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

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.

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!

Events Expert Article Wellness

The Wonder of Walking

by Lee Irving, Holistic Lifestyle Coach and director at Wellbeing by See Events

When did you last take a walk for no other reason than for the good of your wellbeing?

What I mean is not just a task orientated walk to get something done, like walking the dog or because you didn’t have the car, or you needed to get the numbers up on your pedometer, but just because you enjoy it and it makes you feel good. Hopefully this article will help you appreciate the latter as opposed to the former. You see, as human beings we are designed to walk, and walking has many health benefits, many more than simply exercise.

Let’s look at walking compared to running as an example. You might think ‘running is going to get you to where you want to be faster’, or ‘running is better for you’. The first may be true and the second might be in some cases, but not always.

Let’s consider it from the point of view of stress. Stress effects an awful lot of people these days and I am always looking at ways that I can help people reduce stress in their lives. I know that whenever I run, especially if I sprint, I am activating the sympathetic arm of my autonomic nervous system; often referred to as the ‘fight or flight response’. This is because the primitive part of my brain that is responsible for turning on a stress response like this is connected to my body and reacts to any sudden exertion as a physical response to a threat and sets off the danger alarm. It sounds very much like an overreaction and in most cases it is, but, as I said, this is a very primitive system designed to keep us alive hundreds of thousands of years ago when there really were frequent life or death situations and it is still very much in charge today.

When I walk that part of my brain is getting the message that all is well, there are no imminent threats and life is good. When this happens my autonomic nervous system is in the parasympathetic branch or ‘rest and digest’, instead of tension I feel calm, I am more able to think clearly, my heartrate and blood pressure drop, I am more able to think creatively and be more nurturing towards myself and others, my awareness is opened up to notice and take in more information, I am responsive rather than reactive. Needless to say, when stressed I can expect the opposite of these positive states of being.

Many things in modern life can throw us into a stress state; work load, poor relationships, meetings, presentations, being late, the list goes on. So, whatever the cause of your stress, a walk in nature is a remarkable cure not just because of the slow pace but also because the sounds in nature resonate with our own energy signature at a cellular level. Trees and shrubs release airborne chemicals called phytoncides as a way of communicating to each other which are also proven to reduce stress levels in humans and increase white blood cell counts. Noticing the sights, sounds, smells and textures of nature brings our attention into the present moment which reduces mental stress like anxiety because when we are in the moment we cannot think about our problems, this is mindfulness. So why not get yourself into nature for a quick walk the next time you are feeling a little stressed.

Some tips for a nature walk –

· Go slowly – The mind and body are connected so when the mind starts racing the body will too. Check on your pace and slow it down if necessary.

· Use your senses to promote mindfulness – What can you see, hear, smell, feel or even taste.

· Hug a tree (or at least place the palms of your hands on one) – The tree will ground you. A bit like an electrical appliance needs earthing so do we as we are electrochemical machines.

· Talk to passers-by – We are social beings and working from home can have a negative effect on our social skills and needs.

· Make a quick nature walk a reward for completing tasks – Breaking up daily tasks can make them seem less overwhelming as they appear as a whole.

Find out more on Wellbeing by See Event, head to https://www.see-events.co.uk/

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/

Wellness

Ravenstone Country Manor Unveils New Wellness Venture

Built in 1852, Ravenstone Country Manor is situated in private grounds, in Melmerby within the Eden Valley.

Set on an expansive 4-acre estate, this 7-bedroom Manor, spanning four floors offers a blend of classic elegance and modern convenience. Each floor is thoughtfully designed to provide both private spaces and communal areas, for a diverse clientele, from private groups and individuals to corporate clients.

Located on the lower ground of the Manor, offering a unique and serene environment you will find a sauna, small fitness studio & Wellness facilities which is now home to the new Ravenstone Wellness.

*The historic Ravenstone Country Manor where the new Ravenstone Wellness is located*

Jayne Denton, the founder of Ravenstone Wellness is daughter of the Walker Family who ran Ravenstone Country Manor for many years. Jayne is a qualified Skin & Health Practitioner with over 30 years of Radiography experience.

Ravenstone Wellness provides an advanced, non invasive approach to skin rejuvenation and gut health, offering personalised safe & effective face & body treatments with amazing results.

Jayne believes that working to optimise your gut health whilst using the M3 7/1 skin rejuvenation equipment is the perfect step towards the skin of your dreams.

“At Ravenstone Wellness, we believe in a holistic approach to health and beauty. By combining advanced skin rejuvenation techniques with a focus on gut health, we aim to help our clients achieve their best selves. Our serene environment at Ravenstone Country Manor provides the perfect backdrop for relaxation. We look forward to welcoming you and helping you embark on your wellness journey.” – Jayne Denton, Founder of Ravenstone Wellness

Whether it’s a getaway, wellness retreat, or networking/workshop event, this new focus enables Ravenstone Country Manor to provide the perfect setting for your needs.

The manor is a unique environment where guests can seamlessly transition between relaxation and professional engagement. This approach enhances the guest experience by catering to a wide range of needs, from unwinding and recharging to connecting and collaborating.

Jayne and all the team are looking forward to welcoming you to Ravenstone Country Manor, where every detail is crafted to ensure a memorable experience.

Keep an eye out on their social media platforms for the grand opening https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561032906555

Head to their website for more https://www.ravenstonecountrymanor.co.uk/wellness/

Janye Denton doing a Geno LED Red Light and Infra Red Treatment at Ravenstone Wellness

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

SHOWCASING ALL THAT IS GREAT ABOUT CUMBRIA