About Armstrong News
			Kendal's Wainwright's Yard development is home to the very latest trends in furnishings, accessories and gifts in the shape of the Armstrong Ward Lifestore. Opening their doors on Friday 28 October 2005, Armstrong Ward is owned and managed by husband and wife team, Andrew and Jacqueline Ward, who are delighted to have chosen Kendal as the location for their new business venture. As Jacqueline explains "Both Andrew and I are originally from Cumbria so we have a great affinity with the area – it's the place we always envisaged returning to and we saw a definite gap in the market for a really different kind of shopping experience which we hope will inspire and delight all our customers. We just can't wait to see people sitting back and experiencing the quality of one of our sofas, whilst mulling over what gift to buy for that special person." Taking a prime position opposite the entrance to the new Booth's supermarket, Armstrong Ward's light and airy interior will house fabulous hand-made upholstery from top names Duresta and John Sankey, as well as fine furniture from The Kitchen Dresser Company, tableware by Emma Bridgewater and Cath Kidston linens - plus many other renowned luxury brands of homewares and gifts for which people would previously have to travel as far as Manchester to buy. Armstrong Ward is particularly proud to be working with a number of local suppliers, such as the Sedbergh-based companies, Batthouse and Picture Palace. Another sought-after name to grace their shelves is Wish... creations who manufacture gorgeous gardening accessories such as aprons, pruning pouches and log carriers at their site in Leasgill. Andrew describes the selection of goods as "Ecclectic - a great balance of contemporary and classic to suit every home. Each item we stock has been hand selected by Jacqueline and myself and our respective backgrounds in retail and interiors mean that we are able to assist and advise customers as to how to make the most of their homes." As well as being entrepreneurs, the couple also have a 19-month old son, Harry, so the store has also been designed with kids in mind. Armstrong Ward's children's section gives somewhere for younger customers to play while parents browse in peace. 5% of every purchase made from the children's toy section goes directly to local disabled children's charity, Rainbow House.