Cumbria Life Awards 2023
For the second year running, Cumbria Life Awards were held to acknowledge and honour the wonderful people who are behind the businesses that make Cumbria a great place to live, visit and dine!
We were delighted, once again, to support the event by sponsoring the ‘Best Casual Dining Experience’ category.
This year’s event was held on Thursday 14th September at Carus Green Golf Club, Kendal and was attended by the shortlisted finalists. All the finalists were voted by the Cumbria Life readers which makes this event so special. To be nominated by customers and supporters rather than a panel of judges certainly make the accolade significant!
It was a sunny evening and we were blessed with beautiful views of the golf course while enjoying a catch up with other guests; many of which are valued customers of ours.
In attendance to represent our business were; Emelia Stewart (Junior Buyer), John Cowen (Butchery Sales Manager), Karen Graham (Marketing Manager) and David Jenkins (Sales Director).
After a delicious dinner the awards ceremony began!
First up on the night, was the Casual Dining Experience category announcement and David was on stage to announce the winner.
We would like to pass on our congratulations to The Royal Oak Hotel at Rosthwaite, Borrowdale who were the worthy winners of the category!
The winners
ARTISAN PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
*Lakeland Mues
BEST ARTS & CULTURE VENUE
*Theatre by the Lake
BEST CAFÉ OR COFFEE SHOP
*Hope Park Café, Keswick
BEST FINE DINING EXPERIENCE
*Heft
BEST LARGE TOURIST ATTRACTION
*Lowther Castle
BEST SMALL TOURIST ATTRACTION
*Solway Aviation Museum
ETHICAL, RESPONSIBLE & SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
*Low Sizergh Barn
BEST INDEPENDENT RETAILER
*Keswick Book Co
FUNDRAISING FEAT OF THE YEAR
*10,000 Daffodils
CUMBRIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER
The final award of the evening was ‘Cumbrian of the Year’.
This accolade was given to the indomitable Andy Airey from 3 Dads Walking.
Three men whose daughters took their own lives came together to raise awareness of suicide in young people and raise funds for charity.
In 2021, the trio walked over 300 miles in memory of their daughters and raised over £800,00 for Papryus Prevention of Young Suicide. In 2022, the dads walked again and have now raised over a £1 million. Their petition to to make suicide prevention a compulsory part of the school curriculum received over 160,000 signatures in support.
They’ve met with with the prime minister and Parliament. Research and evidence from the experts is being submitted to the Department of Education showing there is a demand for suicide prevention lessons in schools.
Andy bounced on stage to accept his award to a standing ovation by the audience. He spoke of his achievements and how delighted he was to win the award for him, his family and the other dads. His sense of humour and strength of character shone through as did his passion for not only the daughter he lost, but the dads he walked with and the public who supported him.
He left the stage to another standing ovation. It was emotional for all there and he was definitely a worthy winner.