Bridget Dempsey

Revivo, a recently reopened restaurant in Cockermouth under new ownership, receives an enthusiastic review. The restaurant’s brighter interior, welcoming atmosphere and attentive staff are praised, while the shared starters—including mozzarella sticks, bolognese arancini, bruschetta, crispy chicken salad, lamb ribs and a prawn and langoustine cocktail—are described as flavourful and carefully prepared. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the seafood cocktail and says the experience merits a return visit.

Defence-supported employment in North West England rose by 20% in the 2024/25 financial year, adding nearly 4,000 jobs. The Ministry of Defence attributed the growth to increased spending, weapons and ammunition manufacturing, and efforts to build a sovereign UK munitions supply chain. The MoD spends nearly £5 billion annually with North West industry, including an £8.4 billion programme to build nuclear deterrent submarines in Barrow and its wider supply chain. Nationally, defence-related employment increased by 26,000 roles, with a £298 billion four-year Defence Investment Plan expected to generate further growth.

Cumberland Council approved plans to alter the Black Bull pub on Main Street in Cockermouth. The work includes replacing the rear flat roof with two skylights, installing resin-bond flooring in the beer garden, revising the bar and toilets, relocating the first-floor staircase, and making other internal changes. An objection to the beer-garden extension was withdrawn after that element was removed from the application. Two objections concerning the loss of parking spaces were received, but the plans were approved with conditions because the council concluded the work would preserve the listed building’s architectural and historic features.

Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa in the Lake District has been shortlisted in three categories at the 2026 Good Spa Guide Awards: Best Spa for Wellness, Best Hotel Spa and Best Spa in the North-West. The privately owned estate has recently invested in an outdoor hydrotherapy pool, an ice fountain and new wellness offerings, while expanding nature-based activities such as forest bathing and wild swimming. Spa manager Lorela Movileanu praised the team’s work and urged guests to vote; voting closes at 5pm on August 31, with voters entered into a draw for a £300 spa voucher.

The luxury cruise yacht SeaDream II is scheduled to dock at the Port of Workington during a weeklong Celtic Homelands voyage from Troon to Dublin. The itinerary includes stops in Scotland, Northern Ireland, England, the Isle of Man and Warrenpoint, with Workington excursions to the Derwent Pencil Museum in Keswick or Whitehaven’s maritime heritage sites and rum tasting. Fares range from £9,461 for a Yacht Club Stateroom to £23,401 for the Owners Suite.

Taste Cumbria Maryport attracted thousands of visitors to the waterfront for food markets, cooking demonstrations, live music, family entertainment and classic vehicles. Celebrity chef Rosemary Shrager was a major draw, while regional producers, restaurants and performers contributed to the program. Organizers said traders reported strong sales despite Sunday rain and estimated that the Maryport festival generated nearly £2 million for the local economy last year. The next festival is scheduled for Cockermouth on September 26–27, followed by a Christmas event on December 5–6.

Mel Dale, a grandmother from Aspatria, stepped on a discarded needle while wearing flip-flops at Derwent Howe Retail Park in Workington. The wound was superficial, but she attended A&E, had a blood sample stored and received a Hepatitis B vaccination. After sharing her experience on social media, she warned shoppers—particularly children and families—to take care in the area. Cumberland Council said the risk of contracting a blood-borne virus from a discarded community needle is generally very low, but advised anyone injured to wash and cover the wound, seek prompt medical advice and report discarded needles so trained professionals can remove them.

Eight-year-old Olivia Mclaughlin from Flimby completed a 15-mile bike ride from Maryport to Allonby and back to raise money for Jigsaw Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice in memory of her best friend, Jack Heron, who died in April after receiving care there. Supported by family, Jack’s relatives and Jigsaw staff, Olivia completed the challenge in two hours and plans to continue fundraising. Donations remained open until the end of August.

Workington Town Ladies RLFC will host a charity day featuring a match against Rochdale Hornets at Fibrus Community Stadium, followed by a shirt auction and a men's fixture. The event will raise money for 14-year-old Maisie Turner, who has Ewing sarcoma, and for ADM, a Workington-based organization supporting people affected by Alzheimer's, dementia and memory loss. The team previously raised more than £2,370 for Maisie and her family through a 24-hour challenge.

Gary McKee, a 56-year-old runner from Cleator Moor, completed a 900-mile journey from John o’Groats to Land’s End in 30 days to raise funds and awareness for The Licensed Trade Charity. Averaging 30 miles a day, McKee and his team received support from hospitality workers, pub teams and communities across the UK. The charity provides financial aid, wellbeing services and crisis support to hospitality-sector workers. The challenge follows McKee’s previous major fundraising feats, including running 100 marathons in 100 days and completing a marathon every day for a year. He was awarded an MBE in recognition of his fundraising efforts.

The replica tall ship Nao Santa Maria departed Whitehaven after a two-week visit that attracted tourists, local residents and community groups. Organized by Gerard Richardson with support from local businesses and organizations, the visit included tours, educational activities and the launch of the Decommissioning Nuclear Waste Partnership’s Social Impact Plan. Organizers and Cumbria Tourism said the ship boosted footfall, showcased Whitehaven’s maritime heritage and supported the wider coastal visitor economy, although the immediate commercial impact was described as modest.

Poppy Lambert, a two-year-old from Cleator Moor born with tetralogy of Fallot, has died after spending months receiving treatment at Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. Following surgery and being deemed ineligible for a heart transplant, she developed sepsis and pneumonia, and her parents, Becca and Kevin Lambert, made the decision to withdraw life support. The local community had raised almost £25,000 and sent hundreds of birthday cards and gifts. Whitehaven Miners Social Football Club has created a memorial garden space where residents can leave flowers and pay tribute to Poppy.

Thousands attended the 2026 Cockermouth and District Agricultural Show at The Fitz in Cockermouth, which featured livestock, horses, hounds, terriers, classic vehicles, craft stalls, a fun fair, music and traditional Cumberland and Westmorland Wrestling. The poultry section returned after two years of restrictions, attracting nearly 200 entries. Local businesses also participated in the first Cockermouth Chamber of Trade tent, while 11-year-old Jack Pedley won the under-12 wrestling championship. Organizers highlighted strong community support and thanked sponsors and land providers.

The Borrowdale Hotel’s Sunday carvery has received strong praise from local food reviewer Lee Rielly and a Tripadvisor guest. The all-you-can-eat offering includes roasted meats, vegetables, salad and trimmings, with Rielly highlighting the food quality, service and value. The carvery runs weekly from noon to 4 p.m., costing £32 for two courses or £39 for three, with half-price meals for children under 12.

Cumbria runner Gary McKee is nearing completion of a 900-mile run from John O’Groats to Land’s End, undertaken over 30 days for the inaugural LTC JOGLE Pub Run. The challenge aims to raise £250,000 for the Licensed Trade Charity, which supports people in need across the hospitality sector. McKee, who has previously completed 365 marathons in 365 days and raised more than £1.3 million for charity, set off from Exeter on August 7 and expected to finish on August 11. He has been joined by family, supporters and fellow runners, including blind runner Darren Blanks, while more than 80,000 people have taken part in the associated virtual Strava challenge.

Five 17-year-olds were rescued from the Upper Esk area below Dow Crag and Little Narrowcove after an emergency call and an iPhone Emergency SOS alert reported that they were wet, cold, overdue and possibly injured. Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, Duddon and Furness Mountain Rescue Team and a Maritime and Coastguard Agency helicopter responded. The helicopter airlifted all five to safety, and checks found no evidence of a leg injury. The teenagers were handed to Cumbria Police, with the 18-person operation lasting more than five and a half hours.

Cumbria-based robotics company Createc has expanded its six-year partnership with Boston Dynamics, becoming an authorised reseller and technology provider with a global focus on nuclear-sector applications. Createc will represent Boston Dynamics in the UK industrial market and lead enterprise asset management activities in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The companies will combine Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots with Createc’s software, integration and sensing expertise to provide autonomous inspection and asset-management solutions for hazardous industrial environments, with further investment planned in training, certification and technical development.

Shills restaurant and delicatessen on South Street in Cockermouth has submitted a planning application for a new illuminated laminated Dibond sign tray featuring the cut-out word “Shills.” Cumberland Council validated the application on August 4 and will now conduct a consultation process.

Cockermouth Town Council is asking residents to donate old bicycles, regardless of their condition, so they can be spray-painted and used as colorful displays for the Lloyds Tour of Britain Women's race. The 2026 event is scheduled to begin and end in Cockermouth on August 19 and will cover 635.8 kilometers over five stages.

Kirkgate Arts and Heritage Centre in Cockermouth has launched a £36,000 fundraising campaign to replace 40 windows in its Victorian-era building. A donation from the Benny Walker Charitable Trust has secured most of the required funding, but about £6,000 remains to be raised. Supporters can sponsor individual panes for between £50 and £150, receiving recognition and cinema-related benefits, and the campaign received strong initial engagement at the Cockermouth Show.

Spectators and competitors attended Workington’s annual Festival of Running, which featured 5k, 10k, half-marathon and children’s 1k races. Participants included Cumbria police officers raising money for Leukaemia Care, Fiona Britton fundraising for the Robin Hood Cancer Trust, and Kieran Tomlinson supporting Andy’s Man Club. Fiona Todd was the first woman to finish the half marathon, followed by Emma Peacock, while participants and local officials praised the event’s welcoming atmosphere and organization.

Cruise West Cumbria, a modified-car group founded in 2003, has resumed activities after organisers believed its final event took place in 2016. Since restarting in November 2025, the club has rebuilt links with emergency services and local businesses, secured five sponsors, and attracted 100–150 cars to mini meets in Carlisle, Workington and Barrow. Its first full cruise in more than a decade drew around 200 modified cars in Workington, while organisers say the revival has reunited the local car community and provided an important source of enjoyment and mental-health support for members.

Morrisons Workington is supporting the Workington Town Community Trust’s efforts to prevent holiday hunger by providing needed food and donating £100. The store’s community champion will coordinate further assistance, while Morrisons is contributing to a nationwide £50,000 food donation initiative. The store also participates in surplus-food redistribution, the Food Bank Pick Up Pack scheme and Kellogg’s Breakfast campaign, which offers free cereal and fruit during the school holidays.

A proposed sodium treatment facility at the Port of Workington has been welcomed by Workington MP Josh MacAlister. The project, led by Cavendish Nuclear and Amentum, would support the decommissioning of Japan’s Monju reactor by converting sodium coolant into sodium hydroxide. It is expected to generate more than £25 million during construction and support around 20 jobs over seven years, although planning and regulatory approval remain pending.

Whitehaven Town Council voted unanimously to remove the vandalised Woodhouse Road bus shelter and make the site safe unless Cumberland Council agrees within a month to adopt and maintain it. Installed in 2019, the shelter suffered repeated vandalism that smashed its panels, while vegetation had overgrown the site. Councillors differed over its importance, with some citing more pressing problems in Greenbank and others arguing that public funding for bus infrastructure should be honored.

A 17-year-old girl died after suffering a medical episode at the Kendal Calling festival in Cumbria at about 2:13am on August 2, 2026. Cumbria Police and North West Ambulance Service attended, but she was pronounced dead at the scene despite CPR. Her family is being supported, and police are seeking witnesses—particularly a group of women who alerted emergency responders—who were near the Calling Out tent and Big Wheel.

A provisional licence holder was arrested on the westbound A66 after an ANPR alert prompted Eden police to stop the vehicle. Officers reported smelling cannabis and subsequently arrested the driver on suspicion of driving over the specified cannabis limit and possessing cannabis, while also reporting them for driving outside the conditions of their licence.

Samantha Bateman, a milliner from High Harrington in Cumbria, has built SB Millinery since discovering her passion for hat-making while studying contemporary applied art at the University of Cumbria. Her business creates and hires out handmade hats and fascinators for weddings, Aintree, Royal Ascot and other events. After struggling to rebuild following the Covid pandemic, the business has grown through returning customers and celebrity clients including Jessica Wright, Sarah Jayne Dunn and Abbie Ward. Bateman hopes the business will continue expanding while retaining its regular customer base.

Keswick Cricket Club and Keswick Football Club were vandalised in Hope Park on the evening of July 29. Bottles were removed from recycling bins, smashed around the football club’s facilities and bike track, and cricket sight-screen slats were damaged. Both clubs say volunteers will face repair and cleanup costs, with the football club considering additional security and the cricket club planning to install CCTV. Keswick Town Council also reported a wider pattern of anti-social behaviour, including stolen and burned wheelie bins, broken glass, trespassing and damage to park facilities.

Aura Ireland, a Workington toddler diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia at 18 months, has been declared cancer free after months of chemotherapy and other treatment. Her mother, Sophie Ireland, thanked medical staff, friends, family and the local community, which raised nearly £5,000 to help with hospital travel and other expenses. Aura is still receiving medication and monitoring, and her family plans to celebrate by having her ring a hospital bell after her central lines are removed.

Workington Town RLFC held its annual charity day with community matches, live music and a shirt auction before its game against Keighley Cougars. The event supported Cumbria United Against Suicide, through Every Life Matters, and The Steve Prescott Foundation. The auction of a specially made purple charity shirt raised more than £8,500, while £1 from each ticket and other fundraising activities also benefited the causes. Club and charity representatives praised the strong community turnout and support.

Maryport Live brought thousands of visitors to the town over a three-day weekend, with about 40 performances staged across 10 pubs and venues. Organiser Connor Greaney said the event has grown significantly since replacing the former Blues Festival, while participating venues praised the crowds, musicians, staff and support for local businesses. Planning is already under way for 2027, with organisers hoping to add venues including Maryport’s harbour events space and the Carleton.

The Workington Festival of Running will take place on Sunday, August 2, featuring half-marathon, 10K, 5K and free 1K races for participants of different ages and abilities. Organised by Everyone Here and Workington Town Council with support from Cumberland AC, the event will also offer free massages, food vouchers for half-marathon and 10K runners, family entertainment and activities. Organisers hope it will attract visitors and support a short-break tourism offer in West Cumbria.

Cumberland Council has approved Wren Kitchens’ application to install ten signs at the former Lister’s Furniture warehouse on New Yard in Workington. The proposal includes five front-facing signs, three rear-facing signs and two side signs, potentially bringing the major kitchen retailer closer to opening at the site.

Egremont Amateur Boxing Club has temporarily closed while it searches for a permanent training venue. The four-year-old club serves around 60 people from across West Cumbria and provides boxing training, community support, friendships and confidence-building opportunities, particularly for children. Coach Alan Toole says the club will close permanently if suitable premises, a warehouse, unit, community building or land cannot be found, and is appealing to local residents for leads and recommendations.

The 174th Cockermouth and District Agricultural Show will return to The Fitz on Low Road with livestock, poultry, industrial and equine competitions, a funfair, a climbing wall and wrestling championships. Poultry classes are returning after a two-year pause caused by avian flu restrictions, with more than 200 entries, while the industrial tent has received over 1,500 entries. The show will also feature a new tent involving 20 local businesses, reflecting strong backing from the town and local organizations.

Brad Singleton will become Workington Town RLFC’s head coach for the 2027 season, taking his first coaching role after retiring from playing at Barrow Raiders. Current coach Jonty Gorley will step down after this season because of work and family commitments but remain at the club as Head of Rugby. Singleton aims to establish a winning culture, develop players’ game management and rugby intelligence, strengthen links with community clubs, and contribute to the wider growth of Cumbrian rugby league.

A patient was taken to hospital after a reported burns incident near Solway Holiday Park in Silloth. The Great North Air Ambulance Service and North West Ambulance Service treated the patient at the scene, while Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service also attended. The patient was transported by road ambulance with the air ambulance team accompanying the journey.

Emergency crews were praised for their rapid and professional response to a devastating fire at the Grade II* listed Armathwaite Castle near Carlisle. Forty to 50 firefighters and police officers attended during the height of the incident, with crews remaining on site to extinguish hotspots, prevent reignition and begin preliminary investigations. Cumbria Police said the cause and extent of the damage remained under investigation, with no crime identified. Historic England offered advice and support to the local authority and castle owner, while emergency services planned further reassurance visits and home fire-safety checks in the village.

Councillors approved M-Sport’s plan to build 15 luxury lodges at Dovenby Hall for corporate accommodation despite objections over flooding, drainage and noise. Residents and local representatives raised concerns that previous flood events and outdated drainage evidence were not fully addressed, while supporters highlighted the economic importance of M-Sport and the need for on-site lodging due to increased corporate activity. Planning officers stated the development would not worsen flood risk, and conditions were added to ensure intended use and require a detailed drainage strategy. The committee voted in favour of the proposal subject to conditions.

Derwent Park Rangers, a youth rugby league club in Workington, is raising funds to upgrade its Jane Pitt facility into a community hub. Chair Vince McNicholas highlights the club’s focus on fitness, teamwork and enjoyment, with attendance reaching up to 40 children per session. The club has received support from local organisations and secured £7,500 in match funding from Sport England, requiring an equal amount to unlock the grant. With £5,000 already raised, the club is seeking the remaining £2,500 before the end of August. Community fundraising activities and donations of time, skills and equipment have advanced the project, and training sessions remain open for children interested in joining.

A 52.4‑metre superyacht named Big Eagle docked at Whitehaven Marina, drawing attention from local photography enthusiasts. The marina welcomed the vessel early on July 21 and encouraged residents to visit while it remained in port until the following day. The yacht, built in 1980 by Mie Zosen, was photographed as it refueled and berthed.

A Cockermouth restaurant in the Lake District, De Brito Craig's Wheatsheaf Inn, has been rated the town’s top dining spot on TripAdvisor, earning a 4.6 score and multiple five‑star reviews. Visitors praise its warm atmosphere, seasonal pub‑style menu, attentive service and standout dishes such as Cape Malay curry, lamb cutlets and specialty burgers. Reviewers also note good value, scenic views and a welcoming environment, recommending advance booking due to its popularity.

A sun‑filled 2026 Broughton Children's Carnival drew large crowds for a two‑hour procession featuring bands, themed floats and community entertainment, culminating in festivities on the Welfare Field where Jessica Gallacher was crowned Carnival Queen. Organisers reported strong public feedback and are preparing for the event’s 80th anniversary in 2027. Local officials, including MP Markus Campbell‑Savours, praised the creativity of participants, particularly the winning Traitors‑themed float.

A new extra‑care housing development in Workington has opened, providing 107 affordable and dementia‑friendly homes for residents aged 55 and over. Riverside and Cumberland Council partnered on the project, which includes adaptable apartments, communal facilities and onsite care services. Local officials and residents highlighted the community benefits during an opening ceremony that also featured a time‑capsule burial. Growing demand for such housing was noted due to Cumberland's aging population, and those interested in applying were invited to contact the Harbour Place team.

Tony Cunningham reflects on his past work with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, recalling Burnham’s visit to Workington in 2009 and their time together in the parliamentary football team. Cunningham praises Burnham’s humility, communication skills and sense of community, and wishes him well as he begins his premiership.