Matthew Holmes, Newsquest Journalist Profile

Articles

Mayor's 'honour' of serving the Dalton community over the past year

3 weeks ago | nwemail.co.uk | Matthew Holmes

Councillor Neil McDougall's 12 months in the position came to an end last month with Cllr Ann Thurlow taking over the responsibilities. One of the key successes of his term was through fundraising with his efforts resulting in a final total of £7,668.23 being donated to local causes.
Hotel in the heart of Barrow with Italian restaurant put on the market for £2.5m

3 weeks ago | nwemail.co.uk | Matthew Holmes

Hotel Majestic, found on the main thoroughfare of Duke Street, is being marketed by Christie and Co as it looks for a new team to take it forward. The 41-bed business also boasts the 'extremely popular' Francesca's Italian Restaurant, which is included in the sale price.
New deli looks for temporary fix after Portland Walk fire delays opening

3 weeks ago | nwemail.co.uk | Matthew Holmes

The incident happened in the early hours of Wednesday, May 14 at Footwear and Fascinators at Portland Walk. The business lost its entire stock as a result of the blaze which also damaged the nearby site that was due to open as Carriola Deli. Currently unable to move back into the premises to start trading, the deli is now on the hunt for a temporary fix to ensure that the company can survive over the next few months.
Ulverston care home 'looks amazing' after volunteer support

3 weeks ago | nwemail.co.uk | Matthew Holmes

2 1/1 Volunteers helped to make a care home in south Cumbria a brighter place for its residents. A group of people from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) visited Elmhurst Residential Care Home in Ulverston to work in the garden and improve the surroundings. READ MORE: Ulverston: Care Home family members honour VE Day 80 with bouquet | The Mail GSK's Together Days allow their employees to escape work for a day to support a local cause or community project.
Dozens of tractors roll out across Furness to support man's 1,000km journey

3 weeks ago | nwemail.co.uk | Matthew Holmes

6 1/1 Dozens of tractors took to the roads of Furness to support a local man's upcoming fundraiser. The Furness and District Tractor Run returned for the first time in 2025 on Sunday, June 1 for a special edition. The aim of the event was to bring in donations for Trevor Hughes, who is travelling from John O' Groats to Lands End at the end of this week on his Ferguson TE20 tractor.
Date set for returning Medieval event in Barrow with new plans underway

3 weeks ago | nwemail.co.uk | Matthew Holmes

The Medieval Fair will once again be taking place at the English Heritage site on Saturday, August 30. It will be the 12th edition of the event, transporting locals to a bygone age through live performances and entertainment. READ MORE: Barrow medieval fair sends Cumbrians into the 12th century | The Mail A spokesperson from the Furness Abbey Fellowship commented: "We have new activities for children, new demonstrations and new volunteers.
Performers to bring 'moving and uplifting' musical to Ulverston

3 weeks ago | nwemail.co.uk | Matthew Holmes

The Ulverston Amateur Operatic Society are performing 'Come From Away' at The Coro from September 30 until October 4. The show shares the true story of 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11. A spokesperson from the society commented: "Following its smash hit run in the West End, we are proud to be one of the first UK amateur groups to have been granted the rights to perform this moving and uplifting musical.
Lake District: Coniston walkers trapped in quarry after heavy rainfall

3 weeks ago | nwemail.co.uk | Matthew Holmes

Cumbria Police asked Coniston Mountain Rescue Team for assistance at 3.48pm on Tuesday, June 3, with the small party said to be in Hodge Close. The men involved had chosen to camp in a safe area of the quarry but deteriorating weather conditions worked against them. A spokesperson from Coniston MRT said: "Unfortunately, overnight heavy rainfall had made the two main exit routes difficult for them to find a safe way out.
Departures confirmed for Furness College leaders after Ofsted findings

3 weeks ago | nwemail.co.uk | Matthew Holmes

The college was branded as 'inadequate' by Ofsted last year which prompted a visit from the Further Education (FE) Commissioner in December. The report found inadequate leadership and management, and reported quality of education, personal development and behaviour and attitudes all required improvement. Gary Lovatt, who took on the role as Chair in October 2024, has been replaced by former deputy FE commissioner Meredydd David OBE.
Ulverston celebrates World Environment Day with family event at The Coro

3 weeks ago | nwemail.co.uk | Matthew Holmes

A range of activities are being held outside The Coro on Saturday, June 7, running from 10.30am until 2pm. This has been organised as part of World Environment Day, raising awareness about plastic pollution and how small changes can make big differences.