Last updated 19:39, Thursday, 12 June 2008

ALTHOUGH I did not see the article that Dave Bowden referred to (Times & Star, May 30) I can understand the frustrations of true rugby league fans throughout Cumbria. JUDGING by the plethora of objects including the clock, which reportedly cost thousands of pounds, and the noisy hub, dotted around Workington’s town centre, it would seem Allerdale’s planning department is somewhat overstaffed by futuristic visionaries. Some, no doubt, possess masters degrees in fine art, which would explain the excess of these conceptual objects of so-called art.IT IS with regret that I have to announce the disbandment of the Inner Wheel club of Maryport.HOW nostalgically interesting it was to see all those pictures from the Queen’s visit to Workington in 1980 reprinted in last week’s Times & Star.IN ANSWER to Dorothy Biggins’s harsh comments on abortion (Letters, May 30) there are options: contraception or adoption.IN ALL the years that I worked on a ward dealing with the termination of pregnancies (abortion) I never once heard staff or patients refer to a foetus as a lump of gristle.

I have attended games for around the same period of 50 years and missed many work days and lost pay travelling away with ‘my Town.’

I have seen Town play out of their skin and lose, and I have applauded them for the effort.

I have seen Town play rubbish and win and I have barracked them. I have not seen a recent Town team do anything credible over a sustained period for around five years, which is why I have not regularly attended Derwent Park for three years.

I got fed up with the same old platitudes being tripped out every year.

I agree that the three existing clubs should merge, but this would now be the gravest mistake; it should have been done a few years ago when it might have counted, but several member of the Town board either deliberately or subtly avoided agreement to the issue. Dave Farrell from Whitehaven, was also a major opponent of the merger.

Now that all the local clubs are in decline, (yes even the mighty Haven has had to beg, scrape and borrow), the merger is flavour of the month again. Sorry lads, it’s a none starter, it has to be rugby league before egos this time.

If Super League is to come to Cumbria it has to be under the auspices of persons with greater skill, and business nous than is available in West Cumbrian rugby league circles today.

The priority is a venue that will encourage players to come and join a Cumbrian team. Core locations may be as far afield as Penrith or even Kendal.

Neither location would be so far away that reasonable transport could not be put on by supporters’ clubs raising even more profit; it can’t be worse than drinking in empty pubs in West Cumbria every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

This will provide quality rugby league, a good night out and genuine support from those fans sick of the bleatings of Barrow, Whitehaven and Workington.

It could also attract fans from near the ground, tourists and people from perhaps the Borders or north Yorkshire.

All the three local teams would then be required for is to operate as feeder teams, if the true Cumbrian club needed them of course.

There must be enough millionaires or wealthy businesses in Cumbria who are speculative enough to see the financial benefits of such a venture.

We would require a professional coach with proven ability and select a team that would initially compete in the lower sector of Super League but build steadily over years to become competitive.

Initial finances can be expanded through many sources if dealt with in a totally professional manner and supported by Sports Council grants, European money, the Arts Association and lottery funding.

When not used as a rugby venue, the arena and infrastructure would have to work the year round to become self supporting and profit making.

The venue and infrastructure could encompass the arts for an artist college or holiday venue, climbing walls and conference facilities.

Outward bound courses could be run from there. A quality shopping mall would be a natural acquisition, with a duplex cinema. The scope is endless for people with vision.

Only that vision will carry the day. Clubs need profitability, and people bring profitability, profitability provides superior sporting opportunities, and that is what the true rugby public of Cumbria want, not a re-hash of its ‘us and you’ again.

Should agreement between the small three clubs succeed, within months the back stabbing and bellyaching will commence; big fish egos and small pond scenarios are not what this is about.

This is about forgetting who we all are, no chocolate blue and gold, no blue and white; it’s about a new club and new club colours.

GEOFF FAWCETT

Scaw Road

High Harrington

The monument in front of the HSBC bank, has been entitled The Curwen Column, but why? Anyone with a modicum of common sense can see that the column represents steel rails welded together. The Curwen family had no connection with Workington’s history of steel production.

A more apt title would be the Railbank column, with a plaque attached, in tribute to the thousands of steelworkers who made Workington a well-known name throughout the world for producing railway track products. Steel rails made at the Workington Iron and Steel Company, are still being used on railways in all four corners of the former British Empire. As a matter of interest, the column has been sited adjacent to the former Midland Bank, one of the founder companies which built the Carlisle to Settle railway line.

JAMES E REAY

Seaton Park

Seaton

Workington

We would like to thank the people of Maryport and surrounding areas who have helped and supported us in any way in our fund-raising efforts over the last 56 years.

We have been able to support many local clubs and charities including the Boys’ Brigade, Sea Cadets, Guides and Scouts, the now defunct Good Companions Club, Allonby playground, Netherhall School, Park Lodge in Aspatria, Cumbria Deaf Association, Yewdale Ward, Eden Valley Hospice, local branches of The British Heart Foundation, McMillan Nurses, Hospice at Home, PSP Foundation, Talking Books, and Asthma Research.

We have also supported overseas charities, including Water Aid and Specsavers, and during the last two years we have been able to sponsor six children through the Smile Train UK.

The money from our final fund-raising efforts this year will be going to the Air Ambulance, a worthy cause. Thank you all again.

MARGARET MARR

Wigton Road

Allonby

That brought back so many memories of that far off historic day, which I remember so well.

However, it is with amusement that I recall the Queen and Prince Philip slowly walking along Murray Road towards the bus station when the Prince stopped outside the Ritz Cinema to read what film was playing.

He could not help smiling when, in large bold letters, the display read Escape from Alcatraz and, directly beneath, Welcome to Workington Your Majesty.

REG McCALLAM

Woodside

Moorclose

Workington

Life begins at the moment of conception. Britain’s abortion rate is already the highest in Europe.

Abortion is an emotive issue. Some nurses have been traumatised by having to attend late abortions.

China’s policies have failed because they preferred boys to girls; it has created an imbalance, a shortage of women.

In some areas of China young women have been kidnapped and forced into marriage.

As long as there are men and women who believe in the sanctity of the life of the unborn child, the fuss will go on.

DIANA ELLWOOD

Chaucer Road

Workington

Were Mrs Biggins (letters, May 30) to see the astonishing development of a 12 week foetus - a miniature baby - then she might be more circumspect and less flippant in her choice of language.

Has she no thought for the thousands of women losing much wanted and loved babies through early miscarriage?

Hopefully the staff dealt with those undergoing termination or enduring miscarriage in a more responsible and sensitive manner, and accorded the foetus the respect and dignity merited by last early life.

DOROTHY BENISON

Seadown Drive

High Harrington