Walk to Piel Island - 24 July

Walk from Snab Point to Piel Island (Part Of The Islands of Barrow and Furness Walking Festival) Sunday 24th July 2011, meet minibus at the Dock Museum 10:15am.

Organised by Art Gene and led by Barrow’s current Mayor Cllr John Murphy:

Additional presentations along the route from a range of specialists with expert knowledge and anecdotes told by local people. A guided walk peppered with local stories historical facts and observations about this unique historic natural environment. On arrival at Piel there will be an opportunity to see Art Gene’s developing designs for new interpretive materials, furniture, fixtures and fittings for the Ship Inn which have been commissioned by Barrow Borough Council.

We will also listen to a selection of short anecdotes about Piel told by local people and have time to explore the island and its 13th century castle.

Add your Story - Art Gene are collecting stories to be included in a new Visitor Book for the Ship Inn - If you have a story there will be an opportunity to write yourself into history!

Please take special note of the guidelines to the walking festival in the festival brochure link below

Itinerary;

10.15-10.30am - meet at the Dock Museum, Barrow. If you are on foot there will be free minibus transport to the start of the walk and the bus will deliver you back to the Dock Museum at the end of the walk

10.15-10.30 - meet in the larger car park at the Dock Museum

10.30 - 10.50 - drive in convoy to Snab Point where there is a free car park

11.00 - 11.10 - gather for health and safety messages from guide John Murphy followed by details of the day’s programme from Maddi Nicholson (Art Gene)

11.10 - 12.00 - walk to Piel Island with information stops presented by a range of specialist speakers.

12.00 - 1.00 - a drink, food, listening to Piel Memories and an opportunity to write yourself into history with your short story or anecdote about Piel

1.00 - 2.00 - an hour to explore the island on your own or with John Murphy, other experts and knowledgeable local people. We will also explore the interesting flora and fauna of the Island.

2.00 prompt - gather outside the Ship Inn Entrance and walk back to Snab Point

4.00 - 4.30 - minibus back to the Dock Museum (or make your own way home)

How to get to the Dock Museum

http://www.dockmuseum.org.uk/Default.aspx?page=6

Follow this link to a downloadable copy of the Islands of Barrow Walking Festival

http://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/pdf/BBC_Walking_2011.pdf 

An Art Gene Design Cafe event

A Public meeting to discuss opportunities around self-managed allotments. Thursday 21st July from 6pm.

Following the recent trip to a prize winning self-managed allotment group in Eccles, Art Gene would like to invite you to an evening of discussion and refreshments. Come and hear what we found out and why we are so excited about the things we discovered!

This will be of particular interest to those who are considering the option of self managed allotments and those on allotment waiting lists.

Join us at 6pm for a free buffet and refreshments followed by informal discussion from 7pm.

“People who say it can't be done should

stop interrupting those of us who are doing

it.” Henry Ford

Free Sports and Dance Fun Day For All The Family

InsideOut Activities will be holding a free family sports and dance Funday at St Bernard’s School on Sunday 24th July from 12pm to 3.30pm.

Lots of activities will be available on the day including a talent contest with £100 of prizes, free football and dance taster sessions, a soccer tennis competition for adults and lots of stalls including bouncy castles, cross bar challenge, basketball shootout and Rocketshot.

To book a place in the talent contest or the free taster sessions please call 01229 430857 or enquiries@insideoutactivities.co.uk

Brief Permanence - exhibition at Art Gene

A mixed-media exhibition exploring the meaning and contradictions of circus through the works of three British Artists, Rosalind Davis, Shelley Love and Michaela Nettell. Part of Zircus Plus, Barrows International Circus Festival.

Shelley Love's film 'The Forgotten Circus' tells the story of a circus adrift, forgotten, lost forever in time.

Michaela Nettell's video projections on glass explore ideas of illusion, impermanence and flight. Rosalind Davis' mixed-media paintings focus on structures that appear neglected but which are of vital importance to the individuals who use them. Curated by Irina Stark.

Friday 15 July              7-9pm
Saturday 16 July        12-6pm
Sunday 17 July           12-6pm
at Art Gene, The Nan Tait Centre, Bath Street, Barrow LA14 5TY.

 For any further information please contact 01539 720252 or jan@kendalartsinternational.com

More Zircus Plus events are at the forum, Duke Street (01229 820000) or in Barrow town centre and Barrow Park then throughout the weekend.

Island of Barrow and Furness Walking Festival - walks this week

Friday 15 July - Biggar Village Walk

Meet: Thorney Nook car park, Walney Island 5.30pm.

John Murphy will lead a walk along the shingle-beach on the west side of the island. Be prepared to get your feet a bit wet as we go out to look at the remains of the submerged forest. On our return we will be investigating the salt mining industry and exploring Biggar Village. Circular Walk, approx 4 miles.

Saturday 16 July - North Walney Nature Reserve Guided Walk

Meet: Earnse Bay car park, Walney Island 1pm (til 4pm)

Join in a guided walk around one of the best coastal nature reserves in Cumbria. Four mile walk will take in beach, ponds, sand dunes and hay meadows with plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife. Dogs welcome but must be kep on a lead at alltimes.

Saturday 16 July -Ormsgill Quarry and How Tun Woods Wildlife Walk

Meet: St Francis Church, Schneider Rd. 2pm (til 4pm)

Part of Barrow's Wildlside Project. A chance to find out what fantastic wildlife is present virtually in the town centre. The quarry is suitable for wheelchairs but How Tun Woods is not suitable for wheelchairs. Parking available at Tally Ho car park, Schneider Rd roundabout.

Sunday 17 July - South Walney Nature Reserve Wildlife Walk

Meet: Nature Reserve car park 10.30am (til 12.30pm)

Part of Barrow's Wildlside Project.  A guided walk around the reserve looking at the bird life and other interesting wildlife. No dogs allowed.

Sunday 17 July - The Fringe of Morecambe Bay

Meet: The Tarn, Leece village 1pm

Join John Murphy for an amble down to the delightfully named hamlet of Peasholme. We will be exploring the northern fringes of Morecambe Bay and returning through ancient woodland and footpaths (4 mile circular).

Thought for the Week

“Taking care of our neighbors’ interests is essentially taking care of our own future.” Dalai Lama

Expect fireworks as Zircus Plus gets off to an explosive start

A spectacular new open air show from one of the UK’s leading performance groups will light up the skies above Cumbria as part of this year's international circus festival Zircus Plus on 15-17 July.

The award-winning NoFit State Circus will unveil their new work Barricade in Barrow Park on 15 July for a night of highly-skilled aerial acrobatics, physical drama and breathtaking pyrotechnics.

Starting at 9pm, the free Big Friday Night will see Barrow Park transformed into a beautiful aerial playground complete with an iconic set designed by Dan Potra who helped to produce the Delhi Commonwealth Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Circus imagery, acrobatic skills, and inspiring music created by the Immortal Orchestra will be used to produce an astounding show that pushes the boundaries of contemporary circus to its limits. With pre-entertainment from the Barracudas, Barrow Carnival Bands and the UK’s leading trick cyclist Paddy Waters it promises to be a night to remember. The event will climax with a dramatic firework display from pa-Boom that will be seen for miles around.

Another key performance to look forward to at this year’s Zircus Plus comes from Italian Compagnie Piano C who will bring a touch of magic to Barrow with their award-winning show Senza Che. Taking nothing more than a few simple items including a bin and a cardboard box, the performers conjure up a bitter sweet show that elevates rubbish to an art form.Using humour, poetry and drama, the group inspire audiences to think about issues such as homelessness, freedom and wealth.

Heartland features aerial performers swooping through the sky entwined in swathes of fabric. Inspired by the legend of Minotaur, this new piece of work fuses music, dance and storytelling in thrilling style.

For the first time there will also be a series of performances in the Forum in Barrow aimed at adults and children aged eight or above. From PanGottic Circus Theatre comes Full Twist, an upbeat silent comedy about falling in love. This award-winning show blends physical theatre, clowning, masks and contemporary theatre to create incredible drama without using a single word.

Also making their debut at the Forum is French team DeFracto who will present their hilarious show Circuits-Fermes. It's an extremely funny and highly skilled show that has captivated audiences across Europe and will make its UK premiere at Zircus Plus. The shows will run on Friday 15 and Saturday 16 July at 7.30pm. Tickets for the double bill cost £6 (full price), £4 (concession) and a friends and family ticket for 5 people is £20. Tickets are available now from The Forum.

On the Saturday 16 July and Sunday 17 July the hub of the festival takes place in Barrow Park where 15 companies from across the world will excite and delight you with a mix of antics and acrobatics.

From Germany comes Aristokraten - an animation show that combines acrobatics, music and satire in one heady mix.

Laughs aplenty will also be provided by George Orange, an eccentric clown and slack-rope dancer from Chicago. His Man on the Moon show takes children and adults on an amazing trip to the moon and back.

Bicycle Ballet will dazzle audiences with an outdoor dance show performed on bikes. Starring trick cycling specialist Paddy Waters, this new piece of work uses dance, circus and physical theatre to look at differing male and female approaches to their bikes. It all adds up to a fun and frenetic performance that will leave audiences shaken and stirred.

Away from Barrow Park, Zircus Plus will be invading Dalton Road on Saturday with a selection of great street acts to entertain shoppers.

All of the outdoor shows are free and suitable for all the family.

This year’s Zircus Plus also includes an art exhibition Brief Permanence at Art Gene. Curated by Irina Stark, it is a mixed-media exhibition exploring the meaning and contradictions of circus through the works of three British artists.

Summer activities 2011 - lots on offer!

There's lots to do throughout this Summer - sports, wildlife, walks, Dock  Museum, Park Leisure Centre and much more ... lots of FREE stuff, some cheap and some you'll have to pay for but there's something for everyone!

Follow the link to find out more ...

http://www.box.net/shared/i0qeegis81mqqu916kl1

Thought for the Week

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”  Albert Einstein

Cumbria CVS Volunteer Workshop

Wednesday 13 July 2011 from 10am to 11.30am. Free refreshments provided.

Do you want to improve your skills and get a job in administration, youth work, health & social care, retail, driving, teaching, nursing, environmental work? Whatever job you are looking for why not gain some experience first by volunteering? Try volunteering to expand and enhance your CV and improve your job prospects. It is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, improve your skills, try a new challenge and it also helps to improve your confidence.

In Barrow our Volunteer Centre at Lesser Kings Hall Hartington Street is now holding monthly 'Introduction to Volunteers'. The sessions cover the wide range of volunteering opportunities, organisations that are needing volunteers, the benefits of volunteering and state benefits, training opportunities, courses and NVQ's available to volunteers. This is a fantastic opportunity to find out what is available to you. No skills or qualifications are necessary.

To book your place Tel: 01229 825630 or e-mail: lisam@cumbriacvs.org.uk

Islands of Barrow and Peninsula Walking Festival

Some dates for walking festival ...

Love Barrow Walk - Friday 1 July 2011. Meet 1pm at the Town Hall Courtyard. We will start with a short tour of Barrow’s magnificent town hall before strolling around the heritage walk of St. George’s Square with John Murphy. For further information contact John Murphy on 01229 473746.

North Walney - Thursday 7 July / 14 July / 21 July and 28 July 2011

Walney Sunset Walk 6.45pm from West Shore Car Park, led by Richard Scott of Feet First in Furness. A walk all around the north end of Walney island exploring North Walney Nature Reserve and including some rough walking across dunes (approx 2 ½ hours). For further information contact Richard Scott on 01229 825630

Furness Abbey to Roose Greenway - Friday 8 July 2011

Meet at Furness Abbey Amphitheatre car park 6pm for a lovely evening stroll around Furness Abbey. We will be looking at the history of this iconic Abbey before we meander along the Greenway to Roose Station and returning via Abbotswood. For further information contact John Murphy on 01229 473746.

Follow link for full details - http://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/pdf/BBC_Walking_2011.pdf

What's on in Barrow Park

Sunday 3rd July - Barrow Steelworks Band 2-4pm in the Bandstand

Fri 15th - Sun 17th July - Zirkus (times to be confirmed) Events/Bandstand areas for more details visit http://www.lakesalive.org/

Saturday 23rd July - Barrow Wildside Day 12-4pm in the Park, for more details go to http://www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/barrows-wildside.html

Sunday 24th July - Dalton Town Band 2-4pm in the Bandstand

Sunday 7th August - Barrow Steelworks Band 2-4pm in the Bandstand

Sunday 14th August - Dalton Town Band 2-4pm in the Bandstand

Sunday 28th August - Unity/Movement & Atic DJ Extravaganza 12pm-6pm in the Bandstand

A free all-day Design Cafe visit to Brockholes Nature Reserve

Art Gene - FREE Design cafe trip on Friday 15th July 2011

'Adam Khan is one of the most inspiring, original and committed architects of his generation.’ Jon Snow, Broadcaster.

The Lancashire Wildlife Trust has developed Brockholes Nature Reserve, near Preston wetland area and former mine into a floating visitor centre, and nature reserve working with Adam Khan Architects, London.

Adam Khan Architects’ scheme was chosen, through an international competition of 61 European architects, for its inspirational design concept: "A Floating World".

Designed as a cluster of buildings constructed largely of wood and other sustainable materials, it resembles an ancient marshland village.

The centre includes wetlands, ponds, seeded meadows supporting a heard of longhorn cattle, new hedgerows, trees and bird watching hides made accessible via newly created paths. Volunteers have helped propagate 20,000 reed seedlings that are now planted around the architecturally inspiring visitors centre.

We are delighted that Adam Khan has agreed to join our trip, talking about both his approach to the commission, the process of developing the scheme and its final design and construction. This is a unique opportunity to talk directly with the architect about his inspirational scheme that enhances the natural environment with high quality contemporary architecture and design and the use of sustainable construction materials.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/apr/27/service-station-m6-nature-motorists

Disabled access: There is disabled access around some of the trails and the visitors centre is fully accessible. Currently the centre does not have ‘tramper’ wheelchairs to loan. Our bus is not wheelchair accessible but there is storage for collapsed wheelchairs.

Itinerary:

Barrow to Brockholes by minibus - 10.30 am -12 noon

Talk with Adam Khan with lunch (packed lunch or visitor centre cafe) 12 noon - 1pm

Walking the building with Adam Khan - questions and answers 1pm - 2.00pm

Exploring the Nature Reserve - walks 2.00pm - 3.30pm

Back to Barrow 3.30pm - 5.00pm

Book now as seats will go quickly please book now by any of the following:

• Ringing or texting Steve Harris on 07946126412

• Ringing the Art Gene office in Barrow 01229 825085

• Emailing artgenesteve@btconnect.com

Contemporary buildings as lookout areas in the landscape

A FREE all-day Design Cafe visit to Kielder Forest - Thursday 14th July.

Kielder Forest Park, in Northumberland has both the biggest man-made lake in northern Europe and the largest working forest in England; it covers 250 square miles. Most notably for our purpose, it also has some of the most interesting contemporary viewing structures, and small buildings in the country.

Peter Sharpe Director of Art and Architecture at Kielder, will lead the tour, and talk to us about the works, the artists and architects he commissions and the ideas behind placing uncompromising contemporary works in the natural landscape.

The Park is large and we will be using our bus to move between locations with stops as per the itinerary below. This is a rare opportunity and places will be limited.

In order to see as many structures as possible please bring snacks to keep you energised throughout this busy and spectacular day. Lunch can be purchased at Kielder Castle cafe or bring your own.

http://www.visitkielder.com/site/things-to-do/art-and-architecture/art-and-architecture-list

Disabled Access - Unfortunately, the Park terrain is demanding and therefore not suitable for wheelchair users.

Itinerary

8.00am Depart Art Gene Barrow

11.00am Arrive Kielder (dam end of the Lake)

11.30am Arr. 55/02

12.15pm Arr. Belvedere

13.00pm Arr. Freya’s Cottage

14.00pm Arr. Specere

14.15-15.15pm Lunch at Kielder Castle / Minotaur

15.30pm Arr. Skyspace

15.45pm Arr. Observatory

16.30pm Depart Kielder

19.30pm Return Art Gene Barrow

Book now as seats will go quickly please book now by any of the following:

• Ringing or texting Steve Harris on 07946126412

• Ringing the Art Gene office in Barrow 01229 825085

• Emailing artgenesteve@btconnect.com

Thought for the Week

“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Dalton Town Band in Barrow Park - this Sunday

Sunday 26 June - Dalton Town Band 2-4pm at Barrow Park Bandstand.

Barrow Raiders home game tonight!

Barrow Raiders home game tonight!

Thursday 23rd June v Featherstone 7.30pm

FREE trip to award winning allotments

A free Design Café minibus day trip to 'Tindall St & Lorne St Allotment Association', Eccles - Saturday 2nd July

Are you waiting for an allotment? Are you interested in finding out about what it takes to set up a self-managed allotment group in your community? This is your chance to join a trip to a prize-winning allotment group. The founders of the allotments will be there to answer your questions about how they started and what it took to succeed. They will also show us around the site where we will meet with other allotment holders. Tindall Street is the first allotment site in the north of England to receive The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and The Green Pennant Award for high quality green spaces in England.

Booking: As seats will go quickly please book now by any of the following:

• Ringing or texting Steve Harris on 07946126412

• Ringing the Art Gene office in Barrow 01229 825085

• Emailing artgenesteve@btconnect.com

• Book on www.artgene-designcafe.com

On the day: Please be prompt - we leave at 10.00 am.

Please bring clothing and footwear appropriate to weather conditions. Meet at Art Gene car park, Nan Tait Centre, Abbey Road, Barrow in Furness LA14 5TY. Disabled Facilities: Some parts of Tindall Street Allotments are accessible by wheelchair but this is not the case for the tour element of the trip.

Thought for the Week

“The power of imagination makes us infinite.” John Muir

Barrow’s Wildside Events - June and July

Barrow's Wildside is an exciting new project that aims to improve green spaces in Barrow for wildlife and the local community. Being outside and closer to nature improves your well being too! Loads of exciting plans are being planned for young and old alike. You and your family can get involved in walks, training, practical conservation work.

                                       Summer Wildlife Surveys in Barrow

Wed 13 July - Park Road Woods - meet car park near former Owl Centre off Park Rd.

Wed 27 July - North Scale meadows - meet Fire Station, Mill Lane, Walney SD 181 693

Thurs 4 August – Biggar Bank – meet the Roundhouse, Walney SD 178 675

                                               Events and activities

Sun 19 June

‘The amazing wildlife of South Walney Nature Reserve’

Guided walk looking at waders and wildfowl. Bring binoculars if you have them. Meet South Walney Nature Reserve. Grid reference SD 204 632. Cumbria Wildlife Trust 01229 471066

Sat 2 July 10-12noon

'North Walney Beach Clean'

Your chance to do your bit. Equipment provided, suitable for children aged 8 and over. Meet at West Shore/Earnsea Bay car park. Grid reference SD 171 698. Organised by Natural England 07786 482884

Thurs 7 July 9.30pm-11pm

'What glows in the dark?'

Guided walk to Foulney Island Nature Reserve, hopefully to see female glow worms. Bring a torch, suitable for aged 8 and over. Meet in the car park Foulney Island Resrve. Grid reference SD 234 655.Organised by Cumbria Wildlife Trust 01229 471066

Thought for the Week

“Even a small act of compassion grants meaning and purpose to our lives.” Dalai Lama

Barrow Carnival itinerary - Saturday 25 June

Dancing competition 9.30am in the forum

Stalls and attractions 10am in the Town Square and courtyard

Crowning of the Carnival Queen 11am in the Town Hall (invitation only)

Parade starts from Ramsden Square, Duke Street 12noon

Parade progresses - Abbey Road, Dalkeith St, Buccleuch St, Rawlinson Street, Cavendish St, Duke St, finishing in Town Square taking approximately one hour

Dancing competitions will take place in the forum

Sessions 9.30am, 11am, 2pm, & 3.15 pm please check with the forum

Tickets available from the dance troupes or the forum

Prize giving 5pm in the Town Square

Stalls and attractions will finish at 5.30pm

Please note some streets will be closed during the parade.

Confidence Building course at CVS

Thursday 16 June 2011 at Cumbria CVS, Lesser Kings Hall, Hartington Street, Barrow, LA14 5SR from 9am – 1pm. Trainer: Jennie Sutton (Enabling Success)

By the end of this session you will have:

• defined confidence and self-esteem

• measured your own confidence and self esteem level

• discussed benefits of being more confident and having a higher opinion of yourself

• understood the consequence of negative thoughts and how to overcome them

• identified barriers to being confident

• devised a way to measure confidence levels

This course is for volunteers only and is free. Please note refreshments will be provided (but not lunch).

To book your place call 01768 800350 or email moniquer@cumbriacvs.org.uk  

Connexions Cumbria can help adults too!!

As well as providing help and support to young people, Connexions Cumbria also hosts the Next Step service which is a service aimed at adults aged 19 or over. Next Step provides information and advice on career change, interview skills, job search, CV writing as well as local training and employment opportunities.

Next Step is a confidential service delivered by helpful, qualified, and competent staff. It provides up-to-date and accurate information and advice on learning, training and employment opportunities.

Next Step Advisers will be able to help you:

• Explore relevant opportunities.

• Understand more about your strengths and weaknesses.

• Identify your skills and goals.

• Help you choose the best option for you.

• If appropriate, support in finding ways of overcoming barriers that might affect access to learning, training and employment.

• Use computer programs to help you generate career ideas and research courses.

• Refer you to services who will be better able to help you.

If you want help to decide your ‘Next Step’ then we have a team of advisers based in Connexions centres and in job centres around the county and are available to provide one to one help and support. If you need help with reading, writing and maths then our Next Step advisers can help your find courses and support you.

Contact your local Connexions office on 0800 435 709 or call in for more details.