Community – Showcase Cumbria

Promote your community group with Cockermouth Chamber of Trade

*Photo Credit: Cockermouth Chamber / Alec Valentine*

Charitable organisations and voluntary groups with a CA13 postcode are being invited to join Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade for free this April.

The Chamber exists to promote the town to locals and visitors alike, showcasing the wealth of independent businesses and telling the world why Cockermouth is such a great place to eat, drink, shop, explore and enjoy.

There’s a website packed with business listings which receives more than 11,000 views a month and consistently ranks on the first page of Google, with an interactive map which shows every member’s location. The Chamber has a social media following of over 9,000 people on the Cockermouth Town accounts on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. They produce a monthly e-newsletter with 4,000 subscribers, and deliver a glossy magazine to all CA13 postcodes three times a year, with extra copies going to accommodation providers and visitors. Members have the opportunity to feature in all of these, as well as broader media coverage.

The Chamber team is currently giving a big push to ‘experiences’ – all those activities which are perfect to keep the family entertained, to add to a great night out, and to enrich people’s lives. That could be live music, sport or leisure, or social activities which bring people together.

Joe Murray is co-chair of the Chamber and manager of The Children’s Society shop on Main Street. He said: “We think Cockermouth is a great town and community activities are a huge part of this. We want to promote them as much as possible.

“It costs less than £50 a year to join but, if voluntary organisations join during April 2025, we will give them a year’s membership free. Maybe you’re a sports club, a church group, a community-based charity, a children’s group, or something completely different.”

To take advantage of the free membership, apply via http://www.cockermouthonline.co.uk/club-and-society-registration-form/

This offer is only available to organisations which offer community activities and do not make a profit. The Chamber Executive reserves the right to refuse those who it believes do not meet this criteria. The free membership offer only applies for those completing the application form before 11.59pm on 30 April 2025.

Community

Shining a light on The Edington Centre: The Adult Day Centre with Something to Shout About

Submitted by Jonathan Johnstone

We are excited to announce our campaign to raise awareness for the Edington Centre, a day Centre in Penrith dedicated to providing care for adults with learning difficulties. Our mission is to amplify the voices of these incredible individuals by showcasing their daily activities and the beautiful Christmas crafts they create.

The campaign is being run by a group of Chartered Management Degree Apprentices, from the Ambleside Campus who have volunteered to share their knowledge and expertise in project management with the Edington Centre. They hope to help the Centre with their social media presence through which they can share the adventures of the service users and the activities they undertake, as well as advertising their “Old Christmas Tree” drive. The Centre uses old Christmas trees and upcycles them into festive wreaths and ornaments which they sell at school fairs and from the Centre itself.

The group felt it was important to be engaged with the Edington Centre service users, so two members of the Apprenticeship Team led the users in a Christmas Sing-a-Long session. It was a wonderfully enjoyable afternoon spent singing, dancing, shaking and jiggling Christmas bells and tambourines which brought a smile to everyone’s face. It was a great way for the apprenticeship team and the Centre to collaborate and have some fun, which strengthened the relationship with both groups.

Jie and Alan having a wonderful Christmas time.

Here are some examples of the beautiful crafts for sale from The Edington Centre.

The guys are already hard at work making crafts for next year!

We’d love the wider community to come visit the pages created and encourage everyone to like share and re-post our pages!

https://www.facebook.com/EdingtonCrafts

https://www.instagram.com/edcen27

Charitable Causes Community

Cumbrian Primary School Judged ‘Outstanding’ By Local Charity

**Cheque presentation of monies raised by Bowness-on-Solway Primary School to Mark from Cumbria Cerebral Palsy.**

As well as being recognised by the Minister for Schools as being in the top 1% of schools in the whole country a small Cumbrian Primary School has just been judged as ‘outstanding’ for it’s fundraising by a local charity.

Bowness-on-Solway Primary School, with just 44 registered pupils, is located in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the very western end of Hadrian’s Wall with uninterrupted views of the northern Lake District fells. For a small school with such small class sizes, they are very fortunate to have extensive grounds with their own forest area and immediate access to the beautiful Solway Firth coastline including the beach.

” I am immensely proud to be the headteacher of Bowness-on-Solway Primary” said Headteacher Mr. Stuart Walsh, BSc (Hons), PGCE, NPQH “Our aim is to develop responsible, well-rounded citizens who make a positive contribution to their community. Our school council decided to nominate Cumbria Cerebral Palsy as our Charity of Choice for the 2023-2024 school year. With the help and support of our team of staff, the governors, parents, carers and pupils, we were able to run a range of exciting fundraising activities. We were pleased to welcome Mark from Cumbria Cerebral Palsy to receive a cheque for £827 from our fundraising efforts.”

Cumbria Cerebral Palsy’s General Manager Emily Breaks was astonished at the amount of money raised by just 44 pupils. She said “It is truly ‘outstanding’ that a small primary school with just 44 pupils has raised so much money to help our small charity. It also shows that when a group of people work together over a year the difference in the size of the amount raised is significantly higher than a one-off event.”

If you have a pupil at your school with cerebral palsy then Cumbria Cerebral Palsy would like to hear from you and would be pleased to offer you any help, guidance or support or even assist in helping buy your school a specialist piece of equipment.

For further details please contact Emily on 07849 294750 or email her at emily.breaks@cumbriacerebralpalsy.net

Awards / Award Nominations Community

Life membership for Lakeland RC founders

**Lakeland RC founders Ian Hill (centre) and John Knox, with Ian’s son Alex standing between them, and Ian’s wife, Leonie, seated front right (Picture Credit Nicola Jackson**)

Keswick-based Lakeland Rowing Club has recognised the contribution of two of its founders by awarding them honorary life membership.

Ian Hill and John Knox, who have been friends and keen rowers for sixty years, set up Lakeland in 2007 with two other local oarsmen to further the sport they love.

At the time, there were no rowing clubs between Brampton and Lancaster, an area of several hundred square miles including some of the most beautiful stretches of water in the Lake District.

By 2016, there were enough members to split into two independent clubs: Lakeland RC on Derwentwater and, for those in the south of the county, Windermere RC.

Lakeland chair Julia McCumiskey, who presented their life membership certificates at Saturday’s ceremony, said: “Lakeland RC would not be the thriving club it is today without the foresight and dedication of Ian and John. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude.”

Ian and John, who is the club’s life president, rowed for the University of Cambridge’s Clare College in the 1960s and went on to race together at Henley Royal Regatta for many years.

Although the pair no longer compete, they have remained members of Lakeland RC, generously contributing their time and resources to support its growth.

They have also introduced family members to the sport, with Ian’s son Alex, daughter-in-law Hannah and grandson Sam all playing an active part in the club.

Lakeland now has around 100 members, who attend evening and weekend sessions or form crews for impromptu weekday outings. It also runs low-cost adult and junior learn-to-row courses from April to September every year, with bursaries available to help with fees.

Beginners, or returning rowers, who would like to know more about opportunities at Lakeland RC can visit www.lakelandrowingclub.com or find the club on Facebook – just search for the Lakeland Rowing Club page.

Home / Community

Community Things to do

November Events 2024

November Events In Cumbria 2024

Community Events Things to do Wellness

Essence Hosts Open Afternoon to Celebrate Maryport Christmas Light Switch-On

Essence is delighted to announce an Open Afternoon on 16^th of November, from 12 noon to 4 pm, coinciding with the Maryport Christmas light switch-on. This festive event offers the perfect opportunity to explore the wide range of wellness and aesthetic treatments available at Essence. There will be mince pies and prosecco to those who pop in as well as a chance to receive a free skin analysis from Gemma Hornsby-Lofthouse, the founder of Essence. This is a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of the aesthetic treatments offered at the wellness centre.

In addition to the free skin analysis, several practitioners will be offering discounted taster sessions:

Jen Wilson, Jen Wilson Wellness: Specializes in stress management and overall well-being workshops.
Emma Dollochin, Revive Active: Offers functional fitness classes and will introduce sports massage services starting January.
Kerri Hunter, Wild Daisy Holistics: Expert in massage and reflexology.
Charlie Stevens, Soulway Therapy: Provides sports massage and energy healing.
Mandy Huddart, Firefly Holistics: Offers reiki, reflexology, and Indian head and facial massages.
Rachel Stevens, Rachel Stevens Holistic Therapy: Practitioner of Angelic Reiki and Usui Reiki.
Nikki Wingfield, Solway Shiatsu & Qigong: Specialist in shiatsu and qigong practices.

*Owner Gemma Hornsby-Lofthouse founder of Essence Wellness centre alongside some of the many practitioners now at their growing health hub*

Guests will also have the opportunity to tour the floatation room and red light therapy room, experiencing the unique facilities that Essence Wellness has to offer.

No need to book in advance – simply turn up at Essence, located at 109-111 Senhouse St, Maryport CA15 6BU. Be sure to follow Essence Wellness and Essence Cumbria on social media for the latest updates and visit their website for more information

Join them for an afternoon of relaxation, rejuvenation, and festive cheer!

Awards / Award Nominations Business Charitable Causes Community

Top Dog Business Awards Launched: Profits to Support Eden Animal Rescue

The Top Dog Business Awards, a new initiative celebrating excellence in the pet care industry, has officially been launched. This exciting event, set to take place on Friday, 16th May 2025 at The Halston, Warwick Road, Carlisle, promises a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration.

The awards, founded by Dave and Vicky McKenna, owners of Top Dog Doggy Day Care, along with their daughter Madison, aim to recognise outstanding businesses in the dog care sector. Categories include grooming, training, retail, and veterinary services. The event will feature an esteemed panel of judges, including Hannah Wade, a Crufts Judge and Championship Dog Agility Competitor, and Sarah Bean, General Manager of Eden Animal Rescue.

*Dave McKenna along with daughter Madison and wife Vicky McKenna founders of Top Dog Business Awards*

In a heart-warming gesture, all profits from the Top Dog Business Awards will be donated to Eden Animal Rescue. The funds will support their fundraising efforts for a new kennel block, ensuring a better future for countless animals in need. Eden Animal Rescue is actively seeking sponsors to help make this project a reality.

Dave and Vicky’s journey began several years ago with the opening of Top Dog Doggy Day Care, a place where pets could feel at home and their owners could trust in the quality of care. Their mission has always been to offer a safe, loving, and fun environment for dogs, ensuring they are happy and healthy while their owners are away. This dedication to exceptional care is the driving force behind the Top Dog Business Awards.

The panel of judges for the awards includes industry and business experts dedicated to recognising excellence in the dog business sector:

Hannah Wade – Crufts Judge, Championship Dog Agility Competitor
Adam Roberts – Owner of CJAJ Media, Social Media Expert
Naomi Smith – Owner of Saltire Financial, Business Expert
Sarah Bean – General Manager of Eden Animal Rescue, Dog Business Expert

The event is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors, including Telfords Van Hub, Sannas, GHS Direct, Steffany Collette, Candy Print, and Saltire Financial. However they have more sponsorship opportunities and catergories? Visit Top Dog Awards Sponsorship for more details Sponsorship | Top Dog Business Awards

Also nominations now open for you to vote also Awards | Top Dog Business Awards

Categories are: Dog Walker Of The Year, Dog Kennels Of The Year, Day Care Of The Year, Dog Groomer Of The Year, Dog Breeder Of The Year, Dog Trainer Of The Year, Dog Retailer Of The Year, New Business Of The Year and Dog Vets Of The Year.

So what are you waiting for! Get in touch with them to sponsor a category and nominate! Help spread the word!

Email them on info@topdogawards.co.uk or head to https://www.topdogawards.co.uk/

Business Community Places to stay

Newly Refurbished Lonsdale House Grand Opening Events a Resounding Success

**Owner Neil Cameron of newly refurbed Lonsdale House Luxury Apartments with the networking event attendees to celebrate it’s opening.**

The grand opening events of the newly refurbished Lonsdale House Luxury Apartments have been celebrated as a resounding success. The first event which was on Wednesday 25^th of September 2024, which was open to the general public, saw an impressive turnout of 70 attendees. Many guests shared fond memories of Lonsdale House from its days as a hotel, adding a nostalgic touch to the evening. It also highlighted the support that was in the community that this historical Grade II listed building has now been restored and will be bringing in tourists and those working to the area.

The second event to celebrate their opening was held 18^th of October 2024 was an exclusive evening of networking and drinks, with a notable presence of local businesses and organisations, including Ulverston Town Council, Ulverston BID, and Cumbria Tourism.

Neil Cameron, the owner, was pictured with several attendees, including Donna Flowers Dawning from Still Life Ulverston, Sarah Davies from Cumbria Tourism, Esmeri Spruce from Spruce Interiors Ltd, Shane Francis from Roma Finance, Wendy Orr, who previously owned Lonsdale House Hotel between 1991-1998, Shirley-Anne Wilson, deputy mayor of Ulverston, Andy Arnold-Bennett from Shed One, Ulverston, Deborah Scott from Ulverston BID, Tim Bromley from Wolfe Design and Build, and Anthony Smith from Progression Solicitors.

The event was catered by local company Karen Rhodes Weddings & Events. The evening was further enriched by the presence of current guests, who joined in the celebrations and enjoyed the festivities.

The success of these grand opening events marks a significant milestone for Lonsdale House Luxury Apartments, setting the stage for its future as a place to stay in Ulverston as well an event space for hire to once again host weddings, special occasions and corporate events and workshops.

For more information about Lonsdale House Luxury Apartments and upcoming events, please follow them on social media for offers and more ; they are on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552414657722 and check out their website where you can book direct https://www.lonsdale-house.co.uk/

**Neil Cameron Owner of the newly refurbished Lonsdale House Luxury Apartments Photo Credit German Ucar**

Charitable Causes Community Things to do

The Fabulous Cumbria Fair Returns for 2024 in aid of NSPCC

Don’t miss this popular annual Two-Day Christmas Shopping Extravaganza!

The much-anticipated fabulous Cumbria Fair is set to make a grand return in 2024, promising a delightful experience for all attendees. This year’s event will be held at the picturesque The Garden At Eden, Crosby On Eden, CA6 4RA, offering a perfect backdrop for a festive shopping spree.

The fair kicks off with an exclusive VIP event on Wednesday November 6th, from 4:30 PM to 8:00 PM. VIP Sip & Shop ticket holders will enjoy an early preview of the fair, providing a unique opportunity to browse and purchase from a curated selection of independent pop-up shops before the general public. £10 entry if booked online (link below) or £12.50 on the day. Includes a glass of fizz.

On November 7th, the fair opens its doors to everyone from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Shoppers can explore a wide array of offerings, including fashion, accessories, food and drink, fine art, home gifts, and Christmas decorations. With something for everyone, the fair is an ideal destination for Christmas shopping. £5.00 entry. Tickets available to buy online (link below) or on the day.

Adding to the festive spirit, 10% of all sales will be donated to the NSPCC, supporting their vital work in protecting children. This charitable aspect makes the Fabulous Cumbria Fair not only a shopping event but also a meaningful way to give back to the community.

Don’t miss out on this unique two-day event that combines the joy of Christmas shopping with the charm of independent retailers and the beauty of Eden Valley. Mark your calendars and get ready to indulge in a fabulous festive experience!

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW https://giving.give-star.com/event/nspcc/cumbria-fair-2024

You can also keep up to date with their socials so give that a follow https://www.facebook.com/nspcccumbriafair

ABOUT NSPCC:

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) is the UK’s leading children’s charity, dedicated to preventing child abuse and supporting families. They provide a range of services including therapeutic support, national helplines, and educational resources to help rebuild children’s lives and prevent abuse. The NSPCC also engages in policy advocacy and public awareness campaigns to protect children and influence government policies.

You can find out more and how you can get involve or help on https://www.nspcc.org.uk/

Charitable Causes Community

The Silent Footprints Foundation upcoming events in Carlisle and Whitehaven for Baby Lost Awareness Week 9th October-15th October 2024

*The events in Cumbria that The Silent Footprints Foundation are doing for Baby Loss Awareness Week which is now till 15th of October.*

The Silent Footprints Foundation was founded in 2019 by Gail Dobson-Burns who experienced profound personal losses in 2014 and 2015. After losing twins at 14 weeks during a second scan and undergoing life-saving emergency surgery for a ruptured ectopic pregnancy the following year, the founder realised that physical healing often outpaces mental recovery.

Despite having a supportive network, the founder felt isolated when the topic of loss became too difficult for others to discuss over time. This sense of isolation and the need for ongoing support led to the creation of the Silent Footprints Foundation.

Initially starting as a community support group, the foundation has grown into a small charity registered with the Charity Commission. It provides a safe space for individuals who have experienced pregnancy loss at any stage, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, medical termination, and infant loss.

The foundation offers various forms of support, such as memory boxes, mental health resources, coping strategies, befriending services, and a memory tree where messages for lost loved ones can be left. Additionally, a small library of self-help books and a range of angel memorabilia and jewellery are available for sale, with proceeds funding monthly peer support groups.

For those who may find group settings challenging, the foundation also offers one-on-one support. Jenn, who joined the founder in running the groups, lost her son Leo at full term in 2013. Her experience highlighted that the grief from any stage of pregnancy loss is valid and significant, reinforcing the foundation’s inclusive approach.

Two individuals who have been supported by the foundation now volunteer, helping to set up groups, offer refreshments, and share their stories as peer supporters.

The foundation’s monthly support groups are held in West and North Cumbria:

Whitehaven: Senhouse Centre, Senhouse Street, CA28 7ES
- Last Monday of every month (excluding bank holidays), 6pm-8pm
Carlisle: Carlisle Eden Mind Venue, 1 Victoria Place, Carlisle, CA1 1EJ
- Second Wednesday of every month, 6:30-8:30 PM

For more information, visit the foundation’s social media pages or website: www.silentfootprintsfoundation.org

Category: Community