Opinion & columns

Why was PFI crisis not seen sooner?

It's perhaps not surprising that an atmosphere of tension and nervousness is deepening in our hospitals.

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

Strength of cancer mum is inspiring

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time when women everywhere will be urged to pay routine and regular attention to potentially dangerous changes in their bodies.

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

A good shepherd knows when the contest is lost

The majority of women are said to have a soft spot for men in uniform. A naval officer in his pristine, starched, summer whites is supposed to take top spot.

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

Lakeside luxury a strange place to find left leanings

She was in sparkly sandals, showing off painted toenails. I wore my sitting-down shoes – the too-high, pinchy ones I carry, should I need to stand up or (God forbid) walk.

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

One Big Weekend... one bright future

The money has been counted, achievement applauded and success has exceeded all expectations. Carlisle’s Big Weekend has been an all-round welcome bonanza for city and county.

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

A model example of community life

Nothing is impossible where there’s a will for change, a love of home, serious intent to mend and rebuild a fractured community.

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

Thwarted in my drive to find the perfect dripping

It’s reckoned Carlisle gets eight million tourists every year – which you have to admit is pretty impressive, since we have no canals, masked carnivals or singing boatmen to shout about.

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

Firm foundation to be build for future

Whether by luck or judgement, don’t you just love it when a plan comes together?

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

I don’t mind the greatness, it’s the age thing ...

I am soon to be a great-aunt, only a few weeks now – which is clearly ridiculous. I’m not old enough to be a great anything.

Last updated 26 August 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

High praise from the man at the top

In exceptionally tough times for a hard-pressed, largely rural economy it can be hard to bank on Cumbria leading the way in anything.

Last updated 19 August 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

As nation counts clean-up costs we count blessings

Two Cumbrian boys made the news this week. Modest-looking lads with shy smiles, they were from Botcherby, in Carlisle.

Last updated 19 August 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Communities can recover if united

The impressive success in cutting crime on a Carlisle estate by nearly 50 per cent teaches some important lessons about the protection of our communities.

Last updated 12 August 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Ivy’s bunions tell David to stand down riot squad

When it happens it does so quite suddenly. A few fallen leaves litter the lawn, the petunias look a bit sleepy, looters stay home to watch their stolen tellies – autumn’s here.

Last updated 12 August 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Puff the magic Cumbrian bun we like for tea

An extraordinary week, you’ll surely agree. The US pulled from the brink of ruin, Italians stepped closer towards theirs, the BBC lost the news – again – and a nuclear bombshell dropped in west Cumbria.

Last updated 5 August 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

The proactive can fight hard times

When hard times hit, it’s the brave and proactive, refusing to be cowed, who lift local economies to a better place.

Last updated 5 August 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Life’s too precious to rely on charity

We have in this country a national health service promising best efforts, specialist talents and seconded to none medical expertise, should the worst happen and life hang in precarious balance.

Last updated 29 July 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

It can be hard work being home on holiday

In all honesty, I thought the bloke was being a bit of a cheeky chappie. You know the sort – caustically clever in a stand-up comic kind of way.

Last updated 29 July 2011
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Why I love going wild in the Lakes

sm wswim2 I drove to Buttermere last Sunday. I had hoped to do some fell-walking but the tops were misty and I didn’t want to bother those nice mountain rescue people.