Last updated 16:55, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

Defining moments for all who live in West Cumbria

Focal point: Whitehaven Snappers spent a day out at sea last Sunday, taking pictures of wildlife around St Bees. This picture is by Snapper Nick Landells

WHAT is it like to live in West Cumbrian? And what defines ‘West Cumbrian’?
Such mysteries are being investigated by researchers from Durham University carrying out a major study of the everyday social and economic histories – or stories – associated with significant global industries, such as nuclear, ship-breaking, and steel.
The nuclear industry plays a big part of course in our lives and it’s that impact which they hope to record and reflect back to the country’s decision makers.
Researcher Karen Bickerstaff said: “We plan to build up a picture of personal histories or experiences of living in the region – the landscapes, events and people that are significant in defining the area – as well as the hopes people have for the future. The insights of local people are crucial and we are therefore seeking their help – by asking them to share their stories, recollections, views and even images of life in the area.”
The research is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council.
If you are interested in participating in this study contact the team by calling Keeva on 0191 334 4683 or Karen on 07855 564 542. Alternatively you can email k.j.bickerstaff@durham.ac.uk.
Long and short of trying to support our local shops
A READER rang in livid over the lack of places in town to buy clothing for her son.
She complained that while there was no shortage of items for girls, it was difficult trying to buy clothes for boys in Whitehaven.
Reporter Julie Morgan agrees with the caller.
She said: “I didn’t realise it was a problem until I came to buy new underwear and pyjamas for my sons aged 8 and 10 years this week and discovered I couldn’t find anywhere to shop.
“In desperation I went online and spent £25, including post and packaging, buying three packets of boxers! I was furious I had to spend so much on kids’ underwear.
“I can understand the mother who rang up being so annoyed. If you are on a limited budget or don’t have access to the internet, I’m not sure where you would buy clothes for young lads. Whenever I go shopping for my niece there is plenty of choice in the town, but the boys seem to have the raw deal locally.’’
Over to you, dear readers...
Stable profession for boy who helped farmer
THE mysterious milk lad on the photograph featured in last week’s diary has been identified as Danny Byrne.
He was spotted by his daughter, Debbie, who said: “My dad has the same picture but I would have recognised him anywhere!
“Apparently the horse and my dad would wait outside the pub when the farmer wanted a quick pint.’’
Debbie said her dad is now 72 and lives in East Road, Egremont. However, he was in Spain when the pictured was published. She also pointed out that the location of the photograph was Brisco Mount.
Our thanks to Paul Bainbridge who also phoned to point out the scene was Brisco Mount.
Politicians gives birth to a radical new concept
HEARD a politician on the radio the other day saying he would not be entering the debate on embryo research with any ‘pre-conceived’ ideas. Surely that’s the whole point?
Piper calls the tune at West Cumbrian venues
DISTINGTON music promoter Alan Hewitt is bringing top blues musician Julian Piper to West Cumbria this month.
Julian is the only British blues guitarist to have won a WC Handy Award – the blues equivalent of the Oscars – and recently appeared at Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club in Mississippi.
He and his band, the Junkyard Angels, have shared the stage with Robert Cray, Buddy Guy and B B King.
Julian will play at the Central in Egremont on Saturday, May 17 and at the John Paul Jones in Whitehaven the following night. Both gigs are free and start at 9pm.
Need-to-know basis – and who needs to know
INTERESTING how the new West Lakes Academy chose its new principal, Barrie Cooper – and who it chose to involve.
One senior county councillor who ought to have known told us: “The first I heard of the new appointment was when I heard about it on the Main Street...”
Strange but true – the sun can set in the east
TRAVEL to Whitby on the east coast, stand on the harbour and look out to sea. Would you ever see the sun set over the North Sea? Strangely, yes. For a few weeks around midsummer you do!
Dough! Saving on the household budget is easy
THE average family could knock £100 off their annual food bill by baking their own bread.
That’s the view of Caroline Dale, marketing manager at Cumbria’s Carr’s Flour, Silloth.
“Based on a normal family consumption of four loaves a week, the savings quickly mount up,” said Caroline, who explained that a quality, home-made white loaf can be baked for 66p, which is about half the cost of a shop-bought loaf.
This figure includes the cost of the electricity when using an automatic breadmaker.
With food prices rising at their highest level for years it amounts to an annual saving of about £100 for the average family in the UK.
“You also have the added advantage of knowing exactly what has gone into the loaf and there’s nothing more delicious and nutritious than freshly made bread,” she added.
Increased sales of Carr’s Strong White Breadmaker flour, which is produced at the company’s Silloth mill, suggest that households are indeed baking more bread at home.
Could be time to give it a go.