Bringing an Easter smile to Cockermouth people’s faces

Submitted by Suzanne Elsworth, Elsworth Communications

*Lyn Osbaldeston with her Easter gifts (Credit: Suzanne Elsworth)*

People living in and around Cockermouth are being given an Easter treat by a town centre shop owner and her customers.

Lyn Osbaldeston, who runs the New to You by The Cumbrian Wordsmith shop in Market Place, at the bottom of Castlegate, is making up seasonal goody bags for the Linking Lives charity. It’s the second time she has donated gifts to the charity after sharing vouchers for local businesses at Christmas.

Lyn sells quality second hand items and also has a mug printing business and a percentage of her sales goes to charity. She had been approached by Linking Lives to create some mugs and decided to keep supporting the befriending service it offers.

Lyn said: “I just want to bring a smile to people’s faces and this means I can take the generous donations of local people and put the benefits right back in the community.

“I’ll be putting Easter eggs and some lovely toiletries in the bags for Linking Lives to share through its networks.”

Linking Lives is a befriending service aimed at adults who want additional friendship and support. It can be a lifeline for those living alone, or are unable to leave home regularly, or otherwise have little community contact. The charity has a team of volunteers who provide weekly home visits or phone calls, as well as social events.

Terry Peate, of Linking Lives Cockermouth, said: “We are so grateful for Lyn’s support and want to say thank you to her for thinking of the people we befriend. Little gestures like this go a long way and we look forward to seeing the smiles from the gift recipients.”

Linking Lives volunteers need to commit just one hour a week to help with the befriending service. If you can help call 07957 515140 or email cockermouth@linkinglives.uk. More information is available at www.linkinglives.uk/project/cockermouth

*Easter gifts for Linking Lives (Credit: Suzanne Elsworth)*

Things to do

Bowness-on-Solway: Burgh Marsh a rarely visited monument (and how to get there on bike!)

Taken from Bowness-on-Solway: Burgh Marsh – Border City Cycle Hire blog with their permission. Photo their own.

I’m often asked about the absence of Hadrian’s Wall along the route between Bowness-on-Solway and Carlisle? Those that have experienced my ‘Tour Guide’ monologue when travelling with their bikes to begin cycling along the N72 cycle route Eastwards, will recognise that the stone from The Wall is now incorporated into various structures, notably the Keep Tower at St Michaels Church in Burgh-by-Sands.

This invariably leads me into another area of ancient history – the demise of King Edward 1st, otherwise known as ‘The Hammer of the Scots’ or Edward Longshanks.

Edward was a formidable King and had pushed the Scottish forces northward and out of Carlisle, on a number of occasions. This time, he had assembled his army on Burgh marsh just north of Burgh-by-Sands, with the intent of crossing the Solway estuary when the tide allowed, then attack the Scottish forces occupying Carlisle from the North where they would least expect or be prepared for.

Unfortunately, the old King (66 years allegedly) became ill with a fever and died before a crossing could be attempted and as the army still needed to do this, his aides and generals decided to keep his body safely stored in St Michaels Church, until they had dealt with the pesky Scottish invaders – which was about 10 months later… They then transported his body back to Westminster Abbey (via Waltham Abbey) for Burial.

The place where he died on the Marsh is marked by a rarely visited monument and can be reached by taking the HWCR Loop between Burgh-by-Sands and Kirkandrews-upon-Eden.

About Border City Cycle Hire –

They are a fully mobile operation with delivery and collection mutually arranged. Bookings can be made online via their website https://www.bordercitycyclehire.com/

* Delivery/Collection charges over 3 miles from City centre may apply

Book & pay for your bike online then contact us to arrange exact delivery details to your location – simple!

Email: info@bordercitycyclehire.com
Telephone: 01228 808253

* Charges over 2 miles may apply – Security deposit required in all cases *

Also check out their Facebook page and give it a like! https://www.facebook.com/bordercitycyclehire

Business

Beyond Four Walls – Unveiling Carlisle’s Newest Meeting Space

Exciting Announcement!

Kinsella HR Solutions is thrilled to share some fantastic news – the Roslyn Meeting Room is officially open for hire!

Picture this: A space that’s more than just four walls; it’s where ideas spark, collaborations flourish, and success takes centre stage.

The Roslyn Room is not just a room; it’s an experience waiting to happen! Whether you’re planning a team meeting, a workshop, or a brainstorming session, we’ve got the perfect spot for you.

Why choose the Roslyn Room?

Vibrant ambiance

Flexibility for various events

A touch of elegance and comfort

Ready to elevate your events? https://www.kinsellahr.co.uk/roslyn-room/ for further information. Let’s make your next gathering one for the books!

Business

AWARD WINNING LOCAL FIRM LEADING THE WAY IN SUSTAINABLE AND INNOVATIVE DRIVEWAYS

Submitted by John Weller. Oltco Cumbria

WE’RE INNOVATIVE. WE’RE INDUSTRY-LEADING. WE’RE AWARD-WINNING.

Oltco Cumbria is proud to offer

customers its award-winning

Recycle Bound solution made

utilising waste plastic already in

circulation and its sustainable

ground reinforcement system,

Recycle Base, made utilising stone

and low-grade plastic, including

waste ocean plastic.

Oltco Cumbria is headed up by Dale Moulton and John Weller who work with their

skilled team of resin bound experts and together they are perfectly equipped to exceed

customers’ expectations and create outstanding outdoor transformations.

Get in touch with them for more information or for a quote.

07852371330

cumbria@oltco.co.uk

Places to eat and drink

A must visit! Woodlands Tea Room & The Santon Bridge Gift Shop

They serve delicious locally roasted coffee.

Nestled amongst nearby woodland and nearby lovely walks is the Woodlands Tea Room & The Santon Bridge Gift Shop.

Woodlands Tea Room serves amazing food and drink, with all homemade food and locally sourced ingredients. Serving all day breakfasts, lunch, homemade cake and afternoon teas.Takeaways, buffets, picnics and cocktails are available.

They also have a fantastic and large gift shop that have many local products and gifts available to buy. They also host craft workshops so check out their Facebook page for any updates on upcoming workshops. https://www.facebook.com/santonbridgegiftshop

Their aim is for people to ‘shop local’, with items on offer being produced by local individuals and companies, supporting the local economy and reducing our impact on the environment due to reduced transportation requirements. Their best sellers are handmade items made right her in Cumbria. Their latest addition is their very own delicious ice cream creation from Ravenglass Handmade Ice Cream that now available in the Tea Room & Gift Shop.

It’s history is below:

In 1954, The Craft Shop was a small garden shed at the bottom of a garden where the owners served teas in a flask to customers. Over the years, it has evolved and is now two larger cabins which has turned into a veritable institution.

A real Aladdin’s cave of gifts for all occasions complimented by the Woodlands Tearoom/Restaurant which was added in 2001. It is extremely popular with both locals and tourists who regularly say they have been visiting the shop for years!

Places to stay

A Country House Hotel in the heart of the Cumbrian valley and community

HUNDITH HILL HOTEL in the picturesque Lorton Valley, Cockermouth is a beautiful country house hotel which has been in the family for 42 years. From it, offers stunning views of the Cumbria countryside and fells, whether you are there for an afternoon tea, lunch or an event or staying over.

Joan and Phil Butterworth who own Hundith Hill Hotel have worked closely with their chefs over a good number of years to provide quality home cooked meals using local produce as much as possible.

They support the local community from the shows and events to using local suppliers. All food freshly prepared.

They also have an array of spaces that can be used from conference to meeting rooms which have been used by businesses and even local clubs – even a Bee Keeping Club.

They also have 25 beautiful rooms so they have seen many come as afar as Canada and USA. They have hosted weddings, christenings, baby reveals, funeral teas, birthdays and more.

They also do monetary vouchers which have no end date so can be used at any time. Handy for those moments you realised your loved ones have forgot to use it within those 6 months. Afternoon Tea and Sunday Lunch vouchers are however within a year.

The reception area with the houses’ stunning features preserved is beautiful and warm when you enter. There is also an opportunity to purchase local gifts as well as cards depicting Cumbrian views and all money from the cards go to charity.

Also, displayed in the glass unit is a miniature porcelain replica of the hotel made by a resident who had been coming for years; long before the days of drones and aerial photography which testifies to how this long established hotel means to those who come to stay.

To find out more or to book, head to https://hundith.com/

SHOWCASING ALL THAT IS GREAT ABOUT CUMBRIA