Opinion & columns

I’ve nothing but admiration for A-level students

Another day older, deeper in debt... and only 22. It’s tough being young, ambitious and clever these days.

Last updated 20 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Good news for the vendors, but not for first-time buyers

ACCORDING to two sources of property tracking information, Cumbria’s housing market looks to be bucking national trends and edging out of stagnation.

Last updated 20 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Worrying time for so many women

No health screening service operates effectively without the confidence, trust and faith of patients who use it.

Last updated 13 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Put off the white stuff by crates of full-fat gloop

It was poor quality, thick with yellowing cream, warm and invariably on the edge of off. School milk – I hated the stuff.

Last updated 13 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We women are plain crackers about gossip

It didn’t take long. An hour on the phone for headlines and an evening, over supper, for filling in finer details. Corporate types would call it networking. Most men consider it necessary intelligence sharing – though they only talk football.

Last updated 6 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

It is time to rethink our housing policy

The problem with planning for affordable housing is the definition of what’s affordable. It’s impossible to pin down.

Last updated 6 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

A time for experts, not for amateurs

There are disturbing problems with Government plans to place policing powers into the hands of willing volunteers. The first is the quality of the volunteers.

Last updated 30 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

I’ll give history max attention from now on

There’s an ancient pear tree growing in the ruins of old Lanercost Priory. It still bears – oddly enough – ancient pears. I know. I’ve seen them.

Last updated 30 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Enthusiastic few will need helping

This week saw the launch of something big, something empowering and something that will take power away from central government and deliver it into the hands of individuals and communities.

Last updated 23 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Cumbria’s strength is in show return

At face value, tomorrow’s Cumberland Show is merely the return of an event which suffered an unfortunate blip due to bad weather last year.

Last updated 16 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Poor little lost lads terrorised by the seagulls

Now the football’s over, the lads are feeling a bit lost. Lads are like that – they need a single, clearly defined focus for their undivided attention.

Last updated 16 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

NHS weighed down by its bureaucracy

Budget cuts in the NHS will inevitably slice into vital frontline services in hospitals, warns North Cumbria Trust’s chief executive.

Last updated 9 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

No flops in the breast clinic, but no Bafta either

As luck would have it, the mammogram was OK. All that anxiety was for nothing. Temptation to order a glass casket, leave written instructions for plumed horses, a jazz band and a New Orleans funeral was unnecessary.

Last updated 9 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

For Carlisle, it’s a time of opportunity

Some wise guy once asserted annoyingly that there were no such things as problems – only opportunities.

Last updated 2 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Rural people also need innovation

The hardships of life in remote rural areas are tough enough, without having to adapt Victorian amenities to a 21st century world.

Last updated 25 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Budget crisis has not cut what we owe to our dads

It was Father’s Day, which I’ve always liked a lot because my father never could remember he had a day all of his own.

Last updated 25 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Renaissance end a step in right path

There’ll be little by way of mourning. Few tears will be shed at its passing. In fact, relief might well greet as initial response to news that Carlisle Renaissance is no more.

Last updated 18 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Don’t change a thing – even if we didn’t like it

Some things come around far too quickly. Mondays, Wimbledon, the World Cup, mammograms – oh, how I hate mammograms.

Last updated 18 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Work together to solve fair dilemma

APPLEBY Horse Fair is an ancient, colourful part of Cumbrian life which in recent years has been blighted by some unfortunate, if not to say ugly, incidents.

Last updated 11 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk