There has been much talk by some in politics about Britain as a "broken society". Repeatedly this past year West Cumbria has demonstrated quite the reverse. The devastating floods, the prolonged deep freeze, the heartbreaking school bus crash and the response to the grim shootings have all underlined that we have a closely knit, compassionate, caring, warm and mutually supportive community. The resilience is legendary. Adversity is met with a very special spirit. This has impressed the nation as a whole. Cumbrian solidarity is seen to be real. The grieving is genuinely shared and together the community copes and moves forward.

This spirit was again illustrated by the West Cumbria Hospice at Home ladies mid night walk in June. The number of participants was once more outstanding. There were some 1,500, even more than last year. As the walkers assembled in Workington on a cool evening, the atmosphere was cheerful and excited. There was not much sign of alcohol. The ladies had serious intent! The warming up dancing and exercising were enthusiastic. All this made the two minutes silence to remember those no longer with us all the more profound and moving. And then they were off on the stroke of midnight for their six miles. Christine, my wife, was one! The first was back in one hour and six minutes. Most did it convincingly at over three miles per hour. It was all yet another tribute to the special spirit of the community. But what impresses me is the way the community has made the hospice its hospice. Local people feel a real responsibility for it. For those within its care this means a great deal. At a difficult and exacting time they feel wanted. They have not been shunted off to be forgotten. They reach the conclusion of their lives with dignity as people who matter. The combination of dedicated staff and volunteers with the community proactively behind them is terrific.

After coming to love Cumbria during our annual visits over the preceding twenty years, Christine and I left Oxford and moved to the Lorton Valley in 1995. We are both agreed that we have never made a better decision in our lives. We love it, as do our children and grandchildren who come several times a year. The character, history and scenic beauty are unique. They should never be taken for granted and theymore than warrant the world heritage site status which is being sought. But for us both the most precious asset is the people. We feel very privileged to be living amidst so much courage, friendliness and good humour. We would like to become Cumbrians but have to be realistic. We know we shall always be regarded as offcomers! That makes the quality of friendship which is nevertheless so readily extended to us a particularly wonderful experience. As we prepare to celebrate our golden wedding next year we regard ourselves fortunate to be living in such a special community.

We are convinced that, with all the challenges to be faced, and with all the fortitude and character of its people, West Cumbria deserves all the local, county, regional and national government support which it is possible to mobilise. It won't be easy in the current political climate, but we shall be behind Jamie Reed and Tony Cunningham in their tireless fight for the people of West Cumbria and to secure the support the community more than deserves.
(Lord) Frank Judd

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