Thank You from The High Sheriff of Cumbria

 A Wonderful Community Welcome from Dalston 

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting with Dalston Parish Council by zoom on 23rd February. I was treated to a virtual tour of beautiful Dalston with its market square, river walks, community gardens, wildflower meadow, Rose Castle and Forge Green. What shone through was the whole council's pride and affection for their parish. I was really interested in the way the community has developed the Dalston Neighbourhood Development Plan. This is a parish that is planning for its future with its electric charge points for cars, play areas and conservation plans.

Most of all, I was impressed by the neighbourliness and support for others shown during the pandemic. It was so heartening to hear of the many ways in which volunteers in the Dalston community have helped others.

I look forward to visiting Dalston Festival at a later date and seeing this lovely village in bloom. Dalston has an enviable record in Cumbria in Bloom and has also won two RHS Britain in Bloom Gold Awards. I definitely want to see the Lupin Dalston, its very own flower which has been bred to reflect the colours of the village emblem, a black red cockerel.

Thank you to several councillors for meeting with me to share a little of their wonderful home parish and surrounding area and making me very welcome. 

As I was unable to visit in person, I am pleased to be able to include a recent photo taken by a family friend, so I can share how this parish is such a lovely place.

Many thanks and best wishes,

Julie Barton

High Sheriff of Cumbria