25 years ago — 1996
Eden
Eden racehorse owner David Windle is confident that his Portugese Lil can come up with the goods in the Vodaphone Derby at Epsom, despite odds of 1,000-1.
The three-year-old filly, which finished 10th out of 13 in the 1,000 guineas at Newmarket, is owned by Mr. Windle, of Wreay Farm Country Guesthouse, Watermillock, and trained by David Nicholls at Thirsk.
Penrith
A record after-tax profit of £209,590 for the year to 31st March is reported by auctioneers, valuers and estate agents Penrith Farmers’ and Kidd’s.
The company is now facing disruption to revenue flow because of the BSE crisis, but chairman Andrew Holliday says it is too early to assess the impact of the situation.
The profit is an increase of almost £95,000 on the previous year.
Orton
More than 100 dignitaries, farmers, conservationists, geologists and schoolchildren gathered at Orton to celebrate a move to give added protection to the area’s limestone pavements.
Farmer, writer and broadcaster Robin Page formally announced the designation of the unusual and striking rock formations at Great Asby Scar as a national nature reserve.
Clifton
Local historian John Sharpe, of Clifton, is in San Fransisco, California, to mark the 150th anniversary of the acquisition of Alcatraz Island by William Workman in 1846.
William Workman was born at Temple Sowerby in 1799, and lived at Clifton from the age of 12 before emigrating to the USA in 1822.
In 1841 he led the first wagon train of settlers more than 1,000 miles into southern California.
Newbiggin
The enthusiasm and drive of the young people of Newbiggin, Stainton, bore fruit when a new village play area was opened.
The area is near the village hall, on land given by Norman Harrison, who performed the official ceremony.
The idea for a play area was first put forward by local youngsters, who set about winning support form Dacre Parish Council.
Parents and youngsters were involved in fundraising.
50 years ago —1971
Knock
Racing in the Isle of Man TT motorcycling meeting Peter Berwick, of Knock, had a successful time. His highest placing came when he raced to fourth place in the 250cc class of the production race on the machine he rides to work — a Crooks Suzuki which he had been riding on the road only a fortnight earlier to run the engine in.
Appleby
The fastest loser in its heat, Pleaseant Surprise, lived up to its name for its owners, Bousfield Bros, of Appleby, when it beat all the heat winners to win easily the final of the sulky trot at the Appleby New Fair races.
Messrs Bousfield own the Holme Farm field where the race meeting is held.
Alston
After just 15 weeks’ instruction, Alston pupils of Miss Florence Wilkinson, who runs a dancing class in the town, have been awarded 22 badges for proficiency in modern and old time dancing.
The headmasters of Samuel King’s School and Alston Primary School — Messrs P. Eadington and B. Cunliffe — were invited to present the awards to the children who attend the two schools.
Threlkeld
George Stokes, the Cumbria Police motor patrolman who plays cricket for for the Threlkeld village team in the Eden valley League, has bowled the most memorable over of his career.
100 years ago — 1921
Appleby
There were many four-wheeled caravans at the Appleby New Fair, in comparison to the tents of previous years.
Although the number of horses was great, there were proportionately fewer buyers.
Never before had so many caravans been seen on the roadside verges between Appleby and Brampton.
Patterdale
Patterdale Cricket Club has started the season well, defeating Keswick by three runs.
Keswick won the toss and put the Patterdale batsmen in to face bowlers Swallow and Tyson, Lanacster (11) and Lawrence (11) being the highest scorers.
The only Keswick batsman to reach double figures was Tyson with a knock of 13.
Edenhall
The “Times” announces that Eden Hall will come under the hammer in August, having been up for sale for a long time.
150 years ago — 1871
Penrith
After one or two smallpox outbreaks in the town, a meeting of Penrith Guardians and members of the Board of Health was held at which it was decided there was a need for a temporary hospital.
Mr. Todd announced that Mr. Hetherington had consented to grant the use of a portion of the Fair Hill. The building would comprise two rooms and would house 16 people.
