How Michael

When a spot of wife beating was treated more leniently than the theft of a turnip

Votes for women! This was a cause which, we have been told, was, during the latter part of Queen Victoria’s reign, on the minds of many progressive and enlightened females in the land.

Last updated 7 July 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

A time for the death knell to be sounded on the beauty contests

Beauty contests seem have become socially unacceptable these past few years.

Last updated 30 June 2011
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When it was game, set and match and they all had a smashing time

When I walk past Vulcan Park I often gaze at the empty space where the tennis courts used to be. I don’t know about you, but I find the sight of this abandoned sports facility immensely depressing.

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

Looking through rose-tinted spectacles at ‘boon ploughing’ and ‘thacking’

Farming, as I get on in years, gets to be even more of a closed book than ever.

Last updated 16 June 2011
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Okay, so are you ready to play the ‘where are you now game?’

Last year I tried to write down the names of all the lads – there were only lads – when I was in the first form.

Last updated 9 June 2011
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When Cumberland & Westmorland took on Graeco-Roman and won

West Cumbria can lay claim to being the birthplace of a World Champion wrestler – Harry Dunn!

Last updated 2 June 2011
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An era of dancing the night away with music from the lesser known siblings

Back in the Workington of November 1947, one of the week’s regular social events was advertised in the West Cumberland Times. To be held in the Drill Hall, was a “Dance and Dance Band Competition.”

Last updated 26 May 2011
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Going to great pains to uncover old folk cures for some of our ailments

Have you noticed, and I know I’ve mentioned this before, that whenever you get a really painful toothache, it’s always over a weekend or a long bank holiday?

Last updated 19 May 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

The health merits of bowling – crown green, flat or indoor

WHEN I came to West Cumberland back in 1968, I was mightily pleased when I found out that the area boasted a number of bowling greens, some belonging to clubs, some situated in public parks and quite a few attached to hotels and public houses.

Last updated 12 May 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

What’s in a name? Quite a lot if it’s the same as a medical complaint!

I am absolutely fed up with receiving mail which is addressed to me using my first name.

Last updated 5 May 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

Trench warfare required plenty of socks, razors and walking sticks

Socks! In any war situation in the last century, it seems that our soldiers have always been unable to get their hands on enough of them according to the various requests which appeared in the pages of papers, both national and local.

Last updated 28 April 2011
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Is anyone able to shed light on what happened to the Workington Lantern?

Good news for Workington book enthusiasts back in 1865.

Last updated 21 April 2011
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Wedding mania lifts the doom and gloom. I’ll drink to that!

Wedding mania is upon us again!

Last updated 14 April 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk

Why all the questions?

Why do you keep asking us so many questions? It’s a question I get asked from time to time.

Last updated 7 April 2011
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A worry-free holiday on Isle of Man – and at no cost, if money was tight

Fancy a “fully inclusive holiday” on the Isle of Man for just over £5? Or, in old money – “from £5 1s 6d."

Last updated 31 March 2011
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Being a fraudster was so much easier back in Victorian times

Who can fail to be impressed by the heartfelt confession of a repentant sinner? Or, at the least, to find it morbidly fascinating.

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

Not the first time that cigarettes have been stored under counters

Cigarettes can only be sold, in plain packets, from under the counters of shops and supermarkets. That’s what we’ve been told.

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

Put up the price of drink!

Put up the price of drink! The papers have carried stories featuring various personalities and politicians – and a lot of ordinary folk – who are urging the Government to do just that.

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

We’ve got the oldest bus station – despite the Daily Mail’s article!

Why was Workington the first town to open the first purpose-built bus station in Great Britain? It’s a question which has always puzzled me.

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

Many West Cumbrians went even further west in their search for a much better life

EMIGRATE! It’s what a great many Cumbrians did in Victorian times. It must have taken a great deal of courage to forever quit their homes. Just what must have passed through their minds as they boarded the ships which were to carry them to countries far away? Were they looking for wealthier lifestyles - escaping unemployment and grinding poverty – or just seeking to start lives anew?

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