My-Hospitality.com – 11th May, 2010

Britain’s Biggest Celebrities Reveal Their Cumbrian Secrets

By Kat Barns

Personal postcards from top names including Dame Judi Dench, Richard E. Grant, Andrew Flintoff, Jonny Wilkinson, Elaine Paige, Charlie Watts, The Saturdays, Matt Lucas, David Walliams, Tess Daly and Paul O’Grady are to be exhibited in Cumbria this month to mark the county’s progress six months after the November floods.

Almost 100 postcards written by Britain’s biggest celebrities will be showcased at a free ‘Wish You Were Here’ exhibition at Cockermouth Town Hall from the 20th of May to the 2nd of June. The pretty market town of Cockermouth was the main focus of media attention during last year’s unprecedented floods.

Cumbria Tourism launched the Wish You Were Here campaign in the wake of the flooding to communicate that the county is open for business and welcoming visitors. Celebrities were invited to send postcards about why they love Cumbria and their response has been overwhelming.

Actors including this year’s BAFTA winner Carey Mulligan, ‘X-Men’ star Sir Patrick Stewart, ‘Harry Potter’ hero Robbie Coltrane, Bond girl Honor Blackman and ‘Lord of the Rings’ favourite Sir Ian McKellen have sent personal anecdotes and private photographs to help support the campaign and encourage people to visit those places that hold special memories for them.

Television favourites such as ‘Weakest Link’ host Anne Robinson, GMTV’s Ben Shephard, ‘Gavin and Stacey’ star Matt Horne, ‘Ashes to Ashes’ cop Philip Glenister, ‘Royle Family’ funny man Ricky Tomlinson and ‘Bo Selecta’ comedian Leigh Francis have also sent paintings, drawings and messages of support for the county along with sporting legends Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Henry Cooper and Gary Lineker.

Cumbrian home-grown talent including Blue Peter’s Helen Skelton, Hairy Biker Dave Myers, West Bromwich Albion goalie Scott Carson, climbing prodigy Leo Houlding, motorsport boss Malcolm Wilson and England Rugby Union team captain Steve Borthwick have all stepped up for their county and contributed postcards revealing their favourite places in Cumbria.

Ian Stephens, Chief Executive of Cumbria Tourism said:
“The response from these famous people has been incredible, they have gone over and above what we asked of them and it’s been heart warming to hear that so many of these hugely talented people have a genuine fondness for Cumbria. We can’t wait to showcase their messages at our Wish You Were Here Exhibition.

“The county’s recovery from the floods is progressing well. As ever the scenery is spectacular, our welcome is warm and now we almost 100 celebrities singing the praises of our county.

“In the words of Sir Patrick Stewart “Cumbria is a national treasure”. Please come and see it for yourselves.”

Every day from the 12th to the 19th of May a celebrity postcard will be published on the dedicated Wish You Were Here website to celebrate the launch of the exhibition. After the two week run in Cockermouth the exhibition will tour Cumbria throughout the summer. For further information please visit www.wishyouwereherecumbria.co.uk.

“I owe my career break to Cumbria where we filmed “Withnail & I” in 1986 at Wet Sleddale and in Penrith.

“Cheers and ‘Chin Chin’”

Richard E. Grant
Actor, Screenwriter & Director

“I’ve loved the Lake District all my life!!! Such awesome childhood holidays!!

“With love”

Tess Daly
Television Presenter & Model

“When my son Daniel was 18 months old I hiked, with my son on my back around the Langdale Valley and the Langdale Pikes. Now he is 42 and 6ft 4ins and very soon will be carrying me. I’ll suggest we return to Langdale which I loved and will always remember.

“Cumbria is a national treasure.”

Sir Patrick Stewart OBE
Film, Television & Stage Actor

“Whenever I meet new people one of the first things I tell them is where I’m from. I never need to “sell” Cumbria, most people have heard how beautiful it is and they’re not wrong. I don’t think people know what they’re missing. There really isn’t anywhere that compares!”

Helen Skelton
Blue Peter Presenter

“A couple of summers ago I did the coast to coast walk through Cumbria. Doing 6 or 7 miles of foot slogging before picking the most beautiful vantage point to sit and have my pack-lunch was a truly special experience.”

Frank Skinner
Comedian & Writer

“I learnt to row a boat in Grasmere as a little girl with my family.

“I’ve had so many lovely times in the Lakes since – and I always want to go back.

“How lucky you are!”

Dame Judi Dench CH, DBE, FRSA
Film, Stage & Television Actress