Carlisle's Village Link Magazine | Jul/Aug 2014 by Village Link Magazine (Carlisle)

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Village Link

ENTERTAINING READERS & WORKING HARD FOR OUR ADVERTISERS

Welcome

’m slightly concerned that some of Michael Gove’s ‘British values’ that are to be taught in schools might not be the same as mine. I love how the British have a sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent an idiot from cutting in at the front; the way we form queues wherever three or more are gathered; speaking English slowly and loudly to locals when abroad; tutting; and our annual panic when we only give a thought to our passports a month before we leave for holiday, leading to the usual Passport Office meltdown. Still I live in hope knowing that they have cashed the cheque I sent them, hopefully they won’t be far away! We have a bumper 24 page edition for you to enjoy, that’s if you get bored of listening to the endless punditry of old

has been footballers during the next few weeks of the World Cup. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good game of football, but man alive some of those pundits commentary is like listening to someone reading flat pack furniture instructions out loud. Congratulations to Ruby, who found Bear in Brampton and well done also to Mr & Mrs Borlase who won the Crossword Competition and will be enjoying Afternoon Tea at the Crown Hotel! Thanks again to all involved in this great summer issue, yes I said summer, blink and you’ll miss it!

The Shrubbery, Great Corby, Carlisle CA4 8LR Tel: 01228 562904 Mobile: 07766 566534 Designed & Produced Michaela Corrie Design Cover Photography Printers

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All pages are copyright of either Village Link Magazine or its respective contributors. All material published in Village Link including editorials, adverts and all other content is printed in good faith. However, Village Link accepts no liability for the content of the material or the services provided by the advertisers nor does it endorse any company featured. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied or transmitted in any form without the publisher’s written permission. All material is accepted on the understanding that its publication does not infringe any copyright. Village Link does not accept responsibility from claims of copyright infringement.

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HISTORY

Carlisle’s Past

am currently copy editing a book by Linda Hodgson and Sarah Lee, teachers at Trinity School, to be called ‘The Stars of Night’. The book is a commemoration of the boys of Carlisle Grammar School who fell in the Great War, in the hope that the names on the school war memorial will not be forgotten. Over five years of research, including visits to the battlefields with pupils of years 9-12 from the present Trinity School, have gone into this project to trace the stories of the eighty eight pupils of Carlisle Grammar School listed on the World War I war memorial in Trinity School Old Hall and the extra two pupils, not listed, found by the authors during their research. There are several very poignant stories as one might imagine. The title of the book was inspired by one pupil who was an accomplished poet whilst still at school. I quote the following: “My soul is passing with the stars of night, And dawn will break on your eyes, not on mine.”

In the poem “Death after Battle”, written in 1916 by Carlisle Grammar Schoolboy Henry (Harry) Lamont Simpson, he seemed to foretell his own death which occurred in August 1918, the victim of a sniper’s bullet. Henry appears to have been academic, being awarded a maths prize in 1909 and the junior classics prize in 1911. He played Smike in Nicholas Nickleby. By 1913 he was a prefect and librarian and took prizes in reading, French and maths. He was good at sport too: we have a photo of him in the school cricket team from 1913 and he played in the Rugby XV 1915 (“useful in the scrum”). He was also tennis captain. Henry won a scholarship to Cambridge, but deferred going up to university in favour of joining up. He received his commission to the Lancashire Fusiliers in June 1917 and was wounded in September of that year, later returned to duty. Then on the 28 August 1918 it was reported that : Intelligence Officer, 2/Lieut. H.L. Simpson was killed while reconnoitring “No Man’s Land.” This is only part of the story of one of those 90 young men who, in Henry’s words (when looking back): “In the Sixth, at School, When the world was largely a joke, And we were learning to play the fool In half a hundred happy ways”.

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Written by David Ramshaw The memorial in the Old Hall

The book is available from the school or from my website: http://www.p3publications.com

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MY LIFE INTERVIEW

PAUL MARshall from Marshall Driving Tuition

• Driveways • Garden Furniture • Patios

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Paul Marshall (52), owner of Marshall Driving Tuition, lives in Wetheral. He was an ex RAF serviceman for 24 years which involved a great deal of moving around. Most recently though, he has lived in the Correze area of France for 4 years before finally settling down in lovely Wetheral. His last move? Who knows! Q: What’s the best and worst aspect of being in your specific business? A: The best part of my job is most definitely the looks of sheer joy on my students faces when they have passed their driving test. There are no bad aspects of my job, but I should imagine consoling a student who has failed would be pretty bad, having had no failures yet I wouldn’t know! Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? A: I like to keep fit and watch netflix. Q: Any amusing experiences whilst at work? A: No real amusing stories as it fairly serious business learning to drive, but we try and keep it as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. Q: If you could hold on to just one memory from your life forever, what would that be? A. When I gave my daughter away at her wedding last year in south west France, I was the proudest man on earth! She runs a successful fashion events company in London and was married to local wetheral boy Nick Hayward. They married near Biarritz in a beautifully rustic ceremony. Q: Who was the last person you hugged? A: That was probably my mum! Q: What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in life? A: The most important lesson I think I have learnt in life is try to learn from your mistakes, then look forwards not backwards. Q: Which radio station do you listen to the most? A: I listen predominantly to Radio 2 Q: How much is a pint of milk? A: A pint of milk, that’s half a litre, about 80p?

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Nail Trends

Review of the hottest new nail varnish trends by Debbie [Be Beautiful]

VINYLUX is a new product from CND that gives 7 day chip-free wear without the need for LED or UV lamps or any special remover. It’s a long-lasting polish that dries super fast and hardens over time to become more resistant to chipping, meaning that it lasts longer than traditional polishes. 4 No base coat required 4 Over 62 gorgeous shades to choose from, matching the top CND Shellac Shades 4 The top coat shields, protects, and toughens over time with exposure to natural light 4 80% experienced no chipping after 7 days 4 Completely dry in just 8 ½ mins (compared to 30 mins with traditional polish) 4 Available to take home 4 Easily removed - simply

soak a cotton pad with CND Shellac Nourishing Remover or any acetone based nail polish remover, press on to the nail for around 30 seconds, and slide off.

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Your Voice EVENTS • STORIES • CONCERNS • FUNNIES Do illiterate people get the full effect of alphabet soup? Children’s Yoga, Brampton Methodist Church Hall , Tuesdays 4.30 – 5.30 p.m. This fun class introduces 7-12 year olds to classic yoga poses, helping them maintain flexibility, increase stamina and learn how to relax – as well as having fun. Classes cost £20 for 6 weeks and run throughout holidays as well as term-times. To find out more or to book your children into a class, phone Hilary on 01697 746002 or 07754 416188. 26th July to 4th August CRAFT FAIR AT LANERCOST PRIORY. Craft Fair Dacre Hall Lanercost 26th Jul to 4th Aug. 10am to 5.30pm daily. Entry 60p children free. Homemade food. Contact Elizabeth Harding on elizabeth.harding@btinternet.com for more details. Note for your diaries! The Lanercost Christmas Craft Fair will be on 28th to 30th Nov.

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MONEY

Planning your Estate?

DON’T LEAVE IT

TOO LATE by Mike Turney, Principal of Mike Turney Wealth Management, Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society

here’s a natural reluctance for younger people to think about death and getting older. You are in all likelihood forging ahead just getting on with life, perhaps climbing up the career ladder, buying a house, settling down with a partner and having children. It’s a fast-paced world we live in and thinking about the future is often put on the back burner. After all, talk of wills, inheritance tax (IHT) and estate planning seems far removed from your day-to-day life. But they are a vital part of financial planning and wealth preservation. Getting your affairs in order could save you and your family a great deal of money and heartache. Have you thought what would happen if the unspeakable was to happen and you died tomorrow? Have you, for instance, got sufficient life cover in place to take care of the loved-ones you leave behind?

It is just as important for those who are fit and healthy and of sound mind to have proper plans in place for the future. But that’s not the only reason to take out life insurance. Many younger people are income rich and capital poor. Yet buying extra life insurance, beyond the amount that covers the mortgage, could provide a legacy for your heirs to fall back on. Life insurance also enables you to donate money to charity via your estate, while ensuring that your chosen heirs do not lose out. You can take out life cover equal to the amount you are going to donate, and this is paid to your chosen beneficiaries – again free of IHT. If you have excess income you could also consider gifting away some surplus income to avoid a

potential IHT liability. After all, it makes sense to prevent an IHT liability before one is triggered and if income, which you don’t need, is gifted into a trust, it falls outside of your estate for IHT purposes. Changes to the pension rules could also trigger unwanted IHT. New rules that came into force in April 2014 limit the amount you can invest in a pension each year to £40,000. If you start to redirect your retirement savings over and above the £40,000 limit into savings vehicles, such as ISAs or unit trusts, they will form part of your estate (not the case with pensions). It is therefore important to consider the IHT implications when funding for your retirement. A core part of any estate planning is making sure that you have an up-to-date will in place. If you are a parent have you named a guardian in the event of your death? If you think your mother or sister will automatically receive custody of your child (or children) you are mistaken. Also, have you ever considered what would happen if you were affected by serious illness, disability or mental impairment in the future? Many of us are living longer, but this means that there is a greater chance that you may need someone to look after your finances when you are older in the event that you can’t. This is why people should consider appointing a relative or trusted family friend as an attorney who could step into the breach. It is just as important for those who are fit and healthy and of sound mind to have proper plans in place for the future. It is not just your own estate affairs that you need to consider. If you are expecting to inherit large sums of money it is worth checking that your parents or grandparents affairs are set up to mitigate as much IHT as possible as wealth is passed down through the generations. Some level of IHT may be unavoidable but there are ways to ensure that you are covered for any IHT liability that comes your way. Parents, for instance, could take out a whole-of-life assurance policy. The policy can be transferred to the beneficiary, say a son or daughter, who then pays all future contributions on their parents’ behalf. When the plan pays out, they will have a sum of money to pay the IHT liability. Talk of estate planning is not the cheeriest of subjects and it is easy to put something off that doesn’t affect you today, or even in the near future. But it is a vital part of financial planning and once dealt with you can rest easy that the loved ones you leave behind will be looked after.

To receive a complimentary guide covering Wealth Management, Retirement Planning or Inheritance Tax Planning, contact Mike Turney, Principal of Mike Turney Wealth Management, on Telephone: 01228 406391 Mobile: 07850 580108 Email: mike.turney@sjpp.co.uk or www.miketurneywealthmanagement.co.uk.

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ANTIQUES

LOCKDALES

REAL DEAL with Carly Simmons-Sadler

special antiques and collectables valuation event will be taking place on Thursday 24th July, 10am-3pm, at The Crown and Mitre Hotel in Carlisle. Our expert Auctioneers will be providing free valuations on many types of collectables including Coins (including British & World, sovereigns, Krugerrands, Royal Mint commemoratives & proof sets), stamps, banknotes, medals & militaria, antiques, clocks, watches, jewellery, gold, silver, pre-1900 documents/books & maps, cigarettecards, postcards, pre-1960 sporting programmes & tickets, scientific instruments, swords, bayonets & de-activated weapons. There is no appointment is necessary, simply turn up with your items and our valuers will be happy to see you. Our valuation days have proven to be very popular in the past. Some of the best items we have auctioned were brought to us at these events, such as two pieces of Russian 17th century enamelled silverware, a bowl and a lidded pot, which we later sold on behalf of the owners for over £75,000. One of the most interesting items we have sold this year was a fragment of pennant flag believed to have been carried by the army of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth. This was featured on television, and in newspapers nationwide.

TOP TIPS

• First World War medals and

militaria are very popular this year, being the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of war. Be on the lookout for football programmes dated before 1960. Cigarette Cards from small World War One era manufacturers can be good, particularly those of Taddy. Iconic English coins such as 1930s Wreath Crowns, the 1905 Halfcrown, the Una & the Lion Five Pounds, 1911 and 1937 proof sets. Condition is everything so try to keep anything you have in a safe, dry environment (not the garden shed or garage!). The golden rule is: Never try to clean anything that you think might be of value, especially coins and medals. Only trained experts and restorers will know how to preserve something without damaging it. Collectors and dealers prefer everything to be “as found”, even if it may look scruffy to you.

• •

•

You will have the option to consign your goods to auction* and cash purchase offers are also available. Valuations will be provided free of charge, with no obligation. High quality illustrated catalogues from previous auctions will be given away on a complimentary basis in order for you to get a better idea of the services available. We look forward to seeing you.

Written by

Carly Simmons-Sadler General Manager sales@lockdales.com * Subject to terms & conditions.

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CYCLING

Wouldn’t be caught

DEAD wearing one!

CYCLING TIPS AND ADVICE FROM SPORT EDITOR GARY DICKSON

ome years ago people’s attitude towards wearing a helmet often went something like this: “I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a one”. What they were saying was sort of true. Without a helmet your head is unprotected and in the case of a serious accident their words might unfortunately become a reality. But why was there such resistance to something that for many would seem to be common sense? Perhaps it was more pleasant not to wear a helmet. Perhaps it was the cost. Or, similar to when seatbelts in cars were not always worn or even fitted to cars (well before my time, of course) people weren’t as aware of their need for protection. While the above are all true, what we noticed in Scotby Cycles, before helmets were main stream, could for the most part be summed up in one word, vanity! Customers, especially men (partly because there were far fewer women cyclists) were very conscious of how they would look if seen wearing a helmet…….and when you look at some of the early helmet designs I suppose this argument had some validity. However it’s not a credible excuse anymore. Things have moved

on, and over the last 25 years or so our perception of helmets has changed. People want all the gear designed for their sport, from shoes to glasses, Lycra shorts to gloves, and this includes wearing a helmet too. Parents insist that their kids wear a helmet and that means they must wear one too, unless they want to address a question like, “Why don’t you wear a helmet, Daddy?” In 2014 even if it was not law likely most of us would not stop using a seat belt. It’s the social norm to belt up, and we don’t have a problem with it. Helmets no longer break the social norm either. They are stylish, comfortable, and a good adults helmet can cost as little as £30, or less. So if you’re not wearing one what’s your excuse for it?

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HEALTH

THE

Orange Dot I

Written by Champion Cyclist and Pilates Instructor, Carol Westmorland

like orange as a colour; summery and perfect. It is also the colour of vibrant energy and the colour of a dot I found myself connecting with some years ago. The year was 1992 and I loved chocolate. As a twenty something I was about to jump into my car and head to my office. I had no idea a life changing moment was about to occur. Statutory breakfast television on as background noise (I was young), I noticed fleetingly that the presenter was surrounded by yummy looking pastries. Danish, I thought. My boyfriend and future husband was Danish. I drooled at the thought of both. Grabbing my coffee and momentarily standing still I took another look. Explaining that in a few moments an

The orange dot unleashed the power of the mind; activating your will power orange dot would appear on screen and for those who wished, we could, whilst touching it and repeating a mantra, rid ourselves of temptation. I, having paid little attention, took this to mean rid ourselves of weakness. I chose chocolate. Why? Well a truly indulgent Magnum ice cream the night before was playing heavily on my mind. No other reason than that. I did as I was told. So it was that for the next twenty four years I didn’t touch let alone eat any chocolate. Not one bit. It transpired that the orange dot unleashed the power of the mind; activating your will power. I could have chosen anything I liked. Thank goodness I hadn’t had a fall out with my boyfriend and chosen men! I didn’t question and was quietly impressed. I didn’t miss chocolate. It simply disappeared from my life. So can you choose to change patterns of behaviour so simply and so easily? Well I believe you can with mindfulness. I regularly practice. Your mind is receptive and responds to the agreed suggestions put to it even when you are barely paying attention. Magic? I think so. T: 01768 896733 | M: 07976 266335 Email: carol@pilates-cumbria.co.uk www.pilates-cumbria.co.uk People like to buy locally from businesses they know and trust

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TRAVEL

FROM L A V A TO

LIMON CELLO

ESCAPE TO THE ITALIAN ISLANDS WITH A FAMILY HOLIDAY FROM DAWSON & SANDERSON

taly - one of my all time favourite holiday destinations. Unless of course Italy have beaten England in the World Cup...then I’d rather go to Spain!! While the Italian Islands of Sicily and Sardinia are the biggest in the Mediterranean, they still face stiff competition from traditional package holiday favourites of Greece and Spain when it comes to attracting the UK market. However, several Italian operator’s have reported a significant increase in sales to Italy, with Sicily being one of the most requested destinations. Sicily has long been a crossroads of Mediterranean culture, and the island today is a rich fabric of Greek temples, Norman churches and Baroque architecture, not to mention the island’s most iconic landmark,Mount Etna. Then there’s the idyllic island of Sardinia, renowned for being a haunt for the rich, the famous and ex Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s bunga bunga parties. (I had to look the up the meaning too!!). The Costa Smeralda has plenty to offer to those with expensive tastes with elite hotels, five star beaches and Beverley Hills style shops. However, if history is your thing, then there’s plenty of Roman ruins, churches and

Spanish Baroques to explore. Of course, on both these islands, there’s plenty of fine wine and exquisite food to enjoy.

MOUNT ETNA REGION OF SICILY IS ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING ITALIAN WINE REGIONS For family holidays to Sicily, I would recommend the resort of Cefalu on the north coast of the island. The Hotel Tourist is ideal for families. It’s family run and has good food, great service and a large outdoor pool. It’s also just across the road from a long sandy beach. Cefalu’s restaurants and bars are also a short walk along the seafront and its medieval town centre is also within easy reach. A number of properties in Sardinia are popular with families including the five star Resort Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa. The hotel is set among secluded coves and beaches with views towards the Maddalena Islands and Corsica. The rooms can sleep upto five people. The kids club is open from

9am-11pm and is specifically for 3-9 year olds with playground, indoor and outdoor facilities and mini football. There is also a minipark, cinema and creative area. For the wine connoisseurs among us, the Mount Etna region of Sicily is one of the most exciting Italian wine regions, with its own grape varieties such as Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. Sunvil Discovery has an eight night Sicily wine trail tour that travels from the east to west of this island exploring Sicily’s award winning vineyards. Guests lucky enough to visit during the harvest season are allowed to take part in the wine making process.

How much? Eight nights on the Sicilian wine trail costs from £992 per person including accommodation, flights and car hire. Written by Stephen Dent

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GARDENING

‘Nothing succeeds

like excess’

Life and the occasional gardening tip from garden editor jason hindmoor

’ve been watching early episodes of Downton Abbey this week and I’m feeling rather regal despite mourning the untimely death of Lady Sybil. I have instructed my wife that from now on I expect my breakfast on a tray when I ring my bell and I’m currently advertising for a Ladies Maid. (Who wants to be dressed by a man?) I’ve told John that we should advertise for a Loader to refill our strimmers and mowers and a Ghillie for the weekends activities. The downside of this way of life is that I think it may have led to the downfall of the British Empire. I think that what happened was that while the natives in the colonies were getting restless and planning a revolt, the British were getting dressed for dinner and therefore were unable to do anything about it. As far as I can ascertain, dressing for dinner was a full time occupation for the

Even the Labrador on Downton Abbey ha s a valet and probably a first and second footman upper classes and it became so exhausting a task that everyone in the family needed a full time member of staff to do it for them. Either a ladiesmaid or a valet. Even the Labrador on Downton Abbey has a valet and probably a first and second footman. Anyway the whole country was so occupied preparing for dinner that we lost the whole empire without even having the time to send a strongly worded letter. Nothing could be done so we just got on with life and ordered tea in the library. It also seems to me that even if your entire family was struck down with Spanish Flu and died of violent convulsions in front of you then it was still

Make sure that you are keeping on top of those summer gardening jobs: In dry weather, raise the mower blades slightly as longer grass stays greener Keep on top of the weeding, feeding, deadheading and watering Feed and water rhododendrons if the weather is dry bad form to show any form of emotion. However if your valet died of Spanish Flu and therefore was unable to draw your bath then it was proper to have a complete and utter hysterical breakdown. I’ve also learned that it’s the height of bad form to steal someone’s servants and that you can survive with just one footman as long as its only for a short period. This information has proven to be invaluable on a number of occasions whilst working in Wetheral. Anyway as I was feeling regal I decided to investigate my ancestry. Unfortunately it seems that my ancestors didn’t have valets but rather they probably aspired to be one. In the early 1900’s, my ancestors were working down the mines where all of them without fail seemed to suffer an untimely death at one time or other due to falling rocks. Therefore if there is no article from me in the next issue of the Village Link then you know why. Never mind, I shall not worry about it. In the meantime I think I’ll have tea in the library. Ring Garden Maintenance Services Jason: 01228 561989 / 07812 438810 John: 01228 564083 / 07966 415061

We are proud to be an independent, Carlisle based, family run publication

Sow hardy seeds in pots for autumn planting Deadhead and stake perennials to keep them flowering and looking neat You can put the last of the seasonal bedding plants out. By September, you’ll be taking them out and replenishing the soil with manure and organic composts. Prune the new growth on wisteria in August and reduce the new stems to the first two to three leaflets in order to produce flowering spurs for next year. Lift and store tulips and daffodils for replanting later in autumn, thus allowing them to dry off properly. Choose your new bulbs from the catalogues and concentrate on the different colour combinations and sequences you would like to create for spring next year. Bed and border maintenance is essential in summer. Cut back early flowering plants such as lupins and delphiniums and continue dead-heading in order to encourage a lovely later second display that will take you to the very end of September. Dispose of all sickly or diseased material by burning - do not put any of it into your compost bins.

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True Craftsmanship

Retail shop fitting High quality exhibition builds Commercial premises refurbishment

In the world of Shop Fitting and Refurbishment, EXT have gained a widespread reputation for excellent workmanship, an eye for detail and top quality finishing. EXT are a local company, established for over 20 years specialising in shop fitting and exhibition services throughout the UK and Europe. They offer shop fitting from entry level off the shelf fit outs to high-end bespoke projects working with local businesses to blue chip multi-nationals alike.

A recent EXT project for Timberland in York was voted the best example in Europe of their stand alone stores. Adrian Mason, Business Development Manager at EXT,

said: ‘Shop fitting is a specialist area that people often make the mistake of thinking any tradesman can do. The cost to a business, whether starting up or refurbishing an existing premises, and the timescales involved means it has to be right first time. The project manager needs to understand the business, the brand and the client to ensure that the best possible finish is achieved with attention to detail and a result that works for the client and the client’s customers - that is what EXT does.’

The Barn | Geltside Farm Brampton | Cumbria CA8 1TA T: 0788 57 555 37 E: info@extuk.com www.extuk.com

EXT undertake projects large and small. Please visit the website at www.extuk.com for more information. For a no obligation project discussion call Adrian on 0788 57 555 37.

Your Voice EVENTS • STORIES • CONCERNS • FUNNIES I’m always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to 17th to 21st July, family festival music on the marr at castle carrock. Award winning Music on the Marr returns to Castle Carrock for its fifth year. Acts already confirmed include Gordy MacKeeman & His Rhythm Boys, Skerryvore, Spiro, The Men They Couldn’t Hang, Chris Wood, Vin Garbutt, Roy Bailey & John Kirkpatrick, Bobby Valentino, The Young’uns, Grace Petrie, Zulu Tradition (SA), The Hedgehog’s Skin, The Marc Block Trio, Ian K Brown, Ben Draper, Ursula Holden-Gill, Claire Harvey, The Hot Seats (USA) and O’Hooley & Tidow. As ever, please dance…! Tickets from our website (spelt wrongly in their last mailing) at www.musiconthemarr.com. Prices from free for under 16’s to £70 for the full weekend. Box office: 01228 670329. Tickets are going fast!

There is great need for a sarcasm font 14

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FEATURE

A W E L L ROU N D E D

EDUCATION

estled among tress in a 25 acre site in Carlisle is one of the leading independent co-educational schools in the country. Austin Friars St Monica’s School offers and exceptional education for children aged from 3 – 18 years. Traditional values are at the heart of our School community which, at the same time, is forward - thinking and vibrant as it meets the challenges of a changing world. We pride ourselves on being a united community and our ability to enable all students to fulfil their potential in a truly inclusive environment. In our learning environment where class sizes are small, academic achievement underpins all that we do. Our outstanding results speak for themselves. We work hard to create an environment where students can achieve their best in a wide variety of subjects. Our students are provided with every opportunity to develop their talents to the full, growing up in a happy and fulfilling environment where all are valued and encouraged. Mr Matthew Harris is Headmaster at the School. He, along with all of the staff, is proud of what the School offers. He says, “Our teachers inspire with their passion for their subjects, and our students respond with hard work, commitment and enthusiasm. Every student is important to us and we take great pride in seeing them achieve the best results that they can.”

Every issue is available online and free to read

“Thanks for

everything

AUSTIN FRIARS ST MONICA’S SCHOOL In Omnibus Caritas

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

Friars ” To m Fa rre ll

International Athlete and a Proud Former Pupil

PLACES AVAILABLE FROM SEPTEMBER 2014 Call the Admissions Office on 01228 550760 or visit our website... www.austinfriars.cumbria.sch.uk LOVE • WELL-BEING • HUMILITY • STUDY & WISDOM • FREEDOM • COMMUNITY • COMMON GOOD • HUMBLE & GENEROUS SERVICE • FRIENDSHIP • PRAYER

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MOTORING

Test Drive

FREE

UPGRADE Motor Review Which Model? S350 Verdict? I want to live in it

NEW MERCEDES C CLASS Written by Andrew Corrie

n a recent poll of passengers, Skyscanner found that travellers will do pretty much anything to up their chances of getting that elusive free upgraded seat up front. Three quarters of passengers said they would tell a few fibs if it improved their chances, while others would pretend to be newlyweds (14%),

6% would feign illness or injury and 7% would ditch their partner and pretend to be travelling solo. Interestingly, almost two thirds of cabin crew revealed that a passenger with a broken limb was more likely to get the premium experience for free. It’s official then, we all want to be upgraded - for free. On board a very packed train to London recently, I had the great pleasure of being tapped on the shoulder by the Train Manager, who after asking if I was travelling alone said quietly, “Would Sir care to go and take a seat in Coach G?”

“Coach G?” I replied?. “Yes Sir, it’s the First Class section, let me sign your ticket” Well with my nose in the air and my chest puffed out, I excused my way out of the overcrowded D Coach, far too stuffy for me, and into the somewhat greatly deserved First Class coach. Well, this all new C-Class is like getting a free upgrade into business class. It’s cabin is a thing of rare quality and beauty, featuring a level of sophistication that elevates it above and beyond any other car in this class. You will understand when you get in it. There’s masses of tech if you spec it, and a screen that guides you through all the options in a series of slick animations. It’s easy to use too, with a quadruple-redundant layout of a big control-wheel, shortcut keys, voice activation and a new touchpad – which you can fingertipwrite on, or use swipe or pinch or rotate gestures. Basically, if you can’t communicate with this machine, you’ve probably got some sort of social disorder. It can look for – and take action to avoid – vehicles, people and other obstacles coming from pretty well any direction except outer space. It’ll drive itself for about half-a-minute before telling you to get your hands back on the wheel. In Mercedes-world, comfort means confidence too. You can drive it like you’re chauffeuring a nun with a heart condition, or you can push it to its door handles and you still can’t fluster it. It’s got everything covered.

MANY THANKS TO: James Mercedes Benz, Carlisle Tel: 01228 541111

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FOOD

RECIPE

insalata caprese

(Tomato, Basil & Buffalo Mozzarella Salad) Serves 4

• •

• • • • •

4 x 150g Balls of Buffalo Mozzarella 200g Mixed ripe tomatoes (different shapes, sizes and colour) 2 x spring onions finally chopped Extra Virgin Olive Oil Sea Salt Ground Black Pepper 1 x Large Bunch of Fresh Basil

irst make the dressing using a pestle & mortar – put in 2/3 of the picked basil with a pinch of salt and a splash of oil. Then grind up and stir to make the dressing. Tear up (not slice) the mozzarella onto a serving plate. Roughly chop up the tomatoes and dress in a bowl with a little of the oil, salt & pepper. Sprinkle over the dressed tomatoes, spring onions and basil dressing. Finish with a seasoning of salt and pepper and the remainder of the basil leaf. This is the perfect starter dish for the summer, you need to buy the best tomatoes and mozzarella you can and let the ingredients do the talking. I would suggest the best way of serving this dish is – 1) with a bottle or two of chilled prosecco 2) A loaf of warm foccacia bread 3) With Friends 4) In a villa in Capri

Paul Taylor Head Chef

CROWN HOTEL, WETHERAL, CARLISLE

Chicken, Apricot & Chickpea Tagine

really can’t believe I am saying this, but I actually enjoy gardening these days. I never used to but I understand it is a sign of growing older, like always having to have a biscuit with your cup of tea which apparently is another sign! I recently saw an article in a newspaper outlining some signs of aging and I was astounded to find that most of them applied to me. Here are just a few: Don’t know any songs in the top 10; falling asleep in front of the TV; preferring a night in than going out; groaning when you get up; when you can’t lose six pounds in two days anymore; wearing your glasses on a chain and thinking policemen, doctors and teachers look really young! I consoled myself with the fact that I haven’t joined the National Trust yet and I still don’t drive in the slow lane, so there is hope for me yet. Another of my favourite things is cooking (but I have always enjoyed that) so here is this issue’s recipe which is extremely easy, takes very little time and is perfect when you have people round as it is cooked all in one pot and transfers straight from the oven to the table. Chicken, Apricot and Chickpea Tagine: Heat 2tbsp veg oil in a pan and fry 10 boneless chicken thighs (cut into 4cm pieces) for 5 mins, remove and set aside. Add another 2tbsp oil to the pan and

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fry 3 peeled and sliced onions, 3 peeled and sliced garlic cloves and 1tsp chopped fresh ginger for 3 to 4 mins until soft. Then add 2tsp cumin, 1tsp hot paprika, salt and pepper. Return the chicken to the casserole and add 200g soft dried apricots, 2 x 400g drained chickpeas, 2 x 400g chopped tin tomatoes, 250ml chicken stock, 4tbsp runny honey and 2 strips orange zest. Bring to the boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 mins. Add 100g pitted black olives during last 10 minutes of cooking. To finish scatter some chopped coriander on top. Serve with couscous. This amount serves 6/8.

Mouth-watering inspiration from food editor Jane Ferguson

www.village-link.co.uk

WIN

COMPETITION

N AFTERNOO ogrwin2e fklin A TE r with spa AT THE HOTEL CROWN ER AL H WET

Crossword No XC254711 ACROSS: 3 Throw from playing field (5) 8 One who tries to impress with tricky question about university (6) 9 Start rioting perhaps when taking time out (6) 10 Affectionate term for attractive woman (4) 11 Athlete wounded golfer with gun (4-6) 12 Recall amazing wine collection (6) 13 Milan team in France is to provoke curiosity (8) 16 Everywhere is in a disorganised muddle (3,4,3,5) 18 So pleb is reformed? That can be done (8) 21 Take no notice of foreign fellow missing at sea (6) 23 Fault-finding editor promises to pay (10) 25 Remaining in port (4) 26 Llama from mountain starts to annoy certain associates (6) 27 Shellfish is unknown in new store (6) 28 Tower discovered by some happy Londoners (5)

DOWN 1 After the pub head of economics makes a scene (6) 2 Revolting roué libels Dicky (10) 3 Keep quiet over book (8) 4 Give up with whole rotten mess (5,2,3,5) 5 Dish stolen by dope (6) 6 Some upstanding prominent figures show talent (4) 7 Miscellaneous birds (6) DOWN Full Name: 12 Guy entertains Mark and Victor m playing field (5) 1 After the pub head of economics makes a (5) Address: 14 Stern engineer advanced a smaller sum (10) ries to impress with tricky scene (6) 15 Article by me provides topic (5) 17 English girl(10) backing Number One release (8) bout university (6) 2 Postcode: Revolting roué libels Dicky 19 Finished and emptied lorry too (6) Telephone: ng perhaps when taking time out 3 Keep quiet over book (8) 20 Friend has to polish up material (6) 4 Give up with whole rotten mess (5,2,3,5) 22 Instinctive reaction from referee gets Complete the crossword and post to Village Link (see p3 for address) or email the (6) the French cross (6) ate term for attractive woman (4) 5 Dish stolen by dope answers and your details to: editor@village-link.co.uk. All correctly completed 24 Introductionfigures of speed camera’s ounded golfer with gun (4-6) 6 Some upstanding prominent show not half a con (4) entries will be entered into a prize draw which will take place on the 11th August

The first entry azing wine 2014. collection (6)drawn will be the winner. talent (4) m in France is to provoke 7 Miscellaneous birds (6) 8) 12 Guy entertains Mark and Victor (5) re is in a disorganised muddle 14 Stern engineer advanced a smaller sum (10) 15 Article by me provides topic (5) reformed? That can be done (8) 17 English girl backing Number One release otice of foreign fellow missing at (8) 19 Finished and emptied lorry too (6) ing editor promises to pay (10) 20 Friend has to polish up material (6) g in port (4) 22 Instinctive reaction from referee gets the m mountain starts to annoy French cross (6) ociates (6) 24 Introduction of speed camera’s not half a s unknown con (4) 18 in new store (6) To advertise in Village Link call Andrew now on 01228 562904 or sales@village-link.co.uk covered by some happy s (5)

LOCAL AUTHOR

Meet the Author

Martin

DALEY This Carlisle born author has been writing for twenty years. His works range from subjects as diverse as period detective novels to social or sporting history. The common theme that runs through all of Martin’s books however, is Cumbria in general and his home city of Carlisle in particular

uthor Martin Daley was born in Carlisle in 1964. After leaving school he began a seventeen-year career with the Post Office, which included a ten-year period working in Cheshire. It was when he was living there that he first ventured seriously into writing, describing his first book as ‘... a road to Damascus moment.’ The book was about his inspirational great, great grandfather Isaac Scott and proved a watershed moment in his career: he left the Post Office and moved back to Carlisle intent on developing his writing further. Isaac was a soldier during the nineteenth century and in For Queen and Cumberland, Martin tells his story and

those of two other ancestors from working class backgrounds who joined up to fight in Queen Victoria’s foreign wars. It was followed by the First World War book, Anonymous Heroes which also links Martin’s interest in local and family history, with the wider social, political and military history, familiar to most people. As well as his ancestors, another inspiration for Martin is his home city which features strongly in his eclectic works. Like many readers, he is a fan of crime fiction and he became a member of the Crime Writers’ Association himself with the publication of the first Inspector Armstrong Casebook in 2011. Cornelius Armstrong is an Edwardian detective who carries out his police work in Carlisle around the turn of the twentieth century. The city’s history plays a key part in Armstrong’s adventures as he solves cases such as The Bells and Plate Fix, King Edward’s Ghost and the Kaiser’s Assassin. Martin explains how Cornelius came into being. ‘I love Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories and a few years ago wrote a pastiche novel involving Holmes and Watson solving a case in Carlisle. In The Adventure of the Spanish Drums I introduced Inspector Armstrong. One of the clichés of the Holmes stories is when he makes an idiot of the police inspector. I deliberately didn’t make Armstrong a buffoon as I wanted to give him his own adventures.’ In 2012, football was the order of the day as Fourth, First & Fulham was published. It is Martin’s take on Carlisle United’s golden era in the 1960s and 70s.

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His second book on Carlisle United was published earlier this year. It tells the story of the Blues’ adventure in the 1951 F.A. Cup, when the tiny club were drawn to play the mighty Arsenal, the biggest team in Europe in those days. With Carlisle’s young manager Bill Shankly inspiring his players to believe the impossible was possible, the whole city was swept away with the romance of the cup as thousands travelled down to London to see their team play. When Shankly’s men incredibly achieved a draw at Highbury, the clamour for replay tickets back in Carlisle became legendary. Martin is currently working on an exciting project for 2015 that will be revealed in the next few weeks. He lives with his wife Wendy, near Carlisle.

For more information go to www.martindaley.co.uk www.village-link.co.uk

Eye Halve a Spelling Chequer

Homeplan provides you with a full service, from initial consultation to design, implementation and commissioning. Telephone: 01228 535191 Fax: 01228 535944. Email us on info@homeplankitchens.co.uk Call in Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or Saturday 9am to 2pm to see our range of traditional and modern kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and integrated kitchen appliances to meet all budgets. Full design and installation service, or supply only, to suit your requirements.

Eden House Lancaster Street Carlisle CA1 1TF

Sauce unknown

Amazing Anagrams

www.homeplankitchens.co.uk email: info@homeplankitchens.co.uk

Eye halve a spelling chequer It came with my pea sea It plainly marques four my revue Miss steaks eye kin knot sea. Eye strike a key and type a word And weight four it two say Weather eye am wrong oar write It shows me strait a weigh. As soon as a mist ache is maid It nose bee fore two long And eye can put the error rite Its rarely ever wrong. Eye have run this poem threw it I am shore your pleased two no Its letter perfect in it’s weigh My chequer tolled me sew.

Snooze Alarms == Alas! No More Z’s Semolina == Is No Meal A Decimal Point == I’m a Dot in Place Eleven plus two == Twelve plus one

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KIDS COMPETITION

Stone Eden Nursery

where’s

Bear?

ear is a keen rambler but with a poor sense of direction (stuffing for brains!) and has got lost again in Carlisle. However, he has his phone with him and has sent this photo of what he can see.

WIN

Flexible childcare solutions all on one site, including FREE 15hrs for children aged 2 and 3 years Rural location close to city centre, with stunning outdoor facilities Ample and safe parking for parents picking up and dropping off Full time Chef’s preparing and cooking high quality food Holiday Club for 4-11 year olds High Quality Apprentice Training Programme (Annual Vacancies)

Do you know

where bear

£25 is?

If you do, then go and rescue him before anyone else does! When he is safely at home with you, get your mum or dad to email us at bear@village-link.co.uk, leaving your name and address and bear’s dad will be round to pick him up and hand over your cash reward.

Last Issue’s Winner Well done to Ruby who found bear in Brampton, and received her £25 reward.

Tel: 01228 599400/07769 560443 www.stoneedennursery.co.uk

Ruby (age 8)

Wheelbarrow Hall, Holme Lane, Aglionby, Carlisle, CA4 8AD Remember: Leave it a week before you go looking for bear. All the deliveries must be finished to keep it fair.

Exclusive to Carlisle by local Carlisle people

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VILLAGE NOTES

GRACEFUL

aging Village Life Blog by Sarah J. L. Briggs

was hoping to tell you about how I had bravely progressed from having long, brown hair to having short grey hair. It was going to be a thought-provoking piece not only about ageing and doing so gracefully, but also about rural hairdressers potentially being as good as any you’d find in a big city: there’s no reason that creativity and expertise should only be found in big cities. What had brought about this desire for transformation? Well, like so many of the mothers I meet at the school gates, I’m happiest in jeans and a big baggy jumper, and if my hair is easy to look after then so much the better. I’ve become ever more conscious since living in a rural area, where many people don’t need to dress up to go to work (who would put on make-up to look after sheep, for example? Actually, don’t answer that one – there’s a shepherdess over in the North East who does) that many women don’t want to have to spend hours beautifying themselves and instead want to rely on their natural beauty. However there’s a vain side to my character which also wants to look as young and as attractive as possible, so this whole going grey gracefully business creates quite an internal debate. In addition I don’t want to look like my children’s grandmother. If I still lived in London or Bristol I don’t suppose I’d even be thinking about letting the grey and white hairs show through – and I’d probably be earning more, working longer hours and feeling more stressed. But life here is a far cry from life in a big city, and as

regular readers will know, I think sure their children don’t only do their this can only be for the good. Last homework but also more besides, but year we met up with a friend from generally there doesn’t seem to be Bristol who was on holiday in the quite the same competitive element Lake District. Her older child is as in a large city. Don’t get me wrong: the same age as my oldest – i.e. just I want my children to succeed, and I turned 10 – but for several years want them to make an effort and to now the out of school activities that learn that most people don’t get far in this girl has been participating in this life without some hard work – but I have increased also want that to Don’t get me wrong: I want be balanced with and increased. She now my children to ... but I also plenty of play as does ballet, want that to be balanced with well. gymnastics, Perhaps that’s plenty of play as well swimming, why I did well violin, piano, in my previous triathlon club and – I think – career but not brilliantly. Travel, triathBrownies. When does the poor lon and music have always been just as child ever get a chance just to muck important to me as work – and now I around and leave her imagination have the added distraction of children to run riot? and a husband. And when I get to the I don’t think same level of outpearly gates and St. Peter asks me what of-school activity happens up here. I did with my life, I want to be able to I’m aware that some people make answer, “well, where shall I start….?”

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