Opinion & columns

Keith’s having a laugh – no, really, he is!

Keith Adams photo I reckon Keith Adams may be onto something. He might actually have put his finger on a trick that’s close to useful.

Last updated 3 February 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Wannabe Olympians doing Cumbria proud

The cream of Cumbria’s crop – sportsmen and women driven to win glory for their country. They’re already deserving of our bursting pride.

Last updated 3 February 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

It’s a democracy and we have questions

In reality, it’s all over bar the shouting. Like the idea or loathe it, police commissioners are on their way.

Last updated 27 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

When we spenders lose our outlets – situation’s serious

Life’s full of disappointments, let-downs, short-term traumas. You learn to rant a lot, cry a bit – and then you move on.

Last updated 27 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Whatever happened to saving vital services?

When wasteful public spending became the hottest issue on the national agenda, it was widely accepted some serious trimming would be necessary.

Last updated 20 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

How to beat the January blues – bump into Arthur

Depending on who you Googled, Monday was supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. Though some sites reckon it’s the one to come.

Last updated 20 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Why were the views of residents ignored?

Anyone with an eye to the fury surrounding Impact Housing Association’s Carlisle hostel for the homeless will wonder today where local views fit into any plan likely to affect their lives.

Last updated 13 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Christmas oddity merry-go-round has no losers

There was a raised eyebrow in my neck of the woods when some local charity shops complained people were being mean with their unwanted Christmas gifts this year.

Last updated 13 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Selling a hospital’s soul to the devil

There will always be points at which hospitals will need to burst budgets in order to deliver best treatment to their patients.

Last updated 6 January 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Time to learn and move forwards

HISTORY leaves us many lessons, one of which is that these lessons are rarely learned.

Last updated 30 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

All Mary wanted for Xmas was a Travelodge room

A visit to a living Nativity scene is a bit like a secret Santa gift. You never quite know what you’re going to get – but you’ve an idea it won’t be what you imagined.

Last updated 23 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Young carers are indeed very special

JAMES Boothroyd doesn’t believe he is special. He has been called inspirational – but he doesn’t accept that either.

Last updated 23 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

No ‘outsourcing’ of background checks

Criminal background checks have been much maligned over recent years.

Last updated 16 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Hard of hearing? It makes gossip more exciting

She was a hairdresser confidently claiming to be a cut above the rest... she being an accomplished pianist and all.

Last updated 16 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Thomas and family an example to all

Some people can put all of life’s grumbles, commonplace complaints and burdening pressures into a newly stark perspective.

Last updated 9 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Advice? I try never to give - or take it

So, there I was in the front pew. Eyes fixed on the glittering Christmas lights – as all eyes are when a twinkling tree’s in the vicinity – and feeling a little out of the comfort zone.

Last updated 9 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Eden Valley Hospice extension a credit to many

There aren’t many caring services able to claim safe haven from recession, funding cuts or the limitations of staff shortages right now.

Last updated 2 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

There’s no-one like Grandma to sort out a child

Poor woman. Two Co-op carrier bags in one hand, a small person dragging on the other and soaked to the skin – she looked done in. I’d have told that wet, sulking little girl at the bus stop all of that – if I’d had more courage.

Last updated 2 December 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Winning women an inspiration to all

Jan Hawkins and Val Armstrong are two of a kind. The details are different but their stories have much in common.

Last updated 25 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We love a sense of occasion, but with no nonsense

A sense of occasion is as important to a woman as a sense of smell at a fragrance counter. No two ways about it, a day without a sense of occasion is wasted.

Last updated 25 November 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk