Sonia Veneziani-Rocha

Brewery Arts in Kendal is hosting Cine-Social, a monthly 18+ film night focused on international and arthouse cinema. Each session features a participant-selected film, an introduction, and an informal post-screening discussion. Upcoming themes include doomed romances, autumn films, promising directorial debuts, and stories of fresh starts. The free events require advance booking, may involve drinks purchased at the bar, and do not run during specified half-term weeks.

Nina Bale, founder and coordinator of Friends of Manna House, has received the British Empire Medal for nearly two decades of service to homeless and vulnerable people in Kendal. The medal was presented by Cumbria’s Lord-Lieutenant Alexander Scott at a ceremony attended by Bale’s family, colleagues and supporters. Manna House chief officer Andrea Aldridge praised Bale’s leadership and commitment, while Bale credited the award as an opportunity to highlight the charity’s work providing meals, advice, advocacy and practical support.

Burneside Amateur Theatrical Society will stage The Magic of the Musicals at the Bryce Institute from September 3 to 5. The production will feature songs from several West End and popular musicals, with performers aged from eight to nearly 80, including BATS Juniors. The show will include audience participation, elaborate sets and costumes, and a new Saturday afternoon matinee.

Growing businesses in Cumbria are warned that rapid expansion can create hidden tax risks, including cash-flow problems when tax bills arrive after profits have been reinvested, missed deadlines, inefficient profit extraction and unsuitable legal structures. Graham Lamont of Lamont Pridmore recommends setting aside tax funds, planning asset purchases to maximise capital allowances, reviewing business structures, registering for VAT when taxable turnover exceeds £90,000, and identifying potential R&D tax relief claims. Proactive planning and updated financial processes can help businesses avoid unnecessary costs, protect personal assets and support sustainable growth.

Ulverston ska, reggae and hip-hop band Bad Transmission will perform at Brewery Arts in Kendal as part of the Summer Sundays outdoor concert series. The free-entry-style event, operating on a pay-what-you-decide basis with a suggested £2 donation, will run from 2pm to 4pm on August 23, with food, drinks and a garden bar available. Bad Transmission has appeared at several festivals and supported The Selecter on tour, while The Seals are scheduled for the following Summer Sundays event.

The Met Office forecasts a dry and bright weekend in Windermere. Saturday will begin with mist before becoming sunny, with temperatures rising from 8°C to a peak of 19°C and less than a 5% chance of rain. Sunday will also start misty before turning mostly sunny, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 18°C and dry conditions continuing overnight.

University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust will hold its annual meeting at Furness General Hospital in Barrow-in-Furness from 1pm to 4pm on September 8. The public will hear about the trust’s annual report, accounts, external audit, Council of Governors, investments, urgent and emergency care challenges, critical care improvements, maternity services, the Integrated Wellness Service and new Scribe software. Attendees can question senior leaders, including chief executive Steve Williamson, chair Andrew Stephenson and lead governor Suzie Hayman, with questions accepted in advance.

A temporary 40mph speed limit will be introduced on sections of Hayclose Lane in Kendal from August 24 for an expected 16 weeks. The restriction will cover areas near the A684 and Oxenholme Road while roadworks narrow traffic lanes, with Westmorland and Furness Council citing road-user safety as the reason.

Westmorland and Furness Council plans to close the C5039 in Haverthwaite from August 23 for approximately one month to carry out highway works. The closure will affect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, with diversions via the B5278 and A590. The council has provided a highways hotline and reference number for inquiries.

Kendal actor Neil Ashton features alongside Stephen Fry, Dannii Minogue and other celebrities in The Proud Trust’s #DeserveBetter film, which calls for safer spaces, greater understanding and stronger support for LGBTQ+ young people. The campaign cites high levels of identity-based bullying, suicidal thoughts and school non-completion among LGBTQ+ pupils. The charity says referrals rose sharply after the Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers, underscoring demand for specialist support across the North West.

The C5003 in Troutbeck is scheduled to close for approximately one month from August 23 while works are carried out along a 1.9-kilometre stretch near the A592. The closure will affect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, with a diversion via the A592, A591 and the unrestricted section of the C5003. Westmorland and Furness Council expects the works to be completed within a month.

A man was convicted in his absence and ordered to pay £460 after being identified dropping a cigarette end on Devonshire Street in Carlisle. Cumberland Council investigated the report using CCTV and other evidence after he failed to pay a fixed penalty notice or engage with the court process. The council said cigarette ends are a significant source of litter and environmental pollution and urged residents to report offences and dispose of them responsibly, including by using portable Butt Boxes.

Staveley Amateur Operatic Society will stage a reimagined production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s HMS Pinafore at Staveley Village Hall from September 9 to 12. Directed by Jo and Chris Worton, the adaptation relocates the story from a Victorian warship to a 1940s Royal Navy submarine, preserving its themes of class, love, mistaken identity and satire. David Tattersall will serve as musical director, with tickets priced at £15 for adults and £5 for children.

Eddington Lodge in Kendal hosted Churchill Living’s “Picnic on the Patio,” bringing residents, families and friends together for live music, garden games, cocktails and picnic food. The event promoted the social benefits of independent living and downsizing into Churchill apartments. Further summer events are planned for prospective residents.

A new play, Monstering the Rocketman by Henry Naylor, will be staged at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick. The darkly comic production revisits Elton John’s 1980s libel action against The Sun after the newspaper falsely accused him of paying rent boys, focusing on his confrontation with editor Kelvin Mackenzie. Tickets cost £16, with discounted entry for under-26s, and the performance will offer audio description and accessible booking options.

Helm Lane in Oxenholme will close along its full length from the A65 junction for highway works starting August 23 and lasting approximately one month. The closure will affect vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, with signed diversions via the A65 and Helmside Road. Residents can contact the Highways Hotline or Westmorland and Furness Council for further information.

A Brief Case of Crazy, a silent physical comedy about an awkward office worker whose routine is disrupted by his feelings for a colleague, a noisy boss and a troublesome briefcase, will be staged at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick from September 30 to October 1 at 7:30 p.m. Presented by Skedaddle Theatre and Shoddy Theatre in association with York Theatre Royal, the one-hour production uses mime, clowning, puppetry and choreography, is suitable for audiences aged five and over, and offers audio-described performances and accessible seating. Tickets cost £16, with discounted under-26 tickets available for £12.

Paddy Lane in Meal Bank, near Kendal, is scheduled to close from August 23 for approximately one month while highway works take place. The closure will extend south from the road’s junction with the A685, with signed diversions via the A684, U856 and A685. Westmorland and Furness Council provided reference TTROW/19812 for further information.

Westmorland and Furness Council has received applications covering home extensions in Milnthorpe, Ulverston, Appleby and Penrith; tree works in Grange-over-Sands, Levens and Kendal; an Ulverston Inshore Rescue Base; agricultural and equestrian buildings; a land-use change; and an electric-vehicle chargepoint in Penrith.

Powson Bridge on the C5069 in Cumbria is scheduled to close to vehicle traffic for nine weeks from 1 September to allow parapet replacement works. Pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will remain able to cross, while vehicles will follow a signed diversion via the C5070, C5068 Docker Lane, C5069 Kinn Road, the A684 and C5069 Old Scotch Road. Queries can be directed to Westmorland and Furness Council’s Highways Hotline.

Atomic Brass will perform at Brewery Arts in Kendal on August 16 as part of the Summer Sundays series. The band will play reimagined pop, rock, indie and dance hits in the venue’s garden from 2pm to 4pm. Entry is pay-what-you-decide, with a suggested £2 donation, and food and drink will be available. Further Summer Sundays performances are scheduled for Bad Transmission on August 23 and The Seals on August 30.

The Croft, an eighteenth-century cottage in Hutton Roof, Cumbria, is being marketed for £695,000. The property includes a detached former Methodist chapel, deconsecrated in 1936 and once used as Westmorland Home Guard headquarters, which has planning consent for conversion into ancillary accommodation, a home office or studio, or a gym. The main house has been extended to include modern living space while retaining historic features, and the property offers gardens, parking, a workshop, and an electric-vehicle charger. Its rural setting provides access to nearby walks and countryside while remaining close to Kirkby Lonsdale, transport links, schools, and local amenities.

The Appleby Archaeology Group has received a £98,552 National Lottery Heritage Fund grant for a three-and-a-half-year project investigating Iron Age and Romano-British settlement sites around Appleby-in-Westmorland. Beginning in spring 2027, Dig Appleby – Unearthing the Past will involve local residents, schools and community groups in surveys, excavations, research, training and educational events. The project aims to uncover evidence about early communities in the Upper Eden Valley, preserve archaeological knowledge and build long-term heritage skills and participation.

Windermere is expected to have a largely dry weekend, with Saturday beginning cloudy before brighter spells develop and temperatures ranging from 10°C to 19°C. Sunday should bring mostly sunny intervals, temperatures up to 20°C, and less than a 5% chance of rain for most of the day.

Year 13 students at Queen Katherine School in Kendal were praised for their A-Level and vocational results, resilience, and wider achievements. High-performing students secured places at universities including Durham and Birmingham, foundation courses at Kendal College, further study overseas, gap years, and apprenticeships. School leaders highlighted the students’ qualifications, work experience, volunteering, and extracurricular activities, while students credited staff and friends for their support.

Lake District food wholesaler McClures has introduced a 19-tonne Renault E-Tech fully electric refrigerated lorry to reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and cut noise during deliveries. The Windermere-based company is using the vehicle through the Vertellus EV Discovery Programme and says it supports its long-term sustainability and decarbonisation goals. The lorry will serve hotels, restaurants, cafés and caterers across the region, with Border Trucks Carlisle supporting the handover. McClures will also release a film on August 14 as part of its ESG Awareness Month.

A new play by Hannah Khalil, inspired by Helen Rebanks’ bestselling memoir about life on a Cumbrian farm, will run at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick from September 18 to October 10. The story follows three generations of women through the pressures of family, work and farming, highlighting the emotional labour and resilience behind rural life. Tickets start at £12.

K Shoes Male Voice Choir in Cumbria has dedicated its song “Cumbria” to the Lake District Search and Mountain Rescue Association, using performances and future concerts to raise donations and awareness. The choir plans concerts in all ten mountain rescue areas across the county over the next three to four years, while the association is scheduled to formally adopt the song on October 31 in Kendal.

The Lakeside Club at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick will host West End actress Anna McGarahan and director Cameron Potts on September 9. The members-only event will feature career discussions, an audience Q&A and refreshments. McGarahan is known for stage roles including My Fair Lady, Kiss Me Kate and Les Misérables, while Potts works in theatre management and production for Maple Tree Entertainment and UK Productions. Tickets are available through the theatre's website.

Arnside Maritime Singing Festival returns on August 16 with performances by Canadian group Pressgang Mutiny, Scottish act Muldoon’s Picnic, Richard Grainger, Mizzen Crew, The Scrimshankers and At Sea. Concerts will be held at Arnside Pier and Arnside Sailing Club’s historic former customs warehouse. The event coincides with Morecambe Maritime Festival on August 15, which will include maritime music, family activities, exhibitions, model boats, children’s artwork and tours of RNLI facilities. The festivals celebrate the area’s maritime heritage, including Arnside’s former role as Kendal’s port and its boatbuilding history.

Lake District athlete Renell Brennan won the women’s 55–59 category at XTERRA Czech in Prachatice. The off-road triathlon included a 1.5km swim, a 33km mountain-bike course through Šumava’s forests and a 10.5km trail run. Brennan’s victory adds to her international age-group record, which includes eight podium finishes, three wins recorded by World Triathlon and a 2024 European Cross Triathlon silver medal. She also praised the event’s challenging course and welcoming XTERRA community.

A four-bedroom link-detached house in Laurel Gardens, Kendal, is being marketed for £425,000. The property includes a high-specification kitchen with Neff appliances, four bedrooms including an en-suite master bedroom, living and dining rooms, a utility room, an attached garage, parking for several vehicles, and front and rear gardens. The home is located in a cul-de-sac close to schools, supermarkets, leisure facilities, the town centre, and transport links. Enquiries are being handled by Hunters South Lakes and Furness.

A two-day closure is planned on the A684 Main Street in Sedbergh from August 13 to allow utility works. The affected section runs approximately 80 metres west from the junction with Howgill Lane. Traffic will be diverted via Loftus Hill, Busk Lane and Station Road, with further information available from Westmorland and Furness Council.

Farfield Mill near Sedbergh has expanded its opening schedule to six days a week, including Mondays from 10:30am to 4pm, in response to increased visitor demand. The trial opening will give visitors greater access to the mill’s galleries, artist studios, heritage exhibits, craft shop and tea room. The centre hosts around 24 resident artists and makers, rotating exhibitions and free admission, with donations supporting preservation of the historic building and opportunities for artists and the local community.

The Westmorland Gazette reports seven recent death notices and funeral announcements from families in and around Kendal, including notices for Ian Edmondson, George Akeroyd Feather, Violet Ann Farrer, Anthony “Tony” Wilson, John Christopher Wharton, Peter James Locke and David Edmondson. The notices provide brief details about each person’s death, family relationships and, in some cases, funeral arrangements.

A week-long Arts Unleashed summer camp at Brewery Arts in Kendal will offer visual art and craft workshops for young people aged seven to 14 from August 10 to 14. Led by local artists Lucy Wright, Amy Williams, Grace Herron and Emma Johnson, the programme will explore the theme of “Adventures.” Participants’ work will be exhibited in the Foyer Gallery, and each will receive a Discover Arts Award and a Trinity College London certificate.

The Ride for Hope, a 24-hour cycling challenge at Salt Ayre cycletrack, aims to raise £18,000 through 18,000 laps for St John’s Hospice and PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide. Organised by Salt Ayre Cog Set and Lancaster Cycling Club in partnership with Lancaster City Council, the inclusive event will offer activities for cyclists of all ages and abilities, including time trials, sunset and night rides, sunrise sessions, and static bikes. The event will end with a community celebration at 10am on Sunday, with registration and donations available online.

The C5075 in Sedgwick near Kendal is scheduled to close overnight for ten nights from August 7, between 7pm and 6am, to allow utility works. The closure will cover 2.3 kilometres from the junction with the C5071 in a south-easterly direction. Westmorland and Furness Council will provide a diversion via the C5071 and C5074, while pedestrian and dismounted cyclist access will be maintained.

Sixty-nine-year-old amateur rider Shirley Bennet from Grange-over-Sands has qualified for the Horse of the Year Show in Birmingham after winning the Show Cob class at the Royal Lancashire Show on July 4. Riding Chesters Town, known as General, she returned to competition following a serious riding accident that caused major injuries, five operations and a six-month absence from work. General’s owner, Lisa Hine, encouraged Bennet to compete, and the pair progressed from local shows to the SEIB Search for a Star qualifier. They will compete at the HOYS finals in October.

Independent horror feature Moon Hunt has completed filming after several months across Furness and the Lake District, including scenes shot in Haverthwaite, Hawkshead Church, Borrowdale, Lowick and Ulverston’s Roxy Cinema. Directed by Dalton-in-Furness native Samuel McEwan and produced by Jamie Holden under Blackfriar Pictures, the film follows a young couple caught between a werewolf and the hunter pursuing it. More than 20 local volunteers joined actors and crew for the final cinema scene. The production now moves into post-production ahead of its release.

Business confidence in the UK fell to its weakest level in nearly four years in the second quarter of 2026, with the ICAEW national index reaching -14.6 after six consecutive quarters of negative sentiment. The North West experienced the sharpest regional decline, dropping from +9.9 to -14.3. Businesses cited geopolitical uncertainty, the conflict involving Iran, energy costs, inflation, late payments, employment costs and taxation as major pressures. Profit growth slowed to 2.8%, while firms continued to expect further price increases. Lamont Pridmore executives said a US-Iran deal could ease energy pressures but urged businesses to strengthen cost control, credit management and tax planning.

Surveyors firm DM Hall has relocated its Kendal office to a refurbished three-storey property on Finkle Street, more than doubling its workspace to approximately 2,100 square feet. The move follows the acquisition of Cumbrian practice Hyde Harrington and is supported by a ten-year lease, two senior hires and plans for future growth. The office currently accommodates 10 staff, with additional support from DM Hall teams in Carlisle and elsewhere.

Victoria Jackson has joined AfterAthena's Kendal office as legal director, bringing 16 years of experience from Leeds-based law firm Clarion. She will work with partners Angela Barnes and Jamie Allison on employment law services, particularly employment tribunal matters, supporting AfterAthena's expansion across Cumbria and the wider north-west of England. Her appointment follows the hiring of business development managers Sonia Hanson and Denise Finlay.

Moving Pictures, a tribute band dedicated to Rush, will perform at Brewery Arts in Kendal on September 10, 2026. The show will commemorate the 50th anniversary of Rush’s classic album 2112, featuring the complete 2112 suite along with songs from across the band’s career. The group has performed internationally, including for the family of late drummer Neil Peart, and fans are encouraged to book tickets early.

Theatre by the Lake will stage Every Brilliant Thing from August 12 to September 5 before touring community spaces across Cumbria. The interactive one-person play, written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe, explores a child’s search for reasons to live amid a mother’s depression and addresses depression, self-harm and suicide. Post-show discussions, relaxed, captioned, BSL-interpreted and audio-described performances will improve accessibility. The production is supported by Every Life Matters, PAPYRUS and Andy’s Man Club, against a backdrop of Cumbria’s suicide rate being reported as 50% above the national average.

A three-bedroom semi-detached house at 5 Echo Bank in Kendal is on the market for £225,000. The elevated property has views across Kendal, a sitting room with a log burner, a fitted kitchen, a flexible ground-floor extension, garden space, a workshop, outdoor seating and parking. The listing highlights its proximity to Kendal town centre, schools and Kendal College, while noting that the kitchen and other areas offer scope for improvement.

The C5029 Newton in Cartmel road will close for approximately 220 metres from its junction with the C5109 for three days from August 3 to allow essential utility works. Motorists are advised to use the C5109, U5236 and the unrestricted section of the C5029, while pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will retain access. Westmorland and Furness Council provides a highways hotline and reference number for inquiries.

A four-bedroom detached house in Blencathra Gardens, south of Kendal, is being marketed for £565,000. The property includes two reception rooms, a contemporary kitchen-living area with bi-fold doors, four bedrooms, three bathrooms or shower facilities, front and rear gardens, a double garage, driveway parking and an electric vehicle charger. It is close to local amenities, schools, Oxenholme railway station, the M6 and routes to the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales national parks.

A 150-metre section of Natland Mill Beck Lane in Kendal is scheduled to close from August 25 for utility works, for approximately 11 days. The closure will run from the junction with Helme Lodge toward the south-west, with traffic diverted via the A65 Burton Road, C5071 Natland Road and the unrestricted section of Natland Mill Beck Lane. Enquiries can be made to the Highways Hotline using reference TTROW/18560.

Brewery Arts in Kendal is hosting a September Poetry Club event featuring Ann the Poet, Francis Prendiville and Simon Sylvester, alongside four open-mic slots for audience performers. The venue will also stage the Slambria poetry competition on October 28, with limited places, a three-minute knockout format and an original-work requirement based on the 2026 National Poetry Day theme, “Wonder.” Previous winner REMa Grace Gifford will present part of her immersive eco-poetry project, The Entangled Way. The Slambria winner will receive a trophy and a paid featured slot at a future Poetry Club event.

Westmorland and Furness Council received applications covering agricultural storage buildings, an electric vehicle charging point, home extensions, garage and studio construction, tree felling and replacement planting, a bale pad, and a major mixed-use development with sports courts, a clubhouse, parking and landscaping. The proposals are located across Westmorland, including Penrith, Kirkby Stephen, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Kendal, Grange-over-Sands and Ulverston.

The U5195 Low Wood near Haverthwaite is scheduled to close for approximately one week from Monday, August 3, while utility works take place. The closure will extend about 140 metres from the B5278 junction, with signed diversion routes in place. Pedestrian and dismounted cyclist access will remain open, and Westmorland and Furness Council has provided a highways hotline and reference number for enquiries.

A four-bedroom detached house at Newton Hall Farm in Newton-in-Cartmel is being marketed for £550,000. The property offers approximately 1,808 square feet of split-level accommodation, two bathrooms, extensive gardens, a garage and car port, and potential for modernisation or further development. It is located near Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands and the A590, although neighbouring properties have rights of access across part of the gardens.

Brewery Arts in Kendal is hosting a free monthly Youth Arts Networking Event for people aged 16 and over. The August 5 gathering will allow filmmakers, musicians, visual artists and writers to share work, exchange ideas and develop collaborations, with pizza provided. Events will continue on the first Wednesday of each month through December, and advance booking is required.

A detached three-bedroom bungalow called Ewenme is being marketed for £475,000 in Endmoor near Kendal. The single-level property has an en-suite principal bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe, a family bathroom, spacious sitting and dining areas, a fitted kitchen with utility space, gardens on three sides, a terrace, garage and multi-vehicle driveway. It offers rural views over surrounding fields while remaining close to village amenities, the M6 and Kendal.

The B6257 at Beck Foot in South Lakeland will close for approximately one day on September 20 to allow bridge examination works. The closure will affect around 300 metres north of the junction with the U5294, with drivers advised to use unrestricted sections of the B6257, A685, A683 and A684 as alternative routes. Queries can be directed to Westmorland and Furness Council’s Highways Hotline or website.

The Westmorland Gazette presents seven recent death notices and funeral announcements for people connected with Kendal and surrounding areas. The notices remember Nicky Hind, Peter Horton, Valerie Patricia Pearson, Harold “Les” Leslie Grisedale, Joan Norman and Nora Dickinson, while also providing funeral details for Susan Margaret Lever.

The 0.8-mile Grizebeck Bypass on the A595 in Cumbria is scheduled to open to traffic on Sunday, diverting vehicles from narrow and congested sections at Dove Bank and Dove Ford Farm. The £23.3 million scheme, funded by government and council contributions with support from Team Barrow, was delivered by Story Contracting on time and on budget. The project is expected to improve safety, journey times and transport links to Barrow, while also providing environmental enhancements including habitat areas, wildlife boxes and 31,000 new trees, shrubs and hedgerows. Construction also involved local employment, school STEM sessions and more than 350 hours of community volunteering.

Ellerside Farmhouse, a 12th-century property in Holker on Cumbria’s Cartmel Peninsula, is being offered for more than £725,000. Set on about one acre, it includes a five-bedroom stone farmhouse with period features, traditional barns, outhouses and former livestock buildings. The surrounding buildings could be adapted for other uses, subject to planning permission, while the property’s location provides access to Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands and nearby national parks and landscapes.

Plans submitted by Matson Ground Estate Company would redevelop redundant buildings at Home Farm in Windermere into flexible workspaces, offices, wellness facilities and two indoor padel courts, while adding new agricultural infrastructure. The proposal is intended to support ongoing farming, livestock welfare, sustainability and local employment, with up to 58 jobs expected once fully occupied. The application was submitted to the Lake District National Park Authority in July and is awaiting a decision.

Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal is bringing back its Summer Sundays outdoor music series throughout August, with performances from 2pm to 4pm, food and drinks, and entry on a pay-what-you-decide basis with a suggested £2 donation. Cumbrian party band The Seals will open the series on August 2 and return on August 30 with different set lists. Other scheduled acts include Meetwood Flac, Atomic Brass and Bad Transmission.

The Save Our Sun campaign in Dent, Cumbria, has had its offer to buy the at-risk, Grade II-listed Sun Inn accepted by the owners. The group must raise £10,000 for a building survey and legal costs, with nearly £3,000 collected through Crowdfunder, before seeking the full purchase price through a community share offer. If successful, the pub will be owned cooperatively, with profits reinvested in the business and local causes.

Electricity North West has begun a £16 million project to modernise and strengthen South Cumbria’s electricity network. The scheme will install new underground cables and upgrade overhead lines and wooden poles across 39km in Ambleside, Ulverston and Coniston, including removing infrastructure from Blawith Fell. The investment is intended to improve reliability, reduce the impact of severe weather and support growing electricity demand. Work along Bog Lane is expected to continue for eight weeks, with the company and Tim Farron MP promising to limit disruption to residents and businesses.

Cancer patients at University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust rated their overall care 9.1 out of 10 in the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey. The trust's results exceeded national averages in areas including care-plan reviews, helpful advice, information about support and diagnostic tests, teamwork, and clinic waiting times. Results also improved in explaining diagnostic results, treatment options, and access to further professional advice. However, scores fell below the expected range for discussing diagnoses in an appropriate setting and supporting patients with pain control during hospital stays, prompting the trust to commit to improvements.

Brewery Arts in Kendal has partnered with South Cumbria-based Fell Brewery to feature Fell beers more prominently across the venue. The collaboration launches during Brewery Arts’ Summer Sundays outdoor music series, with redesigned Malt Room and Foyer bars, a Mini Fell can bar, additional serving points and a specially rebranded Summer Sunday Lager. The partnership is intended to continue beyond the summer through a wider Fell presence and further joint activities.

The A592 at Storrs will close for one day from September 2 for utility works, affecting the section from the Birks Road junction and extending about 120 metres north. Traffic will be diverted via the A592, A591 and A590. Enquiries can be made through the Highways Hotline using reference TTROW/I9410.

A week-long Operation Tramline deployment by Cumbria Constabulary recorded 16 traffic offence reports between July 13 and July 20, including 10 cases of mobile phone use and five seatbelt offences. Officers also identified red-light, vehicle-control, lane-use and due-care offences, using a specially equipped HGV cab to obtain an elevated view of motorists. The operation included roadside breath testing and warnings, while roads policing officials and Commissioner David Allen urged drivers to obey traffic laws and avoid dangerous or anti-social behaviour.

Temple Bank, a fully modernised early-19th-century residence in Beetham, is being marketed for £1.85 million. The property includes a seven-bedroom main house, a converted two-bedroom barn used as a holiday let, landscaped grounds of approximately 0.67 acres, a double garage with electric-vehicle charging, and a detached office. Its features are positioned as suitable for multigenerational living, guest accommodation, or rental income.

The Westmorland Gazette reports 15 recent death notices and funeral announcements from the Kendal area, including tributes to residents who died between late June and mid-July. The notices provide brief details about the deceased, their families, ages and places of death, with links to fuller memorial notices and options for readers to send condolences or place a notice.

Brewery Arts in Kendal will host Performance Unleashed from August 3 to 7, 2026, giving children aged 7 to 14 the opportunity to explore dance, drama and theatre under the guidance of professional artists Grace Kay and Ashleigh Hindley. The five-day camp will culminate in a live performance on the venue’s main stage, with participants also receiving a Discover Arts Award and a Trinity College London certificate.

A section of the B6257 at Beck Foot, north of its junction with the U5294 near Kendal, is scheduled to close for approximately one day on September 20 while Westmorland and Furness Council conducts bridge examination works. Traffic will be diverted via the B6257, A685, A683 and A684. Further information is available from the council’s Highways Hotline or website.

A detached four-bedroom home on Collin Hill in Kendal is being marketed for £500,000. The property includes a garden studio converted from part of the original garage, mature gardens on three sides, a split-level layout, three ground-floor bedrooms, an upstairs master bedroom with ensuite, driveway parking for two to three cars, and views from a balcony. It is located less than a mile from Kendal town centre and a short drive from the Lake District National Park.

St John Ambulance is seeking volunteers in South Cumbria, including Barrow, Ulverston and Kendal, to provide first aid cover at local and major regional events. No previous experience is required for entry-level roles, as full training is provided, with opportunities to progress to emergency responder and ambulance crew positions and gain nationally recognised qualifications. Applicants may need to complete role-specific checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Brewery Arts in Kendal will host the Young Artist Open Exhibition 2026 from July 31 to October 31, featuring work by artists aged four to 18 under the theme “Adventures.” Submissions will be reviewed in July, with selected works displayed in the Sugar Store Gallery. A parallel exhibition from the 2026 Arts Unleashed Summer Camp will run in the Foyer Gallery from August 14 to October 31. Admission to both exhibitions is free.

A Wetherspoon pub in Kendal will host a 10‑day craft cider festival featuring a wide range of traditional, perry, and flavoured ciders. Pub manager Cameron Hinde highlights the event as an opportunity to showcase new selections, with tasters and individual pints available at set prices.

Westmorland and Furness Council issued nearly £6,000 in fines to animal-related businesses operating without required licences, targeting activities such as dog breeding and animal sales. Officials emphasised protecting animal welfare, encouraging compliance, and pursuing enforcement when necessary. Residents are urged to verify licences and report concerns, with the council citing cases of poor welfare at unlicensed operations and outlining penalties and potential prosecution for ongoing violations.

The Cumberland Building Society appointed Tony Martin as community branch manager for Barrow and Ulverston and James Cookson as cluster manager for branches in Furness and Lancashire, reinforcing its commitment to local communities. Their roles follow the refurbishment of the Dalton Road branch and come as the society remains the only provider of banking services with a branch in Ulverston. Leaders highlight their dedication to community support, member-focused service, and continued investment in local operations.

Northern leaders, through The Great North collective, urge the Prime Minister to adopt a devolution‑first approach that grants greater powers and investment to the North of England. Kim McGuinness highlights the region’s economic and cultural strengths and calls for a new strategic relationship with national government. The group outlines priorities including making devolution central to policy, boosting economic competitiveness, improving transport, promoting the region globally and ensuring shared prosperity. The proposal aligns with Andy Burnham’s commitment to expanding devolution and creating a Number 10 North.

California indie-pop group The Corner Laughers will return to Cumbria for two August performances at Kendal Library and Cafe HNW in Keswick as part of their UK tour. Led by Karla Kane, the band is promoting its new album and will perform in acoustic formations, with the Kendal show also featuring local poets. The band expressed enthusiasm about revisiting the area, noting past trips that inspired their music.

A guided fundraising walk from Ulverston to Chapel Island aims to support Bay Hospitals Charity, with proceeds directed to patient care across the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust. Led by experienced guide Raymond Porter, the route is designed as a family‑friendly alternative to the traditional cross‑bay walk, offering participants the chance to explore the island’s historic features and natural scenery. Organizers highlight the walk’s appeal for children and families, noting last year’s positive experiences, and encourage participants to raise sponsorship or simply enjoy the event. Tickets are limited and available through the charity’s website.

Dogs Trust has opened a new community hub in Penrith to expand support for dogs and owners across Cumbria, offering welfare education, fostering guidance, a dog food bank and community activities. The facility was launched by CEO Owen Sharp and guitarist Sophie Lloyd, who adopted her dog from the charity. The hub aims to increase outreach, assist foster carers and promote dog rehoming, complementing the charity’s existing work in the region.

Mary Coughlan will perform at Brewery Arts in Kendal on September 24 as part of her 2026–2027 UK tour, presented by AGMP Concerts. The singer receives strong praise from music publications, with comparisons to notable jazz and blues icons. Tickets are available through the promoter and venue box offices.

A five‑day closure of roads C5041 and U5223 in Cartmel will begin on August 1 to allow utility works under a temporary traffic regulation order issued by Westmorland and Furness Council. The works form part of a month‑long programme of phased closures across the South Lakeland area. A diversion via the A592, A590 and the unrestricted section of the C5041 will be in place, with pedestrian and dismounted cyclist access maintained.

A members-only event at Theatre by the Lake in Keswick will feature West End actress Anna McGarahan and director Cameron Potts, offering attendees industry insights, a live talk and a Q&A session. Both guests bring substantial experience from major stage productions and screen work. The Lakeside Club series continues its lineup of notable theatre professionals, with members encouraged to reserve free tickets through the theatre’s box office or website.

Beaumont College South Lakes has been recognised as an official provider of the John Muir Award and is among the first in the UK to achieve its Wild Places Guardian level. Students completed over 25 hours of nature‑focused activities across Cumbria, including conservation work, community gardening, Forest School sessions and environmental art. Staff also earned the award to strengthen their support for students. Salutem Care and Education chief executive John Godden praised the accomplishment as a milestone that reflects the college’s commitment to building confidence, skills and wellbeing through engagement with the natural environment.

A detached three-bedroom home in Grange-over-Sands is listed for £795,000, featuring bay views, landscaped gardens, modern interiors and flexible two-level accommodation. The property includes an en-suite principal bedroom, open-plan kitchen and living area, a wood-burning stove, and extensive outdoor spaces. A driveway, garage and storage undercroft complement the home, which is close to transport links and local amenities. Interested buyers are directed to Thomson Hayton Winkley Estate Agents.

The Westmorland Gazette lists fourteen recent death notices from the Kendal area, providing brief details on each individual and directing readers to full notices and options for submitting condolences.

Sedbergh Primary School earned the OPAL Gold Award, placing it among the top five percent of UK schools for outdoor play provision. After students described their playground as dull, the school community collaborated to transform it into a diverse play environment featuring music, fancy dress, loose parts, and a mud kitchen. Headteacher Victoria Hudson highlighted the improvements in pupils’ creativity, teamwork, and wellbeing. The school celebrated the achievement with a special assembly and a Stay and Play event for families, marking a significant enhancement to children’s daily experience.

South Lakes Housing received national Tpas accreditation for its tenant‑focused approach, recognised through assessments, site visits and interviews confirming strong resident involvement in shaping services. Leadership highlighted the accreditation’s value in improving practices, while Tpas praised the organisation’s commitment to tenant engagement and the wider benefits such involvement brings.

Utility works will impose a no-waiting and no-loading restriction on a section of Castle Street in Kendal from July 20 for approximately six days. Westmorland and Furness Council advises motorists to plan ahead, with further details available through the Highways Hotline or the council website.

A charity golf event at Carus Green Golf Club in Kendal raised £3,175 for Donna’s Dream House, which provides free seaside holidays for children with life‑threatening illnesses and their families. Organised by Chris and Sarah Taylor with support from AR Golf Events and sponsored by Kendal Caravans, the event drew over 40 participants and featured high‑value caravan prizes and displays. The funds will help the charity offer additional fully funded stays in Blackpool.

More than 1,500 students are graduating at the University of Cumbria’s summer ceremonies held at Carlisle Cathedral, marking achievements across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Vice-Chancellor Julie Mennell highlighted the university’s strong national ranking and employability outcomes. Prize-winning wildlife media graduates received recognition for an acclaimed rewilding film. Honorary awards, including a doctorate for author James Rebanks, are being conferred, while international graduates and paramedic apprentices from several ambulance trusts are also participating. School choirs are performing throughout the week, and all graduates join a global alumni network of over 75,000 members.

Recent submissions to Westmorland and Furness Council include tree works, agricultural building proposals, home alterations, a new sewer overflow tank site compound, and replacement of an overhead line tower across locations such as Penrith, Ulverston, Arnside, and Kirkby in Furness.

A summer and autumn season of Verbalise spoken word events will return to Brewery Arts in Kendal, featuring guest poets including Jake Wild Hall, Louise Exactly with Caleb Staps, and author Peter Kay, concluding with a Christmas-themed event. The programme promotes new and emerging performers through open mic opportunities, a supportive community atmosphere, and strict no–hate speech and photography policies. Tickets and open mic slots must be booked in advance.

Philip Hilton encourages young people not to let exam results limit their ambitions, drawing on his own path from poor school performance to a long broadcasting career. Marking World Youth Skills Day, he highlights the challenges facing over one million NEET youths in the UK and stresses that resilience and curiosity can open doors when formal opportunities are lacking. His memoir recounts his experiences across pirate radio, UK broadcasting and international work in Saudi Arabia, aiming to inspire those facing uncertain futures.

A hot, sunny weekend is forecast for Windermere, with Saturday temperatures reaching 24–26C and minimal chance of rain. Sunday will be similarly warm, peaking around 25C with high UV levels and dry, clear conditions throughout the day and evening.

A Kendal-based butcher shop, Roast Mutton, marks five years in business after expanding to two locations and growing to ten employees. Founded by Robert Unwin with a focus on locally sourced, grass-fed meats, the business has broadened its offerings and opened a new farm shop in Dalton-in-Furness, creating four jobs through a major investment. The company and its products have earned multiple regional and national awards, and Unwin highlights staff development and continued customer support as key achievements.

A temporary no‑waiting restriction will be enforced on the east side of Castle Street in Kendal beginning July 20 for utility works, lasting approximately six days. The order from Westmorland and Furness Council applies to all vehicles, including blue‑badge holders, and prohibits waiting, loading and unloading at all times. Residents can contact the Highways Hotline or visit the council website using reference TTROW/19401 for further information.

New government-funded bus services are being introduced across Cumbria and the Lake District through a partnership between Westmorland and Furness Council and local operators. Several new and returning routes, including the X12, 517 Shuttle, 563 Sunday timetable, and the new 534 service, will run throughout the summer to improve access to cultural and leisure destinations. A £3 maximum single fare applies, and concession passes remain valid. The council has also secured the continuation of 20 existing services and plans further improvements later in the year.

A Gloucester man severely injured in a Lake District car crash continues his recovery and plans to climb Helvellyn as a rehabilitation milestone and charity fundraiser. After sustaining a brain injury and multiple fractures, Sam Kirby underwent extensive treatment across several hospitals and responded significantly to modafinil, which aided his progress. A year later he and his family returned to thank emergency responders, including the Great North Air Ambulance Service. His upcoming climb will raise funds for the organisation credited with helping save his life.

Kendal Farmers' Market will host its next Food School event on July 10, featuring local producers, nutritionists and interactive sessions focused on the benefits of locally sourced food. The programme, running monthly through 2026, includes talks, demonstrations and opportunities for visitors to engage directly with producers and experts. Upcoming sessions cover topics such as smoothie making, egg production, coffee roasting, sustainable wool, mushroom cultivation and artisan distilling, highlighting the market's role in supporting local economies, healthy eating and community connection.

A £6 million extension at Sandgate School in Kendal has opened, expanding capacity and enhancing facilities for students with special educational needs. The project, funded by Westmorland and Furness Council, adds classrooms, a sports hall, a sensory room, and improved accessibility features, enabling all secondary-age pupils to learn on one site. Headteacher Dan Hinton and councillor Janet Battye praised the new environment for supporting education, life skills and reduced travel for students, with contributions from the school community shaping the design.

The University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust has reduced its carbon emissions and saved about £300,000 through energy‑efficiency measures including new insulation, upgraded air handling systems, LED lighting, monitored steam systems and more than 2,200 solar panels. The improvements are expected to generate annual savings of around £459,000 and cut emissions by up to 500 tonnes. Future plans include expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and replacing steam boilers with low‑carbon heating such as heat pumps as part of the NHS goal to reach net‑zero emissions.

A 20‑metre section of Vicarage Close in Grange‑over‑Sands will close from July 13 for approximately three days to allow utility works. No diversion route will be available, and residents are directed to contact the council’s Highways Hotline or visit the Westmorland and Furness Council website for details using reference TTROW/19224.

Mabbin Hall Lane in Heversham will close on July 3 to allow utility works, affecting a 160‑metre section from its junction with the C5072. A signed diversion will operate via nearby unrestricted roads, with pedestrian and dismounted cyclist access maintained. The closure is expected to last one day, and enquiries can be directed to the council using reference TTROW/I9038.

A conservation initiative in Cumbria seeks volunteers to survey hedgerows as part of Friends of the Lake District’s Hedges and Edges project. The effort aims to collect accurate data on hedge conditions to support habitat restoration, with citizen scientists trained in the Great British Hedgerow Survey method and paired with landowners for assessments. Training sessions are scheduled across July, August, and September, with participation coordinated through the charity’s website or email.