Last updated 15:49, Wednesday, 13 February 2008

CHRISTMAS BEEF: We mentioned last week that active preparations were being made among the butchers of Whitehaven for the usual grand display of Christmas beef and we have much pleasure in stating now that we shall have on Thursday probably the very finest exhibition of meat ever seen. Our townsman Mr Burnyeat has got a most magnificent show, there being hung up in his shop in King-street upwards of a dozen beast of enormous size.

SUSPENSION OF MARYPORT HEMATITE IRON CO. The iron trade of West Cumberland has been so free from failure of magnitude that the announcement of the Maryport Hematite Iron Company that they had suspended payment has created more excitement in commercial circles in West Cumberland than has been known for many years.

It is to be feared too that so far as the company is concerned the worst is not yet known, for we hear that the liabilities are likely to exceed considerably the amount originally stated and there is reason for considerable anxiety as to the final settlement of the company’s affairs.

It is difficult to estimate the extent of the disaster so far as Maryport is concern. The immediate loss in the wages of between 400-500 men is a severe blow and the stopping of the extensive trade which the company carried on at the port must very severely affect the welfare of the town.

THE Rev Father Murphy has found some observations on the subject of the origins of the name of Whitehaven in an old directory which do not appear to have been transferred either to the more modern local histories or to have come in the way of antiquarian researchers.

These point to the fact that the old shipbuilding trade of Whitehaven had its ancient predecessor in the building of coracles and that the port derived its name form the willows or Withes of which these were built. There may be may be some connection, also as Father Murphy suggests between Corkickle and coracle.

WHY IS RICE PUDDING ALWAYS THE SAME? It needn’t be. Try the addition of currants and you will be surprised to find how much it is appreciated by the little folk. Rice and currant pudding can be made in the usual way, simply adding a plentiful supply of currants after the rice has been cooked in the milk for ten minutes. Your Grocer will give you free on request a booklet entitled ‘Currants – A few Tasty Recipes’.

STEPS are to be taken to build a new church in Cleator Moor following the destruction of their old building in a fire.

THE biggest sale of farmland in West Cumberland in post-war years has taken place. But despite having a starting price of £2,000, the beautifully situated Wasdale mansion, Low Wood Hall, failed to sale, as did four Netherwasdale farms which had a collective value of £1,200.

The farms covered 700 acres and carrying 500 sheep valued at £320.

THE magical Beehive Toy Fair has become a much-celebrated institution in Whitehaven, and this year was no different.

A procession of kiddies streamed down to the miniature Fairyland in the basement. A model railway, toy gramaphones and delightful array of crafts were among the top attractions.

THE boys of Whitehaven Grammar School now have a brass band which, says its headteacher and organiser, Mr Bowman, is making rapid progress.

Mr Bowman has now asked the Town Council for the loan of some of the instruments formerly used by the defunct Borough Band.

A FISHERMAN has been found guilty of using a snatch for the purpose of taking salmon from the River Ehen, near Beckermet. He was fined £5 and had his fishing tackle, valued at more than £35, confiscated.

WORKINGTON Reds have been drawn to play Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup after beating Oldham 5-1.

THE people of Parton, Lowca and Distington would prefer to retain their Victorian Junior Schools rather than have purpose built new ones, education chiefs have been told.

WHITEHAVEN has acquired its own mini enterprise zone as a spin off from a cost-cutting plan at Sekers Fabrics Hensingham site.

The company recently decided to concentrate its operations in one weaving shed with its more up to date looms, and now allow other small businesses to use the empty buildings.

WHITEHAVEN RL chalked up their biggest win of the season against Doncaster.Winger Norman Ratcliffe scored two well-taken tries on his debut in the 33-10 win.