Anne Pickles

Keith’s having a laugh – no, really, he is!

Keith Adams photo I reckon Keith Adams may be onto something. He might actually have put his finger on a trick that’s close to useful.

Last updated 3 February 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

When we spenders lose our outlets – situation’s serious

Life’s full of disappointments, let-downs, short-term traumas. You learn to rant a lot, cry a bit – and then you move on.

Last updated 27 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

How to beat the January blues – bump into Arthur

Depending on who you Googled, Monday was supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. Though some sites reckon it’s the one to come.

Last updated 20 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Christmas oddity merry-go-round has no losers

There was a raised eyebrow in my neck of the woods when some local charity shops complained people were being mean with their unwanted Christmas gifts this year.

Last updated 13 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

All Mary wanted for Xmas was a Travelodge room

A visit to a living Nativity scene is a bit like a secret Santa gift. You never quite know what you’re going to get – but you’ve an idea it won’t be what you imagined.

Last updated 23 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Hard of hearing? It makes gossip more exciting

She was a hairdresser confidently claiming to be a cut above the rest... she being an accomplished pianist and all.

Last updated 16 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Advice? I try never to give - or take it

So, there I was in the front pew. Eyes fixed on the glittering Christmas lights – as all eyes are when a twinkling tree’s in the vicinity – and feeling a little out of the comfort zone.

Last updated 9 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

There’s no-one like Grandma to sort out a child

Poor woman. Two Co-op carrier bags in one hand, a small person dragging on the other and soaked to the skin – she looked done in. I’d have told that wet, sulking little girl at the bus stop all of that – if I’d had more courage.

Last updated 2 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We love a sense of occasion, but with no nonsense

A sense of occasion is as important to a woman as a sense of smell at a fragrance counter. No two ways about it, a day without a sense of occasion is wasted.

Last updated 25 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We’ve always got something to celebrate

A sense of occasion is as important to a woman as a sense of smell at a fragrance counter. No two ways about it, a day without a sense of occasion is wasted.

Last updated 25 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Football fantasy has got me off the subs’ bench

If all the world were a football ground and all the men and women merely players – I suspect I’d be spending a lot of my time on the subs’ bench.

Last updated 18 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

If it’s feral you expect, guess what you’ll get?

The brim of her pointy hat just about reached my letterbox. Her face was a paint palette of green and mauve; long-lashed eyes, as big and round as dinner plates, gazed with an intensity to break hearts.

Last updated 4 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

How a flower can make us realise what matters

When a big magic poppy appeared on the side of Carlisle’s Shaddon Mill, reality check kicked in.

Last updated 28 October 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

I’ve lapsed from all of my clubs – except Cranstons

I was asked this week whether I was a member of anything. A simple enough enquiry but, to be honest, the question threw me a bit.

Last updated 21 October 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Welcome to the world, William – how it’s changed

It happened in a life-changing instant. Like finding your first grey hair or not immediately remembering your own phone number.

Last updated 14 October 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Professionals in our own premier partying league

We were a visibly happy little bunch as we gathered at Carlisle Rugby Club for a couple of sherbets and a sausage roll apiece.

Last updated 7 October 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

You know you’re local when the pong’s your own

Leaning too far over the harbour wall, like a couple of fishwives who’d just lost their menfolk’s catch, we were breathing in deeply... and coughing rather a lot.

Last updated 30 September 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Tommy Mattinson’s gurning more successful at face saving

Gurning, I was once told at Weight Watchers, is what you must do to avoid turkey neck and double chin when shedding pounds.

Last updated 23 September 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

A good shepherd knows when the contest is lost

The majority of women are said to have a soft spot for men in uniform. A naval officer in his pristine, starched, summer whites is supposed to take top spot.

Last updated 16 September 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Lakeside luxury a strange place to find left leanings

She was in sparkly sandals, showing off painted toenails. I wore my sitting-down shoes – the too-high, pinchy ones I carry, should I need to stand up or (God forbid) walk.

Last updated 9 September 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk