A new partnership between a Cumbrian charity, local food producer Wild and Fruitful, and Keswick's Booths supermarket is making waves in the community! The joint efforts have led to the creation and sale of the Lake District Garden Pickle, with £1.50 from each jar supporting the Lake District Calvert Trust. This initiative aims to promote accessibility for individuals living with disabilities within the beautiful setting of the national park.
Wild and Fruitful, known for its signature preserves made with locally sourced ingredients, has been serving the Keswick community for over 20 years. The collaboration was inspired by Booths’ decision to name the Calvert Trust as its official charity partner, reflecting the charity's mission of 'challenging disability through outdoor adventure.' Julia Metcalf, the fundraising officer at Calvert Trust, shared, “When Booths chose Calvert as their charity, we discussed the idea of having a Calvert product which would mutually promote our charity and a local business.”
She highlighted how Wild and Fruitful, under the leadership of award-winning chef Jake Winter, aligns perfectly with the values of the Calvert Trust: “Jake was really interested to know more about what we do and support us.” The product is made from seasonal vegetables sourced from the Lingholm Estate's walled garden, combining swede, carrot, and red radishes to form this unique pickle.
Winter expressed pride in supporting such an important cause, stating, “Having seen for myself first hand just what the Calvert Trust offers to people with disabilities, we are very proud to be able to help raise funds for such an important cause by developing the Lake District Garden Pickle.” Booths has embraced this initiative with enthusiasm, hosting various fundraising events to reinforce the partnership.
Meanwhile, the real estate market is also buzzing, as a two-bedroom flat located right at the heart of Keswick has hit the market with a guide price of £249,950. This second-floor apartment offers stunning views of the surrounding fells and boasts proximity to the town's vibrant shops and independent establishments.
Conveniently situated, the apartment provides easy access to amenities including The Theatre by the Lake, local cafes, and the scenic shores of Derwentwater. The entrance, positioned between The Lake Road Chapel and the Nordic Outdoor shop/Wainwright Pub, leads to a nicely appointed communal area complete with lift access.
Upon stepping inside, prospective buyers will be welcomed by natural light flooding the lounge/dining room through large windows offering picturesque views of Skiddaw. The open space is ideal for entertaining, featuring room for comfortable seating and dining arrangements.
The kitchen is functional, with modern fittings and good storage solutions. Each of the two bedrooms offers ample space, making it suitable for small families or as a vacation retreat. The property also includes allocated parking and cannot be used for short-term holiday lets—this will appeal to those seeking long-term residential living.
Finally, excitement continues to build at the Theatre by the Lake as it prepares for its spring-summer season. Celebrations for its 25th anniversary will feature co-productions and high-quality touring shows, including classic titles like John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men and the summer comedy Noises Off.
The theater is set to host various performances, including the UK premiere of Kate Hamill’s Pride and Prejudice. Artistic Director Liz Stevenson commented on the milestone, stating, “Our 2025 season reflects this vision as we collaborate with theatre companies from across the UK alongside outstanding local talent from Cumbria.”
Inclusivity remains at the forefront, with audio described and captioned shows ensuring all community members can enjoy performances. The theatre's focus on local talent extends to family shows as well, such as King Arthur, creating engaging experiences for audiences of all ages.
Keswick is not only home to stunning landscapes but is also thriving with initiatives aimed at building community connections, be it through gastronomy, real estate, or cultural experiences. The dedication behind projects like the Lake District Garden Pickle and the vibrant theatrical scene at the Theatre by the Lake showcases the unwavering spirit of support among locals, making Keswick not just a place to live, but truly feel like home.