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Patterdale
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All text and images © Patterdale Parish Community Flood Group 2023
THE STORIES BEHIND THE PHOTOS
In May 2016 we commissioned some banners to tell the story of the flood and the recovery to be displayed in Glenridding as a reminder of both the devastation caused by Storm Desmond as well as the resilience and spirit of the community in the immediate aftermath. Find out the stories behind each of the photos..
GLENRIDDING FLOOD BANNERS


The Facts
Photographer: Maddy Teasdale
Date: Sunday 6th December 2015, 10:52
Location: Glenridding car park below the TIC looking across Glenridding Beck to Eagle Lane
The Story
Along with everyone else Glenridding resident Maddy awoke with trepidation on Sunday morning and ventured out to witness the carnage in the village. This picture was taken just outside Fellbites looking across the car park and beck towards Eagle Lane.
The Facts
Photographer: Charlene Bell
Date: Sunday 6th December 2015, 13:16
Location: Glenridding Bridge by Sharmans and the Glenridding Hotel
The Story
Beyond Imagination Photography’s Charlene Bell, a resident of Patterdale, had waded into Glenridding to view the damage. The road was under 6 feet of water and only one man made it through in a vehicle that day - eighty something Eddie Pool, lifelong resident of the Dale and local hero. He turned up in his tractor to see what he could do to help. #Legend.
The Facts
Photographer: Rob Shephard
Date: Sunday 6th December 2015, 09:36
Location: Main A592 outside Patterdale Hall Estate looking north towards Glenridding
The Story
The main road to Glenridding looked like a scene out of some B-rated disaster movie. Tarmac lifted and buckled by the force of the water - this is what Eddie drove over in his tractor, and thanks to the hard work of Jonathan from Patterdale Hall Estate and the team from Highways the road was back in action within 5 days - and no need for traffic lights to get the job done!
Earthquake at Patterdale Hall
The Facts
Photographer: Charlene Bell
Date: Sunday 6th December 2015, 13:04
Location: St Patrick’s Boatyard between Glenridding and Patterdale
The Story
Beyond Imagination Photography’s Charlene Bell took this photo on her way from Patterdale to Glenridding. Jared and the team at St Patricks are used to water, but this photo shows the devastation caused by the rising lake and the sludge and muck left in its wake. After much hard work St Patricks is now open for business so why not hire a boat, enjoy an ice cream and show your support.
The Facts
Photographer: Rob Shephard
Date: Monday 7th December 2015, 11:14
Location: Glenridding Bridge, Glenridding
The Story
On Monday morning, with the village effectively cut off in both directions, it was time for some local heroes to step into action. Cue some bridge clearance work from Danny, Jared, Liam, Carl and others, with help from Robert and Graham (the “headless two” on top of the bridge!). Hard and dangerous work, but by mid afternoon the underside of the bridge was clear. #Realmenatwork #localheroes.
The Facts
Photographer: Luke Santilli
Date: Tuesday 15th December 2015
Location: Glenridding - looking up the beck towards the Village Hall (left) and Tourist Information Centre (right)
The Story
Professional Photographer Luke Santilli was commissioned by Friends of the Earth to take pictures of the damage caused by the floods and has become a firm friend of the Parish. Here he captured Beckside Construction at work. At the controls is Rob Butler, who along with his father Keith and father and son Robert and Patrick Morris-Eyton were true saviours of the village. They arrived on Monday 7th December in their diggers and haven’t left yet! #trueheroes
The Facts
Photographer: Luke Santilli
Date: Saturday 19th March 2016
Location: Glenridding Green
The Story
Professional Photographer Luke Santilli returned to the village in March 2016 to photograph the community led “Greening Glenridding” campaign - a weekend of planting and tidying to get the village looking its best for Easter. You can see more of Luke’s photos from that weekend on his blog.
The Facts
Photographer: Rob Shephard
Date: Wednesday 20th January 2016
Location: Taken from the side of Place Fell looking west across Ullswater to Glenridding with Helvellyn and the snow capped Eastern Fells.
The Story
Even in the midst of the recovery Glenridding and Patterdale were open for business. It’s been a tough time, but the best way to help the community to recover is to support the many local businesses in the area by coming to stay, visit and shop.
Find out more about helping us to recover from the floods.
Support Our Local Businesses
The Facts
Photographer: Rob Shephard
Date: Saturday 17th June 2017
Location: Taken from Glenridding Bridge looking up the beck towards the Village Hall.
The Story
After 18 months people kept asking what was still to be done on the flood recovery front - and when would the Glenridding Beck wall ever be finished. This banner hopefully provides the answers - plenty still to do, and the wall should be finished by the end of 2017.
Find out more about helping us to recover from the floods.