150 YEARS AGO

SERIOUS ACCIDENT IN KESWICK

A party of friends drove in a waggonette to visit the Druids’ Temple, on the old Penrith Road, Keswick. On returning the tracing gave way, and the terrified horse rushed furiously down the hill, and could not be stopped for nearly a mile and a half.

All the party kept their seats except Mr Poole, who unfortunately jumped out, falling with great violence on his face. All his teeth were knocked out and his face was cut all over, as well as other severe injuries.

July 11, 1865

125 YEARS AGO

FINED FOR SELLING DRINK TO DRUNKEN MEN

Jane Lancaster, landlady of the Lowther Arms Inn, Scilly Banks, Whitehaven, was charged with an offence against the Licensing Act.

PC Ross was called to the defendant’s house to put some men out who were drunk. There was a great disturbance in the house. Witness turned out two of the men – one had a glass of ale in his hand, but the others had no drunk before them, the table having evidently been cleared. Witness charged the defendant with permitting drunkenness upon her premises.

She replied that they were drunk when they entered her house and they cleared the tables because she would not give them any more drink. The chairman said the case was proved against her and she had no business to serve any drunken men with drink. She would have to pay 20 shillings or 14 days’ imprisonment.

July 10, 1890

100 YEARS AGO

​NEW EMPIRE HALL, WHITEHAVEN

For tonight, Friday and Saturday, the programme of pictures is excelling. "Mr Pryce of Scotland Yard," is a detective film, full of alarming and thrilling incidents, and enjoyable from start to finish, it is one of the greatest detective pictures yet produced. The popular Charlie Chaplin comedies will also be screened. 

ANOTHER WHITEHAVEN TERRITORIAL KILLED

Private Bernard Doran, of the 5th Border Regiment, had been killed when in the trenches on Sunday night last. He was a painter by trade, and lodged with Mrs Brown, on the West Strand, Whitehaven. He is over 30 years-of-age, and was a member of the Roman Catholic Church choir. 

July 8, 1915

75 YEARS AGO

PRESENTATION TO HENSINGHAM CYCLISTS

With half their male members already serving in H M Forces, the Hensingham Cycling Club received a severe blow when Mr T Dixon, their popular secretary, announced that he had been accepted by the RAF.

Both he and his wife were enthusiastic tandem riders and began their cycling activities with Dalton Wheelers, a well-known North Lancashire club.

NO CARNIVAL AT PARTON

Notwithstanding wartime restrictions, the children of Parton and Low Moresby were given their annual carnival treat on Saturday.

The annual parade and field day attractions, the chief delight of the children and parents alike, were abandoned and instead some 300 children had tea in the Parish Hall.

July 11, 1940.

50 YEARS AGO

MAJOR CHANGES IN REDEVELOPMENT

A major change in the redevelopment of Whitehaven has been agreed with representatives of the County Planning Office at a meeting with the Town Centre Redevelopment Committee, it is reported in the minutes put forward for confirmation at the Town Council’s monthly meeting last night.

In submitting draft plans for the Comprehensive Development Area, the Planning Authority sought direction from the Committee on several points.

WHITEHAVEN HARBOUR EXPERIMENT

An interesting experiment of considerable importance to Whitehaven Harbour is due to be carried out.

The Swedish motor vessel Finship will anchor off the port with a cargo of phosphate rock for Marchon Products Ltd.

Weather conditions permitting, the cargo will be discharged into smaller vessels and brought and brought into the harbour for re-discharge in the normal manner.

July 15, 1965.

25 YEARS AGO

WORK BEGINS ON SCIENCE PARK

The development of a £9million science and technology park at Ingwell, near Whitehaven, will get under way when Cumbria’s Euro MP, Lord Inglewood, cuts the first turf on the 38-acre site.

More than 100 jobs will be created by the project, which is aimed at attracting firms from outside the area interested in developing commercial links with Sellafield.

ROW OVER SECRETLY-RECORDED COUNCIL MEETING

When councillors took part in the cut and thrust of last week’s stormy Copeland Council meeting, they did not know they were being secretly tape recorded.

Labour leader, James Johnston, and council officials were the only people in on the secret. Councillors have now protested that they were not consulted on the tape recording of proceedings.

July 12, 1990.