Agenda
Education in Carlisle: Where do we go from here?
Published 3 July 2009
Ceilings have been stripped, the roof leaks and old furniture is stacked high ready for removal in the eerie, empty aging wings of Carlisle College.
Homelessness – the hidden victims in Cumbria
Published 2 July 2009
To be able to sleep, snug in bed in your own home is an everyday taken-for-granted event for many of us. It’s automatic, we don’t even think about it.
Swine flu death in the UK – is it time to panic now?
Published 19 June 2009
When a new variety of flu was first revealed to the world by Mexican authorities two months ago, it was met with a mixed reaction of fear and cynicism.So if and when it does arrive here, what should we do about it? Dr Calvert says there will still be little reason to panic. Sufferers are likely to be treated at home rather than in hospital.
So teachers have it easy?
Published 12 June 2009
When Lucy Bull qualified as a teacher last year her mum bought her a present. A T-shirt with words emblazoned on the front that read: “Three reasons to become a teacher: Christmas, Easter and summer.”
Driving the ghosts out of Carlisle town
Published 7 June 2009
The bottom end of Botchergate, from London Road to Crown Street. In some cases a sign remains to remind the world what used to be here. Forster's fish and game merchants. The Joke Shop. The Jester public house.
D-Day landings: Cumbrian veterans explain why they must return to Normandy
Published 5 June 2009
On his first visit to France, Derek Whitfield was a young lad, fresh out of his teens. He didn’t know what to expect as he landed on the beach at Normandy, heart thumping, knuckles white against his rifle as shells pounded overhead and bullets screamed all around.
'Brussels is a place where you can get things done'
Published 29 May 2009
How many North West Members of the European Parliament can you name? Here’s a clue – there are nine. Most voters would be hard pressed to name one.
‘I did not go into fostering as a job. I went into it because I love looking after littl’uns...’
Published 29 May 2009
It’s not really a job for the middle-aged, let alone those thinking about retirement. Looking after your children is physically and mentally demanding.There are currently about 260 foster carers in Cumbriabut about 460 children who are looked after by Cumbria County Council and who need to find safe, secure and loving family homes.
The battle to stop all politicians being tarred with the same brush
Published 22 May 2009
Sparkly loo seats, moat cleaning, duck islands, dog food, tennis court repairs and dodgy property deals – MPs’ expenses claims have veered from the outrageous to the scandalous to the downright petty.
'I went into fostering because I love looking after littl'uns'
Published 15 May 2009
It’s not really a job for the middle-aged, let alone those thinking about retirement. Looking after your children is physically and mentally demanding.
‘Labour cannot lose touch with the people of Carlisle’ - Eric Martlew
Published 11 May 2009
It was Harold Wilson who coined the phrase “a week is a long time in politics”. Wilson was Labour leader in 1970 when a young Eric Martlew joined the party and so launched a political career that has spanned four decades.
Why Jesus would never have voted for the BNP
Published 1 May 2009
Despite arguably putting more into the UK’s economy than they take out, immigrants remain a tempting target for those seeking a scapegoat for the country’s financial problems.
'Me mam would say I've done all right' - Cumbria's retiring deputy chief constable
Published 24 April 2009
The plaster walls are studded with Blu-tac and bare picture hooks. Fileboxes are stacked on the floor and the messages and instructions on the huge whiteboard have been smeared away.
Future energy needs could affect Cumbria and its landscape
Published 17 April 2009
The formal approval by the Government of three sites in Cumbria among 11 potential new nuclear power plants was expected.
Keeping Cumbria's live music scene alive
Published 3 April 2009
Warm grass under bare feet. Warm beer in a plastic cup. Talking, laughing, savouring the summer. And then there’s the music – lugfuls of it pouring in from all over Cumbria and around the world.
I never set out to be a controversial bishop, says Carlisle's Graham Dow
Published 27 March 2009
Seventeen years as a bishop. Forty-one years since he was ordained as a priest. But the Right Reverend Graham Dow, the 66th Bishop of Carlisle, knows that he steps into retirement with his career condensed into a trio of soundbites. Many interpreted the bishop’s 2007 comments as portraying a vengeful God, punishing humanity with storms and floods for daring to disobey Him.
A hard job finding work in Cumbria
Published 21 March 2009
After 30 years John McTaggart has acquired a wealth of experience in the construction industry. Now the Carlisle builder is looking for work as a nightwatchman.
Has Marie Fallon got mission impossible?
Published 13 March 2009
It is a huge remit by anyone’s standard. The new environment director at Cumbria County Council is responsible for roads, regeneration, nuclear power, waste management, transport and planning. Though based in Carlisle, Marie will travel regularly round the whole of the county to cover her wide-ranging remit. And whether that is by road or rail, as director of roads and transport she will witness the impact of any upcoming policies.
Social workers have success stories, too
Published 6 March 2009
He’s had verbal abuse and been told he’ll be stabbed or killed. Juan Riera Arriaga is a social worker. His job is to take care of children abused by their parents. He has to pick up the pieces, find a foster family or care home and help create a loving and safe environment to help them make something of their lives.Juan qualified as a social worker in 2002 in Lanzarote, came to UK to learn English and landed a job at a Keswick hotel. In a chance conversation with a social worker he learned that there was a desperate shortage of staff in the UK and he landed a job in Whitehaven in 2004.
