How Michael

When fate handed Victorian Andrew Carnegie lemons he made lemonade

“A library outranks any other thing a community can do to benefit its people.

Last updated 24 November 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

Who were the Maryport good neighbours who would not allow others to starve?

Arctic weather is on its way – if you believe the forecasts.

Last updated 17 November 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

Was Saturday afternoon wrestling fixed? Just one of my many queries

Vulcan Park or Vulcan’s Park? Which one is the official name for this Workington recreational facility?

Last updated 10 November 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

The scraps of history which give us a glimpse into our printed past

I love old old scrapbooks – the older the better.

Last updated 3 November 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

Weddings of yesteryear were much simpler unless you were a Curwen

I’m rather pleased that I got married how I did and when I did – over 40 years ago.

Last updated 27 October 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

Did you get them right? Answers to the How Michael local history quiz

Answers here for last week’s questions.

Last updated 20 October 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

Put your thinking caps on for quiz – but don’t drop your breakfast!

portland square Thinking caps on!And there we have it. Eighteen questions! Enough to exercise the grey matter as you sup your morning coffee.

Last updated 13 October 2011
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A day out for 19th century firemen to remember the blazes they fought

An annual summer outing for the members of the Workington Fire Brigade!

Last updated 6 October 2011
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Dedicated followers of fashion kept pace with a material world

Is your nose red? Is your afflicted proboscis adversely affecting your social life?

Last updated 29 September 2011
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The grammar school children went from saints to sinners in five months

Saints to sinners in double quick time!

Last updated 22 September 2011
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Televised court proceedings would have been a big hit in days gone by

So someone is seriously proposing televising court cases – but only the bit when sentence is passed.

Last updated 15 September 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

Victorian sportsmanship and fair play at rugby? Don’t make me laugh

What a pity that sportsmen, and women, have abandoned any sense of fair play – and don’t conduct themselves like they used to in the old days.

Last updated 8 September 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

Put the brakes on! Cyclists have always been a menace to walkers

How many times have you been nearly mown down by cyclists – speeding on the pavement?

Last updated 1 September 2011
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The demand to ban women from all colliery work found little support

Women mine workers were due to lose their jobs back in 1887 – if LA Atherley Jones, MP for Durham, had his way.

Last updated 25 August 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

How West Cumbrians had their voice heard before the internet

Do you ever wish that when you’re really worked up, you can get your voice heard? And, more importantly, even if you could, do you think that anyone “up there” ever listens?

Last updated 18 August 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

Singing the praises of eisteddfod – a new way for church to raise money

Culture! That’s what was on the agenda for Cockermouth in 1934 in the form of a newly created eisteddfod.

Last updated 11 August 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

The first editor’s story – how a farm labourer turned his hand to poetry

CAN you imagine a world without newspapers?

Last updated 4 August 2011
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When the slippery slope on the road to ruin started out on the dance floor

This country is going to the dogs. When you look at our young people, the way they dress, the way they carry on, and their general attitude to life - it makes you wonder what sort of adults they’re going to turn into. It’s not like it used to be in my young days.

Last updated 28 July 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk