Latest news with #Cumbria
Yahoo
22 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Tall ship forced to abort departure from Whitehaven Harbour
A TALL ship was forced to abort its departure from Whitehaven Harbour in the early hours of this morning after getting into difficulty. The Galeon Andalucia has been docked in Whitehaven since last Tuesday evening and has welcomed thousands of people on board. The ship, which is a 17th century Spanish Galleon replica, was scheduled to leave the harbour in the early hours of Wednesday morning, after extending its visit by two days. But the departure was abandoned after the ship experienced some issues with wind gusts. It is understood that some minor damage has been done to a pontoon. The ship is now back on The Sugar Tongue and is expected to leave at 4pm today, if weather conditions are favourable. Its next stop is the Bristol Harbour Festival where it is scheduled to arrive by Thursday. Gerard Richardson, deputy lieutenant, one of the organisers of the visit, said: 'Thankfully from initial reports no one was injured and to be honest after that everything else is detail. 'We don't have knowledge of the full extent of damage caused as yet but It's a reminder of the perils of the sea. Hats off to the ship's crew and the harbour team for managing the situation and getting the ship safely alongside again.' Deanne Shallcross, CEO of Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners, said: 'My understanding is conditions do look favourable at 4pm. But often you're never really certain until a split second before. I'm sure there'll be careful assessments and further discussions ahead of that, though.' The Galeon Andalucia attracted tens of thousands of people to Whitehaven Harbour over the weekend and organisers said the visit had brought 'significant economic benefit' to the town. It was coordinated by deputy lieutenant Gerard Richardson in partnership with Sellafield, Amentum, Whitehaven Town Council, Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners and Marina Projects Whitehaven.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bradford man to cycle coast-to-coast for World Vision charity
A Bradford man is set to cycle from coast to coast, from the west to the east of the country, to raise funds for charity. Bob Marshall will ride from the mouth of the river Esk at Ravenglass (in Cumbria) to the mouth of the Esk at Whitby, in aid of international development charity World Vision. Mr Marshall will arrive in Ravenglass this Saturday (July 19), where he will stay at Eskdale Youth Hostel, before tackling the Hardknott and Wrynose passes the following day. He is using a Swytch electric motor, but expects to push his bike at the top of both hills, and plans to stop in Elterwater to recharge the battery. Mr Marshall will spend a night at Kirkby Stephen hostel and then continue through Swaledale to Richmond and Osmotherley on the Monday. After a night at Cote Ghyll Youth Hostel, he will cycle along Eskdale to Whitby. Mr Marshall has sponsored a child in Zambia through World Vision for five years, and, in August, will visit Zambia to see two community development projects and to meet his sponsored child. He is covering his own travel expenses for the Zambia trip, with all money raised to go to World Vision. To sponsor Mr Marshall, visit
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Final tickets on sale for hit musical Les Misérables in Carlisle
The final tickets are sale to see Talented youngsters from across Cumbria perform one of the most beloved musicals in Carlisle. Les Misérables is currently playing to packed houses in London's West End as well on a world tour, but Cumbrian audiences can enjoy the show on their own doorstep when StagedRight Youth Theatre ends their 20th anniversary year with a spectacular production of the show. With The Sands Centre reopening being in doubt, the award-winning group took the decision many months ago to stage the show for a second year at the Garden at Eden Marquee within Eden Golf Club. Director David McNeill said: 'This time last year we couldn't be certain that The Sands Centre would be open again by July and thank goodness we made the decision to book the Garden at Eden. 'Whilst we very much look forward to getting back to The Sands, our audiences and students have embraced the marquee and this year we are building raked seating and literally turning the venue into a 400-seat theatre complete with dressing rooms and full lighting and sound. 'We have even had to build our own stage set to fit the venue and the idea is that audiences feel as if they have stepped into a French Street with Bisto café, wine bar and snacks'. StagedRight has twice previously presented Les Misérables but with the show celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, it was felt to be the 'perfect musical' for audiences and to showcase the talents within StagedRight. The production features a cast of almost 90 young people with a live 16-piece professional orchestra to accompany the actors as they sing the world-famous score including One Day More, On My Own and I Dreamed a Dream. David continued 'If you loved the film or have never seen the show before, this is an experience you will never forget. 'Les Misérables has a real heart and touches everyone who sees it'. Last year's production of Barnum won the highest accolade in amateur theatre being awarded Best Musical Production in the UK by the President of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association. READ MORE: Carlisle: Road in Carleton to be closed for tree removal | News and Star StagedRight invests more than £50,000 to stage a weekend of 5 performances and relies on ticket sales, sponsorship and fundraising to break even. David said: 'We need your support.' The production takes place from Friday, July 18 until Sunday, July 20 with matinee and evening performances. To book visit or telephone 0333 666 3366.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Cumbrian marketeer recognised for work supporting over-50s
A Cumbrian marketing professional has been praised for her work at a national awards ceremony. Tracey Cannon, head of group marketing at Brampton-based WCF, was highly commended in the Exceptional Achievement Award category at the 2025 Silver Marketing Awards. The national awards celebrate excellence in marketing to the over-50s, with the ceremony taking place at the Cavendish Centre in London. Ms Cannon, who lives near Appleby and has more than 30 years of marketing experience, said: "Being highly commended in this award is an absolute honour, and being nominated by my colleagues and judged by my peers makes it even more special. "My goal has always been to understand the markets in which we operate and to work together as a team to reach our customers in the best way possible." She was nominated by colleagues at WCF, who praised her "consistent championing of a customer-first approach and her strategic vision, empathy and innovation." The judges, a panel of industry experts, selected her for the award. Ms Cannon said the variety of work at WCF keeps her motivated. She said: "In more than 20 years at WCF, I can honestly say that no day is ever the same. "We have such a broad portfolio of businesses and we're always diversifying and progressing to move the business forward. "Being an employee-owned business with great staff means it's the closest thing to running your own business with your friends." WCF employs more than 370 people across 30 locations nationwide and operates in retail, logistics, and leisure. Its brands include national mail-order companies, camping and glamping sites, oil distribution, pet and equestrian stores, and e-commerce businesses. Ms Cannon began her marketing career at Lilliput Lane in Penrith before joining WCF in 2002 as marketing manager for Country Collection and James Meade. She became group head of marketing in 2021 and joined the executive team in 2023. WCF's home shopping brands, including Country Collection, James Meade, The Classic Boutique, and Bella di Notte, target customers aged 60 and over. Ms Cannon oversees marketing campaigns for these brands, covering direct mail, print, e-commerce, and social media. Andrew Mochrie, chief operating officer at WCF, said: "Tracey's knowledge of the industry, combined with her passion and outright capacity and love for hard work, has supported WCF's mission to provide the best possible service to the silver generation. "For over 20 years, her curiosity has supported the journey from analogue to digital and into the age of AI and mass customisation in the marketing space. "The whole team is delighted that her achievements have been recognised in this way."
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
West Cumbrian construction firm secures nuclear site contract
A West Cumbrian construction firm has secured a major contract for work at a nuclear site. Workington-based Stobbarts has secured a £1.6 million contract with Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) to deliver civil, infrastructure, and remediation works at the Low Level Waste Repository near Drigg. The contract covers a range of works across the 100-hectare site, including maintenance of roads, car parks, footpaths, and drainage, as well as resurfacing, white-line painting, and accessibility improvements. The contract is to deliver civil, infrastructure, and remediation works at the Low Level Waste Repository near Drigg (Image: Supplied) Adam Stobbart of Stobbarts Ltd said: "We are thrilled to have been selected by NWS to carry out these important works. "This award is based not only on the strength of our tender submission but our track record of working successfully on the Repository site. "We look forward to working in partnership with the client and other stakeholders to deliver the works. "The company will be aiming to bring a number of social value benefits throughout the project, including the creation of local jobs, training opportunities, and apprenticeships." The contract is part of a phased project expected to last nearly a year. It was awarded through a reserved procurement process restricted to Cumbrian suppliers. The contract covers a range of works across the 100-hectare site (Image: Supplied) Mike Pigott, site director at the repository, said: "Stobbarts have proven themselves a worthy SME for the work and we look forward to working together as an integrated repository site team. "We're thrilled that this contract is also supporting our local community. "Stobbarts will be leading on works to ensure all the basic infrastructure around the site is fully accessible and compliant with modern standards. "We hope to get 'boots on the ground' very shortly to commence this vital work." The Low Level Waste Repository is the UK's main facility for the disposal of 'low-level' radioactive waste. The site plays a role in the management and disposal of radioactive materials. Over the past decade, the UK has increasingly adopted more sustainable approaches to managing low-level waste. Options such as re-use, recycling, decontamination, incineration, and specialised landfill for waste with the lowest levels of radioactivity are now prioritised, with disposal at the repository considered a last resort.
