Win HappyPremiumSearch Rayogreatest hitscumbrianewsConcert being held in Cockermouth to mark VE DayIt's happening at the Kirkgate Arts centre. On the build-up to the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations, a range of organised events are taking place across the county. Town Councils, Parish Councils and the Royal British Legion have organised events in their areas. To help commemorate the May anniversary, Cumberland Council is also planning to light their main buildings red (and where it allows red, white and blue) and will also fly the Union Flag. The council’s The Beacon Museum in Whitehaven is also organising a pop up event on Saturday 10 May. The Government has announced four days of nationwide celebrations across the country leading up to VE Day 80 on Thursday 8 May 2025 - starting with street parties, barbecues and community get-togethers up and down the country on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May. The official 80th anniversary website offers a wealth of tips and inspiration for party planners including The Big Lunch Guide to Bringing People Together, ideas for food, games and activities, quiz sheets and templates for home-made bunting, flags, posters and party invitations. The timeline announced by the Government leading up to #VE80 includes: • Monday 5 May - street parties and community gatherings across the country, including on board HMS Belfast in London. • Tuesday 6 May - historic landmarks to be lit up this evening and an installation of ceramic poppies to return to the Tower of London. • Wednesday 7 May - concert at Westminster Hall in London. • Thursday 8 May - service at Westminster Abbey and concert at Horseguards Parade, London. Later in the summer, on VJ Day, Friday 15 August, the National Memorial Arboretum will host a service to mark 80 years since the end of the war in the Far East. In Cockermouth a concert will also be held. Laura Bailey will be playing the piano and singing a medley of war time songs to show the power that music had during a time of ultimate struggle. She said: "I don't think music was just there for entertainment, it was an essential life line. "It keeps people sane and lifts spirits in the very darkest times. "Whether the songs came through an old radio, or was whistled in the barracks, I think it would've helped everyone feel a bit less scared and a bit more normal. It's a very powerful thing like that. "I hope the audience will feel the power of those songs. "It's an unimaginable hardship. It brings a lump to my throat just thinking about that. "They met it with a courage and a humor that is just hard to get to grips with." Company number 01176085; Bauer Radio Limited Company number: 1394141Registered office: Media House Peterborough PE2 6EA and H Bauer Publishing Company number: LP003328; Registered office: The Lantern London NW1 2PL All registered in England and Wales VAT no 918 5617 01H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No: 845898) Cockfrock – Cockermouth’s pre-loved fashion and shopping experience – returns later this month Cockfrock Spring 2025 takes place at the town’s Kirkgate Centre on Saturday May 17 and Sunday May 18 and organisers have announced that all sales spots have already been snapped up “That means it’s now too late to sell off that glamorous gown that’s been languishing in the wardrobe,” said Kirkgate chief executive Emma Heys is that the full complement of 2,000 pre-loved good quality ladies’ garments will be on sale at knock-down prices.” A new twist for Cockfrock Spring 2025 is the opportunity to pick up a bargain in time for school prom season good quality ladies’ fashion has become established as a key part of the town’s calendar Emma said: “Looking for a knockout prom dress at a knockdown price “We’re hoping that this focus on prom season will help many households enjoy that fun night in a much more cost-effective way as new prom dresses can run into hundreds of pounds We’ll be looking for new homes for good quality ladies’ fashions and accessories across the board while making a little bit of welcome money for sellers.” Cockfrock co-ordinator Judith Bennington said: “It’s a great event for all supporters of circular fashion a fun opportunity to restyle your wardrobe at a bargain price.” Cockfrock 2025 is open to the public from 10.30am to 5pm on Saturday contact the Kirkgate office on 01900 829966 Subscribe to our mailing list to receive daily updates direct to your inbox *We hate spam as much as you do. Privacy Statement Phone: 01768 862313Email: admin@cumbriacrack.com Registered in England as Barrnon Media Limited No: 12475190VAT registration number: 343486488 © 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme Thank you for sharing this original missing person appeal was originally shared to help find them as soon as possible please delete any posts shared on social media or emails received if you’re signed up to our newsletter Some cookies are essential to make our website work we'd like to set other cookies to show us how our website is being used Cumberland Council would like to provide an update for the ongoing road improvements on the A5086 Cockermouth This ambitious project will enhance the local road network and ensure safer smoother travel for residents and businesses.  The planned improvements on the A5086 at Cockermouth include road network repairs To complete these essential upgrades efficiently and safely the project will continue with the following updated phases: Full access will be available for emergency service vehicles and dismounted cyclists throughout the works Waste and recycling collections will proceed as usual while updates about temporary bus stop relocations will be posted at affected stops Passengers with bus route questions are encouraged to contact Stagecoach directly Cumberland Council recognises that the A5086 is a key route and some temporary inconvenience may occur during these works The council is working closely with local stakeholders including Parish Councils and local members Cumberland Council wishes to thank the community for their continued support and patience while they improve the road network and apologise for any inconvenience If you have any questions, you can visit Cumberland Council website, or contact Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736 Subscribe today and we'll email you the latest newsletter updates about your new council Choose from a range of topics so that you only receive emails about the areas and services which interest you the most Subscribe to news updates New Help improve this site by giving feedback A rare opportunity to enjoy a visit to Cockermouth Castle is one of the highlights of the 30th anniversary celebrations for the town’s Kirkgate Centre People will be able to book for either an 11am or 3pm picnic session with guided tours of the castle provided throughout (specific time slots available) Tickets are £30 and both morning and afternoon slots will include music a picnic provided by the High Tea Guy and a glass of Prosecco Kirkgate chief executive Emma Heys said: “We’re thrilled to be able to stage our 30th birthday picnic at Cockermouth Castle and we’re extremely grateful to Lord and Lady Egremont for their very kind gesture “We’re delighted that they’ll be joining us on the day and that they’ve injected some of their own personal favourites into a literary-inspired tour of the castle that will be led by Cumbria-based storyteller Jessie McMeekin “The Great Baldini will also be present to showcase some close-up magic and there’ll also be live music “You can book online to take part in a castle tour guided by knowledgeable members of the civic trust who were instrumental in saving what is now the Kirkgate Centre from demolition back in the mid-90s.” Children under the age of seven and dogs are not allowed on the tour due to rough terrain and the high number of steps involved organisers say they will make every effort to go ahead as planned alternative arrangements have been planned if the event is unable to go ahead outside Emma added: “Tours of the castle always prove very popular when they become available so I’d encourage anyone interested to book their tickets as soon as possible.” Other activities organised to celebrate the Kirkgate’s 30th anniversary include a film festival this is an ambitious project to enhance the local road network and ensure safer If you have any questions, you can visit the Cumberland Council website, or contact Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736 Work has begun on a major upgrade of Cockermouth Scout Centre Building work is underway to improve the base of 1st Cockermouth Scouts on St Helen’s Street which currently provides activities for 175 youngsters from the town and surrounding areas The project will provide a better insulated and more energy efficient building helping to ensure the long term sustainability of this important community facility The major building work has been supported by £29,000 from the FCC Communities Foundation £5,000 from the Hadfield Trust and £3,500 each from Cumbria Community Foundation and Sellafield Ltd It has also received grants from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Cockermouth and Papcastle Recreational Fund Cumbria Community Foundation and Cumberland Council over the past few months to buy equipment including a kitchen marquee tents and kit for expeditions and camps as well as progress other building improvements Scout leaders said: “We are excited that the project is starting to take shape It’s great to see our vision for the improvement to this vital community facility moving closer to reality We are extremely grateful for the funding FCC Communities Foundation has given us and we’re looking forward to using our improved centre.” FCC Communities Foundation is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects said: “We are pleased to be able to support the building improvements at the Cockermouth Scout Centre the centre plays an important role in the community providing opportunities for activities and adventure for the children of Cockermouth and the surrounding area as well as supporting other local community groups “Ensuring the long term sustainability of this kind of community facility is core to FCC Communities Foundation and we look forward to this project making a difference very soon.” Cumberland Council is pleased to announce upcoming road improvements on the A5086 Cockermouth smoother travel for residents and businesses delivered by the council's surfacing contractor will begin on Monday 17 February 2025 and is expected to take approximately five weeks This work forms part of the £14.3 million investment from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund aimed at upgrading essential highway infrastructure and providing long-term benefits to the community Significant progress has already been made on other sections of the A595 and A5086 and this next phase continues that momentum The planned improvements on the A5086 at Cockermouth include road network repairs, drainage system replacement, traffic sign upgrades, and a refresh of road markings. To complete these essential upgrades efficiently and safely, the project will be organised in phases, using a combination of temporary traffic lights and road closures To keep the community informed and engaged Cumberland Council has organised a drop-in session where residents and business owners can learn more about the project If anyone cannot attend the drop-in session, and do have questions, they can visit Cumberland Council website, or contact Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736 A missing 71-year-old woman from Cockermouth has been found New surveys asking for people’s views on car parks in three west Cumbrian towns have been launched by Cumberland Council.  organisations and visitors are being encouraged to take part in the surveys which aim to understand people’s use of and opinions on car parks in Cockermouth 21 February) and run until Friday 14 March follow on from ones conducted recently in Carlisle and Keswick.  The council is hoping to gather opinions of the parking options in these locations how sites could be improved and more.  The information gathered will help inform the council as it develops a parking strategy; looking at how it can best manage and use the car parking assets it owns as well as provide the necessary parking required in different locations.  Cumberland Council took over the off-street car parking sites previously managed by Allerdale Borough Council Cumbria County Council and Copeland Borough Council as part of local government reorganisation in April 2023.  Executive Member for Financial Planning and Assets said: “While we’re still analysing the responses from the surveys recently carried out in Carlisle and Keswick one thing the data tells us loud and clear is that car parking is an extremely important subject for many of our residents and visitors.  “The council’s ambition is to provide the best possible car parking service for local people and businesses as well as those who choose to visit Cumberland so I’d encourage as many people and groups as possible to respond to these surveys so we can build up the best picture available to help us inform our future decisions.”  The next phase of roadworks in Cockermouth will begin next week.  Cumberland Council is upgrading the A5086 in the town The Level will remain closed and have traffic lights until Monday Gallowbarrow will close on Tuesday and Wednesday with two-way traffic lights at the Main Street roundabout Access to the town centre will be from Crown Street.  The Level will be closed from 6.30pm to midnight.  and dismounted cyclists throughout the work.  Passengers with bus route questions are encouraged to contact Stagecoach directly.  and expert demos galore - they’re all on the menu at Taste Cumbria Christmas in Cockermouth This extravaganza of food and drink takes place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December and promises to be a packed weekend of family fun There will be loads of shopping inspiration at the stalls and in the town’s great independent businesses and the chance to find some fabulous flavours in Cockermouth’s bars and eateries Main Street and Market Place will be the place to be with Santa’s grotto inside Cockermouth Pilates Studio and the Demo Kitchen hosted by Cockermouth Kitchen Company the producers’ stalls will be packed with lovely things to try and to buy The Kirkgate Arts centre also has a themed exhibition on over the same weekend The Taste of the Lake District: Cockermouth Beer & the Jennings Brewery will be open from 11am to 4pm on the Saturday and 11am to 1pm on the Sunday There’s an art and craft fair in the United Reformed Church on Main Street that weekend too while Market Place Print Studio is hosting drop-in sessions to make pretty Christmas baubles The Taste Cumbria Christmas Comedy Night will be held at Cockermouth Cricket Club on Saturday 7 December Tickets are on sale on the Taste Cumbria website The rest of the festival is completely free to attend Taste Cumbria is now heading into its 15 year and is the county’s biggest and best food festival It was created in the wake of the 2009 floods which devastated Cockermouth and the strategy has worked - the latest festival in September brought £2.2 million into the local economy with some of the town’s businesses reporting record sales The events are organised by Cumberland Council event organiser said: “What a fabulous finale to the year this festival will be Carlisle and Cockermouth already and the Christmas festival will be the icing on the Taste Cumbria cake “We have pulled out all the stops to make this as sparkling and merry as we can loads of live entertainment and a visit from Father Christmas himself This is Christmas with a great big festive bow on top!” The Taste Cumbria Christmas festival is sponsored by Cockermouth Town Council The Coffee Kitchen Bakery and Milburns Solicitors and supported by RockWith and Cockermouth & District Chamber of Trade For more details visit www.visitallerdale.co.uk/things-to-do/taste-cumbria-christmas the decision has been made to cancel the Taste Cumbria Christmas food festival in Cockermouth this weekend (Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December) This is due to a forecast of very high gusts of wind as Storm Darragh is predicted to hit Cumbria hard on Saturday and Sunday The Met Office has advised that there will be 60 - 70mph gusts in the area from Friday through to Sunday morning the wind gusts are still not at a satisfactory level to be able to put gazebos up and safely invite traders and visitors to Cockermouth The Supper Club due to take place tonight (Thursday 5 December) and the Taste Cumbria Comedy Night planned for Saturday night (7 December) will still go ahead “We are so disappointed that the weather forecast this weekend has forced us to make this decision we have to consider our amazing traders and the town’s businesses who create thousands of products ahead of the event time and money wasted when all the indications are that this is going to be a big storm Cumberland Council's top priority is the health but unfortunately windy conditions can be highly dangerous where gazebos and marquees are concerned.  “Please don’t forget the wealth of independent shops and the rest of the county’s great businesses Thank you for your understanding - please visit Cockermouth www.visitallerdale.co.uk/things-to-do/taste-cumbria-christmas Cumberland Council is reminding residents and businesses about a drop-in session to discuss upcoming road improvements on the A5086 Cockermouth The session has been arranged to give the local community an opportunity to learn more about the project The improvements will then begin on Monday 17 February 2025 using a combination of temporary traffic lights and road closures If anyone cannot attend the drop-in session, and have questions, they can visit Cumberland Council website, or contact Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736 The historic Jennings Brewery in Cockermouth has been acquired by two local businesspeople and entrepreneurs The acquisition of the brewery for an undisclosed sum will see Kurt Canfield, CEO of specialist engineering business Delkia owner of wine and spirits company Wine and the Wood with the intention to resume brewing Jennings beer in Cockermouth The deal also involves the transfer of rights to the Jennings brand Bottled beer under the Jennings brand will continue to be sold by Carlsberg Britvic until March 2025 following which beer production will transfer to the new company which will be known as Jennings Brewery Ltd Rebecca said: “As lifelong residents of West Cumbria we have cherished Jennings Brewery and its beer for many years “Preserving the heritage of the brewery and the Maltings building We are delighted to bring Jennings back to the local area and to have it once again run by a family-owned business “The brewery has almost 200 years of brewing history and one element that really attracted us to the project was the fact that it has its very own well “This is what makes it so beautiful and unique – an authentic Jennings beer can only be brewed with local water!”  Kurt will continue as CEO of Delkia and set out how the Cockermouth buildings will be brought back into use He said: “This project is a remarkable and ambitious endeavour which we are taking on to benefit the entire community “The Maltings building is an historic landmark and we have extensive plans to enhance the site while respecting its heritage critical repairs are necessary and will take time before we can get back to brewing the great beer that Jennings is known for.” The project is expected to create several new jobs in the area including the appointment of a head brewer “We’re pleased to have completed the sale of Jennings Brewery to new local owners who are looking to preserve the site’s brewing heritage,” David Bodily head of properties and facilities at Carlsberg Britvic “The brewery is a unique location in Cockermouth and we wish Kurt and Rebecca every success for the future.” founder of speciality beer retailer Beer Hawk who grew up in the Lake District Chris said: “Jennings was hugely influential as I developed my love for this industry and the idea of bringing a great beer back to the heart of this town is an exciting prospect “There’s a rich brewing history here and we’d love to hear from anyone in the community who wants to join the team or be part of bringing it back.” Jennings Brewery was established as a family concern in 1828 in Lorton The brewery was started by John Jennings Senior Jennings brewed exclusively in Lorton until 1874 when the Castle Brewery in Cockermouth A range of ales were brewed from Lakeland water drawn from the brewery’s own well The return of Jennings to the Castle Brewery will once again enable Lakeland water to be used contributing to the unique flavour profile of Jennings’ beers A famous astronomical clock created by a renowned Cockermouth maker is set to go under the hammer later this month at Mitchells and could make as much £30,000 is being sold at Mitchells Antiques & Fine Art Sale The remarkable George II astronomical longcase clock comes from a private collection of clocks to be sold from a local estate The clock dates from 1757 and is nationally renowned for the quality of its unique design and construction Saleroom director Mark Wise said: “The existence of this extraordinary clock has been known to us at Mitchells for over 40 years “It’s an historically important and complicated clock boasting features that rarely appear outside of London It exhibits great individuality in both design and construction equal to the finest London clockmakers of the period.’ With an estimate of £20,000 to £30,000 the clock will be the most valuable lot in the sale Also up for auction is a collection of signed limited edition prints by the abstract artist Terry Frost and pop artist Peter Blake best known for his design of the Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band cover as well as cover art for The Who The large single owner collection of limited edition prints by the abstract artist Sir Terry Frost (1915-2003) and pop artist Sir Peter Blake (born 1932) could sell for more than £40,000 with estimates for individual prints ranging from £400 to £2,000 A signed limited edition print of Blake’s The First Print Target has an estimate of £1,200 to £1,800 and another signed Blake print A signed print of Frost’s Swing Rhythm should make £500 to £800 Other highlights in a strong picture section in this sale are two artworks by Percy Kelly (1918-1993) including a charcoal drawing of Moresby Hall and St Bridget’s Church with Lowca to the rear with an estimate of £4,000 to £6,000 and a watercolour gouache painting depicting the Vale of Lorton which should make £3,000 to £4,000 by Delmar Harmood Banner (1896-1983) is estimated at £300 to £500 An oil on canvas painting attributed to William Oliver (1823-1901 From the studio of the deceased artist are 12 pictures by June Ascot Moss (1932-2023 RCA) who studied at Bournemouth and the Royal College of Art before lecturing at Harris Art School Preston and practising as a fine artist from 1978-2023 at Newbiggin Hall the paintings include an oil on canvas portrait of Zakia in colourful clothing measuring 60cm x 49.5cm in a gilt floral frame estimated at £250 to £350 Zolotnik 84 maker HU and measuring 12cm in length has an estimate of £400 to £600 Valuable ceramics include a Prattware jar with scrolling banner The landing of the British Army at the Crimea the jar is expected to sell for £400 to £600 Also for sale are several lots of Harvey`s superior Liqueur Whisky bonded and bottled by John Harvey and Sons Bristol which are likely to sell for £300 to £500 each A particular highlight among the furniture is a fine quality Edwardian mahogany bedroom suite to be sold in five lots which should make a total of £1,000 Day one of the sale on Wednesday March 26 will include Asian art watches & pocket watches and silver & allied wares Day two of the sale on Thursday March 27 will include books Day three of the sale on Friday March 28 will include textiles furniture and longcase clocks including the Gandy astronomical clock Lots are on view in the Saleroom from Sunday March 23 from 11am to 3pm A fully illustrated catalogue can be viewed online at www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells or www.easyliveauction.com/mitchellsantiquesfineartauctioneersvaluers/ where buyers can also register to bid live during the sale or leave automatic bids in advance Visit www.the-saleroom.com/Mitchells or www.easyliveauction.com/mitchellsantiquesfineartauctioneersvaluers/ where buyers can also register to bid live during the sale or leave automatic bids in advance those unable to attend the sale can arrange to bid by telephone or leave commission bids in advance by contacting the saleroom For more information about lots featured in the auction and condition reports contact James Moore on 01900 827800 If you have something you think might be valuable and want to find out what it’s worth Mitchells offer free valuations by appointment at its Cockermouth saleroom and home visits by arrangement Alternatively, you can email your valuation request and photographs to info@mitchellsantiques.co.uk Contact Mitchells now on 01900 827800 to arrange your free valuation Mitchells Spring Country Sporting Sale will take place from Wednesday April 9 to Friday April 11 An Easter egg trail will take place in Cockermouth next month for young people the trail takes place on Saturday April 12 and Sunday April 13 Youngsters are on the hunt for Easter eggs in shop windows and attractions on the Cockermouth Town Trail can be collected from Tilia on Station Street between 10am and 3pm on both days and once completed can be handed back in to Chance Camp staff at the cafe Tilia is also offering a 10% discount for those who complete the challenge Chance Camp aims to make sure children can access sporting opportunities delivered in a style which ensures whole child development takes place which is supported by several town businesses to support local traders and encourage youngsters to be active For more information, visit Chance Camp’s website here. The valued community resource is set for an important transition as work begins to transfer management and staff responsibilities from Cockermouth Town Council to Cumberland Council Cockermouth Library Link offers a welcoming environment that fosters lifelong learning reading for pleasure and community engagement Cumberland Council is committed to maintaining and improving the Library Link's role as a key source for the community and the process may take a little time to achieve the transfer will safeguard local library provision and continue the excellent work of recent years of Cockermouth Town Council This management change reflects Cumberland Council’s commitment to the future of the Library Link and we are confident that this move will strengthen its services and expand its ability to meet the needs of residents in the years to come "We are excited to begin the work to welcome Cockermouth Library Link into the Cumberland Council family This transition is an important step in securing the future of this invaluable community resource and we are committed to continuing the excellent work of Cockermouth Town Council in developing a vibrant library service “We firmly believe this move will bring lasting benefits to both the local residents who rely on the library and dedicated staff. ” "We are proud of the role Cockermouth Library Link has played in our community and our involvement in making this happen We believe that transferring management to Cumberland Council will ensure the library’s continued success This move will provide the library and its staff with the resources and support it needs to grow and evolve and we’re confident it will remain a central space for relaxation and connection Cockermouth Paper Shop has been given the go-ahead to expand The Main Street store asked Cumberland Council for permission to convert a ground floor flat to enlarge the shop area Changes will be made to the front of the shop which was built in 1992 and sits between the Fletcher Christian Inn and Leslie Cleeland The windows at the rear will also be blocked up with glass blocks and a wall would be knocked through with a new door added Major roadworks will start in Cockermouth later this month The work on the A5086 is part of a £14.3m package to improve roads across the Cumberland Council area It is due to begin on Monday February 17 and is expected to take around five weeks The work will be completed in three phases using temporary traffic lights and road closures and dismounted cyclists throughout the work Cumberland Council has organised a drop-in session where people can learn more about the project The drop-in-session will take place on Tuesday February 11 between 5.30pm and 7.30pm at the town’s Kirkgate Centre Cumberland Council said: “We recognise that the A5086 is a key route including parish councils and local members If anyone cannot attend the drop-in session they can contact Cumberland Council’s Highways Hotline on 0300 373 3736 The next phase of roadworks in Cockermouth have begun Contractors are in the town to upgrade the A5086 This includes the Crown Street roundabout with access to Main Street from Gallowbarrow/Sullart Street The Level will be closed and have traffic lights from March 13 until March 25 Gallowbarrow will be closed with two-way traffic lights at the Main Street roundabout on March 26 and March 27 © 2025 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme.