Helm Crag

I have posted some new icd taken on a walk up Helm Crag
This is just to the north of Grasmere and is a really good trip. The views are stunning and there is a great deal of interest
The route back down the valley includes some great little pools that can be used for an impromptu dip
the route includes Gibsons Knot
Park either in Grasmere or on the roads nearby
See http://www.walkthefells.net/ONE_WALK.asp?WALK_ID=927

Also in Grasmere try it's famous gingerbread
Brilliant

Did summer ever begin? It gets hotter now.

Just returned from 2 weeks hold in France. During that time. Attempted to complete the 3X of Mt Ventoux, ie going up all three routes in one day.

X

Alas I managed to do it over 2 sessions having to endure near 40 degree heat. Still better to acknowledge limitations that push on and put too much pressure on others. however it's better than I have done before and beats the Police Fitness Test I think.
So annual health check done

I have loaded some pics after a battle with Picasa.

So what happened to the summer. Well for many it didn't develop into the heat wave we deserve.

But the Olympics shone through and now we look forward to some courageous endeavours and achievements in the Paralympics.

Returning to the Digital desk and catching up with what's happening provides some space for reflection. The next few months will see massive changes in policing. We look forward to seeing how the PCC election goes and what the Supplementary Transfer Voting system will create. Having been involved in the electoral process it will  be interesting to explore the possible outcomes.
The transition from one governance model to another will be a challenge for many. Not least the Police Authority members who have given tremendous energy to policing over the years.

So whilst the weather may not have created the buzz of heat, the policing agenda certainly will over the next few months.

The end of the Swim

And a picture at the end of the team after the event
Many thanks to all the helpers and organisers and to all those who have donated towards the 2 charities

The Blue lamp Trial Swim Done

So we started the day with some trepidation or at least I did. A longer swim than ever before for
Me. A stroll in the lake for Tom and Michelle
However I set off at a reasonable pace but soon realised that my pace and theirs were somewhat different. So the conclusion nearly 4 hours later was that we all ended up at Ambleside.
Job done
Huge respect for Tom who was about 30 mins quicker over the 6 to 6.5 miles
Michelle is just so quick.
Here are some views of us before the swim.
It was great that Kath Rathband was able to start the event. A real hero.

Blue Lamp Trail 30th June

The Blue Lamp Trial


Next week I am embarking on my longest swim. The length of Windermere. The intention is two-fold. First to raise awareness of the Blue Lamp Foundation
http://bluelamp-foundation.org/

Second to raise funding for it.

The mission of the Foundation is
The money that we raise is used to relieve the financial hardship that some personnel of the Emergency Services may face after being criminally injured whilst on duty.

We are aiming to raise £1million by 2013, which will be three years after forming.

On the 30th June I will race Thomas Noblet to the participate in the first Blue Lamp Trial. It will start at 9am and involves us swimming the length of Lake Windermere.
This will be the longest in time and distance I have ever swam. So the unknown.

But it's worth it. I can't think it could in any way approach the pain and suffering many colleagues have endured as a result of criminal attacks and assault.

We want to show support to the families and friends of those injured and to help the Foundation. The Foundation was established by David Rathband and we support it to mark the impact that David had on policing. He is remembered with pride.
We hope that we can do something to help our show rct for his life and contribution to keeping our society safe.

If you can support the Blue Lamp Trial use the link below and donate

http://www.justgiving.com/StuHyde



Thank you

Blue Lamp trial

Ok here's the deal. 30th June swim the length of Lake Windermere. That's it.
If you can support me on the day that would be great. If not follow the link and donate a few bob to the Blue lamp Foundation
http://www.justgiving.com/StuHyde

Thanks

Visit to the Deer Initiative

Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Deer Initiative within Cumbria and spent time talking to national experts about the challenges of retaining a balance amongst the sometimes competing issues. We covered the types of deer, their habitats and risks to them as well as the risks to people from vehicle related accidents. The number of road accidents involving deer is high and was brought close to home by one involving a colleague that week. Luckily no injuries.
One of the interesting issues was the status of deer as res nullius ie they are owned by no one. The Deer Initiative is a partnership and like so many such relationships it's value exceeds the sum of its constituent parts. Whilst covering issues of Deer in the rural countryside we explored Deer in urban environments.
The site http://www.thedeerinitiative.co.uk/best_practice/
covers the initiative but also identifies agreed good practice.
In my role as ACPO lead for Wildlife and Rural crime it was very useful to see the extent of collaboration and the integration of statutory and voluntary sectors alongside land owners. Many issues shared, many views exchanged. I look forward to developing good working relationships with those involved.
My thanks to the Graythwaite Estate, Cumbria Deer Project, John Thornley, Peter Watson and Alastair Boston and to colleagues from the Forestry Commission who helped make the visit so informative.