150 YEARS AGO

NEW FIRE ENGINE: The Egremont fire engine arrived at the station at that place on Saturday morning, and immediately upon its arrival Mr Roberts, of the Globe Hotel, yoked two of his horses to it, and drove it through the town at full speed, with a large flag affixed to it, after which he left it at the Market Cross for the inspection of the curious. It seems a strong, neatly constructed engine, and has already cost nearly £200. It is a patent one, and was made by Merryweather, of London, and will doubtless fully answer the purpose it is intended for.

February 28, 1861

KINDERGARTEN: Misses Wilson, of Calder House Academy, Seascale, are about to open a school where the highest grades of scholastic training will be made a special feature in connection with the advantages which their skill and experience offer to ordinary pupils. It will be observed that a novelty in this part of the country is to be introduced in the shape of the Kindergarten system, which has been attended by so much success on the Continent, and more recently in England.

February 24, 1886

UNDER-NOURISHED CHILDREN SUFFER. Fearing that UAB allowances will be adversely affected, Whitehaven parents are refusing to allow their children, certified by the School Medical Officer as suffering from malnutrition, to attend the recently-opened free meals canteen. This somewhat startling statement was made by Ald Rowe, chairman of the Whitehaven Education Committee, yesterday.

HUNTED WITH JOHN PEEL. Mr Thomas Hogg, of Seascale, a well-esteemed and the oldest resident of Seascale, passed away on Monday in his 99th year. He was the last of those who knew John Peel. He spent his youth with his aunt at Caldbeck, the home of John Peel. He had a vivid recollection of the noted Cumberland hunter and even took part in several meets. In his youth he frequently followed Peel and he was also well acquainted with young Peel.

SWIMMERS PREFER SALT WATER. The merits of sea water bathing, compared with fresh water, were put before Mr J Gardner, MICE, who conducted a Ministry of Health inquiry at Whitehaven yesterday, into the Council’s application for the borrowing of £9,654 for the purpose of remodelling and enlarging the Whitehaven bath and wash-houses. There was no opposition. Dr Innes, MOH said he was certain with the new plant that the sea water would meet the requirements.

February 27, 1936

50 YEARS AGO

POLICE DOG CAUGHT GAOL-BRAKER. Master gaol-braker William John H “Foxy” Fowler, who had sworn vengeance on the Flimby men responsible for his recapture in June, 1957, 33 days after a Dartmoor break-out, escaped again last Wednesday from Parkhurst Prison. This time a police dog ended his stolen freedom in just three days and before he could cross from the Isle of Wight to the mainland.

YOUTHS ALLEGED THEFT OF £4,400 FISHING BOAT. On Monday morning a Whitehaven fishing boat was reported as missing from its berth in the harbour. A search ended at 8.30pm when the boat was towed back to Whitehaven by a Fleetwood fishing boat. Half an hour after the boat returned there was a sequel when a special court was held in Whitehaven Police Station. Two youths were charged with stealing the 35 ton fishing vessel, C Risager, containing fish valued at £60, the property of Nils Thomson, Trading as T W Dixon & Co, Market Place, Whitehaven.

March 2, 1961

25 YEARS AGO

LAKE PLAN APPEAL INQUIRY. A public inquiry into plans to develop a holiday chalet project in woodland overlooking Ennerdale Lake will be held at Whitehaven Civic Hall on Tuesday, April 22. This chalet plan was submitted by Copeland Council, but was refused planning permission by the Lake District Planning Board. The inquiry is the result of an appeal by Copeland Council.

WATER BOOST FOR GOSFORTH. About 250 consumers will benefit from an improved water supply once a new £100,000 storage tank is built by the North West Water Authority on Bleng Fell, above Gosforth. This will prevent higher dwellings in the Gosforth area being without water at times of water supply difficulties.