Rain again? August 5th 2008

Since this is a lake district blog I had better add some lake district news and quick! The road to hell is paved with good intentions and I had every intention of talking a little about the airshow on July 26th and 27th. First of all the weather seemed to be fairly well behaved and it stayed dry for the show itself ( with the odd threat of a shower). Considering how hideous and unsettled the weather has been ( and continues to be- it is raining as I speak!) it was fortunate. According to our local newspaper the Westmorland Gazette, the event attracted tens of thousands of people.
http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk
Our local newspaper is worth a look. We all comb it weekly to make sure we aren't in for some forgotten misdemeanour, checking that our photo hasn't been taken at a local country fair or social event showing us looking worse the wear ( either because of rain or alcohol or perhaps both). Weddings, deaths, births, court news, assaults, drunk driving, liquidation notices, local jobs and property sales are all there ready for the eagle eyed. Sporting achievements, farm and country news, school Ofsteds, business news and tempting restaurant adverts: it's all there. It is a real taste of the lakes and Friday ( publication day) heralds many locals whizzing down to the local newsagent for the latest update. It has a leisure section advertising all the up and coming events in the region: cinema news, pharmacy times, concerts, and special offers. A treat for every visitor.
http://www.windermere-rotary.org.uk
Anyway, back to the airshow. It is on every year on the Glebe in Bowness, so if you missed it this year you can pop it in your diary for next time. Various planes and helicopters buzz about creating varying degrees of noise, and are often on the ground on display. Especially good for small children, who will also enjoy the fair and displays of birds of prey et al. If you can face the parking charges ( or indeed can find a space), bring a picnic and enjoy the wonderful views of the lakes from the Glebe. I think there was a car park for £5 nearby this year: not great but good value compared to the usual carparks which are extortionate ( check out the Gazette letter pages for the continuing debate on this and public toilets).