What Curse?
If you don’t live in Carlisle you may not be familiar with the ancient curse written in 1525 by Archbishop of Glasgow, Gavin Dunbar? No? Well five centuries ago he cast a whopping 1,069-word curse on the Reiver people to punish them for pillaging and other unsavoury acts, and in 2001 Carlisle commemorated part of this quirky piece of local history in stone. You can still see the stone by Tullie House. It was something which not only attracted a lot of press at the time but some argue brought a spell of bad luck to our capital.
Well, we think the ‘curse’ has been lifted. By who? By Carlisle itself. This vibrant, forward-thinking city has looked to each other to turn its fortunes around. Carlisle’s luck is changing. Not because the stone has been smashed to pieces under the light of a full moon but because of sheer grit, determination, hard work, successful businesses, can do communities and a thriving cultural scene. Carlisle is exorcising its own demons. Step forward Witchfinder Generals – The Guild and Tullie House. These two movers and shakers in the Carlisle scene are important parts of the rich tapestry of brilliant happenings in the city, and have helped create a critical mass of positivity and pride in Carlisle.
Ancient History?
A 500 year old curse is nothing compared to the 5 million years of history Tullie House look after and celebrate. The custodians of Carlisle’s Roman History (which is as important as London’s), one of a kind 18th century clothing, world class pre-Raphaelite art collections, prehistoric artefacts and the home of Cumbria’s Bio Diversity Centre Database (we are the most biodiverse county in England by the way). There is more happening under the 125 year old roof of Tullie House than anyone could imagine. Attracting 200,000 visitors a year, and genuinely changing local people’s lives through Health & Wellbeing engagement programmes, and their deep links with the community. What does all this ‘old stuff’ have to do with Carlisle’s future? Everything. Tullie House has interwoven itself with the cultural scene in the city, it is as much a museum for and about local people as it is of national importance. Tullie House is also working hard on capitalising Carlisle’s enviable position as one of the UK’s oldest cities. Think of York and how well they communicate their history, well Tullie House has big plans for Carlisle too. Grab a spear and join the fight.
Coworking Carlisle
I remember valuing The Guild when it was an old warehouse, safe to say that the Jacksons have invested heavily, all their own money. I applaud their achievements. As commercial property valuers and agents we have not only seen the massive shift towards coworking spaces but have helped people get them off the ground too. Flexible working spaces are popping up across the county from Barrow-in-Furness to Carlisle as technology and mindsets around working patterns and places evolve. Indeed Edwin Thompson have been appointed agents on a brand new Waterfront serviced office and co-working space in Barrow on behalf of the Council as well as Redhills in Penrith on behalf of Cumbria County Council and Earl Street Studios in Carlisle. Coworking spaces are a growing trend. And as with all trends, it can look like an easy bandwagon to jump on. My word of caution to those looking to emulate successful models like The Guild’s is to remember this…it’s not just about space, desks, free wifi and sofas, it’s about the people in the space. That’s what The Guild have nailed so brilliantly, they shine a light on every single Guilder, they support every single Guilder, they organise Guilders socials, they have ‘On It’ sessions where Guilders can share problems and help each other, they have created…Guilders. A community of businesses, all very different, all at different stages and sizes but all working towards their own and each other’s goals. That is a powerful thing and I congratulate the Jacksons (Dan, Jacqui and Keith) on making it happen.
Carlisle Chemistry
Carlisle has been overlooked for far too long by too many, but by doing so, those who have ‘ignored’ Carlisle have perhaps unwittingly created something stronger because here is an alchemy about Carlisle at the minute. A coming together of innovative ideas, people, businesses and it seems as though bureaucracy is moving out of the way and letting things happen. Long may it continue.
Guest blog by John Haley, Partner at Edwin Thompson & Sophia Newton of Flock.
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Carlisle Gallery from Victoria Sedgwick
