and Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team together with members of the RAF Leeming Mountain Rescue Team located him using the grid reference he gave them. After being assessed by a team doctor, the man was safely walked off the fell.Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team is urging walkers to obtain a weather forecast before embarking on a journey by calling 0870-055-0575.

1 Feb 2008 : Two Inches of Snow to fall today !

THE Met Office has warned that up to two inches of snow is expected to fall over much of the county today as freezing weather moves south from Scotland.
Snow was already falling in Longtown and Roadhead by mid morning, but weather experts predict that temperatures will rise over the weekend after a sharp frost tonight.
Meanwhile, Cumbria police have still not released the name of a 45-year-old lorry driver who was killed when his vehicle blew over on the M6 motorway in gusts of up to 70mph on Thursday morning.
The accident happened on the northbound carriageway of the M6, near Tebay yesterday as gale-force winds hit the area.
The driver, who is not from Cumbria, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The accident, which happened at 5.30pm, resulted in the closure of the northbound carriageway between junctions 36 and 38 for over an hour.
It is just one of the many weather-related accidents on the county’s roads since Wednesday afternoon.
Met men are predicting more gales, along with snow and blizzard conditions to hit the county this weekend.
The Met Office yesterday issued another severe weather warning and says there is a 60 per cent chance power lines will be hit and the transport network disrupted.
Violent winds brought chaos to Cumbria last night.
Several roads were closed as gusts of up to 75mph threatened to cause serious damage to buildings.
Cockermouth’s Lamplugh Road was closed from the A66 roundabout at the Sheep and Wool Centre after parts of the Esso Oakhurst garage roof were blown off.
In Workington, Washington Street was closed at 7.30pm as roof tiles began to fall off buildings and onto the road. The road - the main route into the town - remained closed this morning, from the junction with Ramsay Brow to the roundabout with Harrington Road.
The closure caused long tailbacks as drivers were forced to take other routes to work.
Nearby Oxford Street was also closed overnight after a large metal sign was blown into the road. The road was re-opened in the early hours of the morning.
Shoppers at the Morrisons supermarket at Derwent Howe were told to move their cars from the car park as parts of the roof of the nearby B&Q DIY centre began to be dislodged.
In South Lakeland, 1,000 homes suffered power cuts after trees fell on cables, cutting supply.
Police are warning people not go to Whitehaven harbour to watch waves today because of the severe weather.
The county is now bracing itself for snow, which is expected to start around lunchtime.

1 Feb 2008 : Coniston Oil Spill investigated

SOUTH Lakes MP Tim Farron is calling for a full inquiry following an oil leak at Coniston Water.
The spill happened on January 17, after 1,000 litres of diesel escaped from a generator sited 150 yards from the western shore near Hoathwaite, near Torver.
Contractors had been working on the generator on behalf of United Utilities.
United Utilities says the Environment Agency was contacted as soon as the leak was discovered.
It has launched an internal probe into the incident and is co-operating fully with the Environment Agency.
But Mr Farron believes an independent inquiry is needed to prevent a similar incident happening again.
The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP said: “An independent investigation, led by bodies such as the Environment Agency and the Lake District National Park Authority, would be more credible in the eyes of the public.
“If there isn’t a full independent inquiry we may not get to the bottom of exactly how this was allowed to happen.
“For the sake of openness and to protect themselves, United Utilities needs to allow a thorough investigation.”
United Utilities has said it believes the generator was unmanned at the time of the accident.
UU spokeswoman Helen Wilson said: “Our generator contractor has been cooperating fully with the Environment Agency throughout the clean up operation. We are still investigating this incident to ensure it cannot happen again.”
Laboratory tests are under way to discover how much red diesel is still in the ground next to the lake.
A spokeswoman for the Environment Agency said: “We are currently assessing how much diesel has been recovered during the continuing clean-up operation and awaiting laboratory results on samples so we can find out what concentration of diesel is in the ground.
“Specialist contractors are focused on removing residual diesel within the ground and are taking every step possible to prevent any further pollution of the lake.
“Full containment measures, including barriers and booms, will remain around the affected shoreline whilst the clean-up continues.
“We are continuing our investigation into the cause of the leak and are working closely with all parties involved with this incident.
“Once our investigation has been completed we will take appropriate enforcement action in line with our policy.”

31 Jan 2008 : New member to the LakelandWebs !

Cumbria Goat Experience at Woodhow Wasdale has become the most recent business to join the LakelandWebs. For more information click the logo below

31 Jan 2008 : High winds batter Cumbria and close the M6

HIGH winds are causing travel chaos in Cumbria this morning but the M6 has now been reopened to traffic.
The decision to close the road was taken following a series of accidents involving high-sided vehicles, including one regarded as serious.
The Highways Agency is saying:
* there are delays of up to an hour on the M6 northbound after an accident between junctions 36 and 39 closed two lanes. Normal traffic is expected from 2.30pm
* there are delays of about 15 minutes on the M6 southbound after an accident between junctions 44 and 43 closed two lanes. Traffic is expected to return to normal from 9am
* drivers face at least a 10 minute delay on the M6 southbound following the closure of two lanes because of an incident between junctions 40 and 39. Traffic is expected to return to normal from 9am
* there are 10 minute delays after an accident closed one lane of the M6 northbound between junctions 43 and 44. Traffic is expected to return to normal from 9am
The A66 trans-Pennine route was also closed to high-sided vehicles between Bowes and Brough while the A7 was closed at Canonbie because of a fallen tree.
Weather forecasters expect winds to gust up to 70mph throughout the morning before easing at lunchtime.
Snow showers are expectd to sweep in from Scotland with most places expected to get a thin covering.
Motorists have been warned only to travel if absolutely necessary.

31 Jan 2008 : Local restaurant owner found dead in beck

THE wife of a Keswick restaurant owner was found dead in the River Greta on the outskirts of the town yesterday.
The body of 52-year-old Elizabeth Protano, of Luca’s Restaurant at Greta Bridge, was found around 10.30am after a search involving police, Keswick Mountain Rescue Team and an RAF Sea King helicopter.
Concerns had grown after Mrs Protano’s car was found parked at The Forge near to a popular walker’s footpath which passes along the banks of the Greta leading towards Brundholme Woods.
Mrs Protano’s body was found near the Low Briery caravan park and Cumbria Police say they are investigating what has been described as an “unexplained” death.
However a spokesman said there was nothing to indicate any suspicious circumstances. Luca’s is a well-known family-run restaurant in premises which were formerly the Keswick School of Industrial Art.
The restaurant is owned by Paul Protano. Mrs Protano was known to friends as Liz.
The police are to prepare a report for the coroner on the death.

31 Jan 2008 : Still in the dark after the Digitial Switch over

NEWS of Vera Duckworth’s death may come as a surprise to viewers in a West Cumbrian village plagued by weak television signals and an entertainment famine.
The Coronation Street stalwart, played by Liz Dawn, bowed out of the soap opera for good on January 18.
But Bootle residents using Freeview might be unaware of her “passing”.
There, they have reported problems receiving ITV1, among other channels, ever since the recent digital television switchover.
David Scott, owner of Bootle Stores, which helped residents in the run-up to the switchover, says he has heard of many residents having teething problems with the new system.
He said: “I’ve been talking to my customers since digital switchover and there are some telling me they are having all sorts of problems.
“Most have trouble receiving commercial channels, while the BBC ones seem fine. And it’s not just isolated cases because many people have reported the same.”
He added Copeland might have been chosen as a digital testbed because its sparse population would lead to fewer complaints if anything went wrong.
But Digital UK, which ran the switchover process, refuted the claim saying Copeland was chosen for its mix of ages, housing types and areas of population.
A spokesman said: “We are not saying there have been no hitches, but by and large the transfer has gone well.
“If people are having trouble with watching channels they should consult an aerial engineer.
“Most of these problems are to do with people’s equipment as opposed to the signal itself, which is strong and robust.”
But one elderly resident told us he and his wife had lost sound on two channels, despite investing in a new aerial and set.
Another explained that even his brand new television set cannot pick up BBC One at all.
He said: “The picture is clear which it never used to be, but now I’m having trouble watching some of the main channels.
“It makes no sense because digital was supposed to improve things for viewers.
“Instead I’ve lost BBC One but I can still see awful shopping channels as clear as day.”
The digital switchover process is being rolled out nationwide in the coming months.
In October and November, most of Copeland’s residents became guinea pigs for digital switchover.
The area stretching north of Bootle is the first in Britain to have its analogue television signal replaced entirely by digital.
The new system boasts more channels and is supposed to provide better picture quality.

31 Jan How did Cyril end up in Eskdale ?

CYRIL’ the racoon has been rescued thanks to RSPCA inspectors.
The RSPCA rescued the coati after it was found in a chicken shed, on a farmyard, in Eskdale, Cumbria. It’s thought it might have been dumped.
The animal – which is a member of the racoon family but has a characteristic long snout – is native to South, Central and parts of North America. The species has been widely kept in zoos, animal menageries and private collections across the UK for years, but was recently taken off the list of animals for which licences are required.
A member of the public called the Society to report the find on Tuesday morning.
Animal collection officers David Hatton and Nick Green picked up the creature.
ACO Hatton said: “This animal was in a shed, on a farm, miles from anywhere in perfect physical condition. It’s possible that it’s an escapee but we’ve been in touch with all of the animal collectors we’re aware of in the area, and no one has come forward reporting it missing. It seems unlikely it got there on its own.”
After changes to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 schedule came into force last autumn the RSPCA went public with concerns there could be a rise in the number of animals, like coatis, being dumped by new owners, unable to properly care for them. “Obviously we don’t know for sure that’s the case here,” said ACO Hatton.
Looking after an animal like a coati requires a huge amount of commitment and specialist knowledge, and under the Animal Welfare Act which came into force last year, pet owners now have a duty of care to meet all their welfare needs.
It took the ACOs 20 minutes to collect the male animal - which is about the size of a large domestic cat - despite it being in an enclosed space.
ACO Green said: “It was a bit of a handful. Coatis have got a reputation for being pretty fierce when the need arises so there was no way we were getting our hands too close to it.” A ‘grasper’ had to be used to catch the animal safely.
Trotters Animal Park in Cockermouth, Cumbria, have taken the animal, now named Cyril, in on a short-term basis.
Anyone who knows where it might have come from should contact the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

31 Jan 2008 : Brockhole to open early this year

THE Lake District Visitor Centre at Brockhole is to throw open its doors six weeks earlier than usual.The centre's team leader Nicky Wood said the early half term holiday provided an opportunity to start the 2008 season on February 9."Last year we experimented with winter opening and found customers really appreciated being able to come indoors after enjoying the grounds to visit the exhibitions and shop.advertisemen

"This year, we are going the extra mile, making sure our cosy cafe is also ready to welcome everyone with a warming winter menu."

31 Jan 2008 : Bid to save Border TV

A BUSINESS consortium is bidding to buy Carlisle-based Border Television, it can be revealed.
One of its main aims is to protect the station’s flagship news programme Lookaround and associated jobs which are under threat.
An offer, which it is understood was worth up to £12m, has been turned down by ITV bosses but that may not be the end of the matter.
ITV wants to save money by merging the Border news operation with that at Gateshead-based Tyne Tees.
That announcement last autumn prompted a storm of protest from staff, viewers and politicians.
It is believed the consortium is made up of a number of Cumbrian business figures who want to remain anonymous at this stage.
The group, which has strong Carlisle links, made a bid to take over Border just before Christmas.
It is believed members of the consortium are disappointed by that, believing their offer to be a realistic one given Border’s last financial figures.
ITV Border Limited reported a profit (after tax) of £2,744,153 in the year up to December 31, 2006, on sales of £12,166, 279. Staff costs were £1,631,000 and other costs £7,563,000.
It is understood the consortium is anxious to retain a dialogue with ITV bosses and are now seeking support from other business figures across the wider Border TV area.
Carlisle MP Eric Martlew, who has been heavily involved in the fight to save Lookaround, accused ITV bosses of greed.
He said news of the consortium bid and Border’s profitability proved that there was no need for ITV to axe Lookaround.
He said: “What this shows is that there are businessmen who believe Border is making a good profit and figures show that.
“There is simply no need to destroy Lookaround which is a good product. ITV is being greedy.”
The fate of Lookaround will be decided by next spring.
Broadcast industry watchdog Ofcom will launch a 10-week consultation in September.
Details of the anticipated timetable emerged during a recent meeting between Mr Martlew and Ofcom official Peter Phillips.
If ITV’s money-saving plans to merge the news operation of Border and Tyne Tees are approved, it would signal the end of Lookaround.
The half-hour programme – Britain’s most-watched regional news magazine – is then likely to be replaced by about 10 minutes of local coverage slotted into nightly news broadcast by Tyne Tees.
Mr Martlew was told by Ofcom chiefs they had received more representation from people over proposed Border changes than any other region.
He said: “They are saying people with concerns should write to them and make proper representation and it will be considered.”

22 Jan 2008 :Two hill deaths prompt warning

INSP Barry Bell from Cumbria Police, who co-ordinated the rescue effort for the second of two men killed last week has warned walkers to be aware of the potential dangers of walking in the area.

The second man died on Saturday after falling 813ft (248m) from a ridge on Helvellyn.
David Thomas Burke, 41, from Newcastle, was out walking on the mountain, which is one of the Lake District's highest. It is the second death on Helvellyn in less than a week.
On Wednesday a 62-year-old man was killed when he was blown off a ridge and fell 1,000ft.
The latest tragedy happened on Saturday afternoon at Striding Edge ridge, one of the most popular areas with walkers and climbers.
The Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended the scene and Mr Burke was flown to hospital in an RAF helicopter, but was pronounced dead.
Police said the coroner had been informed.
Insp Barry Bell not only warned walkers but praised the efforts of rescuers.
He said walkers had to be "extremely aware" of weather conditions and their own abilities, while planning to venture onto the Lake District fells.
I understand people enjoy walking, but when you have a devastating consequence when somebody loses their life doing something they enjoy you know it's particularly difficult for people who attend, he added

22 Jan 2008 : Village life exhibited

AN exhibition that highlights moments from Grasmere's history is running again at Dove Cottage and the Wordsworth Museum and Art gallery
Drawing on items from the local community as well as its own collections, the Wordsworth Trust is staging the exhibition to celebrate the many varied aspects of the history of the village.

It was Dorothy Wordsworth's description of the village in Grasmere – a fragment, where she wrote: "I stood an Inmate of this vale / How could I but rejoice?" that inspired the title of the exhibition.
Earlier in 1769, the poet Thomas Gray described Grasmere as "a little unsuspected paradise" but Wordsworth had recognised the changes taking place with the 'agriculturists and shepherds' under threat from the Industrial revolution and the arrival of new residents in the Lake District.
The exhibition looks at those changes through the experiences of women over these 200 years.
Items on display range from drawings of Grasmere by Sara Hutchinson, niece of William Wordsworth to some items made of Lakeland lace.
There are also

old photographs and drawings showing how the village came together to celebrate weddings and soldiers coming home from the Great War but also to provide support for families in need.
The exhibition ran until Sunday and is running again from January 21 until February 17.
Jeff Cowton, the Wordsworth Trust Curator explained that the trust had many items relating to Grasmere history in the collection and welcomed the opportunity to display more.
"We are looking at Grasmere from the point of view of the women's experiences – through what they have written or drawn – but also at Grasmere as a community.
"There are many familiar events on show here including the Rushbearing, sports and church services.
"We hope it might trigger some memories that people might like to share, but it will also serve to introduce new aspects of the village to those who don't know it so well

22 Jan 2008 : Floods hit again

TWENTY homes were flooded as torretial rain lashed parts of north Cumbria.
There was a huge scare in Denton Holme, Carlisle, where the River Caldew threatened to burst its banks.
But defences held firm so there was no repeat of the events of January 2005 when 2,000 homes and businesses in Carlisle were inundated.
The rain stopped overnight as temperatures plunged creating treacherous driving conditions this morning.
With only showers forecast for today, the Environment Agency is confident that large-scale flooding of property has been avoided.
The Environment Agency says 20 homes were flooded - including nine in Wigton, two at Stockdalewath, one at Blennerhasset and one in Pennington Drive, north Carlisle.
St Ursula's School in Wigton was flooded, as was the town's fire station in Station Road.
Drivers are being advised to take care on the county's roads as temperatures fell below freezing overnight.
A police spokesman said today: “The situation on the county’s roads has improved significantly overnight following heavy rainfall yesterday.
“Presently, only the A686 road in the area around Hartside remains closed due to adverse weather conditions.
“However, police are advising motorists to drive with care as a number of roads are badly affected by ice following freezing temperatures overnight.”
National Rail said flooding was today affecting routes operated by TransPennine Express, National Express East Coast, and Northern Rail.
Service alterations are also affecting Arriva Trains Wales.
On Northern Rail, the Carlisle to Whitehaven service is expected to start by 9am.
Disruption is expected to continue until tomorrow on the Leeds to Skipton/Ilkley/Bradford Forster Square, Halifax to Huddersfield, and Selby to Wakefield via Bradford Interchange/Huddersfield routes.
There will be no service from Skipton to Lancaster/Morecambe, and Skipton to Carlisle.

22 Jan 2008 : Marmalade festival arrive s !

ORGANISERS of the World's Original Marmalade Festival in Ullswater are calling on B&B owners to enter their preserves for competition before February 3.

B&B owners have railed against falling marmalade sales in recent years by serving up homemade preserves in the regions many guesthouses. This year, the festival wants them to add to the hundreds of entries in this year's marmalade competition.

The festival coincides with the 50th birthday of Paddington bear, who will be greeting children at the event on February 8-10 at Dalemain Historic House and Gardens near Ullswater.

Entry forms for the Marmalade competition are available by calling 017684 86450 or at www.marmaladefestival.com

20 Jan 2008 : New events announced in Wasdale

Wasdale Entertainsat a Candlemas

Family Social Evening on Saturday 2 February 2008

at 6.30 p.m. at the Old School, Nether Wasdale

Bring-and-Share Supper and Wine

Tickets £3 (children £1.50) from Nether Wasdale Church Members

Come and

Enjoy Yourself!

HALLE CONCERT 8 FEB. 2008 COACH TRAVEL TO CARLISLE BOOK SOON WITH SIM’S Coaches, Eskdale

16 Jan 2008 : Flood warnings in place

SEVERAL of Cumbria’s main rivers have been put on flood watch as forecasters warned that heavy rain is set to sweep across northern Britain.

Though the wet weather is likely to ease in Cumbria throughout today, forecasters say there will be heavy rainfall for the rest of the week, with Northern England, the Midlands and Wales expected to be the worst hit.

Deluges have already left some parts of the UK on the brink of serious flooding and homeowners and businesses have been warned to prepare for the worst as river levels continue to rise.

The Environment Agency has put several Cumbrian rivers on flood watch, which means flooding is expected on low lying land and roads.

They include:

* the Upper Derwent from Seathwaite to Bassenthwaite

* the Rivers Greta, Glendermackin and St John’s Beck from the Threlkeld area to Derwentwater.

* the rivers Eamont and Lowther at their confluence with the River Eden at Langwathby

A spokesman for the Environment Agency warned people to “remain vigilant”.

Last night the agency reported 68 flood warnings across the country, with a further 187 areas on flood watch.

A spokesman for the Met Office in London said: “In Cumbria, it will be rather cloudy with not much rain, but the picture will change over Thursday and Friday.

“But over the next couple of days there will be more heavy rain coming along - enough to cause concern among the authorities, with 10 mls to 20mls over a good part of the area, perhaps more on higher parts.”

Nikki Berry, senior forecaster for Meteogroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: “Today is not going to be as windy as it has been and there should be some let up in Gloucester - but they can expect more wet weather later in the week.

“Currently we have a front that has settled across Northern England and that will remain until about mid-morning or lunchtime.

“We have got another system due tomorrow which will bring very heavy rain and some hill snow in Northern England, Wales and the Midlands.

“Then we are expecting more heavy rain on Friday. That will settle from around Birmingham northwards for much of the weekend. It is a very wet outlook.”

16 Jan 2008 : More fells deaths

NSP Barry Bell from Cumbria Police, who co-ordinated the rescue effort for the second of two men killed last week has warned walkers to be aware of the potential dangers of walking in the area.

The second man died on Saturday after falling 813ft (248m) from a ridge on Helvellyn.

David Thomas Burke, 41, from Newcastle, was out walking on the mountain, which is one of the Lake District's highest. It is the second death on Helvellyn in less than a week.

On Wednesday a 62-year-old man was killed when he was blown off a ridge and fell 1,000ft.

The latest tragedy happened on Saturday afternoon at Striding Edge ridge, one of the most popular areas with walkers and climbers.

The Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team attended the scene and Mr Burke was flown to hospital in an RAF helicopter, but was pronounced dead.

Police said the coroner had been informed.

Insp Barry Bell not only warned walkers but praised the efforts of rescuers.

He said walkers had to be "extremely aware" of weather conditions and their own abilities, while planning to venture onto the Lake District fells.

I understand people enjoy walking, but when you have a devastating consequence when somebody loses their life doing something they enjoy you know it's particularly difficult for people who attend, he added.

16 Jan 2008 : Man falls to his death

A MAN has died after plunging more than 1,600ft off a mountain in the Lake District.

David Burke, 41, of Newcastle, was blown off the Striding Edge ridge on Helvellyn by strong winds on Saturday afternoon.

He is the second person to die after being blown off the mountain in less than a week after Bolton man Michael Hollinshead plunged 1,000ft to his death last Wednesday.

Police, Patterdale Mountain Rescue Team and an RAF helicopter were called to yesterday’s incident.

An attempt was made to resuscitate Mr Burke at the scene.

He was airlifted to Carlisle’s Cumberland Infirmary were he was pronounced dead.

He had been in a party of five walkers

16 Jan 2008 : Red squirrels in danger

OUR native red squirrels may be threatened with extinction but at least some in Cumbria are thriving.

As this sequence of fascinating pictures show, this resourceful and intelligent little creature can provide nature lovers with hours of free entertainment.

Our photographer Stuart Walker snapped this red squirrel as he took advantage of a nut feeder placed by Meg Sunderland in the garden behind her home, south of Carlisle.

The squirrel and several of its fellow reds are regular visitors to the area, which Meg says she does not want to disclose for fear that visitors may disturb the shy creatures.

Meg explained that the small housing development where she lives is near a line of beech trees, which are regularly used by the squirrels as they travel from garden to garden.

She said: “We call the trees their M6 motorway.

“We all feed them and regularly see them running along the trees. These houses have been here for about six years and the squirrels seemed to appear immediately.

“We all feed them.

“They’re very cute, but there aren’t many of them,” added Meg.

“They’re also intelligent, but they seem to fight quite a lot. They’re fascinating to watch and if you’re very quiet they sometimes go under the chair you’re sitting on.”

One of the biggest threats facing red squirrels is a parapox virus carried by the American grey squirrels, which were introduced into Britain from America in the 19th century.

Greys also drive out reds, depriving them of their habitat.

Meg added: “We did get one grey six months ago, but we alerted the right people and they set a trap for it.”

Experts estimate that there are now only around 160,000 red squirrels left in Britain while there are now more than two million greys. They fear reds could be wiped out

16 Jan 2008 : MRT in the news again

ONE of the Lake District’s busiest mountain rescue teams is resisting calls for the service to be made paid and professional.

This is despite claims that recruitment of new members in several of the area’s rescue teams is nearing crisis point.

Dave Allan, who is chairman of Mountain Rescue England and Wales, said there were fears that some mountain rescue teams may be unable to continue in the future.

He said volunteers were being put under pressure because of a “hardening attitude” on the part of employers who continually had staff called out to join search and rescue incidents.

The increasing popularity of fell walking in the Lake District, boosted by a number of recent television programmes, is putting added strain on the volunteers who make up the local teams. Many 999 calls turn out not to be real emergencies, but members have to be put on standby.

Mark Hodgson, who leads the Keswick Mountain Rescue Team, said: “It’s certainly not as easy as it used to be to recruit members, although we currently have five prospective new members and they were out with us at the weekend.”

Mr Hodgson is convinced that the ethos of volunteering is where the “true strength” of mountain rescue lies.

He said team members joined because they wanted to help fellow mountaineers, exactly as it was in 1947 when the Keswick team was formed.

He said: “I’m well aware some teams have considerably fewer members than we do. At the moment Keswick has 42 members and quite a lot of them work out of town during the week which means we can struggle sometimes, although we always get enough.”

He added: “If we get more than one incident at the same time we will probably get enough from Keswick, but if we are short we call on our neighbouring teams.”

Mr Hodgson said some Lake District rescue teams only had half the numbers of Keswick.

As well as the pressure on members who have jobs, potential young recruits often have to move away from the area due to the price of housing.

Mr Hodgson said: “We are almost victims of our own success. We get calls where previously we would not have been called on because people don’t prepare properly or have the right equipment.”

The advent of the mobile phone has also meant more calls to police from walkers in trouble.

Keswick had 120 calls from the police last year although only 90 turned into actual rescues.

Mr Hodgson said local employers were still quite good about letting volunteers go out on calls during work time.

Mr Allan singled out the Langdale and Ambleside, Wasdale and Keswick teams as those with the most acute recruitment problems.

He said Wasdale had been called out 31 times in 42 days and this was having an impact on members’ work and home lives. To let someone off that amount of time meant employers had to be very considerate.

Mr Allan is predicting that figures for rescues in the Lake District in 2007 will have reached record levels. The rise is not due to people getting injured, but to those who get lost or caught out by nightfall and bad weather.

Nick Owen, team leader of the Langdale/Ambleside team, said the problem was getting younger people to fill the gaps left by older members retiring.

Mr Allan is working with the British Mountaineering Council to look at ways of educating novice walkers to prevent them getting into difficulty.

The Keswick Mountain Rescue Team recently assisted with expert advice during filming of episodes of Coronation Street on the fells at Honister.

Mr Hodgson said he hoped the exposure given to the service from the programme, which is watched by millions, would send out a good message on mountain safety to walkers planning to visit the area.

16 Jan 2008: Osprey finds mate

THE Lake District's most famous osprey appears to have found a new mate after his long-term partner failed to return from Africa.

Fish King arrived at Bassenthwaite Lake a week ago, but GreenXS – the female with whom he has raised 10 chicks – has yet to appear.

On Friday, a hidden camera revealed the presence of a new female in the nest.

The male, who has nested at the same site since 2001, is now catching fish for his new companion.

This makes it probable that the pair will mate, according to Graeme Prest of the Lake District Osprey