Wednesday 11 November 2009

3rd November 2009

WHITEHAVEN

6PM - ARMY PRESENTATION TEAM.

I was unable to accept this invitation because of a prior engagement but my husband and Consort, David, offered to go in my place. He had an interesting evening and we felt the fact that he attended showed our continued interest.

29th September 2009

AGM - North West Ambulance Service -
Guharat Hindu Centre, Preston


Owing to a prior engagement I was unable to attend this and because of our interest in these services my husband and Consort, David, went in my place.

We are to visit the "state of the art" control centre in the New Year to see how it is operated.

Monday 9th November 2009

Windermere Fire Station

It was suggested to me on my last visit to the Fire Station that I might like to bring a party of people to attend a HEARTSTART-Emergency Life Support Training evening. Cumbria fire and Rescue Service are working in partnership with the British Heart Foundation to teach members of the public what to do in a life-threatening emergency: simple skills that can save lives.

I invited 7 friends to join me and we had a most interesting and informative two hours with instruction from Suzanne Wainwright of the Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service. We were also shown a very realistic and informative DVD.

We came away feeling it was a most worthwhile evening and that we had learnt something very important. There were also some amongst us who, when prompted, admitted that their homes had no fire alarms!
Cumbria Fire and Rescue are anxious for the general public to know about these courses which they are happy to do for small or large groups of people, as well as for schools and organisations.

You never know - doing this could save a life - why not contact Suzanne on her website - cumbriafire.gov.uk or email her on suzanne.wainwright@cumbriacc.gov.uk.
Or you can telephone her on 01539 797647.

Tuesday 10th November 2009

The Brewery Arts Centre

11.00am

I met with Deb Muscat (Cumbria Community Foundation) Nigel Burgess (Chairman of National Crimebeat ) and Tony Harratt (National Coordinator of National Crimebeat)both based in Cheshire, over coffee to discuss strategy for National Crimebeat to work with Crimbeat within the auspices of the Cumbria Community Foundation.


12.15pm

We visited Manna House - which was set up in 2002 to provide housing advice, advocacy and support for those in the Kendal and South Lakes area who are homeless or vulnerably housed, and talked with Cllr Jonathan Brook (Chairman of South Lakeland District Council) and members of staff. We were all very impressed by what we saw and learnt.

We returned to The Brewery Arts Centre for lunch and continued talking about plans for a further meeting regarding Cumbria Crimebeat in February 2010.

We all felt it had been a fruitful day.

Sunday 1st November 2009

CIVIC SERVICE FOR CHAIRMAN OF CUMBRIA COUNTY COUNCIL,Councillor Roger Bingham at Heversham Church - 3pm.

A well-attended and lovely service conducted by The Reverend Susan Wilson, with a most excellent Address by The Venerable George Howe.

A procession to the church, including The Lord Lieutenant and Mrs Cropper and Mayors, representatives from Cumbria, Durham and North Yorkshire Clergy, and my husband and me.

Lessons were read by The Revd Gary Ridley (Methodist Minister, Arnside, Milnthorpe and Levens) and Cllr Bingham, and prayers were led by Father David Burns, Christ the King, Milnthorpe and Arnside.

Refreshments were served in the church after the service.

Wednesday 4th November 2009

The Shrievalty Association's 38th Annual General Meeting, held at Fishmongers Hall, London Bridge, London EC4.

I attended the above AGM, which was followed by a delicious luncheon attended by 166 guests. David joined me for the luncheon.

We were both very fortunate with our fellow guests. James Carr, The High Sheriff Elect also attended.

The Speaker, The Rt Hon The Baroness Butler-Sloss gave a stimulating Address in praise of High Sheriffs.

Monday 9 November 2009

Wednesday 28th October 2009

10.30am
YPRES BLOCK, CARLISLE CASTLE

I was made very welcome by Colonel T M McMullen MBE, Commandant of Cumbria Army Cadet Force who was accompanied by Deputy Lt Col John Wilson. After coffee and a general introduction I was shown a DVD about the work done with the Cadets. Later I was introduced to Major John Jones, who showed and explained the weapon systems to me. He is the Training Safety Adviser (TSA) based permanently at the Castle but belongs to HQ42 (NW) Brigade in Preston.

I was also introduced to Major Paul Candler who is the Cadet Executive Officer. He leads the permanent staff element in the HQ. He kindly accompanied me to my next venue.

We discussed that it would be a good idea for Col McMullen to meet The High Sheriff Elect, Mr James Carr, before my Term of Office is over.


12.30pm
The Courts, Earl Street, Carlisle

Once again I had the priviledge of presenting three Court Awards. These were awarded by His Hon Judge Batty, QC. but Her Hon Judge Forrester Chaired the Ceremony in his absence.

3 very public spirited people received Awards, including one very especially brave lady.

I was invited by Judge Forrester to stay for lunch and also met Claire Hensman and Susie Bagot who were spending the day as her guests.

Thursday 5th November 2009

MORNING
I had a most interesting morning at Workington Magistrates' Court arranged once again by Tim Jepson.

I was greeted by Gail Inglis, Bench Chairman of West Allerdale and Keswick, who I have met several times before. She and Tim kindly showed me around the Court and introduced me to several members of staff. She also introduced me to those sitting in the Court and asked me to say a few words about the Office of High Sheriff.

A very interesting morning. I hope to sit in Whitehaven and Barrow in the New Year.


AFTERNOON

The Rising Sun Drop-in Centre in Workington

Met in the afternoon with Paul Lee from the Trust and Roger Hart from the Cumbria Community Foundation, (who have recently expanded their services from 6pm to 9pm),to award a cheque for £750 to The Rising Sun. Current users are very enthusiastic about the extended HOURS. As on my first visit, I was very impressed with what is done here. Photos were taken by The Times & Star.

Sunday 8th November 2009

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
9.30am
As a guest of The Mayor of Kendal, Cllr John Bateson, I attended at the Cenotaph at Kendal and placed a High Sheriff's wreath after The Mayor and Chairman of South Lakeland District Council, Jonathan Brooks.

Many local dignitaries and services were represented there and it was a most moving occasion.

From the Cenotaph we processed to The Mayor's Parlour (where two types of coffee were served. One with rum, a local custom, and then processed to the Parish Church of Holy Trinity for a service of Remembrance and Reconciliation.

A most moving service conducted by The Revd, who I gather is shortly to leave Holy Trinity for Ireland. Lessons read by The Mayor of Kendal, Cllr John Bateson and Tim Farron MP, and a moving Address by The Revd Ashley Henderson.

After the service (another local custom) people were offered a small tot of whiskey. We then processed back to the Town Hall to witness the march past.

Thursday 5 November 2009

Thursday 5th November 2009

I have not had time to write my BLOGS recently and hope to do so next week.

Although I have not had as many engagements during the last ten days, I have been exceptionally busy with admin.

Some of the visits I make take time to arrange and of course deserve my written appreciation. And the visits I arrange round the county take a lot of time, not just arranging them, but involving people to take part and confirming details to all parties.

At the same time preparations for the Judge's Service at Carlisle Cathedral on the 17th November have been ongoing for some time, including invitations and catering arrangements.

I am also thinking about Christmas card lists of names etc, so it is a busy time.

I could not do all this without the wonderful help of Katy, my PA. But she is only part-time and sometimes we both wish there were more hours in a day!