You’ve all been following the dramatic images from our beloved Cumbria and the flooding over the last week, and your messages of support and concern have been so kind. Thank ewe. We’ve always known that community was a powerful thing, but in the middle of all the chaos and destruction, we’ve experienced some amazing moments of people coming together to help each other. It’s been a very heart-warming time in many ways.

Our herdy team, despite being themselves affected by the flooding, worked tirelessly to get the shops back on their feet at Grasmere, Keswick & Hawes. We’re now back open for business, and trying to help bring some normality and positivity back to the area.

We’ve had some amazing support both locally and from friends afar. In the immediate aftermath, we opened our shop in Grasmere for the community to use broadband, phones or have a cuppa. Within 10 minutes of us posting a request on social media for help at our Keswick shop, volunteers started arriving to help clear the mud, silt and damaged stock and fittings. Jean, one of our herdy friends in the south of England, wanted to help but was too far away. She was so moved by what she saw, she sent tea, coffee, biscuits to the Grasmere shop by mail order - what an amazingly thoughtful thing to do!

We even had Finn, one of our Twitter friends, who posted a design for a mug; herdy wearing a snorkel. Made us all smile!

Many local people and businesses were affected. The Cumbria Community Foundation, is fundraising to help those affected by the floods and, if you feel you would like to contribute, here’s the link:

http://campaign.justgiving.com/charity/cumbriafoundation/cumbriafloodappeal2015

It’s been a tough time but Cumbrians are a resilient bunch and trying hard to get the message out that Cumbria and the Lake District is very much open for business.

Our roads are open (all bar a couple!), trains are running, and the countryside is as beautiful now as ever.  Certain diversions are in place but please come and enjoy what you’ve always done, walk the fells, enjoy the pubs, chill out in the hotels, eat and drink in the cafes and restaurants.

Thank you for all your lovely messages of support and we look forward to seeing you soon.

The Herdy Team

Plan your trip, have a look at www.golakes.co.uk.