From the archives of the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald
25 years ago
Penrith
There is good news on the jobs front for Penrith after high street retailers Argos confirmed they are to move into the town and take over the former Iceland store in Middlegate. The supermarket closed on Saturday having traded from the premises since May, 1994.
Former Penrith journalist Robin Miller has succeeded Sir John Hoskyns as chairman of Emap, the magazine and radio combine which last year made profits of more than £142 million. A former pupil of Penrith Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Mr. Miller, aged 57, began his journalistic career as a junior reporter on the old Penrith Observer newspaper.
Tributes were paid on the last day of term to long-serving members of staff from Penrith’s Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. Jenny Wilson has taught both part-time and full-time at the school since 1970. She has taught English, geography, physical education and, more recently, has been the teacher in charge of drama and the school library. Colin Marston joined the grammar school staff in 1981 and been head of the music department for 17 years.
Crosby Garrett
A railway signalman has reached the end of the line in a working career which spanned almost half a century. Arthur “Artie” Richardson, from Crosby Garrett, celebrated his 65th birthday in the same week as he retired from his job on the Carlisle-Settle line.
Nenthead
Kathy Staff, the actress best known for her role as Nora Batty in Last of the Summer Wine, was the guest speaker at a dinner held at Nenthead village hall to mark the 250th anniversary of John Wesley’s first visit to the area. She spoke about her work, her faith and her family, and received a warm reception from the audience of some 127 people.
Kirkby Stephen
The Eden Standardbred Racing Club held the first harness racing meeting in Kirkby Stephen for about 50 years, and plans to return to the same venue this year. Peter Jackson, one of the organisers, is looking forward to a busy meeting, with prize money of £2,000 and a card of at least 10 races.
50 years ago — 1973
Langrigg
Where is Langrigg? The shy little hamlet lies tucked away barely a mile from Musgrave, unknown even to near neighbours at Appleby. But the folk who occupy the five farmhouses there do not relish their anonymity. While callers search North Westmorland in vain to find them, the people of Langrigg have twice approached Westmorland County Council for a signpost on the A.66 Appleby to Brough road, but to no avail.
Westmorland
Westmorland Education Committee’s expenditure programme for 1974 to 1978 includes the replacement of three primary schools in North Westmorland and the addition of nursery units at others. Listed for replacement in 1976/7 are Brough County Primary School (building estimated to cost £77,365); Clifton County Primary School (building to cost £62,285); and Shap Primary School (building to cost £19,300).
The “men drivers only” rule which has operated at Kendal Raceway since it opened two years ago has been dropped for a probationary twelve months by the National Harness Racing Club of Great Britain. Certain qualified lady drivers are now allowed to compete against men except in the Class “A” handicaps and “Derbies”. One of the leaders of the women drivers “liberation movement”, Mrs. Dorothy Bousfield, Glaslyn House, Brough, says she is very pleased with the decision.
Penrith-Keswick
Two men have been taking the first steps along what may become a unique footway through some of the Lake District’s most picturesque country. Mr. John Wyatt, Head Warden to the Lake District Planning Board, and Mr. David Birkett, Ullswater area warden, are formulating a report on the possibility of transforming part of the eighteen miles of the old Penrith-Keswick railway line into a nature walk or pony trekking trail.
Penrith
A Penrith girl who has worked for the World Health Organisation in Geneva for the past ten years has been awarded a special certificate of merit by that organisation. Former Penrith Queen Elizabeth Grammar School pupil Miss Patricia Howe, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Howe, Duke Street, Penrith, received the certificate for a specific performance of unusual merit in her work for the W.H.O. during 1972.
100 years ago — 1923
Appleby
A bower has been presented to the Bowling and Tennis Club by one of the chief supporters, Mr. W. J. Woof. At 72ft by 12ft, it also has a verandah. Mrs. Woof performed the opening ceremony and was thanked by the Mayor, Mr. G. J. Williamson, seconded by Mr. R. J. Dawson.
Hesket-new-Market
“Clipping day” at Wood Hall, owned by Mr. T. W. Ridley, required a large number of helpers to complete it in one day as the Herdwick flock is the largest in the parish. Neighbouring flockmasters mustered as “clippers” and “catchers” while others — among them an octogenarian and local lasses — “wrapped” the fleeces. The last sheep finished, the helpers were given a splendid meal by Mr. Ridley, followed by toasting, mirth and song, young and old alike “tripping the light fantastic” until midnight.
