Anne Pickles

We don’t owe Ian Brady an ounce of compassion

Ian Brady photo It feels like a long time since we’ve had seriously to ask that soul-searching question – mad or bad?

Last updated 18 June 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

I'll join broadband party when my phone works

Unbeatable as it undoubtedly is, living in Cumbria is not without its challenges. I make the assertion advisedly – having spent a large part of an otherwise pleasant evening, hanging precariously from a front bedroom window trying to send an important email on what’s laughingly referred to as my smart phone.

Last updated 14 June 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

I'll join the broadband party when my phone works

Unbeatable as it undoubtedly is, living in Cumbria is not without its challenges.

Last updated 14 June 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Why aren’t we doing all we can to protect children?

Geoffrey Bettley was a teacher who downloaded child sex abuse porn, was found out and lost his job. (3 comments)

Last updated 11 June 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

I welcome the sun’s return but I’ll be missing Gerald

Cumberland Show weekend and – whisper it ever so quietly with breath that is bated – it’s looking like the sun might shine.

Last updated 7 June 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Get your kicks at age 66 (plus)

We did Carlisle Music City. By accident. In the rain. And that was when the penny dropped with a decisive clatter.

Last updated 31 May 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Route 66 now runs all way from Yorkshire to Cumbria

We did Carlisle Music City. By accident. In the rain. And that was when the penny dropped with a decisive clatter.

Last updated 31 May 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Marriage was simple back in my day. But now...

I was never very good at it, as my ex-husband – wherever he is these days – would no doubt confirm. And loudly.

Last updated 28 May 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

I’d rather have a yoghurt than a commissioner

The week started on a silly note – which is always fun. A giggly little interlude brought about by a generously offered choice that was actually no choice at all.

Last updated 24 May 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

I’d rather have a yoghurt than a police commissioner

The week started on a silly note – which is always fun. A giggly little interlude brought about by a generously offered choice that was actually no choice at all.

Last updated 24 May 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

I’m smelling a stinking rat

Perhaps it takes too long for the penny to drop – literally, on this occasion. But I’m smelling a rat. (6 comments)

Last updated 22 May 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Newspapers step forward and question, on behalf of those who can find no answers on their own

Leveson inquiry photo A good press gets a bad press when it’s doing its job well... and that isn’t all the time, by any stretch. (6 comments)

Last updated 16 May 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Has Cumbria learned nothing from the horrors of Mid Staffs?

The sorry tale of woe that is the biography of north Cumbria’s hospitals rumbles on relentlessly, each new chapter bringing yet more sorrow. (6 comments)

Last updated 14 May 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

This language barrier needs fixed before I trip again

Words are tricky little blighters. You learn that early in this line of work. They’re forever lying in wait to ambush the unsuspecting – or should that be for ever? See? Fiendish devils, words.

Last updated 10 May 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Love that £3 T-shirt now? None of us can pretend we didn’t know how Primark’s clothes were made

The pursuit of Primark for Carlisle has gone on for so long now, it has grown into a standing joke. (37 comments)

Last updated 30 April 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

I will not be influenced by kisses on the bottom

This week I was the happy recipient of kisses on the bottom. And not wishing to be boastful in any way, I reckon it’s a fair bet not everybody can say that.

Last updated 26 April 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We told you before that we didn’t want a commissioner

Richard Rhodes photo It was bound to happen. Everyone knew it would. The world and his wife predicted it. (29 comments)

Last updated 23 April 2013
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk

Why I kidnapped Tony Blair and lied to David Cameron

I once kidnapped Tony Blair. Funny how you remember these things right out of the blue. Not that he was ever blue – not royal or navy blue anyway. In fact, on the day of his abduction, he’d looked decidedly pinkish – whether from anger, horror or embarrassment was hard to tell.

Last updated 19 April 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk