Showcase Cumbria – Page 2 – Showcasing all that is great about Cumbria

Cumbrian Baby and Children’s Wear shop wins national Kite Shop of the Month Award

Twinkletoes of Penrith Award Winning Shop Window Display

Twinkletoes of Penrith, nestled in the historic Devonshire Arcade, has been honoured with the prestigious national Kite April Shop of the Month Award. This Penrith-based Cumbrian Baby and Children’s Wear shop has earned acclaim for its lively and imaginative Summer Window display, which has charmed both the local community and visitors.

The award-winning showcase featured a vibrant collection of Kite clothing, set amidst a sea of bright flowers and cheerful sunflowers, embodying the warmth and happiness that Twinkletoes imparts to its clientele. The display is a testament to the shop’s dedication to offering top-notch baby and children’s apparel infused with the unique spirit of Cumbria.

Owners Andrew and Liane Dixon, a Penrith couple who have been at the helm since November 2011, expressed their joy over the accolade: “We’re over the moon to be recognised with this award. It mirrors our commitment to sourcing distinctive, high-quality garments for our community. Our Summer Window was crafted with love, and it’s heartwarming to see the pleasure it brings to our patrons.”

Twinkletoes began as a small venture but quickly expanded, moving to a larger location within the arcade in November 2012. The shop underwent a refresh in May 20—, adding a wooden floor to enhance its welcoming atmosphere.

The mission of Twinkletoes is to offer a personal, dependable service, featuring exclusive brands like Kite, Piccalilly, Lilly & Sid, Toby Tiger, Emile Et Rose, Rapife, Kaloo, Dandelion, and more. These brands stand out for their organic, UK-designed offerings, presenting a sustainable fashion choice. The Emile Et Rose range, known for its classic designer babywear, and the Kaloo range, with its soft toys and keepsakes, are particularly noteworthy.

Located near the Lake District and within a farming community, Twinkletoes’ farm-themed collections are especially popular. Running the business has had its challenges, from Covid to road closures, but the Dixons have persevered, adapting and growing their business, with their window displays winning multiple competitions.

The shop has also hosted fundraising events for local causes such as the air ambulance, Penrith birthing centre, and Beaconside School, reflecting the couple’s gratitude to the institutions that have supported their family.

Twinkletoes has welcomed notable customers, including Helen Skelton, Chris Gascoyne of Coronation Street fame, and Mel Giedroyc. The Dixons extend their heartfelt thanks to their family, friends, and customers for their unwavering support and look forward to welcoming both returning and new patrons for many years to come. For more information head to their website https://www.twinkletoesofpenrith.com/ or give their Facebook page which is regularly update and do give their shop a visit at Units 1-2, Devonshire Arcade, Penrith, Cumbria, United Kingdom CA11 7SX

Business

Business specialised in supporting neurodiverse and small business owners moves to Cumbria

Able Admin, a company renowned for providing exceptional virtual assistant support to neurodiverse and small business owners, is excited to announce the relocation of its headquarters to Carlisle, Cumbria. This move marks a significant milestone in the company’s three-year journey, which has been spearheaded by its founder and owner Ashleigh Veitch.

Ashleigh, who has been championing the cause of neurodiversity for over a decade, has built Able Admin on the foundation of inclusivity and support. The company has been instrumental in assisting business owners with conditions such as autism and ADHD, both through the Access to Work scheme and private arrangements.

Able Admin’s team boasts a diverse range of specialisms, including bookkeeping, social media management, and graphic design. This multi-faceted approach allows the company to provide comprehensive support to its clients, enabling them to focus on their passions while Able Admin handles the administrative tasks.

Sarah, the Bookkeeping Manager, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to clients with her expertise in numbers. On the other hand, Cara, the Social Media Manager, excels in creating engaging content, managing reels, newsletters, blogs, and audience engagement. Together, they form a formidable team under the leadership of Ashleigh, whose skills lie in business management, strategies, and project coordination.

*Able Admin founder and owner Ashleigh Veitch*

Ashleigh expressed her enthusiasm about the move, stating, “We are thrilled to be setting up our headquarters in Cumbria. This move represents our commitment to growth and our dedication to providing top-class service to our clients. We look forward to continuing our work in this new location.”

In celebration of the move, Ashleigh is extending an open invitation for interested parties to meet over coffee and discuss how Able Admin can support their business needs. To arrange a meeting, please email support@ableadmin.co.uk or for more information, visit the Able Admin website https://www.ableadmin.co.uk/

***One of the many competitive packages and offerings by Able Admin***

Places in Cumbria

Showcasing Alston Moor

*(Credit: Ashgill Force by Sarka-jo Cole)*

Despite the imposing and, in winter, sometimes treacherous physical divide of the Hartside pass over the Pennines, Alston Moor still lies within the county of Cumbria also encompassing some of Northumbria and County Durham.

After Hartside, the landscape opens into rolling moorland, offering tranquillity and an abundance of wildlife found nowhere else in Cumbria. It differs, not only in geological and visual impact but also by providing solitude and character in quaint villages such as Garrigill and Nenthead and, what it boasts to be the highest market town in England, Alston.

The origins of the conurbations lie in their lead mining heritage, with further evidence visibly dotted across the landscape and less visible in their intertwining underground networks. Whilst the mines are long since closed for extraction, Nenthead mines offer open days and informative tours for visitors and the rivers of the South Tyne and Nent cascade off the moors producing some beautiful waterfalls, the most famous of which, Ashgill Force, is a short walk from Garrigill.

Alston itself boasts numerous pubs and accommodation options with a partially cobbled main street and pretty independent shops and cafes, art galleries and a cane workshop whose owner is famous for her award winning Stokoe House marmalades. Alston also hosts a volunteer lead, narrow gauge railway that runs throughout the summer and an adjacent path along the course of the South Tyne into Northumbria to meet the impressive Victorian structure of Lambley Viaduct and then continues north to meet Hadrians Wall at Haltwhistle.

For more information head to Moorland Immersion – Guided Experiences – Beldy Chapel Experience

Also give her Facebook a follow https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559153456297

and on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/moorland_immersion/

Charitable Causes Community

Cumbrian Fleet mechanic celebrates 10 years volunteering at GNAAS

***Samantha, James and Harry Howarth with the helicopter***

A fleet mechanic from Kendal has recently celebrated ten years volunteering at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS).

James Howarth, 42, has a full-time job working at Mountain Goat Tours, but in his spare time he likes to get involved with helping his local air ambulance.

Mr Howarth first started supporting GNAAS by donating money and clothing, but after hearing about a lack of volunteers in Kendal, he began donating his time in 2014.

It’s now been ten years since he signed up as a volunteer and he’s even recruited his eight-year-old son Harry to help out on occasion.

***Harry Howarth with a GNAAS fundraising bucket***

Speaking about why he chose to volunteer for GNAAS, he said: “I had some spare weekends so me and my wife Samantha decided we wanted to get involved with a local charity.

“We decided on GNAAS because it was a familiar sight in the Lake District and after hearing more about what was involved in pre-hospital emergency care it was evident how vital this service was in a rural area like Cumbria.

“Since joining, I now see how needed the service is across the whole of Northern England.”

GNAAS currently have over 100 regular volunteers as part of their ‘ground crew’, who dedicate their spare time representing the charity. Whether it’s delivering presentations to the public, manning stalls at summer shows, or emptying collection boxes, they help in numerous ways to support the cause.

Over the last ten years, Mr Howarth has mainly been involved in events, stalls at county shows, car shows, and bucket collections at local supermarkets.

He said: “What I most enjoy about volunteering is being able to inform the public about this fantastic charity. It still amazes me how many people think this is a government funded service.

“Everyone we talk to is always so friendly and grateful for what the crews do, it is an honour to represent them.”

For those who cannot commit to a regular volunteering role, there are several opportunities to volunteer for GNAAS on a one-off basis, especially during the summer months.

Mr Howarth said: “As a volunteer you get to meet fantastic people, attend amazing events and have fun.

“You don’t have to have the passion, that comes afterwards from meeting people who are still here thanks to the charity.”

GNAAS relies on public donations and needs to raise more than £8m every year to survive. Last year, it responded to more than 2,000 call outs. If you would like to find out more about regular or one-off volunteering opportunities, please visit gnaas.com/volunteer or call 01325 487263.

***James Howarth with other volunteers at a Summer event***

About GNAAS

· The Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) is a charitably funded air ambulance service which provides life-saving care throughout the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and Isle of Man.

· They operate two helicopters 365 days a year and also operate a night-time service in the North East and Cumbria on rapid response vehicles.

· The aircraft cover an area of more than 8,000 square miles and on board are specialist doctors and paramedics who effectively bring the hospital to the patient.

· The level of skill and expertise of the on-board team mean they respond to the most critically ill and injured people, giving them the best chance of survival.

· GNAAS is a progressive organisation which has pioneered pre-hospital care in the region.

· The latest techniques, equipment and drugs are constantly being evaluated to ensure the charity can provide the best care possible for their patients.

· 2022 marked the service providing 20 years of life-saving care. Throughout this time, they have responded to more than 23,500 incidents across the region, with road traffic collisions being the most frequent type of incident responded to by the team.

· They do not receive Government funding and must therefore raise £8.5m a year through public donations to remain operational. For more information visit: https://www.greatnorthairambulance.co.uk/ or follow @gnairambulance on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok

Business Events

You’re Invited to the Meerkat Networking Evening!

Invite below from Meerkat Networking Founder Melanie Kinsella

Join us on Wednesday 26 June 2024, for an unforgettable networking experience at the stunning Eden Golf Club, nestled in the picturesque Crosby-on-Eden, Carlisle CA6 4RA. From 17:30 to 19:00, immerse yourself in an evening of connections, collaboration, and camaraderie.

Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at £12.50, with 20% of the ticket price going directly to charity – making networking even more impactful! Reserve your spot now and contribute to a worthy cause while expanding your professional network.

The Meerkat Networking Evening is not just about making connections; it’s about showcasing the vibrant community of the Meerkat network and its members. Whether you’re an established professional or an aspiring entrepreneur, this event offers a platform to forge meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations.

But that’s not all – networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards; it’s about unlocking a world of opportunities.

By attending, you’ll have the chance to:

Expand your professional circle and connect with like-minded individuals.
Gain valuable insights and perspectives from diverse industry experts.
Discover new business opportunities and potential partnerships.
Elevate your personal brand and visibility within the business community.

As you mingle and network, enjoy light refreshments and take advantage of the on-site bar where you can purchase your favourite drinks.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the power of networking! Secure your ticket today and get ready for an evening of inspiration and possibility.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Meerkat Networking Evening – where connections lead to success!

BOOK YOUR TICKET NOW Meerkat Networking Event 2024 (monstroleads.com)

Charitable Causes

Local Landlady Extends Generous Support to Charity Walker

In the picturesque village of Cotehill, Julie Musgrave, owner of Crossroads House B&B and landlady of The Greyhound Inn Cotehill, has shown remarkable generosity by aiding Andrew Williams, a dedicated fundraiser on a mission to raise funds for multiple charities.

Williams, embarking on a gruelling 500-mile solo journey without support, is raising money for various causes via his JustGiving page. His arduous trek recently led him to the welcoming doors of Musgrave’s establishments.

Recognizing the dedication and altruism driving Williams’ efforts, Musgrave graciously offered him much-needed rest and support. Her hospitality not only provided Williams with a place to recuperate but also reinvigorated his spirit, encouraging him to press on with his challenging journey. This act of kindness by Musgrave epitomises the spirit of community and the power of individual contributions to support charitable endeavours.

Also during his visit to The Greyhound Inn Cotehill, others there had also donated towards William’s fundraising efforts.

Musgrave’s Crossroads House B&B and The Greyhound Inn are renowned for their warm hospitality and exceptional service, serving as havens for both tourists, those on their travels and locals. Her commitment to supporting Williams highlights her dedication to fostering a compassionate and supportive community.

For more information about Julie Musgrave’s Crossroads House B&B, visit Crossroads House. To learn more about The Greyhound Inn, visit The Greyhound Inn Cotehill. Support Andrew Williams’ charity journey through his JustGiving page here.

Business Charitable Causes

Showcase Cumbria and Ballard PR Agency signed up as Business Partners of a local charity

Showcase Cumbria Founder with Kylie Palmer Corporate Fundraiser at Hospice At Home Carlisle and North Lakeland

Message from Showcase Cumbria founder Mary Ballard:

EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE that I have signed up Showcase Cumbria as Business Partners of Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland when I visited them at Barras Lane in Carlisle.

DID YOU KNOW? That as a business partners you can give support in various ways:

Specialised advice and shared expertise

Provision of raffle and auction prizes

Financial support

Sponsorship of events

Provision of meeting rooms

Staff volunteering time

I was given a tour by the lovely Kylie Palmer , their Corporate Fundraiser there and got to meet the hard-working team and volunteers. I was blown away by all they do; I confess, I wasn’t aware of all that they did. You will see pictured below various rooms- top right room; is multifaceted room that has been used for yoga to group counselling. Also as a business partner, you can book it to host a networking meeting as long as you also give them to share about what they do there at Hospice At Home Carlisle and North Lakeland. They also treat Lymphoedema; chronic swelling as a side effect of chemotherapy; their qualified nurses can help ease this with treatments, they also have complementary therapy rooms and they have massage, reiki, aromatherapists, reflexologist volunteers who kind give their time (so if you want to volunteer; please do get in contact with them). You will see an empty office, this is because the nurses are all at patients homes giving respite. Ashley Macaulay, their Director of Clinical Lead tells me they have around 40 clinicians plus volunteers which is fantastic but also as you can appreciate the importance then of their work and need to fundraise and raise awareness. The last room; is a room where those doing group counselling / work can go to if they feel overwhelmed and it was also where Kylie had done a podcast. From there you can see the beautiful garden where those from Carlisle College had kindly donated their time to work on it.

If you would also like a tour and find out more on how you can help; either DM Kylie Palmer or email corporate@hospiceathome.co.uk or you can head to their website https://www.hospiceathome.co.uk/

I am looking forward to sharing more about this amazing charity but in the meantime, I will pop in the links to how to sign up to be a business partner like me, plus other events and fundraisers that you can get your business to get involved in.

Our Business Partners – Hospice at Home

Blues Lotto – Hospice at Home

Summit at Sunset – Hospice at Home

Events from 22 November – 23rd March 2025 – Hospice at Home

Community Opportunities Workshops

CALLING ALL (AND SOON-TO-BE) RETIREES! ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER OF YOUR LIFE?

Centre for Leadership Performance Cumbria are hosting transformative workshops around Cumbria that will guide you toward finding your sense of purpose. See below for all the locations and dates.

They are pleased to offer these courses free thanks to funding from Allerdale GDF Community Partnership and Cumbria Community Foundation through Cumberland Council’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund: a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda.

During the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Take time to think about and plan for the adjustment to retirement

Consider the impact of retirement on yourself, family, and friends

Set goals for retirement, considering health, lifestyle, and interests

Discuss any potential challenges, concerns, or drawbacks of retirement

Connect with opportunities that match your interests and aspiration

To secure your place, email info@cforlp.org.uk, scan the QR Code below or phone 01900 824822

Events Reader Discount

Four Weeks to Go: The Penrith Beer Festival is Almost Here! CONTAINS EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT FOR SHOWCASE CUMBRIA READERS

The anticipation is building as we enter the final countdown! With just four weeks to go, excitement is at an all-time high for the Penrith Beer Festival, set to take place at Frenchfields in Penrith, CA11 8UU on June 14th-15th.

This year’s festival promises an incredible weekend packed with a diverse range of craft beers, live music, and mouthwatering food. Beer enthusiasts can look forward to sampling unique brews from over 10 renowned breweries, including Gan Yam, Tirril, Carlisle Brewing Co, Hawkshead Brewery, Eden River Brew, Bowness Bay, Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery, Fell Brewery, Lakes Brew, and Crooked River Brewery. Whether you prefer sours, stouts, pilsners, or ciders, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

In addition to the exceptional beer selection, the festival will feature a stellar lineup of music acts. Attendees can dance and groove to performances by The Moonshine Shakers, Time Machine, Indie Street Club, AKA Skafell, and more. The mix of rock ‘n’ roll, blues, ska, and indie will keep the energy high and the atmosphere electric throughout the weekend.

Foodies are in for a treat as well, with an array of gourmet options from our food vendors. Indulge in delicious dishes such as hot beef in artisan rolls, lamb koftas with hand-rolled flatbread, pork meatballs in pitta, loaded fries, and gourmet hotdogs with a variety of toppings. There will be plenty of choices to keep everyone satisfied.

“We’re thrilled to be just four weeks away from the Penrith Beer Festival,” said Joe Gregory Event organiser. “Our team has been working tirelessly to ensure this year’s event is the best yet. We can’t wait to welcome everyone for a weekend of fantastic beer, music, and food.”

Tickets are selling fast, so don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event.

Exclusive discount of £5 for all our Showcase Cumbria readers and followers- use the code SHOWCASE

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/penrith-beer-festival-tickets-815305910927?aff=oddtdtcreator

Awards / Award Nominations Business Community

Mary Ballard of Showcase Cumbria Honoured with Five Nominations at the 2024 Enterprise Vision Awards

Showcase Cumbria Ltd is thrilled to announce that its very own Mary Ballard has been nominated for an impressive five categories at the prestigious 2024 Enterprise Vision Awards (EVAS). This marks Mary’s first nomination for these esteemed awards, recognising her exceptional contributions to the business community.

Mary has been nominated for the following categories: Best Business, Business Woman, Creative Industry, Inspirational Woman, and Professional Services. These nominations are a testament to her unwavering commitment and innovative spirit in the business sector.

The nomination highlights Mary’s inspirational journey: “Mary is a truly inspirational woman, who always commits 100% to whatever she’s doing. Over the past five years, through Showcase Cumbria, she has used her networking to bring many businesses together and has helped us secure our group of suppliers. She is constantly thinking of opportunities to help other businesses and promotes them at every opportunity through Showcase Cumbria. Mary is a true, breath of fresh air, a real positive and genuine person who is willing to support and help others.”

In addition to her remarkable achievements, Mary Ballard is the proud owner of Ballard PR Agency, serving a diverse portfolio of clients within Cumbria. Her association with CBASS COMPLETE BUSINESS ADVISORY SOLUTIONS further exemplifies her dedication to local enterprise. Currently collaborating with CLEP and Cumbrian councils, CBASS is at the forefront of providing business support, aligning perfectly with Mary’s and Showcase Cumbria’s philosophy of bolstering Cumbrian businesses and delivering comprehensive services.

The EVAS, now celebrating its 13th anniversary, stands as the premier female business awards in the UK, shining a spotlight on the achievements and innovations of women in business.

For more details about the awards, please visit our website at www.enterprisevisionawards.co.uk. Join us in celebrating Mary’s remarkable achievements by connecting with us on social media and using the hashtag #EVAS2024.

Showcase Cumbria Founder Mary Ballard with Showcase Cumbria mascot Bruno on top of Latrigg in Cumbria.

About Showcase Cumbria Ltd Showcase Cumbria Ltd is a dynamic community news and media platform dedicated to fostering growth and collaboration within the business community and the county of Cumbria. Through strategic networking and support services, Showcase Cumbria has become a cornerstone for business development and community news in the region. Started in 2017 initially via Twitter (now X) and is now across 4 social media channels; X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Founder Mary Ballard said on why she started it “I wanted showcase all that is great about Cumbria; it is such a great place to live, work and visit. I also wanted to provide a much opportunities of all sizes of businesses and charities, event organisers and residents to shout about what they are doing. I also wanted people to know that Cumbria has so many parts to it from beaches to monuments to forests to a independent produce/products and shops. I want to shine the light on all aspects of Cumbria.”

Showcase Cumbria’s founder Mary Ballard provides opportunities for sponsorship, advertising, job postings, event promotions, and features write-ups and video interviews through the website which was set up this February. Charities and press releases are featured free of charge.

Bookmark / Favourite the website https://www.showcasecumbria.co.uk/

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SHOWCASING ALL THAT IS GREAT ABOUT CUMBRIA