Ennerdale Community Centre

April saw the first Community Luncheon. This raised over £60 for US! Those in May & June will hopefully be as well attended. Other users have included ECRAG & the County Council. The Centre has been bereft of good furniture
since it was opened. Thanks to the sterling efforts of Sheila Ridding and the generosity of Huntsman, this problem has been solved and the ‘spares’ used at Kirkland Mission.  

Chas Coley 862805


Lamplugh Women's Institute

The May meeting was graced by a splendid demonstration and explanation of the art of felt making by Therese Southgate who started several items and involved all kinds of wool and thread and soap & water and rolling pin & then more! To say nothing of muscle power and artistic talent. She brought some finished items which she sells at the wool shop in Caldbeck. There is a WoolFest which is on at Mitchell’s Livestock Centre, Cockermouth on 24th & 25th June from 10am-5pm. This is a must for anyone with an interest in crafts with yarn.           

The Mrs Bucket (Bouquet) Candlelight Supper was a huge success—everyone enjoyed the Lowther Singers and the Supper and a hall full of ‘Hyacinths’ was a joy to behold. Agnes Armstrong from Lorton won the prize of a bucketful of flowers for her outfit. 

The next item on the calendar is a Strawberry Tea on 2nd June and the monthly meeting on 13th June welcomes Josie Briggs to show us how to decorate cakes.

Dorothy Pettinger


Debbie Watson 

As many readers will know the Watson family have now left Gillerthwaite after living there for many years. Debbie is still in the area quite frequently as she teaches at Ennerdale and Kinniside school. Debbie was a valued member of the PCC has done much efficient work for the Church and Parish in a variety of tasks, and she will be seriously missed. 

She always was willing to cooperate in a very pleasant way and the PCC. decided to thank her for her hard work with a presentation. Consequently PCC. members contributed to the purchase of a local picture. Following the receipt of this, Debbie sent a letter of thanks which is reproduced here: 

"To all members of the PCC and Church at Ennerdale and Lamplugh:- 

I was very surprised and more than touched to receive such an amazing gift from you all! It is a beautiful picture which reminds me of many happy times in Ennerdale and most importantly all the good people whom it was a privilege to know. I do miss you all very much. Although I am still working at the school, I only see some of you – and that very fleetingly I am afraid. My thoughts are often with you all, and I hope the work of the parish continues to flourish. 

We are all well and happy here – Graham’s work seems to be going well. As with any new job, he is very busy. Charlotte and Rosie are growing (still!) and enjoying our little house here. We have lovely views across Bassenthwaite Lake, and good walks nearby. 

We are in the process of buying a house on the outskirts of Cockermouth, just behind Cockermouth School; which, although small, feels quite rural with a little wood behind. If all goes well, we will probably move there in July. 

In the meantime, you are (cont over) (Watson Letter cont..) always welcome to pay a visit over here in Bassenthwaite if you want a drive out! Thank you again for your kind wishes and such a lovely gift – now taking pride of place on our wall! Best wishes and blessings – 

Debbie Watson and family.

Food Co-op News

If you have never used the Food Coop or have got out of the habit, then let us tempt you to try it! The food coop provides: Good quality, fresh veg, fruit and salad and eggs at reasonable cost, locally sourced whenever possible. 'Fresh is best' - more minerals and vitamins to fight winter colds and it tastes good!

By using the food coop you support:

  • Local traders - sustaining a choice of small shops in our local town.
  • Local producers - who often do not get a fair price from supermarkets. (There are no Fair Trade standards for producers in the UK!)
  • Reducing the 'food miles' eg. Green beans from Zimbabwe produce high environmental pollution through fuel use, packaging, refrigeration.
  • Sustaining variety and long term biodiversity. The supermarkets will only stock limited varieties that fit their criteria. Bad news for sustaining variety and strength of species.

At the moment local dirty carrots are excellent. Here's a favourite recipe from Charlotte:

Carrot salad. Serves 6

6 carrots scrubbed, 1 tablspn sunflower seeds lightly toasted, 3oz raisins.

For the dressing: ½ orange & ½ lemon squeezed, 3 tablspns olive or hazelnut oil, ¼ teaspn French mustard, salt & pepper, 1 teaspn clear honey ( try Sullivan's honey produced in Ennerdale sold at the food coop - only 3 food miles!)

Grate carrots coarsely. Put in bowl with raisins and sunflower seeds. Put dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Pour over the salad and toss. Goes well with quiche, omelette or baked potatoes (potatoes from Holmrook, eggs from Embleton both available at the food coop!)

Of course there's carrot soup, carrot cake, roasted carrots, bashed carrot and neeps, stir-fried carrots , all delicious and maybe you'll even see in the dark!

The food coop is open 1.30 - 3pm every Friday at Kirkland Mission (Produce can be collected later if necessary). Veg and fruit bags £2 each, Salad £3. All ordered (& paid for) the week before.

For more information ring Sandra Guise 861 626.