It will be given by Jane Brimmer, a resident of Martindale, on the subject of:

‘ 6 Writers in Martindale’  – A Shepherd’s Guide, Three Poets, a Novelist & a ‘Traveller, Orientalist and Man of Letters’

Thursday June 6th, 19.30 – 20.30, Watermillock Village Hall.

The talk is Free. There will be some refreshments

*****

Please mark in your diary our next FOUW ‘Understanding Ullswater’ presentation on:

‘Muskets or Riflers ? A Patterdale Militia’,  which will be given by Janet Wedgewood at Parkin Memorial Hall, Pooley Bridge on Thursday, July 4th at 19.30

For information on future talks, please download the timetable here.

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The decision to make the bikes available to pre-book online on every day of the year but Christmas Day follows an enthusiastic response from locals and visitors alike to the soft-launch of the cycle hire in August 2018. Lowther’s off-road cycleway network takes in the gorgeous views and vistas that have captivated visitors since the Middle Ages. Each junction is signposted with destinations and distances for ease of navigation. Easy routes meander around the Castle while longer routes take in Askham Fell, Howtown, Pooley Bridge and Haweswater.

Sightings of local wildlife are common and Sarah Graham, owner of Arragon’s Cycles, said: “In the first Summer alone, customers reported seeing herons, deer, red squirrels – and one customer even watched a kingfisher – so the unspoilt landscape is a wonderful way to spend a few hours.”

Husband-and-wife team Phil and Sarah Graham are trusted locally and nationally for their cycling expertise and specialist advice. Arragon’s Cycles was voted North West winner of the Cycling Weekly ‘Britain’s Best Bike Shop’ award (and third overall nationally) – and Phil Graham is a First Class Honours Mechanical Engineer, who has worked as a member of the Neutral Services Mechanics at the 2012 London Olympic Games and as a mechanic for world-record-breaking teams in the Race Across America and Race Across Europe.

Commenting on a successful launch at Lowther Castle, Sarah Graham said:

“The opportunity to showcase some of our bikes to hire on the exciting new trails in the parkland at Lowther has been a great extension to our business, allowing us to offer a unique experience, something that more and more people are seeking out. We’ve been humbled at the way we’ve been welcomed into the Lowther family and look forward to working with the team to expand our offering, both in terms of bikes on offer and the ever-growing network of trails and routes.”

Arragon’s have just launched guided electric Mountain Bike tours from the Castle, while expanding its hire offer to include more types of bikes based on feedback from visitors – including gravel bikes and a range of child trailers, all of which are bookable in advance at www.arragons.com/hire

Head of Marketing and Events Claire Logan-Stephens said: “It’s great to have the chance to collaborate with such a wonderful local business to offer a whole new way for visitors to enjoy Lowther Castle and the Lowther Estate. We are delighted with the response from customers to the soft launch and we are delighted to confirm the cycles are now available to book online all year round.”

Lowther Castle is a favourite destination for days out and winner of the 2018 Cumbria Tourism award for Best Large Visitor Attraction – and visitors ‘making a day of it’ can park free of charge at the Castle and combine a roving cycling trip with a visit to the Castle and Gardens. Hungry cyclists will be pleased that the cycleways return to the Castle’s courtyard café for a well-earned hot drink and home-made cake. The Castle also offers a 10% discount on entry fees to cyclists.

Lowther Castle is open to the public every day except Christmas Day. The Castle offers group visits and tours for schools as well as an imaginative programme of events and exhibitions throughout the year.

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Nula Hula entertains with her best multiple hula hoop moves. Pictured on Broad Street by Richard Cave 19.11.17

nearest the old festival of Samhain, which marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the “darker half” of the year –musicians, street performers, a giant wolf lantern and locals wearing masks and carrying flaming torches join the herd at the Ullswater Droving for a unique Halloween celebration steeped in tradition.
As the great day fast approaches, local businesses both large and small are keen to support this event and hope to see it become part of the annual calendar. With the scheduled closure of the temporary bridge in Autumn 2019, comes a stark reminder of the dark days and months that followed in the wake of Storm Desmond when the valley was literally cleaved in two as Pooley Bridge fell.

Keen to show the valley is now (and will remain!) open for business, no less than ten local businesses have sponsored the event organised by Eden Arts helping to boost funding from both Eden District Council, Barton Parish Council and the Lake District National Park. 1863 Bar Bistro Rooms, Another Place, Chestnut House, Granny Dowbekin’s, Hillcroft Park, The Crown, The Sun Inn Ullswater Steamers and Waterside House Campsitehave joined forces and literally put their money where their mouths are to help make this event happen. Some of them will also be offering further support in the form of food and drink ‘pop-ups’ on the Melodrome Stage field.

Mark Vause, owner of 1863 Bar Bistro Rooms and Ullswater Droving sponsor commented:

“We’re all so pleased that 2018 will see another Ullswater Droving. We’re very grateful to all our funders and sponsors – Eden Arts and Eden District Council in particular – for this fantastic opportunity. We very much hope that this will be the first in a series of events we are planning to stage over the next 18 months that will help raise the profile of Pooley Bridge as ‘open for business’ in the lead up to and during the bridge closure in 2019/20.”

5.10pm: Mr Wilson’s Second Liners (think New Orleans meets 90s club classics) depart from Aira Force Jettyon Ullswater Steamers – why not join them on them on the boat?

5.30pm:  Visitors gather at the steamer jetty to take up their flaming torches (please sign up in advance) and welcome the musicians

6.00pm:  Steamer arrives. Mr Wilson’s Second Liners lead the torch light procession through Pooley Bridge to the field behind the Sun Inn. This year the band will be accompanied by The Wolf animal lantern which was sponsored by Ullswater Steamers in 2017.

6.30pm:  Procession arrives at field behind Sun Inn for the lighting of the bonfire.

Hot Dogs, burgers and mulled wine courtesy of The Sun Inn, popular award-winning bistro 1863 will be offering tastings, soup and prosecco or if it’s gin you’re after, Chestnut House will be on hand to help. Further afield both Granny Dowbekin’s and Tree Tops will be open late.

6.40pm: Mr Wilson’s Second Liners take to the stage

7.40pm: Dopesickfly continue the music on the Melodrome Stage

8.45pm: The party continues around the village’s pubs, restaurants and cafes

Can you help?

Winter Droving Penrith 2016 Procession Photo by: Graham Wynne

In order to make this event a success – we need you!

Wood for the bonfire– we need plenty of wood for our huge bonfire – if you can help, please drop it down into the field behind The Sun by 8pm, Wednesday 24 October

Building the Bonfire – all hands on deck to build the bonfire at 3pm on Thursday 25 October – just email [email protected] and turn up ready for elements!

Carry a Torch – join the procession as a flaming torch-bearer. You must be over 16 – please register online by visiting www.winterdroving.uk

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Competitive sailors from all over the region will be taking part in the Daffodil Regatta on the weekend of 14 & 15 April, Ullswater Yacht Club’s first major event in its 60th anniversary year.

It all started in 1958 when friends Harold Couzens and Joe Harrison, who both enjoyed spending time on the lake decided it would be a good idea for Ullswater to have its own club. They placed an advert in the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald on March 4, 1958, inviting anyone interested to write to them.They were delighted with the response and eighty people turned up at the Queen’s Head, Tirril, on April 10, 1958, to officially form the Ullswater Motor Boat and Yacht Club.

The name was changed to Ullswater Yacht Club and it has developed over 60 years to become one of the premier sailing clubs in the country, winner of two Club of the Year Awards in 2017. This year a special calendar of events will mark the club’s Diamond Year with the Daffodil Regatta the first big open weekend of the season.

Joining the visitors, spectators and racers at the landmark event to help the club celebrate will be a special guest, herdy’s giant Great British erdyHerdy, a larger than life model Herdwick sheep. Lovable Lake District superbrand herdy was created by co-founders Diane and Spencer Hannah 10 years ago and will spread smiles and happiness across the event throughout the weekend as he watches the races along with other spectators and cheers the competitors on from the shore.

The Daffodil Regatta is open to all classes with racing split into two fleets. All fleets will sail seven races over the weekend with four taking place on Saturday and three on Sunday. Club racers will be joined by visitors from all over the county and beyond and the event is featured in the RS200 and Musto Skiff Travellers Calendar.

There’ll be daffodils galore at the prizegiving as UYC joins in Ullswater’s spring celebrations and Great British Herdy, will be bringing along special prizes for the fleet winners.

Diane Hannah said: “We’re really excited about the weekend of sailing and feel honoured to be asked to bring along herdy to join in the fun. We’ve worked hard to create a brand with real values and it is important to us to give back to herdy’s home as much as we can. Events like these are what Great British Herdy is made for and the kids just love him!”

UYC Commodore Rick Boyce added: “We are really looking forward to the first big event of our special year at UYC and delighted to welcome our first visitors – competitive racers and of course a giant sheep!”

More details about the Daffodil Regatta and other events at UYC in 2018 can be found on the club website at www.ullswateryachtclub.org

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On Saturday 24^th June, at 16.00, there will be a celebration in Hallinhag Wood, Martindale, on the Ullswater Way, to mark the completion of three Poetry Stones, inscribed with lines from the poems of Kathleen Raine, who once lived in Martindale. The Cumbrian artist Pip Hall who carved the stones will be present.

The Chairman of the FOUW, Miles MacInnes will open the event. It will start with an account of  Kathleen Raine’s life and poetry and her connection with Martindale from Jane Penman, a resident of Martindale; it will be followed with some words from the artist who carved the stones, Pip Hall; and then continue with readings of the two poems from which the poetry stone verses are taken: ‘On Leaving Ullswater’, read by Nic Tweddell who formerly lived in the valley, and ‘Night in Martindale’ read by local resident Jane Macauliffe.

On the occasion of the inauguration, Miles MacInnes said: “I’m delighted that the FOUW has been able to honour one of Ullswater’s finest poets, Kathleen Raine, who lived in Martindale and was inspired by its natural beauty to write some of her most intensely felt poetry. Pip Hall’s beautiful carvings will bring pleasure to the many walkers who will pause to reflect on them, beginning with the line on the first stone: ‘the human word, carved by our whispers in the passing air’. I’d like to give a special ‘thank you’ to the Lake District Communities Fund, the Hadfield Trust, and Dalemain Estates, all of whom contributed to this project “.

This inauguration is the sixth in a series of art installations supported by FOUW on the Ullswater Way Heritage Trail (the first, the Roman Seat on Barton Fell, in June 2016, the second, the Dorothy Gate at Aira Force in April 2017, the third, the Thomas Clarkson plaque at Eusmere, Pooley Bridge, in May, and the fourth and fifth, the Wainwright memorial plaque and Sitting Stone, on June 1^st ).

Full details on the work of FOUW can be found on their website (http://www.ullswaterway.co.uk).  It was founded on 30^th March 2016 , and involves all 5 parishes around Ullswater. It has raised almost £20,000 during the last year to finance art and heritage installations on the Ullswater Way Heritage Trail.

Further information on the Poetry Stone inauguration is available from Jane Penman , [email protected]. The location of the stones is:NY427200

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An exciting collaboration between Glenridding Sailing Centre and Stomping Ground – do YOU have what it takes to take on our Shipwreck Survival Skills Adventure?

Glenridding Sailing Centre are working with local forest skills practitioners Stomping Ground, on an exciting mission to bring a new type of children’s activity to Ullswater in 2017.

The aim of the day is to survive being shipwrecked on the shores of the beautiful Ullswater Lake – learning the basics of canoeing, building shelters, lighting fires, exploring the lake shore and islands.

Aimed at children aged 8+, this activity was trialled for one day in September last year. The Shipwreck Survival Skills Adventure saw 8 youngsters wave goodbye to their parents and leave the ‘safety’ of the Centre, paddling in canoes carrying only the most basic of outdoor survival equipment –  a few lengths of old  rope, a tarp and some basic tools.

Once out on the lake the hardy crew were given the news that they were now ‘Shiprwecked’ and were asked to head for nearest sheltered shore to asses their situation. They then – under the guidance of Stomping Ground –  worked out how they could use beach combed items and the nature of the land to make camp, light a fire (which will also be used to cook popcorn and marshmallows!), and build a shelter.

The day was spilt equally between forest skills sessions (run by Stomping Ground) and BCU / UKCC Canoe tuition / exploration sessions run by Glenridding Sailing Centre. This exciting and unique combination gave the organisers plenty of scope to stretch the youngsters abilities both on and off the water, and work on essential skills such as team building, problem solving,  P.E, basic navigation and map making under the guidance of qualified instruction. The activity leaders were in constant radio contact with the Centre, with safety boat cover provided.

Glenridding Sailing Centres’ gently curved beach forms a sheltered bay in full view of the centres’ safety crew and provides an ideal setting to get people of all ages out on the water in an increasingly wide range of activities, from RYA Sailing Tuition, boat hire, ‘Swallows & Amazons’ sailing adventures through to corporate team building activities and even stag & hen parties!

There are four Shipwreck Survival Skills Adventures running this year, in April, June and September and cost £75pp for a full days activity. Booking essential as places are limited – this is such a great day out in an amazing place, and a brilliant opportunity to try out so many skills, we look forward to you joining us!

The full programme of 2017 activities can be found on www.glenriddingsailingcentre.co.uk

Quotes / info: [email protected] 07944 230951

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The aim of this celebratory walk is two fold: to bring together local communities around the Lake to celebrate shared cultural heritage and environment; secondly to help raise funds to support and develop the heritage of Ullswater and acknowledge those who have devoted their lives to its conservation.

Gordon Lightburn from the Friends of the Ullswater Way said: 
“The Ullswater Way has given a much needed boost to the valley. The Friends believe it’s s a great opportunity to celebrate the history and traditions of the valley, and the way of life of those who have shaped it.”

The Friends of the Ullswater Way is a local group working with five parishes  around the lake to design, create and install up to 14 enigmatic points of culture and heritage along the Way. Each of these will celebrate and illuminate distinct aspect of life in the valley, both past and present.

Using local skills and artists as far as possible, each installation will align to the key project ethos, of being ‘in harmony with the immediate surroundings’. Thanks to local fundraising the first installation is in place: Nestled just below the 2000 year old Roman Road (known locally as High Street) at Moor Divock near Pooley Bridge is a curved stone seat, built by local craftsmen.

Thanks to a grant from The Lake District National Park, work has begun on the following installations:

1. Poetry Stones: The words of contemporary poet Kathleen Raine, who found inspiration living in Martindale, will be inscribed on a series of stones close to the Ullswater Way in Hallin Wood, Martindale

2. Celebrating artists who loved Ullswater: At the southern end of the lake a Patterdale resident artist has designed a stone seat, re-using local materials, at the spot where the view inspired artists John Glover, Ann Macbeth and William Turner.

3. Anti-slavery Medallion: In 1787 Thomas Clarkson helped establish the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade. We would like to commemorate his achievements with an emblem mounted on the wall of his former residence at Eusemere, Pooley Bridge.

However, in order to achieve their goal, the Friends need to raise an additional £5000. It is hoped this community walk of the Ullswater Way will help with that. Launched earlier this year, the 20 mile circular route can be walked in one go or in stages. The entire circuit can take anything from 8-10 hours depending upon your level of fitness and the number of rest stops and photo opportunities. Participants can start at a time that suits them. Those aiming to complete the whole circuit should probably start at about 8am from one of the four ‘natural’ starting points:

• Glenridding: Ullswater Steamers pier. (6.5 miles to Howtown)
• Howtown: Ullswater Steamers pier. (5 miles to Pooley bridge)
• Pooley Bridge: Pooley bridge car park. (6.5 miles to Aira Force)
• Aira Force: Aira Force Car park. (3 miles to Glenridding)

The walk is completely informal – there will be no organised guides, helpers, first aid, or special facilities and participants must bring their own food, water and first aid kit.  Ullswater Steamers will run their usual scheduled service. The Friends suggest that all walkers aim to meet up together and celebrate on the last sailing that leaves Glenridding at 16.00, Howtown at 16.35, and Pooley Bridge at  17.05 (arriving back at Glenridding at 18.05). 

 For further information or enquiries about joining the walk please contact Tim Clarke [email protected]. For further information about the Ullswater Way please visit www.ullswater.com

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The increasingly strong South-westerly winds on Saturday made for an ideal giant windward leeward course and race officer David Clarke sent the boats to the furthest island, Cherry Holm, and back to the Pooley Bridge end of the lake, returning to a finish at the club.

With the start line the full width of the lake, the racers got away at the third black-flagged attempt and the wind got stronger and stronger as the sailors made their way down the lake. Those who made it to Cherry Holm, the 49ers were the first round, found that the wind eased and became very shifty. But on the return, it was back with a vengeance, providing exhilarating downwind conditions which were too much for many of the competitors.

Matty and James Lyons in their 49er were first back, but the 505 of Nathan Batchelor and Andy Weatherspoon was close enough on time to win on handicap. Of the 230 starters, 81 boats crossed the finishing line. Some boats opted to head back to the club without sails, others waited on the shore for help, and there were several dramatic incidents on the water.

The safety crews were at full stretch and many of the early-finishing racers went back on the water to help out, but everyone returned to the club safely and on Saturday night the club was buzzing with tales of the day.

At the prizegiving the race organisers gave a special award for ‘exceptional seamanship’ to RS Feva sailors Harvey Leigh and Jonny Latham of Leigh and Lowton SC who happily sat on the top of their upturned boat on Saturday and told several different safety teams who approached them that they were OK and they should go to help others.

Prizewinners at the Lord Birkett Memorial Trophy 2016 – photo © Sue Giles

On Sunday, the course was set round the first island, Norfolk Island and in fresh winds, but much lighter than the day before, the fleet got away at the first start. The Lyons boys rounded the island first and were back to the club five minutes before the next boat. Their first place in race two won them the event and the Birkett silver salver as well as a special prize of bed and breakfast for two at the Sharrow Bay Hotel which is next to UYC.

Batchelor/ Weatherspoon of Tynemouth SC in a 505 were tenth on handicap and took second place overall with 11 points and Paul and Jude Allen of Leigh and Lowton SC in a RS400 were third, also with 11 points.

The celebration event was first raced in 1963 in honour of Lord Norman Birkett who died two days after making a successful speech in the House of Lords which prevented Ullswater from becoming a reservoir. Every year since then, the club has held the prestigious two-day long distance race in which boats sail the full length of the lake round an island, and back, in memory of the ‘Saviour of Ullswater.’

It has become a festival of sailing and so popular with racers from all over the country that the limit of 230 boats was reached before the weekend and entries were closed. Next year entry will be online only with no entries allowed on the day.

Ullswater Yacht Club would like to thank the following for help toward the fleet of safety boats necessary for the event. Loan of boats – Sharrow Bay Hotel, David Clarke, Patterdale Hall, Sunderland Yacht Club, Ocean Youth Trust (North); Boats complete with crews – Paul Colton, Seaham Divers & friends, Blackpool & Fleetwood SC. Also thanks to Kier Construction (loan of high visibility jackets). And thanks also to the hundreds of volunteer members of UYC, without them the event would not be possible.

www.ullswateryachtclub.org

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Communities and businesses around the Lake District’s Ullswater Valley are celebrating the launch of a brand new walking route – the Ullswater Way – around what many believe to be England’s most beautiful lake. The new, 20-mile walking route connects the spectacular scenery along the shores of Ullswater with the picturesque villages and attractions, meaning visitors can enjoy even more of this special corner of the Lake District.

Eric Robson Opens the New Ullswater Way

Following the floods in December, people in the Ullswater area of the Lake District have been working hard to get reconnected and let people know how they are ‘open for business’. This has been particularly important in areas like Glenridding and Pooley Bridge where the flood damage made headline news across the country.
The creation of a promoted circular route around Ullswater has long been an ambition of the community, so the opportunity was seized and a partnership project was put into action between local people and Lake District National Park, the National Trust, the Ullswater Association, Eden District Council, Ullswater Steamers, and See More Cumbria with additional funding from the Cumbria Waste Management Environment Trust.

Suzy Hankin, Area Ranger for the Lake District National Park, said: “The Ullswater Way is a fantastic example of people working in partnership on a project that will hopefully give the local economy a much needed boost. Ullswater remains a popular corner of the Lake District, yet people tend to explore it in pockets rather than connecting their journey. The community around Ullswater wanted to encourage visitors to enjoy the valley’s iconic scenery on foot, but to also utilise links to the public transport network, and hopefully give people a reason to stay for longer.

“Although there were already existing walking routes in the area, there wasn’t a fully connected route around the lake. So we have been working with local people, businesses and landowners to improve access, including a new 2.5km public right of way, and the installation of new waymarkers, fingerposts and gates to make it easier for people to navigate on the ground.”
The Ullswater Way crosses sections of open fell and farm land, offering visitors stunning views, as well as the path Wainwright described as ‘the most beautiful and rewarding walk in Lakeland’. The route also includes a new section of footpath near Maiden Castle, once the site of an Iron Age Hill fort it now offers spectacular views of the Ullswater Valley, as well as views to the Pennines to the East and Blencathra to the west.

New Ullswater way-marker

Jim Walker, from Ullswater Steamers, and Chair of the working group said: “Ullswater is famous for its stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains – from kayaking to climbing Helvellyn and from the spectacular waterfalls at Aira Force to simply enjoying the local hospitality. The Ullswater Way now means long distance walkers can now walk round the full 20 mile route, and those who want to explore at a more leisurely pace can break up the journey by including a trip on the historic Ullswater Steamers or open top bus.”

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