Thomson Hayton Winkley appoint first ever Managing Director
South Cumbrian law firm Thomson Hayton Winkey have recently announced the appointment of their first ever managing director, Fiona Ward.
Fiona joined THW in 2020, becoming a director in 2022.
The firm has also promoted two new directors – Suzie Fisher and Verity Gawthorp to join Fiona and existing directors, Stephen Greenwood and John Cooke.
Fiona Ward said: “I am delighted to be heading up such a wonderful team and to continue our work with great clients.”
John Cooke said: “These are exciting times for everyone at THW and I am pleased to have Suzie and Verity on the board to add their enthusiasm and different experiences to the mix. It also made perfect sense to bring Fiona on as MD and I am looking forward to working with them all in the coming months and years.”
With offices in Kendal, Windermere, Kirkby Lonsdale and a dedicated Rural Law Practice office at the J36 Rural Auction Centre, THW have been helping families and businesses for generations.
Delkia continues expansion with new appointments
Cumbria based Delkia, a specialist systems integrator operating throughout the UK and internationally continues to grow with the appointment of three new experienced team members: Aneesa Jan, Dale Hollinshead and Kevin Hawes.
Aneesa studied Aerospace Engineering at the University of Salford and completed her master’s degree at the University of Glasgow, which included a placement at Airbus Defence and Space.
Anessa said: ‘I applied for Delkia, as I wanted to grow as a systems engineer while gaining valuable experience in the aerospace industry. Since becoming a part of the team, I’ve been inspired by the remarkable talent of my colleagues. My goal is to learn from them and elevate my skills, ultimately excelling in my role as a professional engineer.’
Dale Hollinshead’s background is in systems engineering in aerospace, maritime, nuclear and rail industries.
Dale said: “I wanted to work at Delkia as it was recommended by some long-standing colleagues. Delkia have a growing reputation for doing the right thing on the forums I subscribe to.
“Now that Delkia is launching into the aerospace as well as maritime, I felt it was the right time to submit an application to join. I am very happy that I am now part of the team.”
Kevin Hawes joins Delkia as maritime business development manager having spent the first part of his career in the Royal Navy submarine operations department.
Kevin said: “I chose to work at Delkia because the company has the same values I have built my career on which are: innovation, teamwork, being customer focussed, delivering the required customer results, profitability of our efforts and respect in the marketplace.”
University of Cumbria apprentices’ donations for Mission Christmas and Windermere Food bank
A group of second year students from the University of Cumbria’s Chartered Management Degree Apprenticeship, based at the Ambleside campus, have taken part in a project to support two Cumbrian charities.
The apprenticeship teams made up of employees from North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, BAE Systems, Westmorland Group, Gilpin Hotel and Simon Rogan’s restaurants, supported two different charities Cash for Kids: Mission Christmas and Windermere and District Food Bank.
Cash 4 kids: Mission Christmas aims to provide children living in poverty across Cumbria and South West Scotland with gifts for Christmas.
Windermere and District Food Bank provides parcels containing a minimum of three days of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable, tinned and dried foods to those at risk of going hungry, as well as providing additional support to people experiencing emotional or financial crisis.
The students in each group engaged with their workplaces and their local communities to set up a number of collection points, where they collected toys and food donations in support of their two chosen charities. The resulting generosity was overwhelming, with over 300 food items and 200 toys and gifts, with an estimated value of £2,000 being donated.
Nikki Dawson, lecturer at the University of Cumbria said: ‘‘I am unbelievably proud of the apprentices and what they have achieved. Not only have they raised awareness and donations for their charities, but they have learned valuable skills through the project planning experience.”
Dorothy’s Teas Wins Gold at The Leafies International Tea Academy Awards
Dorothy’s Teas, a small family business based in Grange-over-Sands in Cumbria, is one of only 13 Gold Award winners at The Leafies International Tea Academy Awards 2023.
Their award-winning tea, Shannon Estate Silver Needles, won Gold in the retail section and was personally sourced by Dorothy Stubley, owner and founder of Dorothy’s Teas and The Hazelmere Tea House, Restaurant & Bakery.
Dorothy said: “Shannon Estate Silver Needles was sourced directly from Sri Lanka at my request via a much valued and long-term friend and supplier, Robert Wilson – a fifth generation Sri Lankan tea planter. After sampling and tasting various teas Robert had sent over, I settled on Shannon White Needles. I think it is a truly stunning tea and I am thrilled the judges at The Leafies thought so too!”
The Leafies 2023, hosted by the UK Tea Academy Awards in partnership with Fortnum & Mason, took place on 26th October at Asia House in central London. Dorothy attended the ceremony with her son and daughter, Russ and Maria, alongside over 100 inspiring tea professionals, growers and enthusiasts.
Cumbrian charities and community projects receive early Christmas present
A variety of local organisations, charities and community projects have received a pre-Christmas boost, thanks to a new charity pot from Lake District Estates, who have formed a Corporate Social Responsibility committee.
Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Fund, specialist mental health intervention group Growing Well and Manna House in Kendal are among those to benefit from the latest round of funding and have each received £2,000.
Smaller grants have been awarded across the county, with recipients including: Ullswater Droving, Medina Meals, Wigton Carnival, First Flimby Girls Brigade, Kirkby Lonsdale Christmas Fair, Caldew Squirrels Initiative and Penrith Agricultural Event.
Partnerships manager at Growing Well, Rebecca Batstone, said: “We are delighted to be recipients of the recent Lake District Estates grant towards the running costs of our minibus.
“At Growing Well, we actively seek to remove barriers to attendance, and we know that for many of our beneficiaries accessible, affordable transport to our site is a huge barrier given the rural nature of our county. The minibus service is a vital aspect which allows people to attend regularly and receive the specialist mental health support that we can provide.”
Jenny Benson, director of programmes and partnerships at Cumbria Community Foundation said: “Our annual winter warmth appeal helps thousands of vulnerable, older people living in Cumbria to stay warm and well. We are incredibly grateful to Lake District Estates for their generous donation and support.”
