MUNCASTER CASTLE
VISIT OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, PRINCESS ALEXANDRA,THE HON LADY OGILVY,KG GCVO
12.30pm
Planning for this special day started in April or May and was a very great success, and we were blessed with a beautiful day.
Muncaster Castle is a wonderful venue and HRH was very impressed with it, and as she left said she hoped to come again.
Princess Alexandra was accompanied by her Lady-in-waiting, Lady Mary Mumford and her Private Secretary Mrs Diana Duke. She was greeted by The Lord Lieutenant and Mrs Cropper when she arrived and Mrs Iona Frost-Pennington. The Lord Lieutenant then presented HRH to my husband (I had been presented to her the previous evening)The Mayor of Copeland, Cllr Henry Wormstrup and Ms Lee Hodson, The Chairman of Cumbria County Council, Cllr Roger Bingham, Acting Corporate Director Adult & Cultural Services, Cumbria County Council, Mr Richard Parry, and the Acting Chief Executive of Copeland Borough Council, Mr Fergus McMorrow.
Iona Frost-Pennington then presented her husband, Peter Frost-Pennington, her parents Patrick and Philida Gordon Duff-Pennington, and their children, and the representatives of The Complimentary Care Centre, Hospice at Home,and also Mrs Joan Capp (with companion) and Mrs Judith Johnston.
Thereafter I introduced her to my own guests from the Military and Hospitaller Order of St Lazarus, The Princess Youth Business Trust, Cumbria Community Foundation (Crimebeat), Nuclear Management Partners Limited, The Hadfield Trust, My Chaplain, My elder son and his wife and two of my grandchildren, and not least my PA. HRH expressed great pleasure in seeing Dr and Mrs Geoffrey Thompson and Mrs Olive Clarke again.
The Royal party departed by car at 13.40 accompanied by the Police and The Lord Lieutenant and Mrs Cropper. Everyone present felt it was a special day and were charmed by the very real interest the Princess expressed.
Monday 21 September 2009
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Wednesday 2nd September 2009
At the invitation of Her Hon Judge Barbara Forrester I sat with her through various proceedings in The Family Court in Carlisle.
Tuesday 1st September 2009
CARLISLE MAGISTRATE'S COURT
Mr Tim Jepson, Deputy Clerk to the Magistrates, kindly arranged for me to meet some of the local Magistrates and sit with District Judge Gerald Chalk for the morning, which I found fascinating and so different from the Crown Court cases.
He is kindly arranging for me to sit at Kendal, Workington and Barrow over the next few months.
Mr Tim Jepson, Deputy Clerk to the Magistrates, kindly arranged for me to meet some of the local Magistrates and sit with District Judge Gerald Chalk for the morning, which I found fascinating and so different from the Crown Court cases.
He is kindly arranging for me to sit at Kendal, Workington and Barrow over the next few months.
Sunday 13th September 2009
ALLERDALE BOROUGH COUNCIL - ANNUAL CIVIC SERVICE
3PM
A fine Procession of 16 Mayors and their consorts, myself as High Sheriff together with my husband, The Mace Bearer and Canon Geoffrey Ravalde.
David and I attended this lovely service for the Worshipful Mayor and Mayoress of Allerdale, Councillor John Binky Armstrong and Mrs Mara Armstrong. Canon Geoffrey Ravalde conducted the service and gave an excellent address. The first lesson was read by Cllr Robert Hardon, the Deputy Mayor of Allerdale, and the second by the Mayor of Allerdale. Prayers were lead by Father Peter Hart, St Cuthbert's Church, Wigton and later by The Reverend Kim Hurst, Methodist Minister from Wigton.
After the Service there was a Reception in marquees in the Church garden. Delicious food and an opportunity to meet people.
It was also very nice to see the new stained glass windows that were recently commissioned by Lord Bragg at St Mary's Church. Evidently the work was done by Brian Campbell, a local artist and a friend of Lord Bragg, with specific requests as to the contents of the designs, and they were then brought to life by a stained glass artist, Alex Hayes, depicting some of Wigton's most loved and historic landmarks.
The present Church was constructed in 1787-9 on the site of a much earlier Church.
3PM
A fine Procession of 16 Mayors and their consorts, myself as High Sheriff together with my husband, The Mace Bearer and Canon Geoffrey Ravalde.
David and I attended this lovely service for the Worshipful Mayor and Mayoress of Allerdale, Councillor John Binky Armstrong and Mrs Mara Armstrong. Canon Geoffrey Ravalde conducted the service and gave an excellent address. The first lesson was read by Cllr Robert Hardon, the Deputy Mayor of Allerdale, and the second by the Mayor of Allerdale. Prayers were lead by Father Peter Hart, St Cuthbert's Church, Wigton and later by The Reverend Kim Hurst, Methodist Minister from Wigton.
After the Service there was a Reception in marquees in the Church garden. Delicious food and an opportunity to meet people.
It was also very nice to see the new stained glass windows that were recently commissioned by Lord Bragg at St Mary's Church. Evidently the work was done by Brian Campbell, a local artist and a friend of Lord Bragg, with specific requests as to the contents of the designs, and they were then brought to life by a stained glass artist, Alex Hayes, depicting some of Wigton's most loved and historic landmarks.
The present Church was constructed in 1787-9 on the site of a much earlier Church.
Monday 14 September 2009
Friday 11th September 2009
VISIT OF HER ROYAL HIGHNESS, THE PRINCESS ROYAL, TO CUMBRIA, TO THE INTERNATIONAL SHEEP DOG TRIALS AT LOWTHER, PENRITH, CUMBRIA
A most splendid summer's day held at a most stunning venue.
I arrived as requested at about 12.30pm and met The Chairman of Cumbria County Council, Mr Roger Bingham, The Corporate Director, Organisational Development of Cumbria County Council, Mr Jim Savage,The Chairman, Eden District Council, Councillor Malcolm Smith and Mrs Patricia Smith, and The Chief Executive of the International Sheep Dog Society, Mr Norman Lorton. We were served with a buffet lunch whilst waiting for HRH. She arrived at about 1.15pm
Mr Lorton explained a little of the background to The International Sheepdog Society, which I believe goes back to the early 19th Century.
Caroline, The Dowager Countess of Lonsdale, who is President of The International Sheepdog Society, was also present.
We were presented to HRH by The Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, after which she was escorted by The Chief Executive of The Society and presented to The Presidents of The English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh Sheep Dog Societies, as well as The Solicitor to the International Sheep Dog Society.
After this HRH was escorted by The Chief Executive and The Sporting Events Organiser from the marquee to the Grandstand, to watch the Trial in progress, and to meet with some of the competitors. We were fortunate to join her and watch the Trials, after which we followed her as she looked around the various Trade Stands. She was due to leave at 14.05, but she was obviously enjoying her afternoon and did not leave until after 3.00pm.
A most splendid summer's day held at a most stunning venue.
I arrived as requested at about 12.30pm and met The Chairman of Cumbria County Council, Mr Roger Bingham, The Corporate Director, Organisational Development of Cumbria County Council, Mr Jim Savage,The Chairman, Eden District Council, Councillor Malcolm Smith and Mrs Patricia Smith, and The Chief Executive of the International Sheep Dog Society, Mr Norman Lorton. We were served with a buffet lunch whilst waiting for HRH. She arrived at about 1.15pm
Mr Lorton explained a little of the background to The International Sheepdog Society, which I believe goes back to the early 19th Century.
Caroline, The Dowager Countess of Lonsdale, who is President of The International Sheepdog Society, was also present.
We were presented to HRH by The Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, after which she was escorted by The Chief Executive of The Society and presented to The Presidents of The English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh Sheep Dog Societies, as well as The Solicitor to the International Sheep Dog Society.
After this HRH was escorted by The Chief Executive and The Sporting Events Organiser from the marquee to the Grandstand, to watch the Trial in progress, and to meet with some of the competitors. We were fortunate to join her and watch the Trials, after which we followed her as she looked around the various Trade Stands. She was due to leave at 14.05, but she was obviously enjoying her afternoon and did not leave until after 3.00pm.
Friday 11th September 2009
40th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF KENDAL TORCHLIGHT CARNIVAL/PROCESSION - Friday 11th September 2009
As Guests of The Chairman of South Lakeland District Council, Councillor Jonathan Brook and The Mayor of Kendal, Councillor John Bateson, we arrived at Kendal Town Hall at 6.30pm where we were greeted with many familiar faces and a wonderful buffet provided for what seemed to be over 100 people. At 7.45pm we were taken outside to the SPECIAL seating that was provided and proceeded to watch the procession.
I had not been to The Torchlight Procession for some years and certainly did not remember anything as special as this occasion. The whole thing was enormous fun and every Float deserved much praise.
A most enjoyable evening.
As Guests of The Chairman of South Lakeland District Council, Councillor Jonathan Brook and The Mayor of Kendal, Councillor John Bateson, we arrived at Kendal Town Hall at 6.30pm where we were greeted with many familiar faces and a wonderful buffet provided for what seemed to be over 100 people. At 7.45pm we were taken outside to the SPECIAL seating that was provided and proceeded to watch the procession.
I had not been to The Torchlight Procession for some years and certainly did not remember anything as special as this occasion. The whole thing was enormous fun and every Float deserved much praise.
A most enjoyable evening.
Thursday 10th September 2009
THE WESTMORLAND COUNTY SHOW
As guests of Mrs Doreen Galbraith, The President of The Westmorland County Show, David and I enjoyed refreshments and met a great many people we knew in the President's Marquee. It was a very nice start to what was a very beautiful hot sunny day.
After that we looked at many of the stalls and visited one or two stands, including Michael Hodgsons, and later joined friends for a picnic lunch.
An altogether enjoyable day, with what must have been thousands of visitors. It was obvious that so much hard work and effort had gone in to all the preparations and we felt that on this day The Committee would really reap the rewards that they deserved.
As guests of Mrs Doreen Galbraith, The President of The Westmorland County Show, David and I enjoyed refreshments and met a great many people we knew in the President's Marquee. It was a very nice start to what was a very beautiful hot sunny day.
After that we looked at many of the stalls and visited one or two stands, including Michael Hodgsons, and later joined friends for a picnic lunch.
An altogether enjoyable day, with what must have been thousands of visitors. It was obvious that so much hard work and effort had gone in to all the preparations and we felt that on this day The Committee would really reap the rewards that they deserved.
Wednesday 9 September 2009
Sunday 6th September 2009
GOLDEN JUBILEE OF THE CONCECRATION
OF THE PARISH CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF APPLEBY
I was invited by Father Alex, the Parish Priest, to attend the above which I greatly enjoyed. I was made extremely welcome by everyone present and it was good to see Cllr Lance Thwaites, The Mayor of Appleby and The Chairman of Eden District Council and his wife.
A beautiful service of Mass, conducted by The Rt Reverend Michael Campbell OSA, Bishop of Lancaster, in which I was delighted to take part.
Sadly because of pressure of time I was unable to join in the buffet lunch at Ormside Hall given by Mr and Mrs Fraser after the service.
OF THE PARISH CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF APPLEBY
I was invited by Father Alex, the Parish Priest, to attend the above which I greatly enjoyed. I was made extremely welcome by everyone present and it was good to see Cllr Lance Thwaites, The Mayor of Appleby and The Chairman of Eden District Council and his wife.
A beautiful service of Mass, conducted by The Rt Reverend Michael Campbell OSA, Bishop of Lancaster, in which I was delighted to take part.
Sadly because of pressure of time I was unable to join in the buffet lunch at Ormside Hall given by Mr and Mrs Fraser after the service.
Thursday 4th September 2009
ROSEHILL THEATRE
MORESBY, WHITEHAVEN.
50th Birthday Celebrations and Concert
We were invited by Richard Elder, Director, to attend a Reception and Exhibition of the Rosehill Archive at The Beacon in Whitehaven at 6pm followed by a Classical Concert at Rosehill at 8pm.
The Concert had been arranged and sponsored by the Hungarian Cultural Centre and was in the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary, Her Excellency Ms Borbala Czako. The programme featured Sonatas by Bach and Brahms and an Adagio by Kodaly were very beautiful.
The Concert started with an Introduction featuring Melvyn Bragg, Mary Burkett and Lord Snowdon and an old film of Sir Nicholas Sekers.
For me this was a very nostalgic occasion as I had first visited the Theatre in 1965 and had met both Sir Nicholas and Lady Sekers. Thomas Messel, nephew of Oliver Messel who was responsible for the theatre's beautiful interior, was also at the theatre with his family. He was giving a talk about Oliver Messel the following evening.
MORESBY, WHITEHAVEN.
50th Birthday Celebrations and Concert
We were invited by Richard Elder, Director, to attend a Reception and Exhibition of the Rosehill Archive at The Beacon in Whitehaven at 6pm followed by a Classical Concert at Rosehill at 8pm.
The Concert had been arranged and sponsored by the Hungarian Cultural Centre and was in the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Hungary, Her Excellency Ms Borbala Czako. The programme featured Sonatas by Bach and Brahms and an Adagio by Kodaly were very beautiful.
The Concert started with an Introduction featuring Melvyn Bragg, Mary Burkett and Lord Snowdon and an old film of Sir Nicholas Sekers.
For me this was a very nostalgic occasion as I had first visited the Theatre in 1965 and had met both Sir Nicholas and Lady Sekers. Thomas Messel, nephew of Oliver Messel who was responsible for the theatre's beautiful interior, was also at the theatre with his family. He was giving a talk about Oliver Messel the following evening.
Monday 7 September 2009
Sunday 30th August 2009
GRASMERE LAKELAND SPORTS AND SHOW
My husband and I were invited by Hal Bagot, Chairman of The Grasmere Sports Committee Ltd, and his fellow Directors, to join them as guests of the Company. Neither of us had been for some years and were most impressed by the changes that had taken place during that time. The day was well attended, but would I am sure have had many more visitors had the weather been kinder.
As tradition has it, The High Sheriff of Cumbria, or Consort, is invited to judge the embroidery on the outfits of the traditionally dressed competitors in the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling.
I had to judge three groups comprising young girls, young boys and young men, and there were three prizes in each category. It was very difficult judging as all the embroidery was beautifully done and carefully thought out. It was fascinating watching the wrestlers, some of whom were from France and Scotland, as well as England.
My husband and I were invited by Hal Bagot, Chairman of The Grasmere Sports Committee Ltd, and his fellow Directors, to join them as guests of the Company. Neither of us had been for some years and were most impressed by the changes that had taken place during that time. The day was well attended, but would I am sure have had many more visitors had the weather been kinder.
As tradition has it, The High Sheriff of Cumbria, or Consort, is invited to judge the embroidery on the outfits of the traditionally dressed competitors in the Cumberland and Westmorland wrestling.
I had to judge three groups comprising young girls, young boys and young men, and there were three prizes in each category. It was very difficult judging as all the embroidery was beautifully done and carefully thought out. It was fascinating watching the wrestlers, some of whom were from France and Scotland, as well as England.
Tuesday 1 September 2009
Wednesday 19th August 2009
VISIT TO WINDERMERE FIRE STATION
It was arranged that I would visit Windermere Fire Station at a later date, when my husband and I visited Cockermouth with Dominic Harrison. When I arrived I was delighted to find Canon Graham Bettridge, who is Chaplain to the Police and has recently been asked to be Chaplain to the Fire Service, there as well.
We were provided with an insight into the difficult and challenging Road Traffic Collision (RTC) work the service undertake. The evening started with a meet and greet with Watch Manager Wayne Ducksbury, who runs the station on a day to day basis, Station Manager Callum Graham, who has overall responsibility for the station and Deputy Chief Fire Officer John Moorcroft, who has strategic responsibility and who also brought along Canon Bettridge.
After a brief on the evenings events, Canon Bettridge and I donned protective clothing consisting of fire kit, goggles, gloves and helmets and volunteered to sit in a vehicle in order to experience all the effects surrounding the extrication from a vehicle following an accident.
Fire appliances "attended" and the priority was first to protect the scene and stabilise the casualties by a paramedic trained Firefighter and colleague entering the vehicle to reassure us and prevent further head movement which could damage the spinal cord. Whilst this was going on fire crews had laid out equipment to -
1. deal with a fire should the fuel ignite
and
2. hydraulic rescue equipment and first aid kits.
With us stabilised, the crew then started forcing open the doors using hydraulic spreaders which have a spreading capacity of several tonnes. Relatively low speed accidents often cause the doors to jam due to the deformation of the car which is designed to crumple, absorbing the energy of the accident and protecting the occupants. With doors open, the crew then worked on removing the roof of the vehicle using cutters which are capable of cutting through the columns of a car like a knife through butter.
With the roof removed and doors open we calmly got out of the car and made our way to the "recovery" room for a cup of tea and a debrief.
Whilst carrying out the drill, one of the fire engines was pulled away to a report of a fire in the village, which fortunately turned out to be a false alarm.
We were told that Crews across the county deliver Road Awareness Training to ALL year 11 pupils, ALL Young Firefighter attendees, ALL Pass Plus (additional new driver training) attendees, and other groups who request the hard hitting input which is delivered by the Fire and Rescue Service in order to contribute to reduction of the number of killed or seriously injured people on Cumbria's roads.
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