THIS isn’t a normal spring or even year – so with lockdown and social distancing restrictions in place to help beat COVID-19 we have to think a little out of the box when it comes to enjoying yourself in Cumbria – the Lakes and more.
Here are five Cumbrian things to do which are safe, enjoyable and interesting to do this month in Cumbria in lockdown!
1. Join the Tullie Textiles group online instead of in Tullie House Museum & Art Gallery with our own Artist-in-Residence Helen Walsh.
This is one of Helen’s regular groups which met on the second Sunday of the month 1.30-3.30 at Tullie House in Carlisle.
Helen would choose an object from the museum’s collections to have a look at, and she’d demonstrate a skill or technique that everyone could have a go at and there would be a lot of chatting!
Helen is to resume their activities, and in the meantime, she is keen to keep the group going in a different format – online.
Helen says: “There were a few technical issues, and it’s obviously not the same as being with the group, but it was lovely to hear from people and to feel connected. In May I’m going to attempt to do the session on Zoom. Watch my Facebook page for updates!”
Read more about Helen’s work.
2. Join Cumbria’s multi-award winning baker’s club
Artisan Bakers, Aidan Monks (pictured) and Catherine Connor, the duo behind the multi-award-winning team at Lovingly Artisan Bakery, based in Cumbria and Manchester have launched an online baking club to share bread-related hints and tips to help householders in lockdown craft the perfect loaf at home.
So, if you are struggling with your starter, bonkers about buns but haven’t got a clue where to start head over to Facebook and join The Lovingly Artisan Baking Club
Read more About Adrian & Catherine’s club
3. Discover the family secrets of William Wordsworth
A new book has been published about the life of the great Lake District poet, William Wordsworth by a member of his family.
The new book Well Kept Secrets – The story of William Wordsworth
has been written by the author, sculptor and artist Andrew Wordsworth- the great-great-great-grandson of William’s younger brother Christopher.
Read more about the book and a review by Maurice Chesworth.
4. Watch a historic Lakeland moment from the comfort of your armchair.
You will be able to witness a milestone stage of the construction of a new road crossing over the River Eamont at the northern end of Ullswater from the comfort of your own homes.
Cumbria County Council has announced that the giant steel structure of the new bridge at Pooley Bridge – to replace the structure washed-away by Storm Desmond in 2015 – will be lifted into position in early May, before the bridge is opened to traffic later in the year.
Cumbria County Council will be filming the event so no-one misses out seeing the historic moment due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
Read more about the virtual view and the construction of the bridge.
5. Learn a new skill for free
Cumbria County Council’s Community Learning and Skills Service is launching a new programme of online courses from Monday 4 May. With more than 150 adult learning courses available online there’s bound to be a course that will spark your creativity!
Read more about the courses available and links to register.
If you have other activities to enjoy in Cumbria this month that are safe & legal to please share them with us – email the details or upload to our Facebook page. It’s good to share, and we’re here to help.
