25 years ago – 1996
Greystoke
Greystoke Church Council needs to raise £22,000 to restore the medieval bells which hang in the 6th century St. Andrew’s Church.
The four bells have not been rung for many years, although one was tolled for Greystoke’s VJ celebrations in July.
If the money can be raised, the plan is to restore the four bells and get a new frame made to house a further two.
Derwentwater
A dog owner risked his own life in freezing conditions to rescue his pet after it fell through a patch of thin ice on Derwentwater.
Kevin Dowding, Helvellyn Street, Keswick, crawled out on to the ice in Calf Close Bay and also fell through into the water.
However, helped by other dog owners who tied leads together to make a rope, he managed to make his way back to the shore.
Despite being very cold, both Kevin and his dog, a 10-year-old Labrador cross called Toby, were none the worse for their ordeal.
Eden
The council house could become a thing of the past in Eden district if tenants agree to the sell-off of the authority’s entire housing stock.
Councillors have decided to ask the residents if they want to go along with a report suggesting Eden Council sell their stock of housing.
It would be sold to an independent managing body, probably a housing association.
Kirkby Stephen
Kirkby Stephen Grammar School teacher Mrs. Sandy Todd has netted a top sporting honour.
She received a Sports Council service to sport award for her services to netball in Cumbria when she attended a presentation in Morpeth.
The award came in recognition of Sandy’s talents as an administrator as well as her netball skills, and the Sports Council selection committee said she had achieved a tremendous amount in a short time.
Alston
Alston’s refurbished town hall was the centre of attraction at an opening celebration after something like three years in the doldrums.
After the fold-up of the social club, the premises became a headache for the parish council, in their role as trustees, and the building began falling into disrepair.
However, after a lot of deep thought and a tremendous amount of voluntary work, big strides have been taken to bring it back into the use it served in years gone by.
Many local groups rallied to the call for staging an entertainment to mark the opening. As a preliminary event in the afternoon, organised by Mrs. Hazel Varty, a stall of items was organised by Mrs. Carol Glendinning and her daughter, Katie.
Penrith
Pupils, staff, governors and supporters of St. Catherine’s Roman Catholic School, Penrith, have bid farewell to a woman who has been part of the school community for much of her life.
Mrs. Margaret Banks attended to Catherine’s as a girl and, 35 years ago, began work there.
She has been administrative assistant and mid-day supervisor and, on retirement, was presented with a watch at a ceremony at the school, as thanks for her many years of work.
When she began work, the school did not even have a telephone but, latterly, Mrs.Banks has assisted in the administration of a budget of £190,000.
50 years ago – 1971
Penrith
Penrith’s senior medical practitioner, Dr. Kenneth Todd, whose home is at The Old Forge House, Sockbridge, has retired after 34 years as a partner in one of the town’s busiest practices.
A native of Burnley, Dr. Todd came to Penrith by chance in 1934, to do locum work in the Bishop Yard practice of the late D. D. C. Thompson and his brother, the late Dr. J. R. K. Thomson.
Since that time, he has formed close ties with the district, especially in his connection with the Ullswater Foxhounds of which he has long been an avid follower and hunt official.
For as long as any Penrithians remember, Richardson’s wood yard has extended from Brunswick Road to the Auction Mart Lane.
As from 1st January, the major portion of this 14-acre site is a wood yard no more, for the present head of the firm, Mr. Donald G. Richardson, is concentrating his business as a joiner and undertaker on the premises and office block adjacent to Brunswick Road, and the main part of the ground has been sold to Penrith Farmers’ and Kidd’s Auction Company.
A steep increase in the amount of unemployment in the large area covered by the Penrith Employment Exchange was disclosed this week.
A decrease in the number of men required for work on motorway construction has been a major factor, according to the Exchange Manger, Mr. Harold Edmondson.
Orton
An Orton family of six, trapped by 3ft.-deep snowdrifts on a country road in North Westmorland, spent over five hours in their car before being freed by Kirkby Stephen police officers and Westmorland County Council roadmen.
Sergt. James Tuer, with P. C.s John Mark and Frank Ingledow, were unable to get through to Mr. Harry Parker and his family in a police Land Rover because their path along the Brough to Middleton-in-Teesdale road was obstructed by an abandoned car, stuck in the deep snow.
The police called out a Westmorland County Council snowblower to break through a road to the family , and while the blower was on its way the officers fought their way through the drifts to the trapped car, taking with them flasks of coffee provided by a local farmer’s wife, Mrs. Bousfield, Intack.
100 years ago – 1921
Penrith
Christmas was celebrated at the Penrith workhouse with a dinner of roast beef, vegetables and plum pudding provided by the Guardians.
Mr. and Mrs. Manson were assisted by Messrs. R. Hunter, R. Johnstone and J. H. Harrison, members of the Board, and Mr. W. H. Johnstone, relieving officer, in serving the dinner.
Gifts were distributed including the “extras” from Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Thomson, Nunwick Hall; Lady Mabel Howard, Greystoke Castle; Mrs. Riley; Miss Hasel, Dacre Lodges; Mrs. Hudson; Mrs. Byard; and Mr. and Miss Hunter.
Kirkoswald
Kirkoswald war memorial, a Lazonby Fell red sandstone cross, which is on the site of the old Market Square pump, was unveiled by Colonel Fetherstongaugh, The College.
The Vicar, the Rev. R. Duncan, led a service and one of the lessons was read by Rev. E. Charlesworth, Wesleyan Circuit Superintendent.
ACTING UP: Some of the cast of Ivegill School’s Christmas plays, which were presented to enthusiastic audiences in 1995. Pupils presented Please Sir, I Want Some More, and Santa, This Is Your Life.
HIGH ACHIEVER: Vicky Fawcett, who left the 1st Kirkoswald brownies 25 years ago having gained an impressive 31 achievement badges.
DINNER TIME: Father Christmas (Dr Hugh Barr) and Penrith Hospital patients and visitors about to enjoy some festive fare.
