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Carlisle Newsletter, CA3 8TT, Carlisle (2025)

04/08/2025

Dacre Hall at Lanercost Priory is hosting its annual August takeover by Craftsmen at the Priory 🎨

The popular exhibition and sale has run at The Priory, near Brampton, since 1978 and the organisers pride themselves on bringing new exhibitors and guests each year to keep the event fresh and vibrant.

The core team of organisers is made up of Tricia Meynell (photographer), Denise Huddleston (textile artist, printer and jewellery maker), Carolyn Marr (ceramicist), Julia Neubauer (knitwear designer) and Richard and Mary Kennedy (furniture maker/woodcarver and artist respectively).

“We invite a range of guest artists and craftspeople and we’ve nine new contributors this year, working with leather and wood, textiles and ceramics, screen printing and precious metals,” says Tricia.

This year’s guest artists and makers are: Kirsten Gilder (textiles), Roseanna Bellwood (printmaker), Isabella Lepri (ceramics), MOS Bespoke Furniture (cabinet maker), Albat Ross trading as Ivy Makers (leather), Lorna Singleton (basket maker), Christine Kirkpatrick (painter), Morag MacPherson (textiles) and Julie Dickson trading as Scrappo Worko (jewellery).

Craftsmen at the Priory runs until Tuesday 26 August, open each day from 10am to 5pm, admission £1 with accompanied children free.

Full details here 👉 https://www.cumbriacrafts.co.uk/2025-exhibitors

03/08/2025

Sniffer dog Skye proved the star of a successful joint operation as Carlisle's Neighbourhood Policing Team, working with Cumberland Council's Trading Standards Department and Immigration Enforcement, targeted shops selling illegal to***co and vapes across the city 🐾

The multi-agency operation discovered sophisticated efforts to conceal contraband, with one shop attempting to outwit authorities using a false wall and secret compartment to pass illegal to***co and vapes to customers. However, the elaborate concealment system proved no match for the combined expertise of the enforcement teams.

Detection dog Skye emerged as the operation's star performer, with police crediting her keen senses for uncovering hidden stashes that might otherwise have remained undetected. "Without her, some of this would not have been found," officers stated, praising Skye's crucial contribution to the successful raids.

The co-ordinated enforcement action demonstrates the commitment of local authorities to tackle the illegal to***co trade, which undermines legitimate businesses and poses health risks to consumers. The operation sends a clear message that sophisticated concealment methods will not deter determined enforcement efforts.

02/08/2025

A fundraising exhibition first organised in the late 1960s is approaching its 60th anniversary 🎉

Carlisle and Cumbria Artists open their 56th annual exhibition at Carlisle Cathedral's Fratry Hall this weekend with more than 250 original paintings on display, along with cards for sale by 57 local artists.

On display will be local landscapes, still life and abstract work in a wide variety of techniques and styles.

The first exhibition took place at the old town hall in 1968, organised by Molly Mawson to raise money to preserve the 15th-century Tithe Barn.

It proved such a success that the then Dean asked Mrs Mawson if future exhibitions could raise money for the cathedral, cementing its place in Carlisle’s cultural calendar.

Terry Moore joined Carlisle and Cumbria Artists in 2005 and was recently appointed chairman of the group.

He said: "Profits for the sale of art are shared between local charities, Carlisle Cathedral and the artists.

"New and emerging artists are encouraged to join each year which always adds variety to each exhibition. Artists come from all backgrounds, some are professionals and all are members of local artists groups."

The exhibition runs from 2 August to 17 August, open 10am to 4pm daily 📆

Admission is free, though donations are welcome.

01/08/2025

Carlisle MP Julie Minns is urging local residents to attend a community meeting next Tuesday to share their experiences of maternity and neonatal services.

The meeting, scheduled for 6pm on 5 August, forms part of the Government's national investigation into NHS maternity care announced by Health Secretary Wes Streeting in June.

"Every woman, baby and family has the right to expect safe and effective maternity care, wherever they are," Ms Minns said. "This meeting gives local people the opportunity to share their experiences and help me build a picture of how effective and safe maternity care in our area is."

The national investigation aims to create actions for improving care across every NHS maternity service following ongoing concerns about standards.

Residents can register online here, by emailing [email protected], or calling 01228 479 441. Registration requires name, address and contact details, with venue details to be confirmed.

The session is part of Ms Minns' Community Matters series, following a July meeting on local bus services.

27/07/2025

Cumbria has so much to offer for day trips you can take the kids on 🚌⛰️

From stunning fell views to elegant coastal towns, world-famous routes through the Lake District to days on the water, there really is something for every taste and interest – and you can do them all while leaving the car at home.

If you take a Stagecoach bus then up to three kids (aged 11 and under) can travel for free (with a paying adult) and it’s just £3 for a single fare for everyone else.

Stagecoach has come up with 10 of their favourite activities to do by bus in Cumbria – and they won’t break the bank.

Read more here 👉 https://bit.ly/416HVFO

26/07/2025

A vintage boutique has arrived in the city 👗

The Goodbye Norma Jean pop-up vintage boutique has started its four-week residency in Carlisle on Paternoster Row.

Fran will be selling her collection of preloved and designer clothes until Saturday 16 August 📆

The aim of the pop-up is to sell clothes sustainably and save items from landfill.

The items being sold range in prices from more affordable secondhand clothes to more expensive designer labels such as Vivienne Westwood.

We sent local student Darcy Coulson to give us her verdict and she said: "The shop is full of wild wacky things that give an extra kind of oomph to your wardrobe. The shop is full of colour and quirky decorations that make it feel incredibly welcoming.

"The shop has a piece of clothing for every situation, whether you're wanting to buy yourself an outfit for Kendal Calling next week or need a piece to add to your everyday wardrobe. The boutique isn’t a high street kind of situation so whatever you do buy will be individual to you. It has a wide range of customers from younger teenagers to elderly people, so it doesn't matter who you are, there will be something for you."

25/07/2025

EXCLUSIVE to the Carlisle Newsletter: New Hope for Bitts Park Lodge 🗞️

Bitts Park Lodge, which has stood empty for several years, could soon see a new lease of life thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between Cumberland Council, Story Construction, and Carlisle College - and Carlisle Newsletter is the first to bring you the full story 🙌

With a mission statement of Shared Resources, Intelligence and Logistics, Cumberland Council, appears to have forged a groundbreaking partnership between Story Construction and Carlisle College, putting the Lodge renovation on the curriculum, hopefully starting in September.

It is understood that the plan is to retro-fit the building back to its original form, becoming a ground-level cafe and training venue.

The project aims to engage students from multiple disciplines, including construction, horticulture, occupational health, beauty, hospitality, health and social care, and interior design.

Students will feel personally invested in the project, while gaining invaluable, practical experience in their chosen field.

The second floor of the building is mooted to become a residential respite destination, enabling carers to relax and enjoy re-energising pamper days.

This collaboration represents a cultural shift, seeing industry combining forces with local students and apprentices, for the greater good.

In February the council said it was ‘exploring the options’ for the future use of the building, which has been empty for serveral years. It also denied online rumours that it was preparing to demolish the building.

21/07/2025

Carlisle Cathedral Summer Camp | Ages 8–12
🗓️ Mon 28 July – Fri 1 August
🕘 5 fun-filled days | £125 full week or £25/day
📍 Carlisle Cathedral | Limited spaces left

The fun-filled week promises to inspire creativity, build confidence, and foster friendships while connecting children with Christian themes and cathedral life. Activities include arts and crafts, hands-on archaeology, exploring historic collections, becoming cathedral musicians, climbing the iconic bell tower, and discovering hidden treasures through behind-the-scenes tours.

Two experienced primary school teachers will lead the camp, supported by cathedral community members, ensuring a safe and enriching experience for all participants.

Revd Canon Dr Benjamin Carter, Canon Warden, said: "We are really looking forward to this exciting week of Summer Camp, and can't wait to share all that the cathedral has to offer. The planned programme promises a week full of fun and adventure!"

The five-day camp costs £125, with packed lunches available for additional cost and sibling discounts offered. Daily bookings are available at £25 per day. Limited spaces remain available at www.carlislecathedral.org.uk/carlisle-cathedral-camp.

20/07/2025

University of Cumbria, Spirit of Cumbria Award Winners!

Congratulations to Tegan Carr, who studied Biomechanical Science in Carlisle; Project Management Degree Apprentice Emily Cotton; and Sharon Harper, Diagnostic Radiography Degree Apprentice, received their awards during this week's graduation ceremonies. 🎉

The award celebrates students who exemplify the university's values of being progressive, personal and engaged and are exceptional role models in and outside the university. It is first time that three winners have been announced.

The trio were among 1,500 University of Cumbria students celebrating this week their graduation this week. Those who had studied at the university’s campuses in Carlisle, Ambleside, Lancaster and London, as well as those who studied in their workplaces, via distance learning or through degree apprenticeships routes, came together at the city's cathedral for the ceremonies.

And one student, Mollie, did more than just graduate - she got engaged. Her partner proposed after she received her qualification!

19/07/2025

Made in Carlisle Pop-Up Shop, July 28 – Aug 2 🎨The Something Different Makers Collective brings 14 brilliant local makers to The Lanes for a week-long celebration of Carlisle’s creative community!

🕙 Open daily 10am–5pm (4pm Sat)
📍 Pop-up unit, The Lanes, Carlisle

Organisers Jo Moscrop and Rosie Galloway-Smith responded to social media calls for more local businesses in the city centre. "We decided to shout loudly and clearly that we are local, handmade and looking forward to sharing rich local talent with Carlisle shoppers," says Rosie.

The collective emphasises how pop-ups support micro businesses by testing demand and often leading to permanent city centre premises. They're launching branded Carlisle T-shirts, vinyl stickers, and themed merchandise.

Visitors can win a T-shirt by sharing what Carlisle means to them. Jo explains: "There is so much to celebrate about Carlisle and events like this help us share our love of the city and its creative talent."

Contact: Rosie Galloway-Smith 07912369467, [email protected]

18/07/2025

Art lovers, don’t miss this! Linden Print Studio in Baldwinholme is hosting a huge art books & materials sale this weekend!

🗓️ Fri 18 July (5–7pm) & Sat 19 July (11am–3pm). Studio at CA5 6LJ.

Vega Brennan will showcase an extensive collection of art books, including monographs, painting and photography volumes, and rare texts covering various art movements.

Attendees can browse art supplies ranging from sketchbooks and brushes to drawing, painting, printing, and craft materials. Hand-sewn pencil and brush wraps will be available alongside Vega Brennan's framed and unframed prints and letterpress goods.

The event will also feature artwork by Laura Harrison, including distinctive plaster fingers and potential stones. Visitors can enjoy complimentary sparkling elderflower cordial and strawberries while browsing.

Directions to the studio are available at lindenprintstudio.co.uk.

15/07/2025

Our thoughts are with his friends and family. Such a terrible loss.

Family pay tribute to man who died following collision west of Carlisle

The family of a man who died following a collision west of Carlisle have paid tribute to him, saying he was deeply loved by so many.

William Carey, 51, of Kirkbride, lost his life following a collision on the B5307, near Fingland, on Friday July 11.

He was riding a motorcycle that was in collision with a car.

In tribute, his family said: “Will was a devoted husband to Caroline, a dearly loved dad to Holly and Robert, a much-loved son of Peter and Susan and an adored brother of Daniel and the late Ben.

“He was a cherished friend and colleague at Carlisle’s hospital.

“We are utterly devastated by his loss, but take comfort in knowing how deeply loved he was, by so many.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who helped him at the time of the accident and would appreciate privacy at this time.”

Carlisle Newsletter

04/08/2025

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