Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Hadrian's Wall Fair-trade Zone Launched By BBC’s George Alagiah
Hadrian’s Wall Heritage and a group of Fairtrade supporters and businesses have jopined forces with h BBC news broadcaster and Fairtrade Foundation patron, George Alagiah, to launch a campaign to make Hadrian’s Wall Country a Fairtrade zone.
Hadrian’s Wall Fairtrade Group, hopes to establish Hadrian’s Wall Country as the first cross-country Fairtrade zone in the world.
George Alagiah will help the ‘Hadrian’s Wall Country Fairtrade Group‘ launch the campaign and a new website at www.fairtradehadrianswall.co.uk. Together they will be encouraging more businesses from the World Heritage Site to support the use of Fairtrade products and highlight the commercial benefits of using the internationally recognised Fairtrade Mark.
Mr Alagiah said “It is my great pleasure to be part of the launch of the campaign to make Hadrian’s Wall Country a Fairtrade Zone. I’m always amazed by the energy, innovation and commitment I’m greeted with when I meet Fairtrade supporters and activists and this campaign is no exception and an exciting ‘Fairtrade first’!
I’m delighted to see organisations and residents come together to call for Fairtrade and build on the work of committed Fairtrade Towns like Carlisle, Newcastle, Brampton and Hexham and wish them every success as they work towards achieving Fairtrade Zone status for such a beautiful and iconic area of the UK.”
Lauren Harrison, from the excellent Willowford Farm B&B in Gilsland, has been one of the driving forces in setting up the group and website. We’re very pleased that at Mickledore have been involved in preliminary discussions to establish a Fairtrade Hadrian's Wall Walking Holiday. Its early days yet, but we hope to have something up and running for next season. Watch this space!
Hadrian’s Wall Fairtrade Group, hopes to establish Hadrian’s Wall Country as the first cross-country Fairtrade zone in the world.
George Alagiah will help the ‘Hadrian’s Wall Country Fairtrade Group‘ launch the campaign and a new website at www.fairtradehadrianswall.co.uk. Together they will be encouraging more businesses from the World Heritage Site to support the use of Fairtrade products and highlight the commercial benefits of using the internationally recognised Fairtrade Mark.
Mr Alagiah said “It is my great pleasure to be part of the launch of the campaign to make Hadrian’s Wall Country a Fairtrade Zone. I’m always amazed by the energy, innovation and commitment I’m greeted with when I meet Fairtrade supporters and activists and this campaign is no exception and an exciting ‘Fairtrade first’!
I’m delighted to see organisations and residents come together to call for Fairtrade and build on the work of committed Fairtrade Towns like Carlisle, Newcastle, Brampton and Hexham and wish them every success as they work towards achieving Fairtrade Zone status for such a beautiful and iconic area of the UK.”
Lauren Harrison, from the excellent Willowford Farm B&B in Gilsland, has been one of the driving forces in setting up the group and website. We’re very pleased that at Mickledore have been involved in preliminary discussions to establish a Fairtrade Hadrian's Wall Walking Holiday. Its early days yet, but we hope to have something up and running for next season. Watch this space!
Labels: Fairtrade, Hadrian's Wall, Walking Holiday
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Creator of Coast to Coast Walk to be Honoured by Kendal Statue
A statue of Alfred Wainwright, creator of the Coast to Coast Walk, is to be erected in his home town of Kendal, where he was borough treasurer of Westmorland between 1947 and 1967.
It is to be sculpted by Graham Ibbeson, who also created the statue of Eric Morecambe down the road in Morecambe.
Wainwright, died aged 84 in 1991 having spent most of his life writing his famous “Pictorial Guide top the Lakeland Fells” a series of books covering 214 Lakeland fells, with page after page of intricate drawings and hand drawn maps.
His ashes are scattered at Innominate Tarn on Haystacks, the fell he said was his favourite Lakeland mountain. There is a memorial tablet to the writer in St James’s Church in Buttermere, below the fell.
Local mine owner Mark Weir has suggested a statue should be built on top of Fleetwith Pike – near to Haystack, and not far off the Coast to Coast Path. I can’t see the planners going for that one.
It is to be sculpted by Graham Ibbeson, who also created the statue of Eric Morecambe down the road in Morecambe.
Wainwright, died aged 84 in 1991 having spent most of his life writing his famous “Pictorial Guide top the Lakeland Fells” a series of books covering 214 Lakeland fells, with page after page of intricate drawings and hand drawn maps.
His ashes are scattered at Innominate Tarn on Haystacks, the fell he said was his favourite Lakeland mountain. There is a memorial tablet to the writer in St James’s Church in Buttermere, below the fell.
Local mine owner Mark Weir has suggested a statue should be built on top of Fleetwith Pike – near to Haystack, and not far off the Coast to Coast Path. I can’t see the planners going for that one.
Labels: Coast to Coast Walk, Kendal, Wainwright
Friday, 13 February 2009
SNP promoting Scottish Coastal Footpath
A long-distance coastal path around Scotland has been proposed in the Scottish Parliament this week. .
Scotland MSP Alasdair Morgan first raised the idea of a national coastal route with the former Scottish Executive in 2005 - since then he has pursued the issue researching other long-distance routes and found that Scotland already has many coastal paths which could be joined together into a unified long-distance route.
Speaking ahead of the debate Alasdair Morgan whose region includes both Scotland's South East and South West Coasts said:
“Galloway and the South of Scotland already have some very beautiful coastal walks, which rightly attract large numbers of visitors every year.
"It was the Galloway coast which led me to think about the possibility in detail, not just through its beauty but also its history, from Burns and smuggling to the Mulberry Harbours.
"A national coastal path would run from near Gretna right around the coast of Scotland to Berwick taking in many of Scotland's most beautiful sights and towns on the way.
"From walking the whole distance to taking in sections at a time, much as people climb Munros, the coastal path could offer new tourism and outdoor opportunities.
“The idea of long-distance coastal paths is not unique to Scotland. The longest walking route in Britain is the 630 mile southwest coastal path in Devon and Cornwall. Given the length of our coastline, a Scottish coastal path would dwarf that and, in terms of length, challenge famous routes such as the Appalachian Trail.
“None of our motorways were built in one go. Paths are arguably much more beneficial in the long run and with many of the routes already in existence we must start the work to join them up and create a walk around Scotland."
A Scottish coastal path would take in some dramatic scenery – it is difficult to think of many parts which would be less than interesting. The intracacies of the west coast , with its many sea lochs reaching deep into the Scottish Highlands, mean the route would be extremely long – probably around 6000 miles, much of it stunning, most of it beautiful, nearly all of it quiet and peaceful.
Some parts of the route are already developed – such as the Fife Coastal Way. Perhaps phase one could be the west coast as far as Loch Linnhe – where the route would join the Great Glen Way – or the south e east coast , joining the Fife Coastal Way to the Northumberland Coast Path.
The potential for walking holidays is endless – most Mickledore clients walk around 100 miles a week, meaning the whole route take well over a year to complete.
But the size of the undertaking should not be underestimated – not only is 6000 miles a very long way, vast tracts of the route , such as the area around Knoydart and the far north west, are extremely remote. Access for construction would be limited to sea and air. Its hard to imagine the Scottish Parliament finding the funds for such work – but here’s hoping!
Scotland MSP Alasdair Morgan first raised the idea of a national coastal route with the former Scottish Executive in 2005 - since then he has pursued the issue researching other long-distance routes and found that Scotland already has many coastal paths which could be joined together into a unified long-distance route.
Speaking ahead of the debate Alasdair Morgan whose region includes both Scotland's South East and South West Coasts said:
“Galloway and the South of Scotland already have some very beautiful coastal walks, which rightly attract large numbers of visitors every year.
"It was the Galloway coast which led me to think about the possibility in detail, not just through its beauty but also its history, from Burns and smuggling to the Mulberry Harbours.
"A national coastal path would run from near Gretna right around the coast of Scotland to Berwick taking in many of Scotland's most beautiful sights and towns on the way.
"From walking the whole distance to taking in sections at a time, much as people climb Munros, the coastal path could offer new tourism and outdoor opportunities.
“The idea of long-distance coastal paths is not unique to Scotland. The longest walking route in Britain is the 630 mile southwest coastal path in Devon and Cornwall. Given the length of our coastline, a Scottish coastal path would dwarf that and, in terms of length, challenge famous routes such as the Appalachian Trail.
“None of our motorways were built in one go. Paths are arguably much more beneficial in the long run and with many of the routes already in existence we must start the work to join them up and create a walk around Scotland."
A Scottish coastal path would take in some dramatic scenery – it is difficult to think of many parts which would be less than interesting. The intracacies of the west coast , with its many sea lochs reaching deep into the Scottish Highlands, mean the route would be extremely long – probably around 6000 miles, much of it stunning, most of it beautiful, nearly all of it quiet and peaceful.
Some parts of the route are already developed – such as the Fife Coastal Way. Perhaps phase one could be the west coast as far as Loch Linnhe – where the route would join the Great Glen Way – or the south e east coast , joining the Fife Coastal Way to the Northumberland Coast Path.
The potential for walking holidays is endless – most Mickledore clients walk around 100 miles a week, meaning the whole route take well over a year to complete.
But the size of the undertaking should not be underestimated – not only is 6000 miles a very long way, vast tracts of the route , such as the area around Knoydart and the far north west, are extremely remote. Access for construction would be limited to sea and air. Its hard to imagine the Scottish Parliament finding the funds for such work – but here’s hoping!
Labels: Fife Costal Way, Great Glen Way, Northumberland Coast Path, Scottish Coastal Path
Friday, 6 February 2009
Hadrian's Wall to be Lit Up
Two major arts projects have been announced for Hadrian’s Wall in 2009. Culture 10, a programme of cultural event organised by Newcastle and Gateshead, have just announced their programme for 2009.
Between 28 30 May, “Hadrian’s Wall: The Living Frontier” will take place.
NewcastleGateshead.com tells us that
“this is programme of events taking place at various locations along the wall will bring the frontier story to life through dramatic re-enactments – from Romans, Border Reivers, civil war troopers and through to the modern day. Culminating in a large scale pageant which will see how life along Hadrian’s Wall has changed over 1,600 years – The Living Frontier is an ambitious and exciting project taking place right across Hadrian's Wall!” Another website suggests that the wall will be garrisoned for the first time in 20 years (presumably by actors, rather than Romans – or maybe Roman actors?) but I haven’t been able to verify that. SO lots going on , but I don’t really know what. More details when they emerge.
The second event takes place after the end of the walking holiday season, between 7 November and 14 December. Its called “Hadrian’s Wall: Northumberland Lights”. The press relates seems to suggest that the whole of Hadrian's Wall will be illuminated. I find that hard to believe. Is this a bit of journalistic hyperbole, or are they really going to do it? And if they are, how? Thousands of generators and miles of cabling? Helicopter searchlights? Who knows. More information when I have it.
Between 28 30 May, “Hadrian’s Wall: The Living Frontier” will take place.
NewcastleGateshead.com tells us that
“this is programme of events taking place at various locations along the wall will bring the frontier story to life through dramatic re-enactments – from Romans, Border Reivers, civil war troopers and through to the modern day. Culminating in a large scale pageant which will see how life along Hadrian’s Wall has changed over 1,600 years – The Living Frontier is an ambitious and exciting project taking place right across Hadrian's Wall!” Another website suggests that the wall will be garrisoned for the first time in 20 years (presumably by actors, rather than Romans – or maybe Roman actors?) but I haven’t been able to verify that. SO lots going on , but I don’t really know what. More details when they emerge.
The second event takes place after the end of the walking holiday season, between 7 November and 14 December. Its called “Hadrian’s Wall: Northumberland Lights”. The press relates seems to suggest that the whole of Hadrian's Wall will be illuminated. I find that hard to believe. Is this a bit of journalistic hyperbole, or are they really going to do it? And if they are, how? Thousands of generators and miles of cabling? Helicopter searchlights? Who knows. More information when I have it.
Labels: Culture 10, Hadrian's Wall, Hadrian’s Wall: The Living Frontier, Illuminating Hadrian's Wall
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