AGRICULTURE is in the blood of most native Cumbrians. If they trace back far enough, they usually find their ancestors were farmers, farm labourers, shepherds, blacksmiths, drystone wallers or filled some other rural role.

COULD we have seen the last of speeding sledges, snowmen and snowball fights, which once provided children with excitement and fun in the depths of winter?

THE anti-dog crusaders have been at it again in Penrith — without balance or fairness or, it seems, an appreciation of the fact that things have got better, rather than worse, in town streets.

IMAGINE the uproar in Penrith Town Hall if local government was to be reported with the same fun-provoking ridicule as some aspects of central government by top political commentators.

“FORGET wine, water is the new snobs’ tipple,” wrote Robert Hardman in a refreshing article in the Daily Mail.

REPORTING local government — debates and decisions of district councils — is one of the most important tasks facing local newspapermen and, also, the most demanding.

THE centenary of Penrith Town Hall slipped past without comment or celebration — until the latest newsletter of Cumbria Family History Society carried a “Looking Backwards”-style page by Jeremy Godwin, which mentioned the opening of the handsome building in 1906.

THE centenary of Penrith Town Hall slipped past without comment or celebration — until the latest newsletter of Cumbria Family History Society carried a “Looking Backwards”-style page by Jeremy Godwin, which mentioned the opening of the handsome building in 1906.

AFTER the shocking news of incompetence and worrying blunders by some in high places, there is an example of the silliness of political correctness to make us smile — or scoff.

AFTER the shocking news of incompetence and worrying blunders by some in high places, there is an example of the silliness of political correctness to make us smile — or scoff.