Understanding Ullswater Evening Talks 2019: Launch on 4th April
The Friends of the Ullswater Way (FOUW) has decided to launch an annual programme of evening
talks entitled ‘Understanding Ullswater’. They will take place on the first Thursday of each month,
as well as two additional talks during Ullswater Walking Festival in September. The talks will be
rotated between the Village Halls in Glenridding, Watermillock and Pooley Bridge.
The talks are designed to whet the appetite of both locals and visitors alike, giving a special insight
into the extraordinary cultural and natural heritage of the valley.
The first talk to kick off the programme will be given by June Hill, the Chair of the Cumbria
Vernacular Buildings Group who will speak about ‘Traditional buildings in Cumbria’. She will be
followed with talks later in the year on a diverse range of topics, including: local writers and poets;
red squirrel ecology; photography; Lord Birkett – the saviour of Ullswater; and the challenges of
managing Ullswater’s uplands.
Tim Clarke, the Chair of the Friends of the Ullswater Way (FOUW), said: “We hope this first edition
of Understanding Ullswater talks will bring to life aspects of the landscape and culture of Ullswater
that will excite and enthuse all those who live within or visit the Ullswater Valley. There should
be something for everyone.”
Full Talks Programme can be found here.
Background:
FOUW was founded on 30th March 2016. It originally arose as a Working Group of the 5 Parishes that surround Ullswater. A month ago FOUW submitted an application to the Charity Commissioners to register as a charity. Its
objectives are:
- Promoting appreciation and understanding of the Culture, History and Heritage of the Ullswater Valley, for
the benefit of local residents, tourists and both public and private organisations that have a role in the
management of the Ullswater area. - Awareness-raising and advocacy on issues relating to the health, security and safety of those using the
Ullswater Way. - Awareness-raising and advocacy on the need for smooth interconnectivity between all public and private
transport facilities providing access to the Way; including trains, buses, cars, cycles and steamers. - Partnering and seeking close co-operation with local organisations that have a direct or indirect responsibility
for the maintenance and functioning of the Way, notably the Parish Councils of the Ullswater Valley, The
National Park Authority, the National Trust, the Ullswater Association, Eden District Council, Cumbria County
Council, the Highways Authority, the Eden River Trust, local farmers, landowners and all other relevant
organisations.
FOUW’s first project has been the creation of the Ullswater Way Heritage Trail – a series of 10 installations along the
Ullswater Way that highlight aspects of the cultural heritage of the valley. Over £20,000 was raised from a range of
different funders to finance the installations, all made by local artists and craftspeople.
Further information on the talks available from Tim Clarke, timclarke01@gmail.com.
Friends of the Ullswater Way Website www.ullswaterway.co.uk
Twitter: @Ullswater_Way