25 years ago – 1996
Penrith
Cosmetic giants Estee Lauder are taking a small business to task over its name.
Mrs.Meryl Durdy, who runs origins, in Penrith’s Devonshire Arcade, was astounded when she received a letter from solicitors acting on behalf of the beauty company.
The international firm are threatening Mrs. Durdy with legal action over the use of the Origins tag, because they market a perfume and associated beauty products under the same name.
Penrith pool king Mike Jacques wasted no time in winning his latest competition – 59 seconds to be precise.
Mike took top spot in a speed pool competition, held at Wigan, winning £700 worth of prizes in the process.
A total of about 400 players, including 18 from Penrith, started out in the competition, with the winner being the person to break off and clear the table in the fastest time.
“My time of 59 seconds equalled my personal best as I had also done it in qualifying,” said Mike.
Penrith rugby union players lost one of their staunchest supporters this week with the death this week at the town’s hospital of Albert Boak, aged 88.
Mr. Boak, of Holme Riggs Avenue, Penrith, was involved with Penrith Rugby Club from 1923, shortly after it was formed.
He went on to contribute to the success of the club as a player, physiotherapist, selector, committee member. life member and, from 1972 to 1975, president.
Tebay
A man who saved two Gurkha riflemen from their blazing car at the Westmorland Motorway Services facility on the M6 near Tebay has been rewarded for his heroic actions.
Forecourt supervisor Peter Studd, aged 57, of Longdale, Tebay, has been recommended by police for a bravery award from the Royal Humane Society and the Gurkha Rifles’ commanding officer has written to thank him for his “swift and courageous action” when the car in which the two soldiers were driver and passenger became embedded under a lorry.
Newton Rigg
The board of Newton Rigg College, near Penrith, this week made the surprise announcement that principal Ken Jackson is to take early retirement at the end of August next year. Newton Rigg chairman Bill Wannop said the board were sorry to see the principal retire.
The chosen date of 31st August would give sufficient time to appoint a successor and ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities.
Mr. Jackson joined Newton Rigg as principal in January, 1991, having managed county education finance for the previous 10 years.
Brougham
Brougham couple Alec and Lesley Helme are to be presented with the British Horse Society’s Horse Trials Award for their services to the sport.
The Helmes started the Brougham horse trials in 1976, when Alec designed and built the cross country course himself.
Since then, they have devoted an enormous amount of energy and money to this popular event.
50 years ago – 1971
Penrith
In recommending Cumberland County Council to go ahead with the purchase of the Old Grammar School in Penrith Churchyard, so that the site could be used for a County Library, the County Library Committee also asks that some consideration be given to preservation of the old building.
Minutes of the Committee show that the Urban Council is prepared to make available additional land adjacent to the school for library purposes.
“Dear mother, every time I think of my poor comrades makes my blood run cold, to think we had to gallop over the poor wounded fellows lying on the field of battle, with anxious looks for assistance – what a sickening scene…”
That was the description of the historic Charge of the Light Brigade, written in October, 1854, by the Penrith hero, Trooper William Pearson, and on Thursday, along with other documents, it was handed over to Urban Council Chairman Mr. J. J. Varty for preservation in the town of Pearson’s birth.
Penrith’s “Corner Shop” at the junction of King Street and Crown Square – a familiar feature for local people and visitors alike for the sixteen years in which it has been presided over by “Mary and Jack” – changes hands this weekend.
The popular proprietors, both natives of the town, Mr. Jack Varty, present Chairman of the Urban Council, and his wife Mary, have disposed of the business to Mr. and Mrs. John Goth, Post Office, Pooley Bridge, who take over on Monday.
Troutbeck
A rise of £1.81 on last year was obtained by vendors of 3,167 shearlings sold by Penrith Farmers’ and Kidd’s Ltd. at Troutbeck Auction Mart on Saturday.
Also forward were 7,019 lambs, chiefly chiefly Swaledales. One vendor sold 172 Swaledale wethers in one lot the grand price of £8.10 each.
100 years ago – 1921
Alston
The opening of the “Court Leet and view of Frankpledge of our Sovereign Lord the King with the Court Baron, and Customary Court of the Lords of the Manor, – namely the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty – took place at the Old Manor House, Alston.
The old ceremony has been held since the reign of King John.
Morland
Colonel Francis Markham, Morland House, passed away at the age of 84.
He gained his commission in the Rifle Brigade and, after retiring with the rank of captain, had further promotion in the Westmorland and Cumberland Yeomanry.
In civil affairs, Col. Markham was Chairman of West Ward Bench, High Sheriff in 1889, and Deputy Lieutenant.
150 years ago – 1871
Penrith
Definite arrangements have been made by the North-Eastern Railway Company to cover the East side of the platform at Penrith Railway Station.
It is rumoured that a tunnel is to be run under the railway to enable passengers to cross without going over the tracks.
