Anne Pickles

Lucky Florence wasn’t born in Cockermouth

When you come into the world called Pickles, you learn at a very early age not to make too much fun of other people’s names.

Last updated 27 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

I’ve nothing but admiration for A-level students

Another day older, deeper in debt... and only 22. It’s tough being young, ambitious and clever these days.

Last updated 20 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Put off the white stuff by crates of full-fat gloop

It was poor quality, thick with yellowing cream, warm and invariably on the edge of off. School milk – I hated the stuff.

Last updated 13 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

We women are plain crackers about gossip

It didn’t take long. An hour on the phone for headlines and an evening, over supper, for filling in finer details. Corporate types would call it networking. Most men consider it necessary intelligence sharing – though they only talk football.

Last updated 6 August 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

I’ll give history max attention from now on

There’s an ancient pear tree growing in the ruins of old Lanercost Priory. It still bears – oddly enough – ancient pears. I know. I’ve seen them.

Last updated 30 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Poor little lost lads terrorised by the seagulls

Now the football’s over, the lads are feeling a bit lost. Lads are like that – they need a single, clearly defined focus for their undivided attention.

Last updated 16 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

No flops in the breast clinic, but no Bafta either

As luck would have it, the mammogram was OK. All that anxiety was for nothing. Temptation to order a glass casket, leave written instructions for plumed horses, a jazz band and a New Orleans funeral was unnecessary.

Last updated 9 July 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Budget crisis has not cut what we owe to our dads

It was Father’s Day, which I’ve always liked a lot because my father never could remember he had a day all of his own.

Last updated 25 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Don’t change a thing – even if we didn’t like it

Some things come around far too quickly. Mondays, Wimbledon, the World Cup, mammograms – oh, how I hate mammograms.

Last updated 18 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Angel of Adriatic offers memories – but no change

His name was Andrea. He was a Venetian of impeccable manners, laced elegantly with excitable Italian enthusiasm.

Last updated 11 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Make hay while the sun shines – rain’s on its way

It was all a bit of a whirling, whizzing, wear-yourself-out panic really. English summers usually are. Two weekends ago, it was.

Last updated 4 June 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Don’t betray the future of this brave generation

The day was a dark one for Cumbria. Though Monday’s May sunshine blazed with an August heat, shivers of shock and loss were chilling.

Last updated 28 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Nice should save its incentives to care for the sick

So, the four-day girlie weekend went well, then. Too much wine, too much food, too much gossip and raspberry gin... can’t say fairer than that.

Last updated 21 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Have our votes been the latest to be fairtraded?

I spotted him across a crowded room. Head and shoulders above the rest, slender, attractive, with a luminous smile and twinkly eyes...

Last updated 14 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Embrace change and swap sushi for scarecrows

The girls are coming again next week. I use the term girls loosely, of course. It’s a few years since any of us knew girlhood.

Last updated 7 May 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

A very special power for we ordinary voters

Chocolate chip cookies, a cup of strong tea and a bit of laugh-out-loud chat about windfarms, parking problems, General Election blues and April’s unseasonal humidity.

Last updated 30 April 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Two-pint PM may be a better bet than Woody Allen

This is the weirdest election campaign I’ve come across – and believe me, I’ve come across a few.

Last updated 23 April 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Leave the ironing there’s a local in need of rescue

By gum, some people must have utterly miserable lives.

Last updated 16 April 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Honour this most special family we all belong to

To all intents and purposes, it was a family affair.

Last updated 9 April 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk

Super hero with gift of planting seeds of success

Margaret Jones is a bit of a mover and shaker in these parts. Put her in a cape and a jewelled bandana and you could easily mistake her for Wonderwoman.

Last updated 26 March 2010
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk