Latest news with #WestCumbria
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Crowd 'amazed' by talent at sell-out Carnegie Theatre show
More than 120 children dazzled a sell-out audience with their performances at the Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre, in Workington. Razzamataz West Cumbria presented Razzmania on July 12, a showcase designed to highlight the transformative power of performing arts in the lives of young people. The children, aged four to 18, put on two sell-out shows which featured singing, acting, and dancing. Razzmania was inspired by popular musicals such as Beetlejuice, Addams Family, Finding Nemo, Peter Pan, Creekers, Frozen, Descendants, and Raya and the Last Dragon. The shows were a testament to the dedication and hard work of the young performers, as well as their teachers. The work and commitment put in by the students and teachers were not lost on the audience. Matty Rayson, principal of Razzamataz West Cumbria, said: "Every year we're amazed not just by the talent, but by the growth we see in our students. "Some of our performers started their journey with us as incredibly shy children who found it difficult to be separated from their parents. "Seeing them stand on stage under the lights, beaming with pride, is what this is all about. "Performing arts isn't just about putting on a great show, it's about helping young people discover their voice, build confidence, and take on challenges in a safe, supportive environment." Children perform in the live show (Image: Razzamataz) Many of the children were performing for the first time in front of an audience. Audience members praised the show for the amount of talent, organisation, and dedication from the performers, teachers, and everyone involved. One parent said: "Loved the show today. "Our first time and wow, how amazed we were by the amount of talent, amazing dancing, singing and acting, smiling faces, and the organisation of so many in such a small space. "The obvious dedication from everyone, both performers, teachers, and everyone involved. "And on a personal note, the confidence you have given our little man, who was making his big stage debut. "Couldn't have been prouder. "Thank you, Razzamataz." The success of Razzmania was also reflected in the positive feedback received by the Razzamataz West Cumbria team. Mr Rayson added: "We're not just teaching children to sing, dance, and act. "We're helping them grow into confident young people who can express themselves, work as a team, and face their fears. "That's what made Razzmania so special, it was a celebration of their hard work, talent, and courage."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Parent 'over the moon' as council U-turn on decision to scrap school bus from village
A GROUP of West Cumbrian parents are 'over the moon' following news that the council have u-turned on their decision to scrap the school bus from their village. Parents from Great Clifton, whose children attend Workington Academy, were told in June that from the next academic year, children attending the school will no longer have access to a free bus service. Following an outcry from parents, Cumberland council have now u-turned on the decision, saying they have acknowledged concerns of parents and decided to keep the provision for school pupils. One of the parents who led a campaign to have the service reinstated, said she was 'over the moon' with the councils decision. Sarah Barber said: " I'm over the moon we can now enjoy the children's summer holidays knowing that our children are safe coming and going to school when term starts." Grave concerns It's understood the bus carried 45 pupils through the 2024-2025 academic year, with parents expressing concerns that the loss of provision would be unsafe for their children. During a meeting parents held back in June, parish councillor Peter Gaston said he was 'gravely concerned' for the safety of any village children travelling beside a unlit 60-mile-an-hour road, especially in winter with dark nights and poor weather conditions. He said: "One incident is one too many. My priority is the health and safety of the school children because it is not safe, full stop." Holly Fox, whose daughter will start at the academy in September 2026, also attended the meeting with concerns for the future should the service be scrapped. Council response A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: 'We recently undertook an assessment of walking routes to schools to ensure our free school transport provision remains fair, consistent, and based on current criteria for need and entitlement, in line with national guidance. "We acknowledge the concerns raised by families regarding the outcomes of the reassessment of walking routes. As a result, current provision will remain in place on all affected routes at this time. 'Our priority continues to be the safety of children and young people, and we are committed to working openly with families and community representatives.'
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Work begins on £2 million scheme to improve water quality
Work has begun on a £2 million scheme to improve water quality. United Utilities is delivering the scheme across three sites in West Cumbria—Arlecdon, Deanscales, and Threapland. The project includes the construction of new storage tanks designed to reduce the frequency of storm overflow discharges. Andrew Kendall, wastewater business lead for Cumbria at United Utilities, said: "We know customers are keen for us to improve water quality across Cumbria. "So, we're working at pace to deliver the largest investment in wastewater infrastructure in a century. "It's great to see work starting on these three projects in the west of the county that will make a real difference in helping us to cut spills from the storm overflows at these sites." Each location will see the installation of new storage capacity. In Arlecdon, an 83-cubic-metre storm tank will improve water quality in Winder Beck. Deanscales will benefit from an additional 152 cubic metres of storage to protect a tributary of Far Stock Beck. In Threapland, a 16-cubic-metre tank will be built, along with a new headwall and replacement outfall pipework to improve Threapland Gill. All three schemes are expected to be completed by September 2025. The projects form part of United Utilities' broader investment programme, which will see the company spend more than £13 billion over the next five years. The investment will support upgrades across rivers, lakes, and bathing waters, and help secure drinking water supplies for millions of customers.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Amazing recognition' for charity set up in memory of inspirational baby Evie
The judges had a hard task in choosing the Charity of the Year, but in the end, they awarded the honour to Team Evie, with Greg and Jill Johnston at its helm. This is a charity based in West Cumbria set up in memory of Greg's daughter Evie, who died in 2015. Throughout Evie's life he kept updating everyone on her progress and difficulties through Facebook. He said: 'It became apparent that Evie had quite a following of well-wishers and based on the greeting one particular consultant gave us on the ward each morning Team Evie was born! So many people sent love, support and hope Evie's way during her life and she inspired so many people. 'Evie's influence and inspiration spread far and wide, reaching places all over the world. When Evie passed away it became clear that as a community, Team Evie needed to continue her positive impact on the world and the charity was created! We aim to spread Evie's story, love and inspiration as far and wide as we can by helping as many children and their families as possible. 'Our work is saving children's lives and helping sick children and their families across our region. 'Over the last 10 years we have worked tirelessly to develop projects and donations which make a real impact for sick children and their families. 'We support families from the moment a child is taken ill or injured and throughout their journey. We know our work is making time in hospital easier for children and their families, reducing anxiety and saving children's lives.' Team Evie were absolute delighted to receive the award in the year that marks a decade of the charity. Speaking after the win, Greg said: 'Its amazing for Evie to have the win, because obviously as her parents and us wanting to do everything for her. 'To have it recognised the impact that she has had on so many families lives its been amazing.' Jill added that the award highlights how inspirational over the years. She said: 'Considering we are such a small charity, its amazing recognition.' The pair highlighted how evening like the Pride of Cumbria 'allow you to stop and reflect' on the achievements of the charity.
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MP to host public meeting on future of town centre
WHITEHAVEN and Workington MP Josh MacAlister is inviting west Cumbrians with an interest in the future of Whitehaven town centre to come along to a public meeting. Mr MacAlister is hosting a meeting with Cumberland Council's deputy leader, Cllr Emma Williamson, and other local stakeholders at 6pm on Friday July 18 and it is open to all local residents. There'll be a presentation from WSP, who have been appointed by Cumberland Council to produce the Masterplan for the town centre, plus an update from Mr MacAlister on his efforts to secure the funding needed to deliver the plan. Josh said: 'While other towns secured funding from the previous government, Whitehaven was left behind and has suffered from the lack of attention paid to it by the previous administration locally and nationally. 'I'm delighted to be working with Emma and Cumberland Council with the shared goal of transforming Whitehaven and I'm hopeful that we'll not only have a really exciting plan but that, by working in partnership with local stakeholders and national government, we'll also have the money we need to deliver it. 'Hundreds of residents have already completed my survey and shared their views. Now you have the chance to come along and feed your ideas directly in to the process and help to shape a plan built by and for local people. "Please join us.' Cllr Williamson said: 'Cumberland Council has identified the regeneration of Whitehaven as a top priority and as deputy leader of the council and also a Whitehaven councillor I'm proud to be leading this piece of work. 'Whitehaven is my home, it's a brilliant town but it could be so much better. I'm determined that we unlock its full potential through this masterplan and that the views of residents are at its core. 'I hope you'll join us at this meeting to begin the conversation.' Residents can complete the survey and register to attend the meeting at or by calling 01946 458023, leaving your full name and address. Venue details will be provided two days prior to the meeting.
