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Carelink's Christmas Day meal is delivery-only this year! Lynne and the team will be delivering to the Ulverston community, free of charge. Please call her on 07776 218834 if you'd like to book a meal delivery for yourself, a friend, or a relative.

Ulverston Parish Church (UPC) is now open as a Warm Spot from 2pm to 4pm on Thursdays. It provides free hot drinks, homemade cakes, newspapers, and company.

Warm Spots are warm, welcoming places that you can visit in winter. Warm Spots are run by a range of different organisations including churches, village halls, local councils and libraries.

Ulverston Leisure Centre provides "Chatter Matters" from 11am to 1pm on Mondays, at a cost of £2 per person. It includes hot drinks, soup and roll, health and wellbeing advice, signposting, health checks, table games, and seated exercise classes.

Bethany Church provides a Warm Spot at their craft group which meets from 9:30am to 12pm on Tuesdays, or at their Coffee Club from 10:30am to 12pm on Fridays. They provide a warm, friendly environment, with free tea, coffee, and cakes.

You can also visit Ulverston Library during normal opening hours, where you can have free use of a laptop for 2 hours, and hot drinks are £1.

There was no stopping a team of Ulverston school children who planted an amazing 1,400 wildflowers in under two hours. The six and seven-year-olds from Croftlands Infant School planted wildflower plugs to create a pollinator friendly habitat that will benefit bees, butterflies, moths and other insects. The children planted eight different species of native wildflowers including ox-eye daisy, ragged robin, and meadow cranesbill.

The event at Croftlands Park was part of a two-year initiative called, "Get Cumbria Buzzing Not Buffering". It is a partnership between Cumbria Wildlife Trust and full fibre broadband organisation Fibrus, which provided £150,000 funding to help create and restore community wildflower sites across Cumbria. This investment forms part of Project Gigabit, the UK Government's programme to enable hard-to-reach communities across the country to access fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband.

Shannon Horrocks, Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Grassland Conservation Officer said, “Thirty-six children came along to Croftlands Park in Ulverston, full of enthusiasm. They worked so quickly we actually finished ahead of schedule! They loved learning about worms and soil health, and we talked about how the wildflowers will look next summer, and which pollinators will enjoy them. Through Fibrus’ support, together we have now restored twelve sites across the county, which are creating pollinator-friendly habitats. It’s fantastic to see young people getting hands-on, learning about nature, and seeing the difference they can make in their local environment, while also contributing to a wider network of green spaces for pollinators across Cumbria.”

Part of the group who rolled up their sleeves to take part was Charlie, six, who said, “I have seen 99 worms!” and Roxie, six, explained, “I have been making holes with my friends, and I’ve been putting plants in them. It’s been good fun.”

We have lost more than 97 per cent of our wildflower habitat in the UK. “It is declining rapidly so it is really important to teach children about it,” said Shannon. “Also, because it is so close to these children’s homes and school, they will get to see how the area changes over time.”

Donal Anderson, Environmental and Sustainability Specialist at Fibrus said, “We’re really pleased to support this project, which not only helps bring wildflowers back for pollinators across Cumbria, but also gives local children and communities the chance to get outside, get hands-on, and enjoy the results on their doorstep."

Council-operated pay-and-display car parks in Barrow, Penrith, and South Lakeland will be free on Thursday afternoons after 2pm in December. This will be consistent across Westmorland and Furness. The following car parks in Ulverston are included in the free parking offer:

If you suspect bird flu in poultry or other captive birds, you must report it immediately by phoning 03000 200301. Bird flu is a notifiable disease in poultry and other captive birds. If you do not report it, you’re breaking the law.

If you find any dead wild birds within the 10km Surveillance Zone, please report them by phoning 03459 335577, or via the following website: Report dead wild birds - GOV.UK.

The Mayor of Ulverston, Cllr Shirley-Anne Wilson, will be switching on Ulverston’s Christmas lights at 4pm on Saturday at the Market Cross.

Entertainment is provided absolutely free of charge. A full list of performances, and other important information, can be found on the Dickensian Festival website.

Ulverston Market Hall will be open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday 10th November, and from 10am to 4pm on Sunday 30th November. The market traders offer a warm and friendly welcome to everyone who visits, and especially for the occasion they’ll be dressed up in their finest Dickensian attire.

Santa’s grotto: Book here

IT’S OFFICIAL… the elves have confirmed that Santa WILL be visiting Ulverston town centre this year. Santa’s grotto will be located in Ulverston Market Hall for THREE consecutive Saturdays, on 6th, 13th, and 20th December. Please book online. All proceeds from Santa’s grotto are being donated to St Mary’s Hospice. 💜

Visit Ulverston town centre in the month before Christmas to experience the famous Dickensian Christmas Festival, traditional markets, specialist shops, pubs & cafes, brass bands, and a steam engine display in Market Street.

10am 29th & 30th November at Printshare Gallery, 9 Queen Street, Ulverston

Printshare’s annual Christmas Fair, selling original artwork, crafts, cards, and gifts by local makers and members of Printshare. Pop in over the Dickensian Festival weekend to find that special gift! 

Ulverston & District Flower Club presents their floral Christmas gala, "Christmas Celebrations". The fabulous floral artist David Ryland will be bringing Christmas to our stage in his own inimitable style. We are guaranteed pizzaz and colour; just what we need to get us in the festive spirit.

Put on your Christmas glamour and bring your friends. We will also have a flower arrangement raffle. Don’t miss out on this chance to take home one of David’s amazing designs.

Tickets are £12 in advance from 01229 581508 or 01229 586878, or pay at the door.

The antidote to COP30. Come and hear how a group of Cumbrians was brought together to decide how to tackle the Climate Emergency. The speakers will be members of the Assembly, who went through the process. We’re inspired and so will you be.

This event is hosted and sponsored by Ulverston and District Green Party, and is not party political. Everyone who cares about our planet is welcome.

The event is free of charge. There is a cash bar, including tea and coffee. Donations would be appreciated to help cover costs.

The Roxy Open Night starts at 7pm, when we will give an update on progress so far, plans over the coming months, and a preview of the design for the new foyer.

At 8pm we will then celebrate the festive season with the Roxy Christmas Quiz, with prizes on offer.

Over the two years since we bought the building, work has been going on behind the scenes to make improvements, as well as the more obvious changes of the external facelift.

Thanks to the Borderlands funding announced a few months ago, work has begun on the internal infrastructure improvements required to bring the building up to modern standards, and commissioning architectural designs to open up the foyer, which is an integral part of the community vision.

Stalls, including cakes, Christmas items, nearly new, books, raffle, tombola, cards, calendars, and canvases. £2 entry including a drink and biscuits. Soup is also available for an extra charge.

Discover the power within to manifest your heart’s desires and intentionally create a life you love in this day retreat led by Psychosynthesis Counsellor Lara.

WhatsApp: 07778 540171
Email: lararoocroft@outlook.com

Psychosynthesis has a psycho-spiritual approach, and within this framework, I work with clients who are seeking deeper meaning, longing to enrich their relationships, and wishing to welcome more love and joy into their lives, most importantly, with a readiness to engage in that journey.

We are holding our Christmas craft fair again at Grizebeck. It’s free to get in, and we always have some original and quality crafts which make lovely presents.

Grizebeck Community Hall is a friendly, welcoming space, where you can chat over refreshments in a local rural community, and enjoy Christmas as it should be. Why not enjoy the experience of Christmas gift buying? It’s much more fun than your typical high street shops! At least we think so.

Messiah

7:30pm 6th December at Cartmel Priory

Tickets: Book here

Messiah is an English-language oratorio composed in 1741 by George Friedrich Handel.
It was first performed in Dublin on 13 April 1742 and received its London premiere a year later. After an initially modest public reception, the oratorio gained in popularity, eventually becoming one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in the world. Among its wonderful choruses, perhaps the best-known is the Hallelujah Chorus.

Furness Bach Choir will perform this in the glorious acoustic of Cartmel Priory, along with four professional soloists and Ensemble Laus Deo, all conducted by Alex Robinson.

Register: HHH Online Entry Form

Hoad Hill Harriers will be hosting their final race of the season: Xmas 10k Road Race and 1 mile fun run, on the morning of 7th December. The first event is our 1 mile fun run on the road from Ulverston Park Sports Club (formerly GSK Sports Club) to Canal Foot at 11am. There is no age restriction, so all are welcome, although under 8s must be accompanied by an adult. Our 10k (15 yrs and over) is at 11:30am along a flat, fast course which heads out on a loop to the Conishead Priory.

Both races start and finish at Ulverston Park Sports Club. All finishers will receive a medal plus a festive treat. We have prizes for winners, vet categories, and club teams.

Enter via the above link or QR code, or enter on the morning for an extra £3 for the 10k. Registration opens at 10:15am and closes 10 minutes before the start of each race.

Hope to see you there or if you see the runners en route, please give them a cheer.

Join our untutored life drawing session. £14 ticket price includes festive refreshments and materials. Tickets are available at the Still Life shop or on their website.

It’s a friendly and welcoming group with no judgement. Everybody is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced artists. Any questions, text or call Sally on 07871 877902.

Easy, free parking. Accessible room. 

Website: OxyHub

OPEN EVENING – ANNOUNCEMENT 📢

Do you want to see what Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is all about? We are holding an open evening from 6pm to 8pm on 10th December, when you can come and have a look at our centre, ask questions, and see if it may be something you are interested in trying. Free £50 prize draw.

🍷 Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie 🥧
📍 Oxy Hub Limited, Unit 4, Bardsea Business Park, Cooper Lane, Bardsea, LA12 9RA

📧 info@oxyhub.co.uk
📱 07464 155225

Tickets: Book here

Wind down after the working week with 90 minutes of stillness, a change to soften, to take your focus inwards and find your inner calm. Through this gentle practice we slow down to allow us time to reflect. Only when we slow down can we create the space for thought and change.

The practice is suitable for all levels. If you’re new to yin, expect a slow and gentle practice, I will guide you and encourage you to soften and relax into the postures. We will hold the postures for longer to allow you to melt deeper into a state of relaxation.

Escape the festive noise. Limited spaces.

Tickets: Book here

It’s almost that festive time of year again. Santa will be returning to Ford Park to meet with the children in our walled garden! The garden will be lit up for a wonderful Christmas experience in a truly beautiful setting.

Children can explore the lights, and sit in Santa’s Sleigh, before heading into the Elves’ Workshop to make their very own tree decorations, and write out their Christmas wish list for Santa. Children will meet with Santa himself in his grotto, where they can give him their wish lists and receive a gift. Santa will ask for help finding his reindeer around the garden.

The event is hosted by the Ford Park team to raise money for the charity which runs the park. Booking of a timed entry slot is essential. Tickets are £15 each for children 3 years old and over, or £8.50 for children under 3 years old. For the third year in a row, the event is likely to be sold out, so please book soon if you want to come.

Presenting "Side by Side", with Elizabeth Walker & Peter Brown, an evening of jazz standards and festive cheer.

Join us for a magical evening featuring the very best of the jazz standard repertoire — timeless gems from the 1920s through to the 1960s and beyond, with Cole Porter and George Gershwin at their best.

✨ Enjoy swinging classics and a dash of Christmas cheer, and a chance to sing along to some festive favourites! ✨
🎟️ Tickets: £10 (adults)
👧 Children under 12: Free
🍷 Bring your own drinks

Tickets are available in advance from The Cabin in Cark (bring cash), or from Rhona via email r.barton5353@gmail.com, or phone 07484 784854. Come along for a warm, feel-good evening of music, memories, and festive spirit.

Join us at the Maltkiln Village Hall in Bardsea for a festive celebration. Refreshments and mince pies will be available.

Tickets only £10, children under 12 £5. Available from Committee Members, our Facebook page, or email themaltkiln@hotmail.co.uk.

Tickets: Book here

There are only two tables left and individual seats are selling fast for the last Planet Mirth comedy night of the year at The Coro. Balcony seats are available from just £13.

The event features four award winning acts as seen on TV:

MATT BRAGG
“Effortless Style” – Ricky Gervais
“Great stuff, excellent gags!” – Harry Hill
John Bishop Tour Support

PHIL ELLIS
As seen on Taskmaster & The Russell Howard Hour
Fosters Comedy Award Winner

INGRID DAHLE
Brighton Comedy Award – WINNER

Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year – RUNNER UP
“Alternative hero of the future” – Chortle
“Fast-rising comedian” – Sunday Times

OLIVER BOWLER
“I’ve been telling everyone, the lad’s got it!” – Scott Bennett
“A natural performer, echoes of Peter Kay and Lee Evans. Very funny!” – The Laughięnda Comedy Club