People

I was told not to pick up hitchhikers...

Jean James photo North Cumbrian woman Jean James is spending a month in one of the most deprived communities on Earth - South Africa's Elgin Valley. The area suffers from high unemployment, extreme poverty, alcohol and drug abuse and HIV infection rates of up to 50 per cent. She's recording her experiences and thoughts here in a heart-rending blog...

Last updated 8 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Happiness is a city called Carlisle

Happy isn’t the first word that springs to mind when I think of my hometown. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying it’s the last word either. (11 comments)

Last updated 8 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cumbrian football manager and business boss believes it is 'all about the team'

What works for Sir Alex Ferguson does not necessarily work for John Clasper. Manchester United boss Sir Alex is Britain’s most famous exponent of angry management. His tirades have been dubbed ‘the hairdryer’.

Last updated 7 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

There’s still a way to go before I can tell my neighbours I’m gay and not get ‘faggot’ painted on my car

Richard Kavanagh describes himself as lucky – because he’s been beaten up only twice.

Last updated 31 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cumbrian woman aiming to fast-track people into love

Keswick woman desperately seeking 15 single guys and 15 single ladies aged 24 to 35.

Last updated 23 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cumbria's Blue Peter star Helen Skelton to tackle South Pole trek for Sport Relief

She has run 78 miles in 24 hours through African desert. She has kayaked the length of the Amazon. (25 comments)

Last updated 13 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

'I refuse to let anything drag me down' says Cumbria Woman of the Year Val Armstrong

Radio is an intimate medium. Broadcasters’ voices rouse us at the start the day, offer thoughts or cheer for the afternoon and keep us company in the middle of the night. (6 comments)

Last updated 1 December 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

There's nothing cowardly or courageous about suicide

Whatever caused Wales football boss Gary Speed to take his own life, the desperation he must have felt at the end is something Les Floyd can identify with. The 37-year-old from Warwick Bridge was on the brink of suicide four years ago. He now shares more positive thoughts on a blog and has almost 50,000 followers around the world on Twitter. Here he shares his reaction to the news about Speed’s death.

Last updated 30 November 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

‘We are the boys and girls well known as Minors of the ABC...’

A wave of nostalgia is engulfing Cumbria, sweeping along a generation.

Last updated 12 November 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

War changed Cumbrian family forever

Sometimes, picking through the faded photographs and crumbling documents, Rex Hadwin wonders how well he really knew his father and his grandfather.

Last updated 10 November 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Making sure we get the big picture

The sunny woodland where Derrick Bird took his life. The hunt for Raoul Moat. The floods which devastated west Cumbria. Things are currently moving on at the BBC. The Beeb needs to cut 20 per cent from its budget over the next five years in response to the licence free being frozen.

Last updated 10 October 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk