South lakes local 9

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Ulverston drug

dealers sentenced

Alderton Two Ulverston drug dealers have been sentenced on (20 April 2018). Simon Alderton, 44, and Wendy Steel, 45, both of Ullswater Close, were sentenced after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

They appeared at Preston Crown Court on (April 20th) where Alderton was handed a 30 month prison sentence.

Steel was sentenced to 22 months in prison, suspended for two years and an alcohol treatment programme.

The sentence follows the execution of a warrant at the defendant’s home address on September 8th of last year.

Police seized a plastic capsule containing 16 deals of heroin from Alderton’s trouser pocket – the drugs were later analysed to be worth around £320.

Within the property officers also found drugs paraphernalia such as plastic bag corners with holes in.

Steel’s fingerprints were found on these pieces of plastic.

Both were arrested at the scene.

A spokesperson for South Cumbria Drug Unit said: “Once again we have shown that are continuing to disrupt the activity of these drug dealers, who cause so much harm to our communities. We will trace you and work to bring you before the courts, to show that you have no place on our streets. This should send a strong message to those who think they can engage in this criminality and get away with it.”

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Issue. 9 - May 2018

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Your Regional Newspaper

45 children in Cumbria are

currently waiting for a forever family

Right now in Cumbria, the county council are searching for prospective adopters as 45 children await a forever family.

What's more, almost 2 in 3 of the children are waiting with their brother or sister.

Children who need adopters come from a variety of different ethnic and religious backgrounds and some may have disabilities or other special needs. What the children all have in common is that they have had unsettled and sometimes traumatic experiences and need the love and care that adoptive parents can bring to their young lives.

Prospective adopters can expect a high quality and professional service from Cumbria County Council’s Adoption Team. The council have successfully matched hundreds of children with families in Cumbria over the years and have the skills, expertise and experience to support adopters through the process and match them with a child who will thrive in their family. The adoption assessment process takes around six months to complete in most cases.

Whether you are married or single, divorced or living with a partner,

gay or straight, unemployed or disabled, and whatever your cultural background, adopting may be for you.

Potential adopters in Cumbria are invited to find out more at information evenings in Barrow, Penrith or Whitehaven next week: • Barrow - Tuesday 27 June - starts

6pm with presentation from 6.15pm - The Imperial Hotel (Conference Room) • Penrith - Wednesday 28 June - starts 6pm with presentation from 6.15pm The George Hotel (Regency Room) • Whitehaven - Thursday 29 June starts 6pm with presentation from

6.15pm - The Beacon More information about the children waiting, the process and the support available can also be found at www. cumbria.gov.uk/adoption.

To enquire please call 0303 333 1216.

Facebook account https://www.facebook.com/ cumbriafosteringandadoption.

Twitter @FosterAdoptCCC.

Alcohol test purchase

operation conducted in Carlisle

Three Carlisle premises failed a test purchase operation over the weekend during a joint operation carried out by the Police and Trading Standards.

A total of nine licensed premises were visited on the evening of Friday April 20th, and were tested on whether they challenged alcohol purchasers for identification.

The six premises who passed the test were:

• Bargain Booze, Scotland Road; • Spar, Longtown; • Fourways, Greystone Road; • Turf Tavern; • Spar, Hutton Way; • Co-Op, Stonegarth.

Of the three who failed the test, one had also failed the previous test in January of this year, and will now be requested to meet with the licensing department and police. They were all

fined £90.

Sergeant Scott Adams said: “I congratulate those six premises who challenged the test purchaser and who refused to sell alcohol when they could not supply appropriate identification. “It is disappointing that three failed the test, and we will work with those premises to educate their staff on the importance of challenging those that attempt to buy alcohol

while under the legal age. “We will continue to carry out operations of this kind not just in Carlisle but across Cumbria. All licence holders and premises supervisors should take note.

There are always those who look older than their age but it is important for staff to do the right thing and make sure they are checking their identification.”

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Lancashire bids to go

Upbeat around the world — one mile at a time

business

owners looking to expand Business owners in South Lakeland feel upbeat about the future according to the results of an annual survey.

Almost a quarter of those who took part say they’ll be looking to change their premises in the next three years and one in six is expecting to increase staffing levels.

Of the 1,143 business which responded to the South Lakeland Business Premises Survey for 2017, three quarters feel confident about the next 12 months.

The survey, which is undertaken by our Invest in South Lakeland economic development team, helps to provide an up-to-date assessment of local business need.

Councillor Graham Vincent, our Economy portfolio holder, said: “The results of the survey are very encouraging.

One headline figure is that almost 260 local businesses are looking ahead and expecting to move premises, with the majority expecting to increase in size by means of moving, expanding and or acquiring new premises.

“One in every six business owners has indicated that they expect to create more jobs which says a lot about sustained growth and the delivery of real economic success.”

The survey is yet more positive news about local economic activity.

Recent figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that South Lakeland’s economy

has become the fastest growing in Cumbria, out-performing neighbouring district authorities and overtaking the cities of Lancaster and Carlisle.

More than £100million has been added to the value of goods and services produced across the district, according to the ONS figures.

Meanwhile South Lakeland has been listed as one of the North West’s top five ‘vibrant economies’ by accountants Grant Thornton in a report for a major international event to attract inward investment.

The ‘Vibrant Economy Index’ scores areas on economic performance, taking into account factors such as prosperity, dynamism and opportunity, and health, wellbeing and happiness.

South Lakeland is ranked fifth overall in the North West, just ahead of Lancaster in sixth and Manchester in eighth positions, and is the only Cumbrian district to make the North West top ten.

“South Lakeland District Council is committed to attracting inward investment, supporting the development of higher paid jobs and helping our towns and villages to thrive commercially.

Based on the encouraging economic news we have received over the past few weeks and months, we are continuing to deliver successful business outcomes,” added Cllr Vincent.

People across the Lancaster district are being asked to join with the whole of Lancashire to walk, run, hop, skip, jump or swim a mile on May 18th 2018.

The aim is to encourage at least 24,901 people to pledge to take part on Your Mile Your Way Day, which in cumulative distance terms would equate to going around the world.

Your Mile Your Way is being coordinated by Lancashire County Council as part of its Active Lives and Healthy Weight programme.

Providers of the programme will be hosting Health Week 2018 from 14th - 18th May, which will offer members of the public access to free fitness activities over the four day period.

The Your Mile Your Way challenge will conclude the Health Week 2018 activities on Friday 18th May. A range of Your Mile Your Way activities are being planned right across the county on the day that will be free to join in or alternatively, people can just do their own thing — as long as they remember to pledge their mile via the Your Mile Your Way website.

The website also features links to all the events in each area — which for the Lancaster district includes Nordic walking and a chance to run a mile at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre.

The initiative is being supported by comedian Ted Robbins — star of Phoenix Nights — who shed more than four stone and became a gym regular after surviving an on-stage heart attack.

Ted said: “It took a cardiac arrest for me to look at my life differently. But during my recovery I started doing short daily walks which doctors recommended to get my strength back up. “I started off doing a walk around the hospital ward, then a 15-minute walk, then half an hour, and now I have built up to a couple of miles. I would love to eventually do

Ted Robbins a fundraising walk or jog. The great thing is, I enjoy it and I look and feel younger than I have for ages.”

Figures show that 23 per cent of adults, equating to around 218,000, in Lancashire do less than 30 minutes of moderate activity a week, when the Chief Medical Officer recommends adults undertake 150 minutes of activity each week.

Children aged between five and 18 should be taking part in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week, however survey results show that only 15% of children aged 15 in Lancashire are estimated to be reaching that level.

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, director of public health for Lancashire County Council, said: “The figures show that we need to do more to encourage people, young and old, in every part of Lancashire to become more active.

“We’re hoping Your Mile Your

Way Day on May 18 will become a catalyst for people across the county to commit to taking up more regular exercise. The health benefits for the individuals would be enormous.”

Background to Your Mile Your Way • The Active Lives Survey (2015/16) estimates that 63.5% of the adult population of Lancashire-12 are living with excess weight, significantly above the national estimate of 61.3%.

This suggests there are over 600,000 adults in Lancashire-12 with a weight problem.

• Figures from QOF 2016/17 showed that there were 147,947 persons (aged 18+) recorded as living with obesity, accounting for 10.6% of the registered population.

• The districts of Burnley (67.7%) and South Ribble (68.3%) both have significantly higher estimated excess weight prevalence than the national average. As does the neighbouring

authority of Blackpool (68.6%).

• The National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) 2016/17 found a total of 7,262 reception and Year-6 age children from across the Lancashire-12 were living with excess weight.

• At a district level Burnley (25.6%), Hyndburn (27.2%), Lancaster (26.7%) and West Lancashire (26.8%) were all found to have a significantly higher prevalence of reception age children (4-5) with excess weight than England.

• Trend line analysis indicates that excess weight prevalence increases as children move from reception age to year six.

• Estimates of adult underweight, suggest that there are almost 9,000 underweight adults living in Lancashire-12 with Preston estimated to have significantly high levels of adult underweight prevalence.

Ambitious city

transformation plans given go-ahead

Working closely with the public, businesses and organisations will be at the heart of developing ambitious new plans for the Canal Corridor North site in Lancaster, councillors have agreed.

On Wednesday (April 11) councillors met to discuss the latest developments for the site, which is being rebranded as the Canal Quarter.

The meeting followed recent discussions with British Land about the redevelopment of the site, and proposals for the city council itself to take forward plans for a multi-use development of the 16-acre site. As there are no viable options for the current Canal Corridor North scheme which can be recommended for support, the current development agreement with British Land will be terminated. Councillors have agreed that the council will now develop new plans for the site.

Key to developing the proposals will be drawing up a detailed plan to engage the public and ensure future proposals benefit from wide public participation. Susan

Artist's impression of the proposed development, as seen from Moor Lane Parsonage, Lancaster City Council’s chief executive, said: “This decision allows the council to move forward and develop new proposals for the regeneration of the Canal Quarter site.

“Key to the decision made by councillors was the need to fully engage with the public, businesses and our partners to develop a scheme that reflects the views of the community.”

The guiding principles for the new scheme is that it should: • Provide significant and wide-ranging economic benefits without exposing

the city council to unacceptable levels of financial risk • Have less reliance on additional retail floor space, thereby instilling confidence in the future of the existing city centre shopping area • Find new uses for historic buildings and capitalise on the site’s proximity to the Lancaster Canal • Include more residential accommodation and cater for a variety of different occupiers • Facilitate an increase in Lancaster University’s presence in the city centre

• Provide more business space, especially for Lancaster’s thriving digital sector • Deliver an arts hub that achieves the goal of making Lancaster the North West’s primary cultural centre outside of the main conurbations • Take advantage of the latest in green technology to make the site as self-sustainable as possible • Rationalise car parking and encourage sustainable travel to and through the area, especially to the existing city centre.

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Bikeability cycle training delivered Stainton man for blow torch to over 5,000 young people in Cumbria! jailed attack in Carlisle

Thousands of school children in Cumbria have received expert training in how to ride their bikes safely in the last year, through the council’s Bikeability programme, delivered by Cumbria-based companies Cyclewise and Eden Valley Sports Partnership. Last year the council secured £600,000 of funding from the Department for Transport (DfT) to deliver the training to children in Cumbria for the next three years.

In the 2017-18 financial year, Bikeability training was delivered to a total of 5,733 children in Cumbria across three different age groups and ability levels: Level 1 - delivered in primary schools to 1,527 children in Years 3 and 4.

This level involves playground skills training which lays the foundation for going out onto the road in Level 2.

Level 2 - delivered in primary schools to 4,055 children in Years 5 and 6.

This level includes a 4 day course taking children from the playground onto local roads, learning how to cycle on the road, pass parked cars, perform U-turns, turn to and from major roads, and dealing with traffic.

Level 3 - delivered in secondary schools to 151 students in Years 7, 8 and 9. This level is aimed at more experienced and regular cyclists to school and involves an intensive two hour course including cycling on busy major roads, dealing with roundabouts, heavy traffic and cycle lanes.

Level 3 training is also taking place during the next fortnight at a number

of Cumbrian secondary s c h o o l s , including Beacon Hill (Aspatria), West Lakes Academy (Egremont), Queen Katherine (Kendal), Ulverston High School, Keswick School, Solway Community College (Silloth), Richard Rose Central Academy (Carlisle), Netherhall School and Wo r k i n g t o n Academy. This will be the highest number of students trained at Level 3.

For the next financial year the council has secured £168,510 in DfT funding to support the Bikeability programme. This will help to deliver a total of 1,366 Level 1 places, 3,872 Level 2 places and 170 Level 3 places.

Cumbria County Council has organised Bikeability cycle training with Department for Transport funding support for more than 40,000 Cumbrian school pupils since 2007.

A man who attacked a Carlisle shop owner whilst armed with a blow torch and a machete has been jailed for nine years and nine months and a restraining order. Frank Robertson, aged 60, of Stainton, was sentenced on (24th April) at Carlisle Crown Court for attempting to cause GBH and possessing two offensive weapons – a blow torch and a machete.

Robertson denied attempted murder at a previous hearing and pleaded guilty to the offences he was sentenced for. The incident occurred at PB Sports store on Wigton Road, Carlisle, on 13th January.

Robertson entered the store and squeezed a plastic bottle containing petrol at the victim before using the blow torch to set the victim’s leg on fire.

Detective Sergeant Tracey Nimmo, North Cumbria CID, said: “Robertson was intent on causing his victim serious pain in what was an extremely violent and premeditated attack.

“Robertson is clearly a dangerous individual given the lengths he went to in attacking his victim.

“I am pleased he is now behind bars and I hope this sends a clear message to anyone who would consider engaging in such violence.”

Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member for Road Safety, said: “Bikeability is essentially cycling proficiency training for the 21st Century, helping young people improve their cycling and road awareness skills. The county council has a strong track record of delivering cycle training in schools with our partners and I’m delighted the council

Enjoy free band concerts in Happy Mount Park

Lancaster City Council is delighted to launch this year’s seasonal programme of free band concerts in Happy Mount Park.

Featuring some of the finest brass and concert bands from across the north west, the concerts will take place at 2.30pm on most Sundays from May until the beginning of September.

The full programme which is supported by Happy Mount Park Catering Limited (Happy Mount Park café) is as follows: May 6 Morecambe Band 13 Pilling Jubilee Silver Band 20 Preston Concert Band 27 Lancaster City Brass

June 3 Burneside Brass 10 East Lancs Concert Band 17 Morecambe Band 24 Blackpool Brass July 1 Freckleton Band 8 Pilling Jubilee Silver Band 15 Lancaster City Brass 22 Burneside Brass 29 Thornton Cleveleys August 5 Morecambe Band 19 Blackpool Brass 26 Kendal Concert Band September 9 Preston Concert Band Seating is not provided, but members

Free summer band concerts in Happy Mount Park

of the public may wish to take along their own picnic style chair or hire a deck chair at the park. In the case of poor weather, performances will where possible take place in the café.

For more information or a copy of the full programme which also lists other family friendly events taking place in Happy Mount Park during the summer, visit www.lancaster. gov.uk/happymountpark or contact Morecambe Visitor Information Centre, tel. 01524 582808.

Copies of the printed programme are also available at Morecambe and Lancaster town halls and visitor information centres as well as the café in Happy Mount Park.

is able support this excellent work.”

Councillor Sue Sanderson, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member for Schools and Learning, said: “Cycling is becoming increasingly popular and it’s a great way for young people to be active and stay healthy as well as being good for the environment. Bikeability training teaches essential cycling and road safety skills, and I am very pleased this training continues to be delivered in Cumbrian schools.”

More information on the Bikeability programme is available at www.bikeability.org.uk.

Frank Robertson

Page 4.

Press to test,

monthly is best

As part of the national fire safety campaign, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging people in Cumbria to test the smoke alarms in their home - and those of vulnerable friends and relatives.

Smoke alarms should also be installed at every level of the home, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service advises.

Smoke alarms can give someone the few extra seconds they need to escape in a fire. While the majority of homes across the country now have an alarm fitted, most people are not aware that the average alarm has a lifespan of just ten years and then needs replacing. A single smoke alarm in the home may simply not be enough.

The recommendation is to fit at least one at every level, and to ensure you can hear them throughout your home, particularly when asleep.

Last year, in nearly half of all fires in the home where the smoke alarm did not give a warning, the reason was that the alarm was not close enough to detect the fire. Missing or flat batteries were another major cause.

Catherine Moody, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service’s Home Accident Reduction Team Leader, said: “We know that smoke alarms save lives.

Analysis suggests you are at least eight times more likely to die in a fire in the home if you don’t have any working smoke alarms.”

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is

asking people to make sure that their alarms are up to date and up to the job. To keep your alarms in working order: • Make sure there is at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home; • Test your smoke alarms by pushing the button every month; • Check that your smoke alarms are less than 10 years old; • Fit smoke alarms on landings and hallways and near or in bedrooms.

Also consider in rooms which have electrical appliances - e.g. a heater or charger - or other fire risks; • Don’t put alarms in or near kitchens

and bathrooms where smoke or steam can set them off by accident.

• Replace your smoke alarms every ten years • Take a moment to check on your loved ones who may need help to test their smoke alarms to ensure they’re fully protected.

Catherine added: “For most of us, there is nothing more important than keeping our loved ones safe and secure. So if your alarm is getting past its best or your top floor is missing an alarm of its own, fit new ones, test them on the first of every month and protect your loved ones at all times.

Press to test, monthly is best."

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New Gooseholme footbridge to

be installed by end of January 2019 Cumbria County Council is pleased to confirm that works to progress the replacement of Gooseholme footbridge in Kendal are now underway.

The replacement footbridge is being delivered by the council and jointly funded with support from South Lakeland District Council and the Environment Agency.

The design of the replacement bridge, which will provide improved access for pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users, is now underway, with construction works intended to be complete by the end of January 2019.

The footbridge will form a key part of Kendal’s cycle network and provide a link to and from the New Road green space.

Gooseholme footbridge was one of nearly 800 bridges that were damaged or destroyed by Storm Desmond in December 2015. To date, the council has completed repairs to 278, with work currently ongoing to a further 264. The overall Flood Recovery Programme involving over 1,200 schemes is set to complete in Summer 2019.

The council is grateful to the local community for their patience and recognises that the absence of the footbridge has been inconvenient.

Take the family for a trip to the Brecon

Beacons National Park whilst in wales and

enjoy a broad assembly of attractions and activities!

STARGAZING: The entire Brecon Beacons National Park is an International Dark Sky Reserve and has some of the highest quality skies throughout the whole of the UK which makes it a first choice for many to enjoy stargazing as the contrast of the stars against the beautiful dark sky allows for a truly brilliant stargazing experience. There are also many nocturnal animals that venture out in the night that you will be able to spot with your binoculars!

You may be able to spot some of the rarest creatures of the night such as barn owls, horseshoe bats, foxes, badgers, dormice, hedgehogs, moths and insects.

MOUNTAIN BIKING: Enjoy beautiful views whilst cycling throughout the stunning scenery within the National Park and simultaneously participating in a healthy bout of exercise and spending plenty of time in the fresh air with family and friends. Bikes can be hired from the park where guests can enjoy a range of packages such as a modest one day bike ride to a complete set including equipment, accommodation, routes and guides.

A range of different terrains are available for guests to discover such as lanes and hillside tracks.

FISHING: Whether you’re an avid fisherman or a complete newbie, turn your hand to fishing at the National Park and experience fishing in rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs within The River Wye, The River Usk, Talybont Reservoir, Usk Reservoir, Llangorse Lake, or the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. All participants are required to hold a Rod Licence.

HORSE RIDING: Horse lovers are also welcomed at the National Park as the stunning scenery spans over 600 miles of bridle paths and tracks.

Guests can also enjoy a relaxing pub lunch whilst exploring as facilities also cater for the horses. Experience quality trekking, riding and hacking holidays, short rides and pony trekking.

GROUP ACTIVITIES: Experienced coordinators can help to create a package of activities including mental exercises or physical challenges for an afternoon of fun with your family and friends. Take advantage of the group activities at the Brecon Beacons National Park where a

variety of activity sessions can be booked such as: water activities, i.e.

Canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, whitewater rafting, raft building, sailing, windsurfing; walking and riding, i.e. Hill walking, orienteering, geocaching, cycling, mountain biking, quad biking, horse riding, pony trekking; nature and skills building, i.e. Navigation, bushcraft, wildlife-watching, archery, clay pigeon shooting as well as exploration activities, i.e. Caving, rock climbing, abseiling, gorge walking, ropes and zip wires.

It is important to note that before partaking in outdoor activities, a thorough visit to the Brecon Beacons National Park’s website is recommend ensuring that all essential equipment can be obtained. Also, check the weather forecast to allow for proper preparation for the course of nature.

Ensure family and friends are aware of your location and always take local advice about any natural hazards you might encounter. Contact a local guide, instructor or organised group and follow the Countryside Code and the Waterways Code.

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Community drop-in event for Lake District secures Alston Front Street project environmental award scheme

A public drop-in event is taking place in Alston on Thursday 3 May to present to the local community a selection of potential plans and ideas for the regeneration of Front Street.

The event takes place at Alston House between 2.30pm and 7.30pm and everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend so that the council can develop a clear understanding of the wants and needs of the local community.

A variety of concepts will be on display at the event, and these will be left in situ for a number of days afterwards so people can go back and look at them, or for those who are unable to attend the drop-in. The materials will also be available to view via the county council website.

To allow the design team to develop an understanding of residents’ views, people will be asked about how and where they would spend their money, what type of design they think would be best for each zone and how the layout of the street should look when completed.

This session will then feed in to the various option designs that will be presented to the local community at a future public event for their consideration, and ultimately for them to help decide what the final design(s) will look like.

The council considers it extremely important to engage with the local community at every stage of the design and development of the Front Street project and is keen to get as

much feedback as possible to help inform the plans.

Cllr Claire Driver, Local Member for Alston, said: “This is a fantastic project for Alston and the wider local community, and I am delighted to be hosting an event where we can get a really good understanding of what local people want, need and expect from their town centre. I am incredibly proud to represent this community, so it’s important that they are involved at every stage of the project, and I am very excited about how it will look and serve the town once completed!

I’d urge everyone to come along to this event and give us the feedback we need to improve Alston for the future!”

More than 3,000 people will be able to connect with ‘wild spaces’ across the Lake District, thanks to the renewal of a partnership between the John Muir Trust and the National Park.

The John Muir Award is a national environmental award which encourages participants to enjoy wild places and have a role in caring for nature. In Cumbria it is managed by John Muir Award Manager, Graham Watson, hosted and supported in the role by the Lake District National Park, enabling both residents and visitors to enjoy, learn about and care for the environment around them.

The success of the John Muir Award in the Lake District: • More than 3,000 people achieve a John Muir Award in Cumbria every year • In 2011 the Lake District National Park began funding the regional role and during the seven-year partnership more than 19,500 participants have achieved the award • The award has encouraged both residents and visitors to learn about and take action to address important issues such as footpath erosion, woodland management, and water quality • The current John Muir Award Manager for Cumbria, Graham Watson, has been in the role since 2007 and he now continues to manage the renewed contract for two more years, until 2020 Graham Watson, John Muir Award Manager for Cumbria said: “I’m delighted that the Lake District is once again supporting the John Muir Award in the region, it’s such a popular framework for people to use here in Cumbria and really reflects the values of the National Park.

“People who take part in the award connect with the Lake District in a new way; it reinforces their understanding and appreciation of this world class landscape, strengthening their connection with

the Lake District.”

In order to achieve the award participants must demonstrate that they can discover a wild place, explore its wildness and take responsibility for its conservation and whilst being open to all the award is popular and widely used by schools.

Shelagh Hughes, Head Teacher, St Herbert’s Primary School said: “In my experience, their hands on experience during the activities excites and inspires them to continue to conserve and be aware of the natural world.”

Kerry Powell, Director of Communications and Resources at the Lake District National Park

said: “We see the huge value that the John Muir Award brings to the Lake District, providing vital awareness and education of how we can work together to protect this special World Heritage Site. The award is enjoyed by thousands of people who both live in and visit the Lake District and we’re thrilled to see it continue.”

News of the John Muir Award contract renewal comes as the John Muir Trust is celebrating what would have been John Muir’s 180th birthday on 21st April 2018. Find out more about the John Muir Award and how to take part here: http://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/ learning/johnmuiraward

Photo shows John Muir Award Manager for Cumbria, Graham Watson, who is celebrating the two-year contract renewal in the Lake District following the popularity of the conservation award.

Is Ravenglass England’s most special village?

Hopes for tourism boost as Cumbrian village now boasts TWO World Heritage Sites

Something special has just happened to the Lake District’s only coastal village… It’s now part of TWO World Heritage sites, and tourism businesses are hoping this unique claim to fame will entice new visitors to explore this hidden gem on Cumbria’s west coast. With both the Hadrian’s Wall and Lake District World Heritage sites, Ravenglass is now officially part of two globally recognised areas of cultural importance and local businesses say the Western Lake District more than deserves this

double accolade. Cumbria Tourism Chairman, Eric Robson, says: “For one county, let alone one village to have two World Heritage Sites is fantastic. I hope the inscription of the Lake District opens more opportunities for people to experience Ravenglass and Cumbria’s west coast.

“The draw of Hadrian’s Wall already attracts thousands of visitors to the north of the county, so this additional boost can only reinforce Cumbria’s strong reputation as a world class visitor destination, and we hope it

encourages more people to extend their visits and discover this largely undiscovered gem.” Ravenglass Railway Museum Project Manager, David Rounce, says “We’re all very proud of the Ravenglass area and its many attractions and are delighted that we’ve been recognised in this unique way. Tourism forms a vital part of the local economy and we’re confident that being part of two world heritage sites will bring new and returning visitors to the area and provide a welcome boost to local businesses”.

The village was previously best known as the home of the awardwinning Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, which winds through seven miles of spectacular scenery to the foot of England’s highest mountains.

Other key attractions include the newly opened Ravenglass Railway Museum, the majestic Muncaster Castle with its amazing Hawk & Owl Centre and breathtaking views of the Lake District mountains and Drigg Dunes Nature Reserve, which is home to various rare and endangered species of plants and animals including a thriving colony of natterjack toads.. But the history of Ravenglass actually spans back to

the 2nd Century Romans. Evidence of this is Ravenglass Roman Bath House. Established AD130, its remains are among the tallest Roman structures surviving - the walls stand

almost four metres high. It is thought the fort guarded the harbour, and there is evidence that soldiers stationed here served in Hadrian's fleet. So it’s the perfect way to start exploring the

Frontiers of the Roman Empire…

For more information about visiting Ravenglass and Cumbria’s west coast, or to book your stay visit www.golakes.co.uk

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History of the NGS

In 1859 William Rathbone, who was a prominent Liverpool merchant & philanthropist, paid a nurse named Mrs Robinson to care for his sick wife. He was greatly impressed by Mrs Robinson’s work & it struck him that while he was capable of hiring a nurse because he was a wealthy man, there must be thousands of poor people in Liverpool who could not afford this & yet still had that need.

He therefore paid Mrs Robinson to go into the city to nurse the poor. Before long Mrs Robinson returned to tell Mr Rathbone that because conditions were so terrible there was no way she could make any impression on them on her own. William Rathbone set up a school of nursing & sent nurses into the city in groups. Later this resulted in the creation of district nursing.

District nursing spread through the length & breadth of the land. Among those who were actively supportive of this were Florence Nightingale & Queen Victoria, who were both deeply interested in the work. It is extraordinary to us today to recall that the NHS did not come on the scene until 1948, so all this work had to be funded by charity.

The organising body for district nursing was the Queen’s Nursing Institute. In 1927 Miss Elsie Wagg, who was a member of the QNI Council, had the idea of inviting people with fine gardens to open them to the public with a view to raising funds. The first gardens opened in 1927. A total of 609 gardens opened at a standard charge of one shilling per head & a total of £8,191 was raised – a considerable sum of money in

those days. It was considered a great success, undoubtedly assisted by the active support of his Majesty King George V, who opened the gardens at Sandringham in Norfolk, & these gardens have been open every year since.

When the NGS was born in 1927, visiting private gardens was a well established pastime, but only for the privileged few. So asking owners of fine gardens to open them once a year to the general public was a radical, but

wonderful idea. The charity has gone from strength to strength ever since, with thousands of privately owned private gardens & suburban plots opening for the NGS, in addition to large gardens belonging to stately homes. Beneficiaries. Although many people associate the NGS with Open Gardens, surprisingly few people are aware of the the fact that it is the largest beneficiary of the nursing charities. Through the support of the garden owners & visitors, NGS

Cumbria raised £55k in 2015, & the NGS scheme donated £2.7m to the following charities last year (up from £2.6m in 2014): MacMillan Cancer Support £500,000 Marie Curie Cancer Care £500,000 Hospice UK £500,000 Carers Trust £375,000 Queen’s Nursing Institute £250,000 Parkinson’s UK £100,000 Perennial £150,000 The Multiple Schlerosis Society £100,000. Horatio’s Garden £130,000 Contact Details Website address www.ngs.org.uk Follow us on Twitter – CumbriaNGS Like us on Facebook – Cumbria NGS Buy the annual bestseller ‘Yellow Book’ at newsagents everywhere, which gives details of all gardens open across the country for the NGS. Pick up the County Leaflet free in ‘What’s On’ shelves across Cumbria.

This gives details of all NGS gardens open across the county.

County Organiser – Diane Hewitt 015394 46238, dhewitt.kinsman@ gmail.com. Publicity – Carole Berryman 0153954 443649, carole@ caroleberrymangardens.co.uk Open gardens. 65 gardens will be open across Cumbria this year, of all shapes, styles & sizes. In addition to seeing some wonderful gardens, many not normally open to the public, there are often teas & cakes, & plant sales – a wonderful day out for garden lovers in aid of good causes.

Average price £3.50.

10 New gardens in 2016 including: Broom Cottage Long Marton, Appleby-in-Westmorland CA16 6JP

open Sun 3 July 6&8 Conyers Ave Barrow-in-Furness LA14 4JT Open Sun 24 July Eden Place Kirkby Stephen CA17 4AP Open 3 July Fern Bank High House Rd St Bees CA27 0BZ Open Sun 10 April Grange Fell Allotments Fell Rd Grange-over-Sands LA11 6HB Open Sun 3 July Grow West Allerby Aspatria Wigton

CA7 2NL Open Sun 22 May Highlands High Knott Rd Arnside Carnforth LA5 0AW Open Sat-Sun 11-12 June Mirefoot Burneside Kendal LA8 9AB Open Sun 5 June Sandhouse Burnhill Scaleby Carlisle CA6 4LU 39 Outbarrow Rd Ulverston – part of Ulverston Open Gardens Open Sun 26 June

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Exciting playtimes

ahead for Grosvenor Park

The ambition of a group of local play structures, a Viking swing with and sit in springies and a roundabout. woodland themed ground graphics residents and Heaton-with-Oxcliffe basket, crazy twister rotator, sit on These are complemented by and a seating and picnic area. parish council to provide children with a safe and exciting place to play was realised this week when the brand new £54K Grosvenor Park Play Area was officially opened.

The former play area on Lune Drive, Morecambe which was owned and maintained by Lancaster City Council had become old and worn and in desperate need of a revamp.

For the last 10 months, the Parish Council and local residents have been working with Lancaster City Council to develop plans and source funding for an exciting new facility which would cater for all ages up to 12 years old including those with disabilities.

The partnership approach enabled funding to be secured from a variety of sources including £5,000 from Banks Heysham South Wind Farm Community Fund, £9,746 from BIG lottery Awards for All, £5,000 from the Galbraith Trust and £30,000 from the Lancashire Environmental Fund and Heaton with Oxcliffe Parish Council.

Works to install the exciting new facility took six weeks to complete and the play area is now open for business. Attractions include Castle Children from Grosvenor Park Primary School celebrate opening of new play on their patch Galahad and Little Miss Muffet multi-

Cracking down on

Anti-Social Behaviour in Poulton

Lancaster City Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) Team has joined forces with police and local parents to tackle recent incidents of anti-social behaviour caused by children in the Poulton area of Morecambe.

Following reports of a disturbance at Morrisons a number of weeks ago caused by youths throwing things around the store and which involved an assault on a young girl, the council’s newly formed ASB Team with help from the Neighbourhood Policing Team have tracked down the offenders and taken action to address their behaviour.

One of young culprits was found to be just 11 years old at the time and suspected of taking drink and drugs, whilst not being registered to attend any local school. The team are currently working with social services and a member of the child’s family to get to the root of the problem and address her needs and behaviour.

An ASB officer from the council and member of the Morecambe Neighbourhood Policing Team met with the rest of the girls and their parents to agree and commit to an acceptable behaviour agreement.

This will prevent them from becoming repeat offenders of ASB, it having become apparent that some parents had no idea of the trouble that their children had got themselves into in the first place. A local secondary school has also been consulted and are supporting the agreed plan of action.

Coun Andrew Warriner, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental health, said: “The aim of the council’s newly formed anti-social behaviour unit is to lead on prevention, early intervention and resolution work for all types of unwanted behaviour.

“Everyone has the right to live a peaceful life and the introduction of the council’s new unit will allow the council to do its bit to prevent local residents from ending up feeling harassed, alarmed and vulnerable by the unwanted behaviour of others around them.

“Anti-social behaviour comes in all shapes and sizes and can be caused by children and adults alike. Having received numerous complaints of anti-social behaviour being displayed

by young people in the Poulton Ward, the team was able to tackle the problem swiftly and successfully in partnership with the parents concerned and other agencies to nip it in the bud.

“Parents of children who are making the lives of others a misery should also be warned that if they are found to be at fault and refuse to work with the council and other agencies to steer their children away from committing further offences, the council will

not hesitate to use the legislation available to prosecute the parent as was the result of a similar case in the West End of Morecambe last year.”

If anti-social behaviour is taking place in your area or you feel you are the victim of such behaviour, you can report it to the council’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team online at www. lancaster.gov.uk/asb, by sending an email to asb@lancaster.gov.uk or by telephoning 01524 582935.

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The 18 Hardest

Greens in the UK

Welcome Sunshine for UK Golfers after Harsh Winter

Most golfers across the UK would anecdotally state that it was a horrendous winter and early spring for those hoping to get out and play.

Courses were closed due to frequent heavy rainfall and frozen conditions inflicted by the likes of the ‘Beast from the East’ and ‘Storm Emma’, which curtailed regular golfers wanting to keep their games in check over the colder months, while those latter arctic blasts pushed the early season for many clubs back several weeks. It was reportedly the wettest March in Leicestershire for 70 years,

and parts of the UK saw average monthly rainfall for April within just the first ten days of the month.

And now we have some comprehensive data to back up the presumption that golfers were unable to play as frequently throughout the low season.

Leading sports researchers SPORTS MARKETING SURVEYS INC. (SMS INC.) have noted that rounds played across all regions for Quarter 1 of 2018 were down 22% on the equivalent period of last year. 2017 was the highest since 2012. Scotland

was the least affected territory with a drop of 15.7%, but it was the North of England that was most severely hit by a slump in golf, most likely a result of the consistently inhibiting weather and course conditions. In total, rounds played in March were 35% down compared to 2017.

However, there is welcome respite to come for golfers aching to dust off the clubs and get back playing again. This week, significantly warmer and dryer conditions are forecast across the UK, leading to what is hoped will be a boom for clubs and venues throughout the remainder of April.

This “mini-heatwave” is a signaller for many people that the golf season is finally here.

Making the most that opportunity, we invite golfers to track their rounds and stats on the Golfshake Score Tracker and participate in the #ConnectWithYourGame

Challenge in Association with Cobra Golf. Research has shown that regularly tracking statistics related to your game is an effective tool for identifying weaknesses and lowering your handicap throughout a year.

Now is the time to start.

If you want to take advantage of the weather and enjoy a short break away, the Golfshake Travel Section has the latest #GolfshakeTop10 Last Minute Travel Deals, including Slaley Hall, Forest Pines and Wychwood Park.

This is a great chance to experience superb venues for tremendous value.

For those wanting to find a suitable tee time nearby - take a look at our Tee Time Search. The Golfshake Course Section features thousands of independent ratings and reviews, in addition to popular 'Best of' Guides that celebrate a series of venues in each region from a variety of prices.

Ultimately, at Golfshake we want you to Play More & Play Better. It’s been a rough few months for golfers, but we hope that frustration has led to increased anticipation that you will now release through getting back onto the golf course during an evening or at the weekend.

What is the most treacherous green you have faced? There is always one that we can never master, no matter how many times we’ve played it. Those breaks can be subtle and deceptive, or wildly sloping and quick, making a threeputt an inevitability after a slightly misjudged approach shot.

There is no exact science to determine what makes for a difficult green, but we have delved into the Golfshake Score Tracker and taken data from 125,000 rounds of golf to pick out some recurring greens that consistently drive alarming putting

stats from regular golfers across a spectrum of abilities.

Most Difficult 1st and 18 Holes in the UK Analysing players with handicaps between scratch and 20, across 9,000 golf courses, these holes (specifically the greens) have all been tracked on Golfshake at least 200 times. Worth noting that 4% of rounds saw a four-putt. Obviously, this doesn’t factor in proximity to the hole etc, so is more of a fun way to pick out some examples. Let us know which greens particularly trouble you with a putter in hand!

The 18 Hardest Greens in the UK – Average Putts.

Hole 1 - Tinsley Park: Average 2.23 Hole 2 - Pine Ridge: Average 2.08 Hole 3 - Surrey National: Average 2.08 Hole 4 - KP Club: Average 2.17 Hole 5 - Gotts Park: Average 2.18 Hole 6 - Tracy Park Cromwell: Average 2.20 Hole 7 - Pedham Place Champ: Average 2.07 Hole 8 - Paultons Champ: Average 2.14 Hole 9 - Chesfield Downs: Average 2.33 Hole 10 - Players Codrington: Average 2.16 Hole 11 - Macdonald Ardene: Average 2.13 Hole 12 - Allestree Park: Average 2.19 Hole 13 - 3 Rivers Jubilee: Average 2.13 Hole 14 - Barnsley Limes: Average 2.14 Hole 15 - Bulbury Wood: Average 2.14 Hole 16 – Darrington: Average 2.11 Hole 17 - Gotts Park: Average 2.14 Hole 18 - West Midlands: Average 2.09

20 Must Play Golf Courses in The North

The North of England is an expansive region of numerous culturally rich and proud counties, each with their own identity and history.

However, in addition to that proud heritage, what they share is an impressive collection of golf courses.

From Open Championship layouts to classic resorts, there is something for everyone.

Insead of simply listing an opinion led Top 20, we have delved into the Golfshake Course Section and found the Best Rated & Most Highly Recommended Courses in the North from Golfshake users. These venues have all received at least 200 independent reviews from regular golfers, and these ratings are based on the overall experience based on their expectations and cost.

This isn't a definitive 'Best of' list, but rather a collection of courses that are recommended by everyday golfers just like yourself.

De Vere Slaley Hall Golf Club.

Golfshake Rating 4.63338/5.

Highly Recommended: 98.913% MacDonald Portal Hotel, Golf & Spa. Golfshake Rating - 4.5368/5. Highly Recommended: 97.7099% Frodsham Golf Club. Golfshake Rating 4.53149/5.

Highly Recommended: 94.375% Hart Common Golf Club. Golfshake Rating 4.52171/5.

Highly Recommended: 98.5075% Longhirst Hall Golf Club. Golfshake Rating 4.50265/5.

Highly Recommended: 100% De Vere Carden Park. Golfshake Rating 4.47124/5.

Highly Recommended: 98.9474% Marriott Worsley Park Golf Club.

Golfshake Rating - 4.44247/5. Highly Recommended: 96.9697% Wychwood Park Golf Club.

Golfshake Rating - 4.4355/5. Highly Recommended: 95.8904% Leeds Golf Centre (Wike Ridge).

Golfshake Rating - 4.4265/5. Highly Recommended: 98.9691% Eccleston Park Golf Club. Golfshake Rating 4.42434/5.

Highly Recommended: 98.0952% Hollins Hall Marriott Hotel & Country Club. Golfshake Rating 4.40571/5. Highly Recommended: 100% Sharpley Golf Centre. Golfshake Rating 4.40239/5.

Highly Recommended: 100% Styrrup Hall Golf and Country Club.

Golfshake Rating - 4.38472/5. Highly Recommended: 98.7952% Malkins Bank Golf Club. Golfshake Rating 4.37902/5.

Highly

Recommended: 100% Knotty Hill Golf Centre. Golfshake Rating - 4.35633/5. Highly Recommended: 100% De Vere Mottram Hall Hotel Golf Club.

Golfshake Rating - 4.33728/5. Highly Recommended: 96.2264% Boysnope Park Golf Club. Golfshake Rating 4.29454/5.

Highly Recommended: 98% Pryors Hayes Golf Club. Golfshake Rating - 4.29072/5. Highly Recommended: 93.75% Darrington Golf Club. Golfshake Rating 4.18631/5. Highly Recommended: 100% Sandhill Golf Club. Golfshake Rating - 4.17927/5. Highly Recommended: 96.25%

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