Radio Cumbria "Little Cumbria" anniversary

Steven Greaves asked me to record a 'special' for his feature "Little Cumbria" on Radio Cumbria, with highlights of the last 12 months. Here is what was recorded, to be broadcast next week Monday to Friday afternoons.


Monday:-

In September last year I took part in the Aspire Channel Swim for the second year running. This annual event takes place in swimming pools all around the country to raise money for Aspire, a charity which helps people regain their independence following illness or injury that leaves them wheelchair bound. The objective is to swim the distance of the English Channel in your local pool, in a twelve week period between September and December. It's 22 miles, so here in Carlisle that means over 1400 lengths of the 25m pool. I really enjoyed the challenge, and was able to complete the distance in the time allowed. More importantly, I was able to raise some money for the charity, and made some good friends at the pool. I plan to take part again this year.

Tuesday:-

After many years considering the idea, Eli and I decided we would like to adopt a cat. We wanted to give a loving home to an old cat nobody else wanted, and decided to visit Animal Concern. They had an old cat that might be suitable. Eighteen years of age, never allowed in the house by her previous owner and fending for herself all her life, Foxx seemed like the ideal candidate. Who could deserve a home more? But wait, what about Zinnia? Born blind in one eye, now eleven and in need of a new home, having been shot by an air rifle in the throat, surely she deserved a loving home too? Eli could not decide between the two, especially when a large black cat crawled into her lap and promptly fell asleep. Maulberry, a three year old stray, had been in the refuge for six months and had been rejected because of her size (can you imagine?). So hard to choose between them! We ended up adopting all three. Our home is now divided into three 'territories', but Foxx, who is the smallest, rules the roost.

Wednesday:-

A definite highlight has to be the trip to Wembley to see Carlisle United contest the Johnsons Paint Trophy Final against Southampton. It was a very early start, a very long journey and a large expense from our fixed budget, but none of that mattered when we arrived at the stadium. The staff were pleasant and helpful and showed Eli and I to our seats in the disabled section behind and above the goal, to the left as the teams come out of the tunnel. We were treated to a couple of warm up games to lead up to the moment when we saw the teams come out to warm up for the match. I don't know how they felt but I know Eli and I were very proud of them to have got to the Final. The opening ceremony went by quickly while we waited for the moment of truth. As it happened, we didn't win the game. That didn't matter. It was a fantastic day out, and one we will remember for many years to come. Well done Carlisle. Same again this season, please! (maybe even win it this time).

Thursday:-

I am very fortunate to have three daughters and three grandchildren, so it is hard for me to imagine the distress felt by those couples who find they are unable to have a family. I know we live in a time of austerity and government spending cuts, but it would be hard to refuse help to those in that situation. My brother and sister-in-law had been trying to have a child without success for years. They had eventually been offered IVF treatment but had not yet had it when family circumstances suddenly being changed led to them fostering three girls. A few months later, to everyone's amazement and delight, they are now expecting a little boy of their own. Congratulations and best wishes to them both!

Friday:-

Eli and I have been learning Japanese since April and plan to take our GCSE exams in the subject next year. Our teacher, Harumi, comes to our home once a week to give our lessons, and we have become good friends. She and her husband Peter invited us to their home in the countryside near Roadhead for a meal with their family. We were collected by Peter and on arriving at the house we removed our shoes (standard practice in Japanese homes) and went to the conservatory to have our Japanese lesson. Afterwards, hungry and pleasantly exhausted with the effort of so much concentration, we all sat down to a home-cooked Japanese meal of miso soup, sushi and apple pie with ice cream. Delicious! Lovely company, lovely food and a definite highlight of the year. Domo arigatou, Harumi San!


If you get the chance to listen, there will be three people each day giving their diary entry, or in my case, the highlights above. It is an insight into what Cumbrians are up to.