I've been meditating for decades with a focus on samatha. Lately it's felt quite isolated and I want to find courses and classes.

I can see a few in Ulverston, Carlisle and Kendal, but the times and days don't work for me in between work and childcare.

Does anybody know of anything in the West Cumbria area? I live in Whitehaven.

I am not averse to a religious element however I am not particularly religious. I have seen mindfulness on offer in Whitehaven and Keswick but I don't think it's exactly the same thing and to be blunt I suspect that I am a little past those courses in terms of skill and experience.

Thank you in advance!

Hello! I'm conducting a research project on Egremont, its culture, and the Crab Fair. I want personal opinions, your overview of it, what you think of Gurning and the fair in general. Would love a few replies, and please let me know if you're open to a longer conversation. Will not be asking personal details at all. Thank you!

Ive seen many churches and methodist churches in whitehaven, like St james church, St john's church hensingham, St nicholas church, Wesleyan Methodist Church but which is truly the tallest (Excluding hills, just pure height)? For me, Id say Wesleyan Methodist Church as it towers over Whitehaven and i see it all the time

im planning on doing the cumbria way in mid-late april next year and i wanted to know if its a good time weather-wise and view-wise (are the hills going to be green and blooming) and if wild camping is accepted over there

Labour has claimed the race to become Cumbria's first elected mayor is now a two-horse contest between its candidate David Allen and Reform UK after new polling put the two parties almost level across the county.

New YouGov MRP polling suggests Labour is narrowly ahead on 25.4 per cent, with Reform UK on 25.2 per cent.

The Conservatives are placed third on 20 per cent, while the Liberal Democrats are fourth on 16.8 per cent and the Green Party on 8.6 per cent.

The figures come from wider research based on polling of nearly 17,000 voters and modelling support in different parts of the country.

Labour said the results show the contest for the new Cumbria mayoralty is a direct battle between former Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen and Reform UK.

Earlier this year, Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron argued the mayoral election was effectively a contest between the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK, saying Reform would win "unless the Liberal Democrats do" and describing his party as the only force capable of stopping Nigel Farage's party.

Labour's interpretation of the latest polling directly challenges that claim, with the survey placing the party around nine percentage points ahead of the Liberal Democrats across Cumbria.

The first Cumbria mayoral election is due to take place in May 2027, with the winner set to oversee strategic powers including transport, housing, skills, economic development and investment across Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness.

I live locally and I’ve been wondering whether there’s room for a small independent space in Penrith centered around physical music, with some flexible coworking space too.

I’m very much at the “is this even a good idea?” stage, so I’ve made a short survey to hear from people who actually live around here before I get carried away 😅

You can find the survey here

It takes about 2 minutes. I’m mainly interested in what people genuinely buy/use, not collecting personal info.
Also, if you’ve got thoughts, concerns, or ideas, feel free to comment. I’d genuinely like to hear them.

As the title says, what is your recommendation for the best steak in Carlisle or further afield?

On an sunny October morning stroll and saw an opportunity for a picture of my home town

went to Carlisle for the first time, bloody cold. I did not expect that in this type of sunny weather.

My band are pairing with a couple of other local bands Deadly Pylons (Carlisle) and XOX (Lancaster) for a bit of an Alt Rock Showcase at Ruskins next Friday if that’s your bag. All original acts, plenty of big riffs. Something different for your Friday evening in Kendal anyway.

Move to Northumberland/cumbria/Scotland

I am considering upping sticks and moving from east Sussex to one of the above.

My main reason is that I could buy a better home.

I am looking for a small house with acreage min of 3acres. Ideally with my. Horse to stay at home with me. Dogs and cats also coming!

I work as a nanny/housekeeper so not sure if that's in demand in the area

Anyone recommend areas for good riding with land and woods but within distance for work and not million miles from a village or town so I'm not living in the car

Any pros and cons welcome!!

Beautiful