Sophie Swain

England, Long Preston

Journalist at News & Star

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Articles

Tributes paid to Solfest stage manager Jed Whitcher

4 days ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Sophie Swain

Jeremy Whitcher, most known as Jed or Jedi, died on Wednesday, May 7 at the age of 56 after a ālong and debilitatingā battle with type one diabetes. He was an original Solfest committee member and enjoyed the Coniston outdoor raves in the 1990s and the early 2000s. Jed managed the stage at Solfest with Hannah Appleyard for 15 years.
Village shop 'over the moon' to be named finalist in 'Best Chippy' competition

4 days ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Sophie Swain

The Dalston Fryer. (Image: Supplied) WE'RE highlighting the shortlisted chip shops in our competition in the News & Star. Each of the establishments will be featured over ten issues. The Dalston Fryer has been nominated by News & Star readers as one of ten finalists in its ‘Best Chippy 2025’ award. The much-loved village shop was reopened by former manager, Carla Barros after it closed in 2024.
North Cumbria Search and Rescue hit volunteering milestone during 'busy year'

4 days ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Sophie Swain

YesterdayÂ (Monday, June 2) marked the start of UK Volunteer Week, and the volunteers have been reflecting on the year so far. As well as search and rescue call outs and team training, the team have been taking part in outreach events throughout the city, including the Upperby Gala. They are presenting a water safety lesson at a school in the area on Friday and have recently run sessions with Carlisle College.
'People don’t train for cancer' - fitness coach raises over £8,000 for hospice

4 days ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Sophie Swain

Barrie Mark Scougal, 49, who owns Barrie Mark Personal Training in Harraby decided to fundraise and honour the team at Eden Valley Hospice who cared for his dad, Tony Scougal, and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice. Tony died in June last year after a battle with cancer. Barrie said: “It’s an emotional day today but it was worth it to have raised so much. It’s amazing.
Paolo’s a finalist in News & Star's 'Best Chippy 2025'

5 days ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Sophie Swain

Paolo’s Fish and Chips has been nominated by News & Star readers as one of ten finalists in its ‘Best Chippy 2025’ award. The family-run shop, which just celebrated its twelfth birthday last week, has been part of the Denton Holme community in Carlisle since 2013. Gemma Ellwood runs the shop with the help of her brother, Paul Fontana and her dad, also called Paul Fontana. She told the News & Star it was an 'honour' to be nominated. Gemma said: “It’s an honour.
Inside the oldest biscuit factory in the world – McVitie’s Carlisle

6 days ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Sophie Swain

Outside McVitie's Carlisle. (Image: Newsquest) ON Thursday (May 29) the News & Star had an exclusive tour around the oldest operating biscuit factory in the world. McVitie’s, or Carr’s of Carlisle as commonly named amongst staff, plays a huge role in the city’s heritage and manufacturing industry.
Eden Valley Hospice to host walking group in Chances Park next month

6 days ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Sophie Swain

Chances Park in Carlisle. (Image: Google Maps) EDENÂ Valley Hospice are hosting a walk and talk group next month for adults coping with the loss of a loved one. The walking group takes place at 11am on the first Tuesday of every month in Chances Park on Wigton Road in Carlisle. Next monthâs session will be on Tuesday, June 3.
Purple-Bearded Poet hopes for 'big break' in Carlisle

1 week ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Sophie Swain

Steve Dixon, 50, and his fiancĆ©e, Ruth are moving to the city from London to join family who have lived nearby for over 20 years. After spending half of his life in the corporate world, the father of four took a āleap of faithā and has recently published his first childrenās book ā āMonkey-Dog! A New Breed of Superheroā ā which hasĀ sold copies across America and Germany. He said: āI liked writing stories as a kid.
Two friends set off on journey from Edinburgh to Rome

1 week ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Sophie Swain

Dominic Treetops, 56 and Norman Winel, 67 are taking part in the Rust2Rome challenge which will see them drive four and a half thousand miles in 10 days. The professional drivers, who work for A.W. Jenkinson in Cumbria, are setting off from Carlisle Castle this afternoon in their 22-year-old BMW. Members of the Royal British Legion Carlisle and Stanwix branch plan to give them a send-off. Dominic said: “We plan to start and finish our journey at the castle.
B&M Bargains welcomes customers to new Carlisle city centre shop

1 week ago | newsandstar.co.uk | Sophie Swain

Keen shoppers were able to grab bargains from 8am and many were leaving with full bags. The popular retailer was welcoming customers with free bags for life on entry and smiles all round. One customer said: â€śItâ€™s good to have it back in town, now we wonâ€™t have to travel up to Kingstown.â€ť Another added: â€śI was excited to come this morning! Itâ€™s handy to have it.â€ť The newly revitalised space is inside the former Wilkos unit.