2003 began with efforts to save Lowick School, a visit to the region by Price Charles and protests against the war in Iraq.

JANUARY

The year got off to a tough start as campaigners at Lowick CE School were shattered to hear Cumbria School Organisation Committee had voted in favour of the proposed closure of the school in a bid to tackle surplus places. Members of the community vowed to continue their fight to save the 146-year-old school.

Operatic overtures and classic symphonies were put to use by police who played the music on the street in a bid to tackle youngsters causing bother outside Burneside Spar shop.

FEBRUARY

Kendal Royal Marine Craig Beattie found himself splashed on the front cover of the Daily Mirror when the tabloid used a picture of him training to illustrate their lead story on the Gulf War.

The Archbishop of York rejected an appeal by the Rev Harry Brown and confirmed he would no longer be priest-in-charge of Crosscrake and Preston Patrick, bringing the two-year saga to a conclusion. The Archbishop said that allegations of misconduct had been proved in the three areas of sexual harassment, intimidation and financial impropriety. Mr Brown had always denied the allegations, apart from the financial matters, for which he had taken full responsibility.

Prince Charles paid a return visit to South Lakeland to boost tourism and promote local sourcing. HRH called in at Plumgarths in Kendal where he sampled some locally- produced Damson Gin.

The traditional Troutbeck hunt attracted record crowds as the annual event led by Coniston Foxhounds pulled in around 600 spectators.

MARCH

Pupil-power stopped traffic when 100 schoolchildren marched through Kendal in an anti-war protest.

Customers were devastated to hear news of the pending closure of Kendal's Beast Banks Post Office - the inspiration for Postman Pat stories by John Cunliffe.