Are you interested in arts and culture? Would you like to volunteer your time and find out what jobs are available? 

If so, make a visit to our Arts, Culture and Heritage Discovery event on Friday 22 September at Whitehaven United Reformed Church, James Street, Whitehaven, CA28 7HZ between 10am and 3pm. 

Eighteen organisations including local museums, tourist attractions, theatres and arts agencies will be on hand to offer up the opportunities available within the Cumberland area. Come along and learn more about them, the opportunities they have, and how you can get involved. 

The free event has been organised by the Copeland Skills and Enterprise Partnership, supported by Helping Hands and Rosehill. 

Food and refreshments will be provided. 

Our eight Community Panels are now up and running and we’re asking residents to get involved with helping decide where investment should be directed. 

Each panel is setting up a Community Network - a way for residents, businesses, the third sector and others to inform and influence the panels. 

The networks are currently being launched, often with a family-friendly event that everyone can attend to give their views. 

Follow us on social media to see when there’s an event in your panel area. 

You can also visit our Community Panel web pages https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/your-council/community-panels to: 

• Find out when your local panel meets and who the members are. 
• Fill in a survey to share your priorities. 
• Find out how to apply for support for a community project. 
• Sign up for the latest news from your Community Panel. 

We provided this update earlier this week: 

Cumberland Council spokesperson said: 

“Following the decision to temporarily close the stand-alone events centre, part of The Sands in Carlisle, we have been discussing the impact of the closure on planned events. 

“Shrek The Musical has been cancelled and whilst work is undertaken to assess the site by specialist structural engineers, a decision has been taken to postpone the three remaining events planned to take place within the main auditorium during September. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. 

“GLL will make every effort to reschedule dates for the affected events. They will contact ticket holders with updates. 

“The decision to temporarily close the events space is a precautionary step and does not impact on the day to day running of the main leisure centre. The new main Sands Centre building is unaffected, which includes the pools, gym, sports halls, café, bars and restaurant.” 

GLL spokesperson added: 

“Once the time frames become clearer, we will update ticket holders as to the status of the future programme and we would like to reassure customers that their safety is paramount. 

“There is no need for customers to contact the venue, and rest assured that we will be in touch to discuss options with ticket holders once we’re able to do so. 

“Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we work through the different considerations. 

“Leisure events and activities planned for other parts of The Sands will go ahead. This includes in the sports hall, swimming pool and exercise areas.” 

An amazing series of events brought communities together this summer. 

Four Operation Respect community days were organised in Maryport and Workington by the Allerdale Local Focus Hub - a multi-agency group that tackles antisocial behaviour. 

Dozens of community support organisations met residents and joined forces to offer litter picks, children’s activities, healthy food, sport and a way to speak to the people who keep communities safe. 

Read the story in full here: https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/news/2023/working-together-better-communities 

Protect yourself and others by following our trading standards Facebook and Twitter pages. 

Find out about the latest scams in your area, product recalls, allergen alerts, safety information, test purchasing operations, and more. Our channels are packed with highlights of the pro-active work our team does to advise consumers and business, enforce the law, and protect our residents. 

Bookings close on Friday 15 September. 

The event will take place on Thursday 21 September, from 10.30am until noon, at Carlisle Civic Centre.  

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) will be discussing: 

• The end of no-fault evictions 
• The new mandatory Ombudsman for landlords and tenants.  
• The right to request a pet to keep at the property. 
• A requirement for landlords to give two months’ notice of rent changes. 
• New requirements for current assured and shorthold tenancy periods.  

Immigration specialists will discuss right to rent legislation. Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service will also provide updates on the new smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations. 

Book your place at https://www.nrla.org.uk/events/meetings/5755  

For more information visit https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/.../free-event-private... 

Countdown to Christmas! 

With just over 100 days to Christmas and the countdown to the festive season underway, Cumberland Council has announced one of their sparkling events for the area. 

The one and only Chesney Hawkes will headline this year’s Carlisle Christmas Lights Switch-On. 

The sparkling spectacular will be held between 3pm and 5.30pm on Sunday 19 November outside the Old Town Hall. 

The international popstar will be joined by saxophonist Vicki Watson and the event will be hosted by family-favourite Robbie Dee. 

The Christmas Lights Switch-On event will also be a showcase of local community groups and performers including Castle Carrock Primary School, Studio A Dance Company, Committed 2 Rock Community Choir and Newtown Primary School. 

The star-studded Christmas Lights Switch-On is organised by Cumberland Council and will provide a packed family entertainment programme, to suit all ages.  

The switch-on will take place at 5pm.  

More festive events are planned in the Cumberland area including Christmas markets, lights switch-on events and much more.  

Bowled over by support from local club  

Cumberland Council’s Workington day services based at Carlton Road have collaborated with a local bowling club to build local community connections for adults with learning disabilities supported through the service. 

The regular sessions with Vulcan Park Bowling Club held throughout the summer have not only helped to develop physical and coordination skills but have also nurtured new and meaningful friendships between people that are supported by the service and the club members. One of the individuals has also been invited to join the team and certificates and medals were awarded during the friendly competitions held.