The CRAIG CHARLES Funk & Soul Show

BBC 6 Music Funk & Soul Show DJ Craig Charles has packed up his ‘Trunk of Funk’ and is heading to The Nines Barrow, playing the planets funkiest tunes.

You can book a cottage holiday for this event

BBC 6 Funk and Soul Event

Famed actor and presenter Craig Charles join us on stage for a night overflowing with Northern Soul Stompers, rare Disco treats, R&B shakers and heavy Funk for all those looking to get down on the dance floor.

Having been broadcasting live every Saturday night on the BBC 6 Music for over 10 years, Craig Charles has garnered global support and recognition as one of the UK’s foremost Funk and Soul commentators and promoters of new music, whilst still championing classic golden age Funk artists of the 60s and 70s.

Also playing on the night will be:

Dave ‘Mister Monster’ Crossley

Monster Monster’s main man will be bringing a special set with an extra funky twist, mixing up, Hip-Hop/Breaks/Ghetto-Funk & owt else with a funky-soul

La Funkineers

Robin Walker (Fallback Productions)

Kendal Calling resident DJ / One half of ‘Sauced Club Night Kendal’

who will all be tearing off the roof ‘til 3am.

TICKETS

Available from: http://www.thenines.co.uk/whats-on/CraigCharles

Bar Five 01229821301

www.ticketline.co.uk

New cycling initiative launched in the Lake District

TV presenter Helen Skelton, of Blue Peter fame, has become one of the first people to experience an innovative new cycling initiative in the the Lake District.

The initiative aims to encourage people to experience the Lake District in a healthier, greener way

The event was the first in a series of 30 free guided group bike rides led by British Cycling trained Ride Leaders planned for the Lake District this summer.

Aimed at all age groups and experience levels, the Sky Ride Local rides encourage people to experience the Lake District in a healthier, greener way.

It is the first time Sky Ride Local has come to a National Park, and the GoLakes Travel programme has teamed up with British Cycling to bring the initiative to the region.

Between now and the end of September, Sky Ride Local rides will also take place around scenic spots such as Hawkshead, Coniston Bowness, Elterwater and Ambleside.

Starting points for the routes will also make the most of traffic-free cycle routes being enhanced through the GoLakes Travel programme, with many getting underway close to bike hire points. For some routes, there is even the option of hiring an electric bike.

Helen Skelton said: “I’m delighted to be one of the first to experience this new cycling initiative in what is probably one of the most perfect locations in the country to cycle. I love to leave the car at home and get out on my bike. Cycling is such an important sport for all ages to get involved in and this ride will bring cycling fans together from all different backgrounds and abilities to enjoy riding in such a stunning landscape”.

Claire Maclaine, GoLakes Travel Programme Manager added: “Sky Ride Local rides are a really exciting, way for people of all ages and abilities to explore experience and enjoy cycling in a unique natural setting. Go Lakes Travel is proud to be part of a fantastic year for cycling in Cumbria, with the county hosting the longest leg of the Tour of Britain in September. As part of this, we want to show that cycling is for everyone and what’s great about Sky Ride Local is that it’s free, accessible and genuinely aimed at building people’s confidence whether they’re a regular cyclist or not.”

To see the full list of Sky Ride Local rides in the Lake District, or to book a free place, visit: www.goskyride.com/lakes

TV star votes Penrith high street best in Britain

By Victoria Brenan

        Penrith has been praised as having the best high street by Great British Bake-Off host Mel Giedroyc.

Mel Giedroyc

She said she had been visiting the town “since the year dot” after her mum grew up in the northern Lake District.

As part of a campaign launched by the Daily Telegraph – Reinventing the High Street – Mel sung the praises of Penrith and said it had her favourite high street.

“My attachment to Penrith’s high street is part nostalgia,” she said. “My mum grew up in the northern Lakes and so I’ve been going to Penrith every summer since the year dot.

“Now, when I go back with my own children, I love the fact that Arnisons, the department store with more than a hint of Grace Brothers, is still there on Middlegate, and Grahams, the deli in Market Square, continues to serve you everything over the counter. But my reasons are not all sepia-tinted.”

She said Penrith had a tourist trade because of its proximity to the Lake District but was no “chocolate-boxey high street.”

“The red stone suggests something more practical and it retains a strong sense of its own identity that enables it to mix the old with the new and still stay real,” she added.

“There are chains and a Morrisons. Plus, it is a community place, with a real sense of local people getting on with things as the minutes slip by on the clock tower. It is resolutely normal, but it manages to make normal shopping feel as if it isn’t a chore.”

Lake District in Cumbria ranks as third most popular UK ‘staycation’ hotspot

The Lake District is the third most popular domestic holiday hotspot for UK residents, new figures have shown.

Despite the dismal weather and tight household budgets, 2013 is going to be a record year for the ‘staycation’ trend as 65 per cent of Britons opt to take their summer holiday at home this year.

The holiday report reveals that the Lake District, which came second last year, ranked third behind London and Edinburgh.

For the first time in five years, Cornwall has lost its crown as the nation’s top ‘staycation’ destination and dropped to fourth.

The figures show a significant increase on the past two years, when 41 per cent and 35 per cent of Britons respectively took a domestic break.

With the average trip costing Britons £399.28 this year – a £34.19 reduction from last year – it is estimated this investment will boost the UK tourism industry by £12bn – up £3.3bn from last year.

The findings have been revealed in a new holiday index by Travelodge.

The hotel chain’s fifth annual holiday report surveyed 3,000 British adults to investigate their summer holiday intentions.

It revealed that 42 per cent of these people are taking a week’s holiday in the UK this summer, 15 per cent are indulging in a two-week break on British shores, and a third are splitting their holidays over three short domestic breaks so they can visit a series of locations.

Grant Hearn, Travelodge CEO said: “The ‘staycation’ trend accelerating to record levels and boosting our economy by £12bn this year is a very welcome sign, and hopefully this is the start of our 2012 Olympics legacy gain.

“During 2012, our capital city was showcased in its true glory to all corners of the UK and the world, and it’s a great result that London has been crowned as the top ‘staycation’ destination for 2013.

“However we cannot rest on our laurels, as one of Britain’s biggest business sectors, the opportunity to grow is still great.

“We are not yet near to unlocking the true potential of our industry.”

2013 Hutton Roof Fell Race & Country Fair

Hutton Roof Fell Race and Country Fair

“This Saturday is our Fell Race at Hutton Roof, weather forecast is looking in our favour so why not come along. For those of you which came 2 years ago the Hen Racing is BACK this year and along with many other things to see and do. There is a free car park which we ask for a donation, it is located across the road from the church.” Andrew Newton

Come along and enjoy or take part, it is always fun for the whole family. Need a cottage try http://tinyurl.com/c8oya9v

Competition Time – Win 2 Free Nights

Competition Time – 2 Free Nights to be won

On a positive note we announce our latest #GIVEAWAY:We are giving away a 2 NIGHT STAY IN OUR LUXURY 5 STAR DUKE OF PORTLAND HOUSE!

Our aim is to reach 8,000 likes on our facebook page, with your help! A lucky person will #WIN this #luxury stay once we hit our target!
… 

All you have to do is LIKE, ENTER & SHARE:

http://www.facebook.com/lakescottages/app_107061516149542

If you are accessing through a mobile device please follow:

http://l.inkto.it/508j

Duke of Portland Boathouse – Ullswater

New Lake District ‘Bike Bus’ service launched

The Lake District is a popular destination for mountain biking, family cycling outings and road riding alike (Seb Rogers/Future Publishing)

Saturday 4 May saw the launch of a new ‘Bike Bus’ service in the Lake District. The Stagecoach 800 runs the full length of  England’s largest lake, Windermere, and has been specially converted to carry up to 12 bikes.

The new route includes the following popular stops around Windermere and links in with the ‘Bike Boat’ ferry shuttle from Brockhole to Wray:

• Ambleside (Kelsick Road)
• Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre
• Windermere train station
• Bowness-on-Windermere Pier
• Fell Foot Park
• Newby Bridge
• Lakeland Motor Museum
• Lakeside& Havethwaite Railway

For 2013, the Bike Bus will run on the following dates:

• 4 May – 14 July (Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays)
• 20 July – 1 September (daily)
• 7 Sept – 28 Sept (weekends only)

Claire Maclaine, programme manager for the GoLakes, supporter of the Bike Bus service, said: “The Bike Bus is another great way to help people to explore and enjoy our stunning landscape without the hassle of loading up car bike racks and fighting for parking spaces at the other end. This regular service is geared up specifically for the needs of cyclists and is ideal for families to hop on and off at a range of locations running the full length of Windermere.”

Two new leaflets are being produced to complement the service, ‘Rides from the Bike Bus’ and ‘Days out from the Bike Bus’. Printed on waterproof paper, they will both be available from late May. Alternatively, a full timetable can be viewed online.

Sustrans’ National Cycle Network route 6 runs east from Windermere, linking riders with Kendal and going on through the Howgills and Yorkshire Dales. There’s also a short family friendly bridleway ride on the west side of Windermere, through National Trust land, that can be accessed via the ferry that runs from Bowness-on-Windermere.

It’s about 20km to cycle the length of the lake one way, and there are mainly minor roads and bridleways on the west side and main roads on the east.

North West Evening Mail | News | Violinist hits Lake District fells to help rescue team

Violinist hits Lake District fells to help rescue team

A 20-MILE run over the Lake District’s highest peaks isn’t the usual way for a musician to prepare for a gig.

But that is exactly what accomplished violinist Tim Kliphuis has planned on not one but three days next week.

Next Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the Dutchman is holding concerts at Hawkshead, Staveley and Keswick respectively with his band the Tim Kliphuis Trio.

Prior to each performance, he will scale a corresponding fell to raise money for the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association.

Mr Kliphuis, who is already more than halfway towards his fundraising target of £500, said he was undertaking the unique challenge to show his appreciation for the “incredible work” carried out by the region’s rescue teams.

The first mountain to be conquered is  Coniston Old Man on May 16, with the concert to follow at 7.30pm at Hawkshead Church.

He will then tackle the Kentmere Horseshoe the next day before performing at the Staveley Roadhouse from 7.30pm.

The final test comes on May 18 when he runs the Blencathra and Skiddaw mountains in the lead up to playing at the Keswick Mountain Festival.

Log on to www.justgiving.com/fiddlingonthefells for more information about the concerts, or to make a donation.

via North West Evening Mail | News | Violinist hits Lake District fells to help rescue team.

Lambing Season Continues in the Lake District

Newborn Lamb resting after delivery

Saw this sight on the way to work – a newborn lamb still struggling to find its feet.

The lambs this year have been very staggered with some having grown quite big already, yet more are still being born. A nice sight especially when the birthing happens so near to the walkway.

Newborn Lamb

Catamaran aids Windermere ranger work

A catamaran will be used by rangers to patrol England’s longest lake, to reflect a shift in leisure activities.

Lake Windermere Launch Area

The Lake District National Park Authority said it would provide a more stable platform for their work on Windermere than the inflatable and motorboat currently used.

The Cheetah catamaran is similar to vessels used by police and the Environment Agency.

Rangers enforce by-laws, offer safety advice and carry out conservation work.

Park management ranger Sara Spicer said: “We are encouraging a shift from fast watersports towards sailing, paddle craft and open water swimming.

“As the emphasis alters, so does our role.

“These days an important part of our work is watching out for the ever-growing number of swimmers, advising them to be visible and boat users to be on the look-out for them.”