Eden Local Issue 180 by Lee Quinn

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ISSN 2516-1431

Your Independent Community Magazine Penrith and areas of the Eden Valley

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5th May Unitary County Elections The One Call Experience One Radio, One Record, One Show 1940’s Weekend Returns Penrith Town Council Annual Report 2021-22

Eden107.5

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Welcome to your April Eden Local British Summertime is here, and whilst the buds are popping out, as the extended daylight hours of Spring are with us, the election season is about to dawn, or is it? We will know the answer before you get to read this I hope, or will you?

A Snapshot of what we have Snapshot of what we’ve got - there is a buzz about this month’s Eden Local, with summer events returning, Brougham Hall 40s weekend and we have something special from the Skelton Show and Eden FM. The Unitary Council Election looks to be imminent on 5th May, now just weeks away and then the clock will count down to 1st April 2023 Vesting Day - when the new unitary council for Eden starts to operate, following this year’s elections. Of course, we have some new businesses and some returning. If a picture paints a thousand words, we have more than a few thousand for you with local photographer Roxana. Possibly, the ultimate advert is that of feedback and we also took the roof off with One Call this month! Our key article is the Penrith Town Council 2021-2022 report, which we hope appeals to those living and working in the town that we estimate to be around 15,000 people in a growing multicultural community, with approximately 8,500 homes, growing to 9,000. And finally, welcome to Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the first of a two-part story with a buzz from the Penrith Bee Keepers.

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Truthfully, we shouldn’t even be considering this question, but sadly it is a fact. As early as late January into February 2022 and even early March, you may have noticed the surveys arriving through your door as some awake from election hibernation to make an early start on a campaign that technically doesn’t officially exist, until it is officially announced! Well, it is on page 6 as announced in a press release from Cumbria County Council on 18th March 2022. It may have been a shock recently, as for some of you for the first time in a long, long, long time you’ve witnessed people parading on street corners posing for photos, some looking at potholes in the road, posing and pointing a finger. I don’t think an election would be an election without seeing an existing councillor for the first time, or a new person with a dream for change or an upgrade. So, prior to printing your community magazine, it is pre-election time. The early bird may catch the worm, with a survey, if that worm isn’t already under the foundations of a new house being built, in an area once proposed to be a new school. But, if you haven’t experienced or noticed the buzz from the political hives yet, it could be you haven’t received the second wave of ‘our survey said’. A lot of campaigns and decisions will be based on ‘our survey said’, its key campaign leaflets containing information, presented like facts. In the area of Penrith where we live, there have been a lot of surveys and a lot of consultations, many like the drains. We don’t get to see or hear what the actual facts, figures and participation are that allows those making decisions to decide the future, considering the impact it will have on our lives and the lives of future generations. Celebrating 44 years in business

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But some will say, we consulted with the community, however, we rarely see the facts and the figures of how many took part, especially when some figures are so low, constituting less than 10% involvement from the community. Communication is something I am motivated by, hence you have this free, independent magazine and a not for profit, independent radio station that is a platform for all. Alas whilst I am constantly sifting through press releases 5 to 6 days of the week, and some are so important, I do get despondent that there are no budgets for these to be communicated from the County or District Councils to the community they serve. Perhaps this is why as a magazine we take calls from residents and businesses asking if we have the answers. There is too much essential information you should have that you have possibly never seen. Is COVID news vitally important anymore? I believe so, but there is no budget provided by Cumbria County or the District Council to place important news in a local magazine, which is free to the areas they serve as councils. During the heights and spikes of the last two years, I received updates and press releases from Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, Colin Cox that came via the Cumbria County Council Communications team. These are produced most days but not all are accessible to you, hence we have this update for you. So, for this month I have allocated some space for two important announcements. We would have to have a magazine twice as thick to provide all the essential news you need, and whilst we are limited as a voluntary team of writers, tasked with raising the funds to design, print and distribute, what you have in your hand today is free. It’s possible that you missed the 11 press releases from 18th and 24th March by our Penrith and Borders MP. One press release received the day of print, was one that may leave you confused as it has

myself, which you may also have missed, was the announcement by Eden District Council, the release titled ‘Construction work begins at Council’s new net zero carbon single site headquarters’. Statements like these and press releases of over 1000 words justifying the action, always leads to questions. With Mansion House technically under offer pending completion of sale, will the District Council be selling the Town Hall, before it, as a council no longer exists come the 4th April 2022, when the new Westmorland and Furness Council is officially invested? Once again, thank you to all those supporting the Community magazine with the largest circulation and readership in Penrith and the areas around it. We’ll be back in May, maybe sooner. Have a great Easter. Lee

01768 862394

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Eden FM Notice: Eden Local prints various articles, features, and advertisements. Although these appear in Eden FM, any opinions expressed are the opinion of the author, these are not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. ©Copyright Eden Local 2022. The contents of this publication are written specifically for our readers, no part may be reproduced elsewhere without express and prior permission.

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5th May 2022 Unitary Council Election Confirmed In a press release issued from Cumbria County Council 18th March 2022, titled ‘Key milestone met for Local Government reorganisation in Cumbria’.

will be held on 5 May 2022. After the elections two Shadow Authorities will be formed who will make decisions on the creation of the two new councils up to vesting day.

It confirmed that in that week there was an announcement by the government that the parliamentary order which sets out the legal basis of the move had come into force for the local government changes in Cumbria

More information on the process and what it means for the people of Cumbria can be found on the LGR website: https:// newcouncilsforcumbria.info/ default.asp

The Structural Changes Order (SCO) completed its passage through both houses of Parliament in that week and received the ministerial signature 17th March. The SCO sets out the process of creating the two new councils and provides the legal basis on which to implement the change to local government structures. From vesting day on 1 April 2023 the current six district councils and Cumbria County Council will be replaced with two new ‘unitary’ councils. The names for the two new councils are:

Cumberland Council which will cover the current Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland council areas. Westmorland and Furness Council which will cover the current Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland council areas. The two new councils will be responsible for services currently provided in those areas by the district councils and the county council. Elections for the new authorities

The SCO requires that two joint committees are established ahead of the formation of the Shadow Authorities. The Westmorland and Furness joint committee is due to hold its first meeting on 29th March. The Cumberland Joint Committee is due to meet on 30th March. More details of the meetings can be found at: www. newcouncilsforcumbria.info/ Joint_Committees.asp Residents who wish to vote in the upcoming elections in May, and who are not registered to vote are encouraged to register as soon as possible at: www.gov.uk/register-to

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Introducing Roxana By Lee Quinn Every month I get to write about people. As you review this short introduction, I think words would be wasted! In the centre of Penrith, we have a talent, a very creative and professional individual. In between her chosen career, like many of us, Roxana has a job in the challenging back drop of the NHS, but in her studio it’s a different life, capturing moments that are special in life itself. In short, Roxana moved on from her Wedding photography, to what we discussed when I visited her studio which overlooks St Andrews Church. As you can see from her portfolio, in a way, it has moved on to a different phase in life, shared naturally by so many couples. As an idea, as I put it to Roxana and now to you, from maternity to birth and those fresh photos of the new born, how many photos do people have of Christenings or first celebrations with different generations - sons, daughters, and grandchildren as a family group capturing that moment? I’ll leave that thought with you because I think it’s a priceless gift. 07512 171545 • almaphotostudio@yahoo.com www.almaphotostudio.com St.Andrew`s Place, Penrith, CA11 7XZ

At the North Lakes Hotel we have some new and exciting events being held as well as some of our regular ones. From Tribute Nights to Food & Drink Markets, 80’s Girls Nights where you can dance the night away with your friends, to Charity Corporate Challenges, our annual Christmas Market and exciting Party Nights – there is truly something for everyone. And if you are wanting to celebrate that big life anniversary moment, family gathering, stylish fundraiser or just getting together with friends, we have some stylish spaces that would suit any occasion, making your celebration the very best. Full details can be found on our website northlakeshotel.co.uk in our events and celebrations pages. To start a conversation call us on 01768 868111 and speak with the Events Team or email events@northlakeshotel.co.uk.

Coming Up at North Lakes Hotel & Spa Adele Tribute Night Friday 6th May, 7.30pm

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Why does the Menopause matter? by Charlotte Quinn

employers are advised to consider, like:

According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), women over the age of 50 are the fastest growing sector of the workforce, and the majority of them will go through the menopause during their working lives. Women generally go through the Menopause between the ages of 40 and 60, although there are many exceptions to this. It is believed that for every ten women experiencing menopausal symptoms, as many as six of them will face issues at work, sometimes leading to numerous or lengthy periods of absence and even feeling they have to leave their job. In research carried out by the CIPD and BUPA in 2021, they discovered almost a million women had left their job due to menopausal symptoms. From my research, there are a couple of things that are really clear – that we still need to do more to raise awareness about it, that we need to promote the right workplace culture that encourages women to talk openly and honestly about their challenges, and we need to

provide better support to those trying to cope. So, what can employers do to support their employees? It’s not surprising that those experiencing menopausal symptoms don’t always feel able or willing to talk about how they are feeling – after all, it’s really personal. Often, employees just try to carry on the best they can, finding their own way of coping. Sometimes though they just can’t cope, and things get too much. It’s important to think about how this might affect all of your employees. There are a number of things 12

• Raising awareness within the organisation generally through different types of communication – you may with to create a policy or a guidance document that sets out how the organisation will support employees experiencing menopausal symptoms, and encouraging other employees to be supportive and understanding • Creating some specific guidance for line managers - ensuring they are aware of the range of symptoms, the types of support the Organisation may be able to offer, and their role in supporting those facing difficulties • Equipping line managers with the skills and confidence to be able to have conversations with employees, and so that they feel able to offer appropriate support as and when needed – specific coaching or training may be required

• Ensuring employees are aware they will receive the same levels of support and understanding as they would with any other health-related issue, may encourage them to speak more openly and honestly about the challenges they are facing • Carrying out risk assessments as needed and exploring reasonable adjustments to roles • Ensuring conversations are held regularly, so employees feel they are receiving ongoing support Whatever the size of your organisation, you may well have employees who haven’t felt able to speak out about the challenges they are facing in relation to the Menopause. You need to create the right working environment and culture for them to do this, so please think about your organisation and the suggestions offered. Don’t bury your head in the sand – you’ve a duty of care and a moral responsibility to make sure you support all of your employees.

Do you need any other employment-related information or assistance? Whatever your employment-related query, I am here to help – able to offer advice and support and provide information as needed. The following are typically some of the areas I support businesses with:

• Employee relations – disciplinaries, grievances, whistleblowing, bullying and harassment

• Attendance issues – sickness related and other • Performance issues – appraisals, managing poor performance and capability

• Staff Handbooks – policies, procedures and standards • Employment documents – particulars of employment

(employment contracts) and any other employment-related documents

• Changes to Employment Law • Recruitment and selection – recruitment activities, job descriptions and recruitment documentation

• Pay and benefits – pay structures and job evaluation • Reorganisation and redundancy Advice and support can be provided on an ad hoc basis or through a retainer service, where for a small fixed, monthly fee, you can access support as and when you need it. I’d be delighted to hear from you, whether you need some immediate or ad hoc advice, or whether you would like to discuss ongoing support.

Please contact me at charlotte@quinnhr.co.uk or on 01768 862394.

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The One Call experience Your Neighbourhood roofer by Lee Quinn

Mrs M of Wetheriggs, Penrith

If you are a business in the current climate, it’s very possible you’ll be experiencing increased costs to your production, products, materials or energy. So, imagine what a saving it is to be in a position to almost work from home a few streets down, maybe the other side of town or just down the road in a village.

It wasn’t her first encounter with Darren from One Call, less than 5 minutes from Mrs M’s property, almost the same distance in a different direction to Mr N’s. Mrs M was impressed with some guttering work One call had done and with a roof around 60 years old, it was a case of it was needed before it became a problem, if not this winter, then next. Like a lot of houses on Wetheriggs, but also across the Eden Valley, they do get a battering from the weather and worn.

To support what I have seen and already witnessed as close as next door, down the road and around the corner, the best way to find out if what I see has any mileage in it, is to simply ask a few of those who have shared the One Call experience.

Based on Mrs M’s previous experience, Darren talked her through what this experience would entail from start to finish, when things would happen and why. This was all confirmed in the quote, but it didn’t stop there. From the time the scaffolding went up, Darren explained everything again, and then during the work, explained before starting each part what the One Call team would be doing, and Mrs M was also updated every day when they finished.

Mr N of Wetheriggs, Penrith So, we sat outside and discussed the One Call experience. Mr N had seen the advert in the Eden Local. He then had a look online at the One Call website and at other roofers. In sticking with tradition, like a number of people making a serious investment like a roof, he was going for two quotes. As Mr N described it, Darren from One Call came and had a good look at the roof from the outside and from inside the loft. There were some problems that Mr N was already aware of relating to two flues that were too close together. Darren also arranged for a Gas engineer to assess this too.

To conclude this One Call experience update, I spoke to four One Call customers virtually, all within 5-8 minutes of Darren and Laura. They all had their reasons for using One Call - safe, clean, tidy, impressed, constantly updated, on time, and as for Mr N, well his flues were moved, and he showed me that he had also received his Building Certificate of completion.

Darren did the quote. It was hand delivered and it also came with a guarantee to match any quote. There was something different about the next roofer. He measured the outside wall and the side of the house and Mr N never did get his second quote as it never arrived……will come back to Mr N.

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ANNUAL REPORT 2021-2022 MAYOR’S ANNUAL REPORT As Chair of the Town Council my plans are for the Town Council to continue the excellent work done in the last years by the councillors and staff, especially under the tricky conditions due to Covid. The last couple of years have been incredibly challenging for us all. I would like to thank the local community for their compassion, support and resilience. I would like to thank my fellow councillors, Council Officers and our amazing volunteers in Penrith for the huge contribution they have made to our Town. A lot of effort had to be moved from longer term projects to supporting the community through the Covid 19 Pandemic. Now that things seem to be returning to at least a new normal we need to concentrate on our priority projects including: Pushing onwards with our Climate Change Strategy following the declaration

of a climate and ecological emergency declared by Council in May 2019. Following our public survey we are resolved to continue to work with partners and stakeholders to increase/improve the arts and culture offering for the people of Penrith and Eden. We are continuing to work with Eden District Council and Cumbria County Council on the recommendations of our joint Parking and Movement Study to ensure that the findings of the major exercise are realised as soon as possible. The management of Thacka Beck Field (between Pategill and Tynefield). The land is owned by the Town Council and we are looking to Pategill Residents to shape how this area can be improved for the benefit of the Penrith residents. Finally I want to try to ensure

that our partnership with Cumbria County Council, Eden District Council, the two Business Improvement Districts and the Chamber of Commerce goes from strength to strength, as we work together to support the Penrith Place Plan to ensure a successful outcome to the Borderlands application for Penrith, whilst we progress through Local Government Reorganisation in Penrith. It has been an honour and a pleasure to have been Penrith Mayor for the last year. Councillor Charlie Shepherd, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Penrith Mayor

One Corporate Body • Six Electoral Wards • 15 Councillors Assets £125,000 Benches • 8 Bus Shelters • 156 Allotments • 14 Acres of green open space and play areas Annual Budget £450,069 Members of Staff: 2 Full Time, 5 Part Time Key Service Areas: Planning, Community, Land & Property, Local Government Public Meetings: 43 15

IN 21/22, PENRITH TOWN COUNCIL HAS: •

Promoted and represented the community's views and aspirations at local, county, and national level.

•

Provided high standard, cost-effective services, and amenities to help meet the needs and wishes of residents.

•

Ensured that the Council can support the community and accept growth because of Local Government Reorganisation.

•

Worked to retain the General Power of Competence and maintain the standards required within the Local Council Award Scheme.

•

Worked in partnership, to ensure and improving standard of services and facilities to meet the needs and expectations of the community.

•

Influenced service delivery and development in the town to ensure that the best interests of Penrith are considered.

•

Sought a fair share of investment in the town by local and regional authorities.

•

Accepted and asked for further devolution of services to the Town Council.

•

Enhanced and promoted the historic and cultural heritage of Penrith and safeguard its unique identity and its natural and built environment.

AS WELL AS: •

Supported local voluntary groups and clubs that seek to assist residents and encourage visitors through advice, guidance, and the provision of grants.

•

Improved services to the public by encouraging members and staff to develop their skills, by undertaking appropriate training and ensure councillors were offered the opportunity to keep abreast of new opportunities and policies.

•

Continuously promoted public participation in all Town Council meetings and initiatives.

•

Dealt with enquiries, complaints, and fault reports from members of the public effectively & efficiently.

•

Continued to review policies and procedures to ensure that the Council operated and delivered services in an open, transparent, legal, and business-like manner.

•

Encouraged and promoted the social, economic, environmental, and commercial vitality of the town to support its future prosperity, sustainability and enhance the cultural wellbeing of its residents and local businesses.

YOUR NEW COUNCILLOR Following the by-election held on 6th May, Penrith Town Council welcomed Val Bowen as the newly elected Councillor for Pategill. Val was born and bred in Derbyshire and has lived in Penrith for 18 years. She and her husband have two grown up children and four grandchildren. Before moving to Cumbria, she worked for Hertfordshire County Council, developing library services for children and young people, and their parents and carers. Her interests include current affairs, circle dancing, gardening, reading, family history and walking. She usually has a knitting project in progress, but admits to varying degrees of success. Since moving to Penrith, she and her husband have completed several long distance walks and have climbed all the Wainwrights. CV19 restrictions and advice have confined their recent walking to local lanes, but they look forward to getting out on the fells again before too long. 16

YOUR COUNCILLORS

Paul Donald

Scott Jackson

Ron Kenyon

Mike Shepherd

North Ward

cllr.donald@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

Roger Burgin South Ward

cllr.jackson@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

James Fallows East Ward

cllr.kenyon@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk cllr.mikeshepherd@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

Nicola Hawkins East Ward

Charlie Shepherd East Ward

cllr.burgin@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

cllr.Fallows@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

cllr.Hawkins@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

cllr.Shepherd@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

Margaret Clark

Jonathan Davies

Dave Knaggs

Hilary Snell

South Ward

West Ward

cllr.clark@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

cllr.Davies@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

cllr.Knaggs@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

cllr.Snell@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

Doug Lawson Carleton Ward

cllr.lawson@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

Stephen Clarke Carleton Ward

cllr.clarke@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

Val Bowen

Pategill Ward cllr.Bowenl@penrithtowncouncil.gov.uk

INTERNAL AUDIT The Council has received a positive internal audit report for the period 1 April 2021 to 31 December 2021 which confirmed that the Council has correctly provided for the period for the exercise of public rights as required by the Account and Audit Regulations. The Council has continued to invest its money effectively in the short term in the CCLA Public Deposit Fund and longer in both the Cumberland and Penrith Building Society. A very satisfactory outcome in all corporate areas. As Chair of the Council’s Finance Committee would like to show my appreciation and acknowledge the work of the Responsible Finance Officer, the Services and Contracts Manager and the Finance Committee. The Finance Committee is responsible for managing and maintaining the Council’s assets, land and property. We are looking forward to accepting more assets from the Westmorland and Furness Council when the existing district and county councils are dissolved. 17

THE COUNCIL - THE YEAR Ahead Penrith Town Council are starting to plan for 2022 and beyond and we have published a refreshed Council Business Plan. In 2019, the Council agreed an in-depth business plan. The plan contained 92 activities which have been reviewed to ensure Council operations remain relevant and responsive to important local matters.

been refreshed to address significant key issues for 2022 and onwards: • Implement the Local Government Review in Cumbria. • Tackling climate change. • Support Penrith’s recovery from the effects of Covid-19 and enhancing the vitality of the Town.

Consequently, the 2019-2023 Council Business has

LOCAL GOVERNEMENT CHANGE The most significant issue for 2022-2023 is that of the local changes to the government structures in Cumbria. The new changes to local government in Cumbria are dynamic. From 1 April 2023, the current six district councils and Cumbria County Council will be replaced by two new unitary authorities. The two new unitary councils will provide all the services currently provided by district councils and the county council. This will have a direct impact on the governance, resources, growth, and operations

of the Town Council. Our new unitary council will provide services to those in the current areas of Barrow, Eden and South Lakeland, the council’s name will be “Westmorland and Furness Council”. Over the last six years, Penrith Town Council has been consistently ambitious to accept devolution and now there is a real possibility that some of the services and assets will come to the Town Council.

CLIMATE CHANGE The climate and ecological crisis remains a significant, long-term challenge. Penrith Town Council has committed to playing its part to tackle this global challenge. The details of this work are included in our Climate Strategy, and we are looking to our residents and businesses to help us find solutions to cut the town’s carbon footprint. We will reduce the carbon emissions of the Council to become carbon neutral by 2030 and aim to achieve the same for the Town by 2030. We will work with partners and contractors, businesses, visitors, and community groups to support them in reducing their carbon footprint and to help find new ways of doing things to reduce, manage and mitigate the impact of climate change.

In recent times, we have seen the value of green and open space for recreation, health, and wellbeing. We place the highest emphasis on the natural capital of our stunning environment – the Lakes, mountains, and countryside – and the value and importance of biodiversity within it. As custodians for future generations, preserving and enhancing our natural environment is key. We want to provide a healthier, more beautiful natural environment that inspires, educates and involves residents and visitors. We will implement and support re-wilding, nature recovery and conservancy schemes to enhance our precious environment, where appropriate.

office@penrithtowncouncil.co.uk 01768 899 773 Write: Penrith Town Council. Unit 1, Church House, 19-24 Friargate, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7XR Please get involved in helping to make Penrith a Carbon Neutral Town. It’s crucially important for all of us!! 18

Eden107.5

A radio, a record and a show by Lee Quinn

A large part of what the Eden FM radio team of volunteers have always done is form strong links in the community, whilst supporting many voluntary groups, societies, clubs and groups in Eden. It’s something we have been doing since the day we switched on for the first time on that Friday in November 2010. On the Saturday that followed, we completed our first outside broadcast live from the Skelton Memorial Hall. Since that day, we have had close links with Skelton generally, in attending and supporting the Skelton Show, right up until lockdown when everything stopped. As a station, the team are ready to get back out there and do what we do, and so we will be at the Skelton Show. As things start to get back to the new normal, there will be challenges for businesses but also for all those voluntary groups, societies, clubs and groups out there in Eden. The future of many local events is based on local volunteers and those voluntary organisations, be it a radio station, a club, society or of course those volunteers helping with the shows that help make it happen.

free admission ticket. Offers to go on our database of volunteers should be made to John Slee with jobs being allocated during June. john.slee@ skeltonshow.com Eden FM hopes to complete a number of projects, and one of these is a series of Guinness World Record attempts from the Summer of 2022 through to the Winter. One of these opportunities is to be a part of one of the World Record attempts, and it is already registered and scheduled to start at 9am at the Skelton Show on Saturday 2nd July. We need 200 people to take part in a radio Guinness World Record challenge, and you could be involved! It could be that you are a volunteer at the Skelton Show, or you are attending the show that day.

This year Eden FM is organising something different for its transmission live from the Skelton Show, and the Skelton Show committee also have an offer for you too, as communicated through John Slee.

Eden FM will need you for approximately 10- 15 minutes between 9am and 12pm. If taking part there will be a short briefing for you to attend by June 12th 2022, as you will also become ‘A friend of Eden FM’ for one year when you take part. Please email lee@edenfm.co.uk for more details or call 01768 899107 and leave a message.

The Skelton Show Committee are offering anyone who volunteers for 4 hours or more an additional

Let’s get our Summer back on the road again with you in 2022!

Can you help!

01768 862394 Suite 6, Cumbria House, Gilwilly Road Penrith CA11 9FF www.edenfm.co.uk

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS…

April – Beech

During late April and early May the bright lime green, silky leaves of the native Beech tree Fagus sylvatica begin to emerge from their reddish brown, crisscrossed patterned, sharply pointed cigar shaped buds and are a sure sign that summer isn’t far away.

350 years – their gnarled and knotty trunks provide nesting sites for birds and wood-boring insects, while the bark is often home to a range of mosses, lichens and fungi. The Bearded Tooth fungi relies entirely on the Beech woods in the south of England to survive as it only grows on dead fallen Beech branches or the trunks of the oldest trees.

The common Beech is found all over Europe from the southern edges of Sweden to the north of Sicily but because it can be sensitive to frost it is only considered to be a true native of the south-eastern corners of England and Wales. It is however found across the country as a woodland tree and also as a garden hedge.

Ancient Beech woodlands are also full of mythology and symbolism. Because of their longevity Beech has a longstanding link to time, wisdom and knowledge particularly in the written form. Thin slices of Beech wood were used to form very early written books. The Anglo-Saxons name for the tree was Boc which became the word Book and in a number of European languages the word for ‘book’ and ‘Beech’ can be interchangeable. It is said that if a wish is scratched on a piece of Beech and then buried then it will come true.

Like a number of other trees the Beech is monoecious which means it grows both male and female flower on the tree. In April and May the male catkins (which are tassel shaped) hang from long stalks at the end of the twigs and the female flowers (which are surrounded by a cup) grow in pairs. When the flowers have been wind pollinated the cups become woody and one or two triangular beechnuts will develop inside the prickly four lobed seed cases. These are known as Beechmast and can be found covering the ground below the trees in woodland areas. The leaves of the Beech turn a glorious copper colour in the autumn while in the winter Beech hedges which are regularly clipped will retain their dried and brown leaves. This is known as marcescence and provides a dense protective habitat for garden birds and small animals.

The Beech tree is associated with femininity and is considered the queen of British trees alongside the Oak thought of as the king of trees. The ‘queen of the trees’ provides both protection and nourishment with the thick canopies of leaves giving shelter and the edible Beechnuts providing food for village communities. Beechnut oil was used for cooking and the nuts ground into flour. The nuts were also fed to pigs and when roasted make a passable coffee substitute.

Mature trees grow to a height of more than 40m (approx. 132ft) with a vast domed crown which gives the tree its distinctive shape. Beech woodland is shady with a characteristic deep, dense and crunchy carpet of leaves and mast husks. Because of the thick canopy of leaves during the spring and summer only specialised shade loving plants can survive such as Dog’s Mercury, bluebell, and a variety of orchids. While the foliage is eaten by moth caterpillars the seeds are eaten by mice, voles, birds and squirrels.

Beech trees are also said to have inspired the building of cathedrals with the high vaulted ceilings mimicking the high arching branches of these majestic ancient woodlands. The timber continues to be used in a number of ways including for furniture, tool handles and sports equipment. A good fuel, it was traditionally used to smoke herring.

Native truffle fungi also grow in Beech woods, they are important to the trees as they enable the Beech tree to get the nutrients it needs in exchange for some of the sugars produced by the tree through the process of photosynthesis. It is also interesting to note that because Beech trees live for so long – up to

By Pam Waggott

It would seem that the Beech really is the Queen of the Trees.

References. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk www.druidry.org www.woodlands.co.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk 20

P G R S L I D O F F A D T

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Brougham Hall and Penrith Town 40’s weekend 06, 07, 08 May 2022

are providing a free service between Penrith and Brougham using a period Leyland Tiger coach. Car Parking is available at Ullswater Community College. Entertainment will be at both Brougham and Penrith and include singers Rachel Mercer, Harri Deane, The Bobby Pins and more to get you in the mood. On Sunday 08 May the event focuses on Brougham with displays and entertainment. A service of Remembrance will take place and wreaths will be laid at the 79th Armoured Division Memorial. All that is required is the weather, and although this is not confirmed as of the time of publication a request has been placed for a flypast of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. We look forward to welcoming you at this event.

The 40s weekend returns to Brougham Hall and for the first time to Great Dockray in Penrith in May 2022. This follows the cancellation of events 2 years ago due to Covid 19, and back in 2020 the theme of the event was to be VE Day 1945-2020, So this year the aim is to pick up where we left off and once again look to remember VE day 08 May 1945. Brougham Hall will fill with British, Commonwealth and American vehicles from Friday 6 May as well as Living History Groups. On Saturday 7 May the events expands into Great Dockray with vintage vehicles setting the Home Front scene. Jeeps and other vehicles will commute between Brougham and Penrith. Cumbria Classic Coaches

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Stimulate the senses Now that spring is here it feels like all the senses are more engaged so this made me think about sensory gardens and what makes them a great space to be in. It is more than just the obvious sensations from scent and visual impact but sound, touch and taste too.

a border - rainbow chard not only tastes great adds fantastic vibrant colour or choose different coloured lettuce. No garden is complete without a few edible flowers; think nasturtiums, marigolds and pansies to name a few.

You can add to your existing garden with extra planting or plan your new garden as a sensory space right from the word go. Consider whether to choose a multi-sensory approach or instead zone the garden. Ask yourself what effect are you trying to achieve - is it calming or stimulating for example? Zoning the garden allows you to create different sensory effects in each area.

There are some lovely ways to create sound using ornamental grasses planted in blocks or waves - they add visual movement and soft rustling on windy days. The tactile nature of Stipa tenuissima gives another element.

Planting for the senses Visually the use of colour will also influence mood. Are you going for the zing of hot colours like reds, oranges and yellows or whites, greens and soft lilacs? Equally important is shape, from flowers and from leaves - think about the large shiny leaves with the interesting shape of Fatsia japonica. Also add height using layers of height to draw the eye upwards.

More than just plants The addition of a water feature and the choice of hard landscaping materials stimulates the senses to. Hard landscaping materials add texture and even sound - the crunching of gravel underfoot. Water features add many positive factors . The tinkling sound of water can be very relaxing and any water feature however small is a bonus for wildlife – another layer of sound from bird song or the buzzing of insects. Still water gives reflections too.

Scent from flowers can be achieved in so many ways but remember scented leaves such as from herbs which might affect the senses in contrasting ways, the zing of mint might perk you up whereas the scent of lavender might calm you down. When it comes to taste, I like mixing edibles into

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Spring is well underway and with it come big changes in our natural world. It’s a very busy time for all wildlife, whether it’s nest-building, mating, flowering or migrating. The UK has a huge influx in birdlife during this exciting period. Birds that spend the winter in warmer climes migrate back to the UK to reproduce.

Spring migrants Probably the most extraordinary birds are our swifts, swallows and martins. These tiny birds spend their winter south of the Sahara Desert in Africa covering 200 miles a day, feeding as they go. It is a hazardous journey as birds are often vulnerable to starvation and predation as they cross the Sahara. They return to Europe in April and May for the rich insect life and ideal nesting sites it offers. Lesser known but equally as impressive is the hobby. This small falcon winters on the continent and a small number migrate to the UK in April. These avian experts catch large insects, swifts, swallows and other small birds in flight using high-speed aerial manoeuvres. The hobby is perfectly evolved to hunt its prey as it strongly resembles the body shape and profile of swifts and swallows. This allows the hobby to get close to its target before it is perceived as a threat.

journeys across countries and continents. However intranational migration (ie within one nation) is just as common as international migration. Many of our costal birds such as dunlin, curlew and golden plover choose moorland or heathland as their next sites. These groundnesting birds require large open areas so they are able to identify potential threats quickly and ward off attacks from crows or buzzards. During the winter months the fells and uplands of Britain can be harsh and unforgiving places. Only

We often think of migration as long arduous

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animals and plants that are specially adapted to surviving in these areas stand a chance of living here all year round. Some birds have found a way round this problem. Meadow pipits, tree pipits and wheatears migrate to the far more hospitable lowlands during winter and begin to move back up during spring. As upland plants begin to flower, this in turn leads to an increase in insect life. Therefore these insectivorous birds have a viable food source.

Now is the perfect time to see these wonderful spring birds. This short window before the leaves are back on the trees gives us the perfect opportunity to observe them before they’re hidden in a sea of green. Isaac Johnston

If you’re not sure how to tell swifts, swallows and martins apart, check out this blog by Cumbria Wildlife Trust, which explains it all https://www. cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/blog/guest-blogger/ swifts-swallows-and-martins

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A word from your local inspector This month’s newsletter features some of the work done recently in Penrith on two key issues people have concerns about driving offences and antisocial behaviour. We know how much these concern people and so we are always keen to act on any intelligence or information you have to address these issues.

You’ve got concerns over driving offences - this is what we’ve done Driving offences are among the main concerns we are told about by people living in and around Penrith. This is an issue we look at all-year-round - but last month we also joined national efforts to tackle one of these problems. Between February 21 and 27, the National Police Chiefs’ Council led a campaign to crack down on drivers using their mobile phones while at the wheel.

As always, we need timely information if we are to tackle such problems, so please keep it coming in.

The ‘#StandingUpToHangingUp’ campaign aimed to change the behaviour of motorists and educate them on the consequences of using a mobile phone while driving.

Other topics in the newsletter include the advice we give and the patrols and action carried out to keep kids safe. Visiting and speaking to our schools is a key part of the work of community officers.

During this week, our officers from the Eden neighbourhood policing team were out in Penrith making observations and stopping any drivers that were seen to be using a mobile phone while driving.

This is all just a snapshot of the work underway here around-the-clock in Penrith and Eden - but I hope you find it interesting and gives something of an insight. If you have any information or concerns, you can find the ways in which you can contact us at the bottom of the newsletter. Inspector Steve Minnikin

In total, nine vehicles were stopped; drivers were reported for the offence and issued with a Traffic Offence Report, which could result in a £200 fine and points on their licence. If a crime is in progress always call 999. You can report online at https://www.cumbria. police.uk/report-it. You can also phone on 101. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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New Treasure Finds for Penrith and Eden Museum Article by Sydney Chapman

Bronze Age socketed axehead from Kirkby Stephen

Roman gold strips from Mallerstang

Roman purse hoard from Tebay

Henry II silver pennies from Matterdale

Gold finger ring with blue stone setting from Askhamwith-Tirril

Due to pandemic restrictions there have been inevitable delays in the processing of Treasure finds by the Portable Antiquities Scheme. This explains why the museum has only recently taken delivery of six metal detector finds which it had purchased with contributions from the Friends of the Museum. These include a Bronze Age hoard, a pair of gold decorative strips, a purse hoard of Roman coins, silver pennies of Henry II, a gold finger ring with blue stone setting, and a silver tobacco pipe tamper. The Bronze Age hoard from Kirkby Stephen comprises a spearhead and a socketed axehead and waste globules resulting from the casting, including a circular lead plug, lead being used in the casting process to get a smoother finish. The casting waste found with these objects suggests the hoard represents a metal founder’s deposit buried with the intention of retrieval to be melted down again and recast. The two decorative Roman gold strips were found at Mallerstang and have grape vine decoration and are probably from a decorative mount or bracelet. Surprisingly the pieces were found on separate occasions in adjoining fields but appear to be from the same object. The end of one is bent upwards while the other is folded in two suggesting the object was intentionally fragmented. Also from the Roman period is the purse hoard of 56 coins found at Tebay. Dating from AD 313-335 these copper alloy 29

‘nummus’ coins were found with the remains of a textile purse. The latest group is of the reign of the Emperor Constantine the Great (AD 306-37). It includes issues of his family members and commemorative coins. Some celebrate the joint capitals at the time, Rome and Constantinople. From Matterdale are three hammered silver short cross pennies of Henry II dated to AD 1181 – 1189. While a mint was active at Carlisle these were minted at York by Thurkil and Efrard - York in fact being the more prolific mint at this time. The gold finger ring with blue stone setting was discovered at Askham- with-Tirril, and dates to the post-Medieval period (c.1500 – 1700 AD). The stone is light green-blue with some small red flecks but is much too small for the setting suggesting it is not the original. The silver tobacco pipe tamper terminal is from Crosby Ravensworth and was made in the 17th century, probably re-using a dress hook plate. One side shows a man in a wide brimmed hat and dressed in what appears to be 17th century clothing, smoking a long tobacco pipe.

Silver pipe tamper from Crosby Ravensworth

The Buzz Factor! There are more species of bees than birds and mammals combined. Bees are insects which collect pollen and nectar from flowers as food. As they do this, they carry pollen from plant to plant on their hairy, sticky bodies. Bees collect pollen because this provides protein: the building block of life. The bees mix it with a little nectar to form ‘bee bread’. They feed it to the young larvae. As bees visit the plants some of the pollen from the previous plant that they have been to, rubs off and is left behind. This ‘pollen exchange’ fertilises the plant so that its seeds and the fruity covering in which they are placed, are able to grow. With at least 20,000 identified species, bees are a major component of our planet’s biodiversity. They also play a vital role in human survival. Of the 100 crops that provide 90% of the world’s food, 70 rely on being pollinated by bees to germinate their seeds. It is estimated that every third mouthful of our food is dependent on the pollination services of bees. Bees use their straw like tongues (proboscis) to suck up the nectar, from inside the flowers. While they continue to forage, the sweet, watery syrup is carried in their honey stomach. When they return to the hive/ nest, it is regurgitated into the hexagonal wax cells in which it will be stored. Other bees beat their wings over the cell to raise the temperature. This drives off the excess water and leaves

the thick sugary substance, known as honey, behind. When the bees are satisfied that the honey is the right consistency, they seal the cell with a wax capping. This their ‘larder’ of ‘power ‘ food. Honey provides bees with the energy they need to fly on their foraging trips in the summer and to survive the winter when they cannot leave their hive/ nest, but need to keep themselves warm by constantly moving their wing muscles. Females bees are known as worker bees. They forage for nectar and pollen and in the social colonies, for the first part of their lives, they remain at home to do the ‘housework’ and feed the larva. Drones are male bees, whose main function is to find a queen with which to mate. Once mated, the queen bee is an ‘egg laying machine’, but the messages that she sends 30

to the other bees through her pheromones influences their temperament. There are three types of bees in the UK: solitary bees, bumble bees and honey bees. House hunting time! As their name suggests, solitary bees do not live together in groups. There are 250 different species of solitary bees in the UK. Each species will have its own preference for its nesting site, but these are often hollow plant stems or narrow tubes in the soil. As solitary bees do not have other bees and large stores to protect, if they have a sting it is too weak to penetrate our skin. Once mated, the female bee will lay her eggs inside the tube leaving a source of pollen and nectar on which the hatched eggs can initially feed. She may

remain on guard at the entrance to the tube or leave the eggs to develop on their own. The leafcutter bee is one type of solitary bee. It often chooses to occupy holes inside blocks of wood. It cuts semi-circular pieces of leaf which it glues together with saliva to make individual cells for its eggs. Nectar and pollen are left beside the egg for the larva to eat. Bee Hotels can be made from hollowed out stems or strips of wood to provide nesting sites for solitary bees in our gardens. During April you may notice large, round bees buzzing around your garden. These are the queen bumble bees which have emerged from their winter nests , looking for a place to build a new home in which to lay their eggs and raise their brood over the summer. They prefer dark, concealed places. Deserted rodent holes and the centre of compost heap are popular, but crevices between patio paving slabs leading to dry earthy spaces below may well be their ultimate ‘des res’!

The Wannabees Back and forth bees shuttle skimming the ground Weaving warp and weft to carpet clover Seducing stamens with somnolent sound Till dusk’s curtain calls the day is over Back to the thatch to pay the pollen tax Light the wax candle, comb out the honey Queen won’t allow the workers to relax Gigolo drones have to earn their money Bees know how to sew, they can spell as well But they’ve learned another important thing When they hear for whom tolls the death knell bell The buzz word goes out for their sun dance sting ‘Appy days defence to survive and thrive Is creating a split infinite hive Rex di Noci March 8th 2022

Continued next month....

HIVE GEOMETRIX EXHIBITION 17th May - 3rd July Upfront Coffee Shop & Art Gallery • Nr. Hutton in the Forest, Penrith, CA11 9TG An exhibition of paintings by Stephen Livingstone ‘Honey Bees through the Seasons’ Other events provided by Penrith & District Beekeepers Association:

• Friday 20th May - ‘Cooking with Honey’ - £20 pp.

• 22nd May & 18th June - Bee Hotel Workshops - FREE • 19th June - Gardener’s Question Time. - £5 pp.

ATTENDANCE AT ALL EVENTS MUST BE PRE-BOOKED. TICKETS: Tel 01768 894404 or E-mail: mr4cnr@gmail.com Visit www.penrithbeekeepers.org Pop Up Shop: selling honey and other bee things! On some Saturdays 28th May - July 2nd Further information visit www.penrithbeekeepers.org 31

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