Cumbrian village celebrates VE Day 80th Anniversary with scarecrow festival
A WEST Cumbrian village has commemorated the 80th Anniversary of VE day with a heritage themed scarecrow festival.
Villagers from Gilcrux near Aspatria prepared some interesting designs to mark May 8 with scarecrows based on VE and Second World War themed characters including a Freedom Dove, Firefighters, Land Girls and Prime Minister Winston Churchill.
A villager said: "We have had a number of exciting heritage scarecrow festivals over the years. In 2025 we wanted to do something special and to celebrate 80VE anniversary."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Yahoo
Cumbria's Strongest Man and Women show promises records and remarkable feats
The most powerful men and women in the county will take the stage in west Cumbria this weekend. The fourth annual Cumbria's Strongest Man and Woman show promises to see records broken and some remarkable feats of strength. The event on Saturday at Rivendell in Workington will involve top competitors from Cumbria and some from further afield. Those behind the 2025 show say an exciting day is in prospect. 'We've got an amazing line-up of competitors,' said Dave Straughton, one of the event's main organisers. 'I honestly think it'll be the best one we've ever had.' Competitors will take part in five events to test the formidable strength of the men and women involved. 'We've got the max deadlift, and we honestly think we'll see some Cumbria records get broken in that,' added Straughton. Top competitors on Saturday include, from left to right, last year's 105kg champion Connor Smith, open champion Karl Gorman, Molly Wagstaff and Daniel McNicholas (Image: Submitted) 'We've got an overhead medley, where they've got to press four implements overhead - an axle, a log, a monster one-arm dumbbell, and a natural stone block. 'The third event is the max throw – and the fourth event's really fun, because it's a mystery event. 'Outside of the promotional team, no-one knows what it is. And that'll get announced after event three, about 20 minutes before it starts. So, that will throw a cat amongst the pigeons. I absolutely cannot wait to see the faces of the athletes and the crowd when we announce what it is. 'And then we'll finish with the Cumberland Stones at the end, like we always do.' The competition will include an open class, a 105kg class and, for the second year, a female category. A number of national-level competitors will be stepping up. They will include Workington's Karl Gorman, who has twice been named Cumbria's Strongest Man and will compete in the 105kg class, and fellow west Cumbrian Dan McNicholas, who was the first winner of the title, and who has also qualified for England's Strongest Man as well as holding the county's deadlift record. He will be among the open class competitors. Connor Smith, who also trains in Workington and recently came second in Britain's Strongest Man at u90kg, will also compete – while the remarkable Mark Tonner, from Catterick, will also wow the crowd. The military veteran, who lost the use of an arm after a blast in Afghanistan, has won World Disabled Strongman titles. 'He's twice as strong as the average man with one arm,' Straughton said. 'He's a beast. 'He's got to have some specialised kit – such as, for the log press, a specialised one-armed log. 'As amazing as all the athletes are, I think Mark will probably steal the show.' A crowd of about 500 people is expected and there will be refreshments and a bar. 'It's a brilliant family day and the atmosphere is always great,' added Straughton. The action starts at 11am and is expected to run to 5pm. Tickets are still available via the Cumbrian Strongman Promotions Instagram page HERE, or on the door.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Yahoo
Secret network of spy tunnels to open as London's newest tourist attraction
A secret underground network of London World War II tunnels that inspired the James Bond books is set to turn into a brand-new spy museum, with new details now revealed. The capital is set to gain a new visitor attraction hidden in plain sight 40 metres below High Holborn, as the tunnels will now become open to the public after being kept in relative secrecy for nearly 70 years under the Official Secrets Act. The London Tunnels, the company that looks after this underground labyrinth, has recently announced a collaboration with the Museum of Military Intelligence (MMI) on the project, two years after the plans were first announced. The below street-level network is known as the Kinsway Exchange Tunnels and was constructed during the Blitz as a deep-level air raid shelter under the London Underground. The mile-long series of tunnels was shortly after occupied by the Special Operations Executive, a clandestine organisation established in July 1940 under the orders of then Prime Minister Winston Churchill, during the later stages of World War II. It was during this time that Bond author Ian Fleming was working as a liaison officer within the wartime administration, and it is thought that the tunnels inspired the research and development Q Branch in his novels. After a few other uses for the network, the tunnels were used for a secure hotline that connected the White House to the Kremlin during the Cold War, before it was taken over by BT. Now, the tunnels will have a new life as a major tourist attraction that hopes to welcome up to three million visitors per year. The tunnels will have a permanent exhibition showcasing the history of military intelligence and its use of the tunnel complex, including a special exhibition centred around the Special Operations Executive. The displays will spotlight original artefacts, equipment, weapons, documents and images through a 'modern high-tech experience' that promises to bring to life the history and techniques used by military intelligence. The exhibition will feature stories from the Battle of Britain and D-Day, the espionage operations of the Cold War and the Falklands War. It will also display more recent military operations, including peace-keeping missions and the response to terrorism threats that have occurred within the 21st century. Visitors will also be able to delve into how the British military works today and what operations they carry out. Angus Murray, CEO of The London Tunnels, said: 'We are delighted to become the home of the public exhibition of the Museum of Military Intelligence. This new location will provide convenient central London access to an important and unique collection which has until now been largely hidden. 'The tunnels, built and designed to protect Londoners during the Blitz, are the ideal backdrop to tell the remarkable, and untold, stories of the men and women who played a vital role in protecting Britain then, and the role of the armed services protecting Britain today.' In its 2023 consultation documents, London Tunnels said the new museum would increase local spending up to £80m per year, create 40 onsite jobs and offer free trips for local schools. The London Tunnels said work is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion in 2028.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Yahoo
Justin Trudeau Was Just Accused of Disrespecting King Charles After His Speech Seemingly Dissing Trump
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended King Charles' speech at Canada's Parliament, and his fashion statement is turning heads. Some people might go so far as to say that it's the wrong move. Justin Trudeau wore a pair of green Adidas Sambas in the Canadian Parliament chamber when King Charles was delivering his speech. Some political commentators took offense at the act. 'Tactical disrespect from Justin Trudeau who wore green trainers to King's speech – knowing his footwear would be on view to the world. Pathetic attempt to put two fingers (or feet) up at the monarchy?,' journalist Angela Epstein posted on X. More from StyleCaster King Charles Subtly Let His Opinion of Trump Be Known After Their Relationship Took a Dramatic Turn King Charles & Trump's Relationship Takes Dramatic Turn as the Monarch Will Defend His Position 'By Every Means Possible' On the other hand, some people thought that people were overreacting. 'Get ready because the right is about to lose their ever loving mind because Justin Trudeau is not only at the throne speech but wearing the most interesting footwear you wouldn't expect him to wear and I'm just going to sit back and watch with some popcorn,' one person wrote on X. King Charles' speech was strongly rooted in Canada's sovereignty after President Donald Trump's constant suggestions to make the country the 51st state of the USA. 'We must face reality: since the Second World War, our world has never been more dangerous and unstable. Canada is facing challenges that, in our lifetimes, are unprecedented,' Charles said in French, one of Canada's national resigned as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party in January 2025. Mark Carney was subsequently voted in. Carney personally invited the King to open Parliament, a feat that hasn't been done by a Monarch since 1977 when Queen Elizabeth took those duties. The King never addressed Trump's name in his delivery, but addressed the fact that 'many Canadians are feeling anxious and worried about the drastically changing world around them.' The Monarch affirmed Canada's sovereignty, saying the 'True North is indeed strong and free.' Charles also mentioned when his mother Queen Elizabeth opened up Parliament in 1957 amid the backdrop of the Cold War and fresh out of World War II, he noted that, 'freedom and democracy were under threat. Today, Canada faces another critical moment.' Best of StyleCaster The 26 Best Romantic Comedies to Watch if You Want to Know What Love Feels Like These 'Bachelor' Secrets & Rules Prove What Happens Behind the Scenes Is So Much Juicier BTS's 7 Members Were Discovered in the Most Unconventional Ways
