Dalston Show

Saturday 13 August saw the annual Dalston Show take place. This is a wonderful local show that is well supported by not only locals but people from the business and agricultural community far and wide - this year was no exception.


It was great to see so many people (clients and non-clients) visiting our stand. It gave us a fantastic opportunity to catch up with old friends but also to meet plenty of new people. Hospitality and entertainment for the children meant everyone was catered for.

We were delighted to also welcome on to our stand The mayor of Carlisle, Councillor Barry Earp and his Consort, wife Kay, John Stevenson MP and Mr Ted Haste, President of the British Blue Cattle Society who had travelled from Devon.

The days leading up to the show were really not very favourable with the inclement weather conditions, but despite the downpours prior, the day itself remained fair. We didn't however take any chance and performed our duties in wellies.

There were a good number of entries in the livestock classes which were repeated in the equestrian sectors and a great entertainment itinerary throughout the day which included plenty of entertainment for the children.

We had a thoroughly enjoyable day and would like to say thank you to those of you who were able to visit us. We are very much looking forward to the show next year.

By Sandra Gowling

David Allen meets David Cameron

I had the pleasure of meeting David Cameron last night when he visited Carlisle. It was reassuring to hear him talk so passionately about his support for Academies, the Police and the Judicial System.

By David Allen

Border British Blue Club – Annual Herd Competition

This Annual event took place over the course of 4 days, with local herds (from Berwick Upon Tweed to West Cumbria, Southern Scotland to North Yorkshire) being judged by a special guest visitor Mr Ted Haste, President of the British Blue Cattle Society.

Ted travelled up from Devon to carry out his judging duties - he had a difficult job as he noted there were a number of outstanding cattle on show.

The results were announced on Friday evening 12 August at the Highland Drove Inn, Great Salkeld and we (David Allen) had the honour of being a sponsor of the event with myself and Emma Pigg attending the presentation. Following a wonderful meal of roast beef, Ted announced the winners of each category and it was a real pleasure to see the huge respect each of the participants had for each other and for Ted's decision.

The overall winner was Jonathan Watson, with the Tweeddale Herd from nr Berwick Upon Tweed. The runner up in the small herd section went to Ross & Elaine Pattinson with the Low Longthwaite Herd. Kevin Watret won the David Allen Trophy for Best Cow from his Solway View herd.

By Sandra Gowling

Total Warrior

On Sunday myself and a group of my colleagues and friends; Jaimi Wilson; Chris Claux; Sam Verry; Danny Roper; Fiona Park; Charlotte Hill to name but a few, along with the other 1,500 competitors, headed off to Shap for the ultimate challenge of Total Warrior - little did we know what we had let ourselves in for!

Despite the typical Cumbrian weather and Chris Claux’s previously injured foot, the run was enjoyable and challenging at the same time. We were constantly falling over and were covered in nettle stings from trying to save ourselves.

The course was very well planned, with a whole range of death defying obstacles thrown in for good measure - there was everything from a swim in the fast flowing cold river, tyre tunnels, mud pits where you had to dive under the mud, the Human barbecue to run through to and the slippery rock climbs where we were scrabbling over the rocks hanging on for our lives!

Throughout the run I was looking forward to the next obstacle as it gave me time to catch my breath. My personal favourite was the 3 meter wall, which boosted my morale; once I had landed on the other side I was actually surprised that I managed it on my own. Charlotte on the other hand had a boost of a different kind as she was launched into mid air by a burly assistant and landed on the other side with a thump.

We all had a thoroughly exhausting and enjoyable day and have the cuts and bruises as proof of our efforts. However, just as in life, it’s not how fast you get there but the challenges you face along the way.

To round off the day we all went to Carlisle for a well deserved drink or two!

By Bart Centlewski

Ladies Night at Carlisle Racecourse

Last night a few of us adorned ourselves in our glad rags and attended the infamous Ladies Night at Carlisle Racecourse.

Yet again this was a fantastic evening - it was such a shame that it was raining however we didn’t let this dampen our spirits too much!

After a few glasses of wine and a few bets, the main race of the evening started… the Maidens Foot Race.

Jackie Matthews our newly appointed Business Development Director represented David Allen in the race and was cheered on by her colleagues and friends alike. She did exceptionally well and came in fourth; she was up against some very serious athletes with Carol Westmorland, a pilates instructor and cyclist coming in first and a lady training for a triathlon coming in second! Well done Jackie for taking part, you were brilliant.

The evening was topped off with a brilliant performance by Alexandra Burke.

A thoroughly good evening was had by all.

By Alison Welton

Photographs kindly supplied by Carlisle Living

Cockermouth Show

On Saturday 30 July staff from our Agricultural, Wealth Management and Accountancy teams headed off to our second Agricultural show of the season.

The weather was fantastic yet again and there was a really good turn out; the show seems to be going from strength to strength each year thanks to the show committee.

Not only was there an outstanding standard of animals at show there was also a wide variety to see and do; from the informative stands such as the RSPB…to the vintage machinery of bygone years and of course plenty to keep the youngsters entertained.

It was a superb day and it was great to see friends and clients, old and new. Our next outing will be to Dalston show on Saturday 13 August, so if you get the chance, stop off for a chat and a cuppa - we look forward to seeing you there.

By Julie Osborn