Two farming brothers died within hours of each other on the same night. John Martin Mandle, aged 65, of Sandriggs, Thrimby, was found dead at the wheel of his car, which had collided with a stanchion outside a property in The Narrows, Penrith. A short time later, the body of his 70-year-old brother, Fenwick, was found at his home at Mid Town Farm, Crosby Ravensworth. He had been ill for some time.

PENRITH

Edith Bamber, wife of Penrith Royal British Legion stalwart Henry, celebrated a win at a county standard bearers’ competition. For many years, Mr. Bamber, aged 45, had marched off with bearers’ trophies at county, area and national level. He took a back seat, however, as his wife won the county standard bearers’ competition on behalf of the Penrith branch’s women’s section. Her win came only weeks after she found out she would be taking part. Prior to the contest she received valuable coaching from Mr. Bamber.

MUSGRAVE

Residents attended a a public meeting and stated their wish to retain the village school, one of a number being examined for possible closure. Members of the Cumbria Education Committee and officials were present at the meeting, held at the school at Landrigg, to discuss its future with parents and residents. Supporters hoped the building could be kept open through a scheme of shared facilities and mutual support among other schools in the area.

50 YEARS

PENRITH

The labour position at the traditional Martinmas Hirings, Burrowgate, was described as “the worst yet experienced”. A number of farmers were present to look for labour and were willing to go “very much higher than the minimum rate of wages”, but most of the men present were getting well above that already. £6-£8 was being offered to 17 to 19-year-olds and older men could get £9 plus a house. Some employers blamed National Service for taking young men away from farms.

HAWESWATER

Sir William Walker, Naddle Gate, Burnbanks, was informed that a new coal carrying ship, built at Sunderland and named after him, had made its successful loaded trial. The 4,000 ton ship, built by Messrs. S. P. Austin and Son, was launched by Sir William’s daughter, Mrs. Peattie. It was capable of carrying 3,550 tons of coal in its four holds.

THRELKELD

It was announced that a story written by Threlkeld author Phyllis Duce, about rock climbing in Lakeland, was to be broadcast by the BBC and would be read by Graham Sunderland, who was also a writer from Cumberland.

PENRITH

The plan to lay Penrith Foundry Field out as a sports pitch was revived by Penrith Urban Council. The cost of the plan, which involved re-siting the rugby pitch, an association pitch, cricket table, hockey pitch and two netball pitches was expected to be around £8,000.

APPLEBY

Chairman of the BBC Franklin Engelmann issued an apology to the people of Appleby after reference was made to Kendal as the county town of Westmorland in the program What Do You Know? A flood of letters corrected the error and Mr. Engelmann said: “We beg your pardon, Appleby. Appleby is the county town of Westmorland.”

100 YEARS

EDEN

The district was visited by a heavy snowstorm which developed overnight into a blizzard of proportions not often seen so early in the season. It was thought to mark the earliest advent of winter for 25 years. Even though it was not unknown for snow to fall in November or earlier, it did not usually remain on the ground long enough to accumulate in depths seen on this occasion. Several towns in Cumberland and Westmorland were left isolated while telegraph poles fell and blocked railway lines in several locations.

SHAP

After the snowfall, the body of an unknown man was discovered near Shap Lodge, close to an isolated farmhouse three miles from Shap village. Mr. Simon Birkbeck, farmer’s son, noticed something strange in the field adjoining the homestead and closer inspection showed it to be a dead body. After Mr. Birkbeck sent a telegram to the police at Shap, Insp. Copper and Winster, relieving officer, found the man, aged around 45 years, lying face down in a snowdrift. It was thought the man had travelled over the Shap fells from Kendal and died in the freezing temperatures.

BAMPTON

The death was announced of Mr. Noble Ewbank, of Walmgate, following a short illness. Mr. Ewbank was one of a fast-diminishing old school of Westmorland wrestlers and competed regularly at Grasmere and Pooley Bridger sports. In the report of his death, he was recalled as a “fine commanding figure of the veteran athlete”.

MARDALE

The annual shepherds’ meet, hound trail and fox hunt were held in fine weather at Mardale. The event, one of the oldest of its kind in the Lake District, saw about 130 “stragglers” brought in from far and wide. Among the busiest people in the fold was Mr. Tom Fenwick, who had attended the Mardale meetings for 55 consecutive occasions. The Ullswater Foxhounds that day were in the charge of the veteran huntsman, Joe Bowman.