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Scouts in Cumbria have been enjoying late summer evenings on the water in their new canoes thanks to funding from the Hyperfast Cumbria Connections Fund.

The 3rd Wigton Sea Scouts tested out the Canadian canoes during a regular evening session on Bassenthwaite Lake. Their group secured over £1,400 from the Hyperfast Cumbria Connections Fund (delivered by Fibrus) which contributed towards the cost of the Scout’s new canoes, buoyancy blocks and paddles.

The new equipment means the long-established group, which has been offering young people activities such as kayaking, sailing, climbing, camping and fell walking since 1957, can now introduce a new generation to canoeing.

Assistant Scout Leader Chris Hewitt, who supports the group of around 80 members from Squirrels to Explorers, said many children rarely get the chance to go out on the water. The Canadian canoes, he explained, are a safe way to get them started.

“This funding means we’ll have more opportunities to get children out onto the water and make the most of living in Cumbria. It’s a wonderful way to help them strike a balance between their online activities and being outdoors, enjoying time away from screens and phones.”

“Getting outdoors like this enables us leaders to build up better relationships with our young people. It’s easier to break down the barriers when you’re out on the water than it is on the shore. They tend to listen to you more, interact with you more, and you do tend to get smiles on their faces.”

Chris, a scout leader for 30 years, said the Sea Scouts teach traditional skills such as knot tying and support community activities, while offering distinctive water-based adventures that go far beyond a typical youth club.

The group welcomes both boys and girls. Among those canoeing on Bassenthwaite was 12-year-old Hollie Bysouth-Sloan, who joined when she moved to Cumbria three years ago.

“I never knew how to kayak or canoe and now I’m a good kayaker and a good canoeist,” she said. “The new canoes are better than the other ones.

“The group is really good, and I’ve made a lot of friends here. We do other activities at different camps. We did axe throwing, archery and backwoods cooking – cooking things on a fire like baked potatoes.”

Hyperfast GB, delivered by Fibrus, is working to connect communities across Cumbria through Project Gigabit, the UK Government’s rollout of lightning-fast, reliable broadband. As part of Fibrus’s delivery of Project Gigabit, it has committed to various social value initiatives that will bring wider benefits to local communities. The Hyperfast Cumbria Connections Fund has already supported more than 30 local causes across Cumbria, ranging from youth groups and busy village halls to small grassroots projects.

Ross Jackson, Senior Associate Stakeholder Engagement at Hyperfast GB, joined the scouts in testing out the canoes and said: “It shows that we’re giving back to those communities in as many different ways as we can.

“It’s great that we can help an organisation like this get the kids out on a Wednesday evening in September to experience the lakes and these picturesque surroundings.”

If you’re involved with a local initiative that could use a helping hand, Fibrus invites you to apply for funding support by submitting a short form via this page. Simply, provide a short description of your project and its impact, explain how you would use the funding, and share your goals or community feedback.

To find out if you’re connectable through Hyperfast GB’s Full Fibre broadband rollout, please visit here.

 

Hyperfast GB is the home for information on the progress of our network build contract under Project Gigabit – the UK government’s rollout of lightning-fast, reliable broadband across the UK.

Under a £150 million broadband improvement contract for Cumbria, Hyperfast GB will bring lightning-fast, realiable broadband services to almost 60,000 homes and businesses.

As part of this, we are reaching out to communities across Cumbria, hosting events that give us an opportunity to engage with local residents and answer questions about the rollout. The next event will take place in Hawkshead.

We are hosting two drop-in information sessions for residents:

Friday 21st November 2025

• Midday session: 12:00 – 14:00
• Evening session: 16:00 – 18:00

Both sessions will take place at:
Upper Hall, Hawkshead Market Hall, The Square, Hawkshead, Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 0NZ

No booking is required – simply call in at a time that suits you and speak to the Hyperfast GB team about the rollout of Full Fibre broadband and whether your home or business could be connected.

Parking: Parking is available at Hawkshead Car Park.

Nestled deep in a Lake District valley and encircled by nine Wainwright fells, the village of Kentmere is about as remote as it gets. With fewer than 70 houses and accessible only by a single winding track, it feels like the end of the road – because it is.

“The road only goes to Kentmere and then finishes – you could say we were well off the beaten track,” says retired teacher Sheila Hirst.

Sheila and husband Stephen moved from Lancaster seven years ago, drawn to the valley during previous walking trips.

“We just fell in love with the area the minute we saw it,” she says. “We can roll out the door, climb mountains with the dog and picnic at the reservoir. We have an idyllic life up here.”

But living in such isolation came with challenges, most notably, patchy and unreliable connectivity.

“We’d always been with [another provider], and the line coming up the valley was a copper line,” says Sheila.

“Occasionally, a lorry would come up the valley and damage the line, which ran through the trees and was extremely vulnerable. Eventually, the company told us they would no longer be repairing it. Plus, we had a lot of trouble with the phone line. A tree was knocking the line out and we had a lot of difficulties with communication.”

However, that all changed when Fibrus brought Full Fibre broadband to the area in January this year.

Bringing Full Fibre to such a remote community was no easy task. With complex terrain, restricted access and little existing infrastructure to build on, delivering connectivity required significant planning, engineering expertise and collaboration with the local community.

Kieran Martin, Operations Director at Viberoptix, Fibrus’ network delivery arm , said: “The Kentmere rollout was one of the most technically challenging locations we’ve worked in. Our teams overcame rugged terrain and narrow access, working closely with local landowners to bring reliable Full Fibre to homes and community spaces. This means residents and visitors now have fast, dependable broadband where it was previously limited or unavailable, making a real difference to their daily lives.”

This work meant the Kentmere valley could access Full Fibre broadband to Cumbria along with the 100,000 homes and businesses that Fibrus has now connected in the county.

This achievement includes premises reached through both Fibrus’ commercial rollout and the UK Government-funded Project Gigabit. Fibrus was awarded an extension to its Project Gigabit contract in January 2025, enabling an additional 21,000 homes in Cumbria to benefit from gigabit-capable broadband.

Once the expanded rollout is complete, and alongside other commercial plans, an estimated 99 per cent of homes and businesses in Cumbria will have access to next-generation broadband – paving the way for a digitally connected future across the region.

Sheila praises the positive impact that Full Fibre has had on her family’s life.

For the Hirsts, the upgrade with its 500Mb connection and VOIP calls hasn’t just meant a      dramatic improvement to their phone service, but it has given them peace of mind for their internet connection going forward.

“It’s futureproofing for us,” says Stephen. “In this day and age, having fast, dependable broadband is essential, and it’s brilliant to have a new line that’s so much more reliable.”

Although, installation was no small feat, given the challenging landscape.

She adds: “The nature of the land here means it’s very difficult to dig up anything.”

“Fibrus had to get permission from a nearby farmer to lay a line right down to us. Fortunately, he had no problem with that.

“But this meant Fibrus were going over walls and under walls, and they were amazing, just amazing.”

 

Crucially, the installation not only improved connectivity for individual homes but also revitalised the heart of the small community. The village hall in Kentmere, which previously had no Wi-Fi for presentations or visiting theatre groups, now benefits from full access thanks to Fibrus extending its service to the premises.

Sheila describes their vibrant social life despite the isolation – “Sheila frequently needs to meet visiting theatre companies at the village hall, but with no signal neither could contact the other if the company got lost or delayed, which often happened. Now wi-fi calling can help.”

Her husband explained the limitations prior to Fibrus’ arrival, “Previously, we couldn’t get any internet at the village hall at all, not even a mobile connection,” says Stephen. “But now thanks to Fibrus’ connection there’s Wi-Fi available in the hall so everyone can remain connected and contactable.”

Sheila frequently organises theatre trips and used to rely on the village hall as a meeting point. “I had to stay at home in case anyone called to say they were lost,” she explains. “There was no way to contact anyone already at the hall, which made things quite difficult.”

This new service has produced benefits for locals and visitors alike. “Importantly,” adds Stephen, “it has enabled us to offer free Wi-Fi, which means that people can use their mobile phones if they’re near the village hall – walkers or people who’ve got lost and need help, but would previously have had no signal.”

“We’re so grateful to Fibrus,” says Sheila. “It’s fabulous being so remote and yet having good internet.”

To receive updates on whether your home can be connected to the Fibrus network, you can check your postcode and register your interest at: https://hyperfastgb.com/

At Hyperfast GB, powered by Fibrus, we know that Cumbria’s strength lies in its communities. From local youth groups and busy village halls to small grassroots projects, these local initiatives play a vital role in keeping communities connected and thriving.

Now in its third year, the Hyperfast Cumbria Connections Fund has already provided grants to over 25 local causes across the county, helping to deliver real, lasting impact where it matters most.

Eden District Scouts are among the groups we’ve supported in recent months. We helped fund their exciting 12-day expedition to Romania, led by Outward Bound Romania. The adventure includes mountain trekking, canoeing, and volunteering, giving these remarkable young people a chance to experience a unique blend of cultural exchange and personal growth. This opportunity encourages them to explore, develop new skills, and build connections with communities beyond their own.

Alex Birtles, a parent volunteer, reflected on the recent expedition, ““The funding we received through the Hyperfast Cumbria Connections Fund was key in making this expedition possible, helping cover essential costs and training so every young person could take part.

“The trip was incredibly valuable to these young people, but it was much more than the 12 days of trekking and canoeing. It was the culmination of a year of fundraising and preparation, including numerous weekends of training, which required real commitment, discipline and dedication. Through this, the Scouts developed important life skills, built confidence, and strengthened their teamwork, resilience, patience and creativity.”

Monty, member of Eden District Scouts, reflected on their recent trip, “The expedition was an amazing experience. Seeing the Carpathian landscape and experiencing the culture of a place I’d never been before was incredible and sharing it all with friends made it even more special – it’s something I’ll never forget.”

The fund was created to give groups that are already making a difference the opportunity to build on their impactful work. Whether it’s upgrading facilities, purchasing equipment, or running community events, the grant is designed to be simple, accessible, and inclusive.

Speaking about the fund, Libby Bateman, Hyperfast GB’s External Stakeholder Manager said:

“The Hyperfast Cumbria Connections Fund is all about giving back to the communities we serve. We were invited to attend a presentation about the Eden District Scouts expedition and were delighted to hear about how much these young people benefited from the trip, developing skills that will stay with them for a life time, We know the difference that a little support can make to local projects. It’s inspiring to see the creativity, energy, and commitment of these groups, and we encourage anyone with a community project to get in touch with us.”

How can I apply?

If you’re involved with a local initiative that could use a helping hand, we’d love to hear from you. Applying is straightforward, simply complete this enquiry form telling us:

• A short description of your project and its impact
• How you would use the funding and the outcomes you expect
• Any history, goals, or feedback from your community

Together, we can build a stronger, more connected Cumbria.

Keep updated with the latest news and success stories from the fund by following us on our social media @HyperfastGB

Hyperfast GB is the home for information on the progress of our network build contract under Project Gigabit – the UK government’s rollout of lightning-fast, reliable broadband across the UK.

Under a £150 million broadband improvement contract for Cumbria, Hyperfast GB will bring lightning-fast, realiable broadband services to almost 60,000 homes and businesses.

As part of this, we are reaching out to communities across Cumbria, hosting events that give us an opportunity to engage with local residents and answer questions about the rollout. The next event will take place in Nenthead.

We are hosting two drop-in information sessions for residents:

Tuesday 4^th November 2025

• Midday session: 12pm – 2pm
• Evening session: 4pm – 6pm

Both sessions will take place at:
Nenthead Village Hall, Nenthead, Alston, CA9 3PN

No booking is required – simply call in at a time that suits you and speak to the Hyperfast GB team about the rollout of Full Fibre broadband and whether your home or business could be connected.

Hyperfast GB is the home for information on the progress of our network build contract under Project Gigabit – the UK government’s £5 billion programme enabling hard-to-reach communities to access full fibre broadband. 

Under a £108 million broadband improvement contract for Cumbria, Hyperfast GB will bring lightning-fast gigabit-capable broadband services to almost 60,000 homes and businesses. 

As part of this, we are reaching out to communities across Cumbria, hosting events that give us an opportunity to engage with local residents and answer questions about the rollout. The next event will take place in Grizebeck. 

We are hosting two drop-in information sessions for residents: 

Tuesday 16th September 2025 

• Midday session: 12pm – 2pm 

• Evening session: 4pm – 6pm 

Both sessions will take place at:
The Community Hall, Grizebeck, LA17 7XH 

No booking is required – simply call in at a time that suits you and speak to the Hyperfast GB team about the rollout of Full Fibre broadband and whether your home or business could be connected. 

Please note there will be parking available at the Community Hall and at the nearby Greyhound pub, just a couple of minutes’ walk away. 

We were excited set up camp for the week at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Penrith to give pupils a taste of what working in the telecommunications industry is like. 

Colleagues from across the Fibrus Group, spent time at the school to give 10 pupils a hands-on introduction to telecoms. Throughout the week we provided a full programme of activities for the students, including splicing the fibres used in our broadband network that are just nine microns in width – half the width of a human hair! 

There were also sessions on health and safety, business administration and a mock customer contact centre was set up – with the year 10 pupils challenged to handle queries. The 15-year-olds also got the chance to take part in a grants panel to review the funding applications we receive from local groups. 

The pupils were shown how to splice together fibres by former Kirkby Stephen Grammar School pupil Sarah Dow, 19, who recently completed an apprenticeship with Viberoptix. 

Sarah now works across Cumbria helping to lay the network that is bringing lightning-fast broadband to rural communities and says she loves her job. “It is great to be outside every day – I couldn’t work in an office,” she said, adding: “I’ve enjoyed showing the pupils what I do and giving them a chance to try out splicing. I think it’s a great opportunity for them to see different types of work.” 

The week of work experience was clearly a hit, with the pupils enjoying the variety of roles and experiences on offer. 

Luke Evans, 15, said: “I didn’t realise how many different roles there were within telecoms, so it has got us all thinking about the industry. I really enjoyed the business side of it and Fibrus have put on a really good week for us all.” 

Libby Bateman, our Hyperfast Stakeholder and Engagement Manager in Cumbria, said the week of work experience had hopefully encouraged pupils to think about careers in telecoms. 

“Coming into the school for the week has been a good way to speak to a wider range of pupils and show them opportunities for the future. Having Sarah here is great. She is only four years older than them, and they can see how well she is doing after her apprenticeship. 

“Over the course of the week we have been able to give the students a taste of lots of different jobs including some of the administrative roles. It’s about inspiring them to think about what they can be and having them to consider work in the telecoms industry.” 

To find out more about careers with Fibrus, visit https://fibrus.com/careers/ 

We are excited to be launching our new podcast episode exploring how through Project Gigabit, Hyperfast Gb delivered by Fibrus is set to transform connectivity across Cumbria!

The episode, hosted by Tom Speight of Behind The Scenery – the Cumbria Arts & Culture Network’s podcast – delves into what Full Fibre broadband access means for homes, businesses, and local communities, and features exclusive insights from the team delivering this groundbreaking infrastructure upgrade.

Taking part in the discussion are Chris Collins and Libby Bateman from Fibrus, and Local Delivery Lead David Marsh from Building Digital UK all fed into the discussion surrounding the rollout of Full Fibre to rural communities.

The 50-minute episode discusses why Cumbria is one of the first counties to benefit from Project Gigabit. The podcast also answers questions on how prospective customers can get connected, includes information on road disruptions to minimise impact on communities, and insight on how Full Fibre broadband works and why it matters – as well as offering some jargon-busting.

Project Gigabit is a government-funded programme to enable hard-to-reach communities to access fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband. It targets homes and businesses that are not included in broadband suppliers’ commercial plans, reaching parts of the UK that might otherwise miss out on upgrades to next-generation speeds.

Cumbria is one of the first counties to benefit from this investment with Fibrus playing a pivotal role in delivery.

“Project Gigabit is the UK Government’s commitment to connecting remote communities,” said David Marsh. “In Cumbria, we’re working with Hyperfast GB, part of Fibrus, to ensure these areas aren’t left behind.”

Libby Bateman, Stakeholder Manager at Hyperfast, also speaks to the wider benefits of improved connectivity:

“This is about more than working from home. It’s about learning, staying in touch, and supporting our vital tourism industry.”

The podcast also highlights Fibrus’ investment in future talent through its training academy at the former Newton Rigg College site near Penrith, aimed at building the next generation of telecoms professionals.

“Fibrus is passionate about training people and looking after the communities we work in,” added Bateman. “We want to leave each place better than we found it – with faster broadband and stronger local skills.”

“Our goal is simple: get in, get it done, and leave communities connected with a really, really good broadband service.”

🎧 You can listen now on:

• Soundcloud
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts
• Amazon Music

Hyperfast GB is the home for information on the progress of our network build contract under Project Gigabit – the UK government’s £5 billion programme enabling hard to reach communities to access full fibre broadband. 

Under a £108 million broadband improvement contract for Cumbria, Hyperfast GB will bring lightning-fast-gigabit-capable broadband services to almost 60,000 homes and businesses. 

Milnthorpe & Natland are the next areas to benefit from the project – we are hosting an information evening for residents: 

24th July 2025 – 7pm at Leasgill Village Hall, Leasgill, Milnthorpe, LA7 7ET 

BOOK TICKETS HERE: Hyperfast GB community event – Milnthorpe and Natland Tickets, Thu, Jul 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite

(please contact us in advance if you have mobility issues or dietary requirements as refreshments will be served) 

Hyperfast GB is the home for information on the progress of our network build contract under Project Gigabit – the UK government’s £5 billion programme enabling hard to reach communities to access full fibre broadband. 

Under a £108 million broadband improvement contract for Cumbria, Hyperfast GB will bring lightning-fast-gigabit-capable broadband services to almost 60,000 homes and businesses. 

Appleby is the next area to benefit from the project – we are hosting an information evening for residents: 

25th June 2025 – 7pm at Bolton Village Memorial Hall, Village Crossroads, Appleby-in-Westmorland, CA16 6UZ 

BOOK TICKETS HERE:  Hyperfast GB community event – Appleby Tickets, Wed, Jun 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite 

(please contact us in advance if you have mobility issues or dietary requirements as refreshments will be served)