News Focus

Cumbrian man's life is just magic

Stuart Hodgson photo For Stu-Di-Doo it all began with a Paul Daniel’s magic set, given to him as a gift when he was about seven-years-old.

Last updated 17 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Why Carlisle's oldest pub has pulled the top real ale award

King Rock music thuds away quietly in the background during another busy lunchtime at Carlisle’s oldest pub.

Last updated 15 March 2012
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‘It’s not just about disabled people getting a job, it’s about independence’

Kevin Pardell photo We live in an age of equality, in a society where disabled people should have the same rights as everyone else – and the same opportunities.

Last updated 14 March 2012
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Charity needs more volunteers for its work in Cumbria

SSAFA feature Bailey Hunter is partially sighted and has cerebral palsy and learning disabilities.

Last updated 13 March 2012
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I wouldn’t want to work in a factory for the disabled

Kirsty Tynan photo ‘Cowardly, shameful and deceitful.” That was the damning verdict of Copeland MP Jamie Reed on Government plans to shut the Remploy factory in Cleator Moor.

Last updated 12 March 2012
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Olympic torch is lighting up Cumbrian lives

Behind closed doors, groups of officials are finalising plans for the great Olympic extravaganza in June when the torch arrives in Cumbria.

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

‘I am not against using private business to deliver police services’ says Cumbria's chief constable

Stuart Hyde photo Police station counter staff, crime scene investigators, community support officers. All frontline roles in the fight against crime. All jobs performed by civilians.

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

Gay marriage – for better or for worse?

Alan Air photo Marriage is the union of a woman and a man. Or possibly in future, a woman and a woman or a man and a man. (48 comments)

Last updated 6 March 2012
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Carlisle man's double life: Supermarket worker by day, pro wrestler by night

Kevin Todhunter photo His adrenaline was pumping. The music was blaring. The curtain opened and Kevin Todhunter entered the ring for his first professional wrestling match.

Last updated 5 March 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Can we run rings round the Olympics?

touristfgfgfggf003 Given the current fragile state of the economy it’s unlikely that many people are currently considering splashing out on holidays and weekends away across the country.

Last updated 3 March 2012
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Nicholforest’s own social network

Nicholforest exchange photo On the plus side there is peace and quiet and breathtaking scenery. But the very qualities which makes rural north Cumbria attractive can also lead to feelings of isolation and practical problems, particularly when you have to travel miles out of your way for a pint of milk or to post a letter.

Last updated 1 March 2012
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Teamwork is our way to beat cancer, say Cumbrian women

Breast cancer women photo The night she found out that she had breast cancer her world stopped, Lesley Winter remembers.

Last updated 27 February 2012
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Not coming to a cinema near you?

John Hurt photo The curtain will rise at the Oscars amid the usual expectation, excitement and fanfare that the world’s most glittering awards ceremony brings.

Last updated 25 February 2012
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Cumbria's Rotarians fighting to eradicate polio

Julie Crosbie photo The charity had helped more than 2,500 people aged 16 to 25 – 478 of them assessed as being in “severe hardship”. It handed out advice, clothing and emergency food supplies.

Last updated 22 February 2012
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Mixed reaction to allowing learner drivers onto motorways during lessons

All drivers remember the first time. That excited, nervous feeling as you head down the slip road, speeding up to 50... 60... 70mph, indicator on, a final check the coast is clear. (10 comments)

Last updated 21 February 2012
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Who’s afraid of the big, bad fairy tale?

Jim Eldridge photo Once upon a time, before bedtime, parents read a story to their children. But numbers are on the decline – with many parents preferring to stick their kids in front of the TV or a DVD. (10 comments)

Last updated 18 February 2012
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Are you happy paying higher bills so energy firms get millions to run windfarms?

The political tide is turning against windfarms. While the turbines themselves have always divided opinion, a new storm is gathering over the companies that operate them.

Last updated 15 February 2012
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Is Andrew Lansley's bill good for Cumbria's health?

Peter Weaving photo Opposition to the Government’s controversial health bill has spiralled in recent weeks – and divided opinion amongst Cumbria’s health chiefs.

Last updated 13 February 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Cumbria police: We’re closing the net on cyber stalkers

Stuart Hyde photo The internet is great for emailing, chatting and having fun. But with social media sites becoming ever more popular, users can fall victim to hate crime.

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

Government's Welfare Reform Bill 'is kicking us while we are down'

Douthwaites photo Ian and Pauline Douthwaite don’t know how they will make ends meet. Mrs Douthwaite, 50, suffers from ME and fibromyalgia, a musculoskeletal pain and fatigue disorder, which is getting progressively worse and limits her ability to move around.