Features

We want to find Cumbria's most romantic wedding proposal

The region’s top wedding show is the perfect place for all blushing brides-to-be and their grooms who are planning their big day.

Last updated 11 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Omo and cold brown water for whiter than white clothes

North Cumbrian woman Jean James is spending a month in one of the most deprived communities on Earth - South Africa's Elgin Valley. The area suffers from high unemployment, extreme poverty, alcohol and drug abuse and HIV infection rates of up to 50 per cent. She's recording her experiences and thoughts here in a heart-rending blog... (4 comments)

Last updated 10 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

I was asked to help with the wardrobe and before I knew it I was in the chorus singing

Marian Finn never expected to go on stage. “I was asked to go down and ‘help with the wardrobe’,” she explains. “I thought that meant handing out the costumes – I didn’t realise we would have to make them too.

Last updated 10 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Going back to before I was born

Do you ever get the feeling that you’ve been here before? I don’t just mean when you forget to put the bins out, or leave a pan on to boil too long or forget a birthday or anniversary.

Last updated 8 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Happiness is a city called Carlisle

Happy isn’t the first word that springs to mind when I think of my hometown. Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying it’s the last word either. (34 comments)

Last updated 8 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

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What's wrong with people getting a big bonus?

They say that if you pay peanuts you get monkeys. That’s the argument in favour of high salaries and massive bonuses for top bankers and company directors. (9 comments)

Last updated 8 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cumbrian football manager and business boss believes it is 'all about the team'

What works for Sir Alex Ferguson does not necessarily work for John Clasper. Manchester United boss Sir Alex is Britain’s most famous exponent of angry management. His tirades have been dubbed ‘the hairdryer’.

Last updated 7 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Brampton design firm creates visual and audio feasts for kids

The wide-eyed look on the faces of small children says it all to Brampton designer Jon Stynes. He’s helped to make something which stimulates their minds. And that makes him feel good.

Last updated 7 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

North Cumbrian man's career looking after top showbiz stars

You have to slalom through the names dropped by Thom Lester when you have a chat with him.

Last updated 2 February 2012
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Should parents be allowed to smack their children?

Controversial comments from Tottenham MP David Lammy have re-ignited the debate about whether parents should be allowed to smack their children.

Last updated 1 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

There’s still a way to go before I can tell my neighbours I’m gay and not get ‘faggot’ painted on my car

Richard Kavanagh describes himself as lucky – because he’s been beaten up only twice.

Last updated 31 January 2012
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Carlisle Sure Start scheme has helped parents in more ways than one

Claire McKenzie giggles when asked how her and husband David have changed since getting involved with their local children’s centre.

Last updated 31 January 2012
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Cumbrian man has been on top of the world - twice

If you’re going to reach the top of Everest twice, climb mountains in Greenland that no human has ever set foot on before and scale rock faces in Australia, then you need to start early.

Last updated 30 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Swede Dreamz are made of this in rural north Cumbria

It’s a typical, pretty Cumbrian cottage; perched at the top of a hill just past Lanercost with an open fire, wooden beams and views of greenery as far as the eye can see.

Last updated 28 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Should the benefits limit be capped?

If you’re part of what Nick Clegg called “alarm clock Britain” – the people who have to get up and go to work at least five days a week – then you might feel a certain resentment towards some benefit recipients. (69 comments)

Last updated 25 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

What is the secret Scottish bard Robert Burns's appeal?

There’s a big birthday party this weekend. A restaurant has been hired for the venue and 80 guests are expected to attend.

Last updated 24 January 2012
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Blue Peter star Helen Skelton tells of meeting with Cumbrian GP - at South Pole

A shower. At the end of another phenomenal, gruelling, record-breaking adventure, Helen Skelton is desperate for a shower. And a change of clothes.

Last updated 24 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cumbrian woman aiming to fast-track people into love

Keswick woman desperately seeking 15 single guys and 15 single ladies aged 24 to 35.

Last updated 23 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Do we need tougher controls on Cumbrian scrapyards?

Churches, schools, railway lines, war memorials, even hospitals have fallen victim to thieves who callously strip cables from the ground, rip up railings or lift metals off roofs.

Last updated 20 January 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk