Eden Local Issue 182 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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Unitary Election Results for Eden Skelton Show returns Mike W. Craven Book signing Going Green Guinness World Record Attempt for EFM

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Welcome to your June edition of the Eden Local Nine times out of ten, when I set out to write each Eden Local, I look out of a window, more so in the summer. As a dyslexic writer, staying focused means having a clear desk, no phone calls, a tidy room and no social media pings in the background which means no interruptions. If only that was the case and of course the longer I work when I’m writing, the harder it gets!

A Snapshot of what we’re got A snap shot of what we’ve got an election review, Rex di Noci hasn’t held back his thoughts, but I have put a summary of my experience together as it was to be my last time standing in a local election. Mike Craven is back with his new book and he’ll be signing copies. All the details re time and locations are here for a June and July book signing in association with the Hedgehog independent bookshop. Centre page we have return to the Skelton show, which Eden FM will be attending and attempting a Guinness World record with the help we hope of 140 people on the day. Also featured our first Green article that we hope to keep running now with a little from friends and local organisations and businesses. A big thank to Cumbria Wildlife Trust for the Dragon fly article and images. With the lobelias come out we should have some Butterflies for next month

The tidy desk works for most, which I learnt a long time ago when I worked in training and development. Yes, before you start thinking not everyone works at a desk, so yes work bench, store room, preparation area, workshop and so on, the simple concept was not just going home but coming back the next day. The workshop programme I put together was about being tidy, less stressed, going home feeling good and not coming into yesterday’s problem. It doesn’t always work of course, but anyone out there, mechanic or admin person will understand what I mean. I am fortunate to be able to work at more than one site and I am able to shut the door. My experience of working in an open office was counterproductive for me. Fortunately, it was more than a few years. At home where we store the back catalogue of the Cumbrian Local Publications, we have done this with all the hard copies of the Cumbrian series of magazines which amounts to over 200 publications. This includes the Cumbrian Local and Eden Local series of magazines. Recently, whilst having a sort out, I found a copy of the World Sheep Dog Trials 2012 that we produced, along with local football and rugby programmes. After 8 years of thinking about it and with what I refer to as

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a ‘stairway to heaven’ via my office, after a visit from the Window doctor early April, our views out are much improved. As I’m writing this, Vertigo roofing is installing a window in my loft. What’s next, that’ll be the July Eden Local. April and May were busy and quite tiring months. My family experienced COVID for the first time. We are possibly more aware through shared experiences of what this is like. I can only describe it as a virus, cocktail mix.

many people listen to Eden FM and what they like to listen too. Some local groups or businesses may have a question they would like us to ask on their behalf; for more details drop me an email. The questionnaire will not be online to complete, it’s a good old tick and cross, circle the answer survey. So I’m hoping for a nice sunny summer. I’ll be back soon with the July edition and for the first time since 2019, we have re-introduced the August Eden Local. Thank you to everyone who has helped with this month’s publication

Like so many people I am still coughing almost three weeks later whilst still testing negative. I spent 12 days of isolating in the spare room. I know there are many that are less fortunate to have this luxury. The sore throat was like Laryngitis, an inflammation of my voice box (larynx) as a result from the infection, but there was also the Flu like symptoms - high temperatures, an aching body, feeling tired or exhausted and the headaches were constant.

Please take are out there Lee

From sore throat to congestion and the build-up on your lungs of mucus was heavy going for 3-4 days, and with the sleepless nights you come out the other side really drained. Well, for those who haven’t had it, as I understand it, you could have all of the above or part of it. As read in reports for those who have the stickers that say ‘I had my vaccination’, without the vaccination the symptoms can be a lot worse, which is hard to imagine.

The Eden FM trailer now being prepared for its first road Show

Front Cover: Four spotted chaser ©Ross Hoddinott

Of course for a part of the Eden population we had the New Unitary elections, which I have covered, including the results, which has led me to the idea of finding out why people didn’t vote and which I will then share with you over the coming months. I will be for the first time since I collected signatures for the Penrith Town Council to trigger a referendum be conducting a survey as a volunteer at Eden FM, with others and friends of Eden FM, which we’ll be starting in June and finishing, if we have enough data before the clocks go back 30th October.

01768 862394

Phone: Email: lee@cumbrianlocal.co.uk www.cumbrianlocal.co.uk Cumbrian Local Publications Ltd, Suite 6, Cumbria House, Gilwilly Road, Penrith CA11 9FF Follow us on Twitter for regular

updates

So if I don’t see you when I’m out on my rounds delivering, I might see when I knock on your door, if you are out I will post a hard copy for you and a copy of the Survey to download will be on the Eden FM website.

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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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The Westmorland and Furness Council election results across Eden are in Alston & Fellside - Seats: 2 Lab & Ind - Turnout: 41.31% Appleby & Brough Seats: 2 Lib Dem Turnout: 40.23% Eamont & Shap Seats: 1 Lib Dem Turnout: 45.55% Eden & Lyvennet Seats: 2 Lib Dem Turnout: 42.03% Greystoke & Ullswater Seats: 1 Lib Dem Turnout: 47.66% Hesket & Lazonby Seats: 2 Con Turnout: 40.93% K Stephen & Tebay Seats: 2 Con – Lib Dem Turnout: 41.90% Penrith North Seats: 2 Lib Dem Turnout: 37.84% Penrith South Seats: 2 Lib Dem Turnout: 28.55% Eden results summary Councillors elected: 16 (of 16) Wards declared: 9 (of 9) Conservative Party 3 Green Party 0 Independent 1 Labour Party 1 Liberal Democrats 11 Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition 0 Westmorland and Furness Council election results summary Councillors elected: 65 (of 65) Wards declared: 33 (of 33) Conservative Party 11 Green Party 1 Independent 2 Labour Party 15 Liberal Democrats 36 Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition 0

What could possibly come next? LEE QUINN INDEPEN

DENT

PENRITH SOUTH

The areas generally better known to you as Brougham Mill, Carleton, Carleton Village, Castletown, Eamont Bridge (Penrith side), Frenchfield, Pategill, Penrith (West side), Town Head (West side) and Wetheriggs.

By Lee Quinn

The process that is starting is that of ‘Devolution’, it’s not new. In fact it started quite a while back in the 1990’s. The use of the word unitary authority goes back as far as the late 1960’s. I do firmly believe that much of the work that has to be done now What is Devolution? at a local level between District Council and The Penrith Council and In England, devolution is the transfer of powers and funding from this could have been started at least 5 years ago. What work you national to local government. It is important because it ensures may ask? that decisions are made closer to the local people, communities and businesses they affect.

The challenge ahead will not be easy, people’s lives, businesses and jobs may be affected. Could this have been avoided? The election is just weeks away, Thursday 5th May 2022. It’s not a good start to a quick election which some know is too short notice for people to actually know it’s actually happening.

(Reference www.local.gov.uk/our-support/safer-and-more-sustainablecommunities/devolution-hub/devolution-explained)

Well, for those in Penrith South ward, thank you to all those who did turn out to vote. On the day you all did well, and it was unfortunate that before the polls had opened, the election was technically already over before the count on Friday 6th May. The popular postal vote being very prominent. From 1st April 2023 ‘this is no April fool’, a new Unitary Council starts. This will replace the existing County and District Councils. The communication of this from District and County has not been good, to put it mildly. The Eden District Councils Voreda house project comes first before our futures.

In year one from May 2022 the newly elected Westmorland and Furness Councillors will be a shadow council working with the current County and District Councils which will be disbanded 1st April 2023.

What do I know?

I relocated to Penrith with my family early 2010, to be closer to family members here in Eden and those over the border in Scotland. At the time I was still a Town and County Councillor in another county. After seeing what was happening with the New Squares Project a question was raised, “would a Town Council have prevented New Squares happening?”

These will be challenging times, after all, we are dismantling the County and District Council which they haven’t supported. This will leave the Parish of Penrith and our Town Council taking on a number of services that are currently operated by the County and the District Councils.

Penrith Town Council and our new Unitary Council will inherited a lot of problems that have taken many years to create by people still in power at our County and District today. All because of putting politics before people.

You don’t have to look far to see what these inherited problems are that are not solved are from the last decade.

It will have an impact on all our lives, our businesses and industries we have in Penrith and Eden.

What will happen to the services we rely here are just a few.

Transport Local and nation links - Health and Social Care for Adults, Child and our aging population - Schools, Education and Learning - Our Environment and Sustainability - Planning and Housing - Roads & Repairs, Travel – Parking - Rubbish & Recycling - Jobs & Careers?

The list is too big for this document but this is large enough to raise awareness of just how serious this is!

Is it time to square up the obvious problems? The District Councils White Elephant…

Across our current Eastern border of Cumbria in 2009 the new a Unitary Council of Northumberland was created; did you know this? How many Councillors currently in Office know this?

Like the Titanic, this to me was an Iceberg warning! Those with responsibilities in key positions were hiding many truths from the people of Penrith which included the need for a Town Council.

We currently have 38 District Councillors and 9 County Councillors. From the 1st April 2023 there will just 16 Councillors, yes that’s 16 seats representing Eden and all its towns, villages and hamlets.

There are four seats allocated to Penrith Town. There are two for the New Penrith North and two for the New Penrith South.

We all know what happened to the Titanic, the District and County Council, despite the warnings may share the same fate. Don’t vote for someone who is a part of this problem. Vote for someone who can be part of the solution and your future? Printed by Penrith Posters, 4 Market Square, Penrith CA11 7AX - Promoted

by Lee Quinn, 5 Rydal Crescent, Penrith CA11 8PJ

As a brief account of my last local election as a candidate, this my fifth and final one, I did invest in as much time and personal funds as I could afford. The budget in the largest ward in Eden being Penrith South, I didn’t see a lot of change out of £1,200. Alas COVID did get the better of me as I Continued on page 8

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couldn’t get out and knock on doors, but don’t despair on that one. In the past I haven’t just knocked on doors during elections, and I’m used to posting the Eden Local through doors and I will continue to do so 11 times in 2022. Who needs an election as an excuse to engage with the community? I did try and once again, to my wife, my daughters and friends, including quite a few more, I am humbled by everyone who votes for me. However, with 28.55% turn out, whilst I could write pages on the strategies of national parties, some things were quite clear pre and post-election, 75.45 % of the voters did not vote, but this excludes those not registered to vote. I accept that there are more people reading this that would not have read the literature that I put out, and the literature that many of the other parties put out, because whilst this was a life changing election for too many of those in Eden, they did not know what this election was about. Well it was about the future of where you live, it was about the infrastructure we need and plans we need in the future and the work that is involved in creating a new Unitary Council. It wasn’t about parties at No 10, or politicians sparring in the House of Commons. All the things that we’ve seen in the last 2, 5, 10 or 15 years won’t stop, and for now our Lib Dem and Labour Coalition County council will exist until 31st March 2023, and our Rainbow Eden District Council will continue running down until 2023. Our Liberal Democrat shadow unitary council is now in place. Will it change what a Conservative Government does? The importance of this election I feel was missed. It was pushed and promoted by too many as a protest and it would appear that a lot of people didn’t know a lot about it. The process we are in now has been running for

nearly 30 years. The people of Eden and Cumbria as a County deserved better on this occasion. The dissemination of information people needed to make a decision should have been started 18 months before the polling card with an election date on it landed. As to what comes next, I feel that change is not one of them at a local level. Whilst we have lost some very good hardworking councillors due to their politics, I do have a lot of questions to ask, but I did vote and I will be looking to find out why, locally, Eden has lost the will to vote.

POST ELECTION BLUES Party politics has still played a part Always the horse is in front of the cart Headless chickens living inside the box This time you should have voted for the fox Politicos argue that you need control But that devalues the councillor’s role Councils remain blue or yellow or red Mired in dogma there’s no way ahead With limited choice - tower or steeple How do know the will of the people The Tories suffered a midterm defeat But the consequence is far from complete LibDem gains are strictly ephemeral Discontent with Labour is general Will they ever understand state control Is no longer Socialist free for all Where in Westminster lies sagacity To publicly own water, energy Their sources are assets of the nation Private ownership causes inflation But Common Sense has drifted out of sight Could it be that Clause 4 might have been right?! Rex di Noci May 23rd 2022

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M. W. Craven Book Signing of his latest book ‘THE BOTANIST’ Saturday 18th June 11am until 1pm at Hedgehog bookshop. Little Dockray, Penrith Celebrate the release of Mike’s new book the 5th in the Washington Poe series Following on from the success of his first book signing of ‘Dead Ground’ at Hedgehog Bookshop June 2021 he just had to comeback. So come along and Meet our local Crime writer and award winning Mike W. Craven. He will be signing his latest book ‘THE BOTANIST’ which is released 2nd June 2022. To pre order your copy of M. W. Craven ‘THE BOTANIST’ or any other books of Mike’s contact the Hedgehog Bookshop via email info@ thehedgehogbookshop.co.uk or you can call 01768 863003 or pop into the shop. Mike will be signing books on that day but he will be pre signing copies for the launch and up to the 18th June for those people who cannot attend the event.

Meanwhile, a poisoner the press have dubbed the Botanist is sending high profile celebrities poems and pressed flowers. The killer seems to be able to walk through walls and, despite the advance notice he gives his victims, and regardless of the security measures the police take, he seems to be able to kill with impunity.’

‘THE BOTANIST’ by Mike W. Craven ‘Detective Sergeant Washington Poe can count on one hand the number of friends he has. And he’d still have his thumb left. There’s the insanely brilliant, guilelessly innocent civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw of course. He’s known his beleaguered boss, Detective Inspector Stephanie Flynn for years as he has his nearest neighbour, full-time shepherd/part-time dog sitter, Victoria. And then there’s Estelle Doyle. It’s true the caustic pathologist has never walked down the sunny side of the street but this time has she gone too far? Shot twice in the head, her father’s murder appears to be an open and shut case. Estelle has firearms discharge residue on her hands, and, in a house surrounded by fresh snow, hers are the only footprints going in. Since her arrest she’s only said three words: ‘Tell Washington Poe.’

2013 CWA Debut Dagger shortlist for Born in a Burial Gown 2019 CWA Gold Dagger winner for The Puppet Show 2020 CWA Gold Dagger Longlist for Black Summer 2021 CWA Gold Dagger Longlist for The Curator 2022 CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Shortlist Dead Ground CWA (Crime Writers Association) Can’t make it to meet Mike at the Hedgehog Bookshop!!!! You can meet Mike W. Craven at the Eden FM Roadshow Book signing event from 10.30am till 12.00pm at the Skelton Show Saturday 2nd July; more details on page 14. 10

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When does Banter cross the line? by Quinn HR

Welcome back to regular readers and a very warm welcome to any new readers this month! This month’s article is focused on the subject of Banter – something that can be great for morale if it is appropriate and a friendly exchange of remarks. However, sometimes it isn’t appropriate, remarks are made that are not acceptable to others, and it is crosses the line. Employment tribunal claims relating to Banter rose considerably last year, and more and more of my clients are asking me to carry out training with their managers on this subject, so I thought I’d share some of my thoughts and advice with you. I hope it’s useful.

Good Banter is likely to:  Be fun for both parties  Reflect the personality of the individuals involved  Be between parties that know each other (familiarity is important)  Not be personal

Bad Banter should be avoided, and could:  Be in a group setting where comments or remarks could offend one or more people  Be humiliating for an individual or individuals  Include cruel nicknames  Include teasing or ribbing remarks  Include pranks  Include one-sided comments or remarks  Be when remarks are made, and the parties do not know each other well enough for this to be acceptable The law relating to harassment is set out in the Equality Act (2010). It states that harassment is unwanted conduct relating to one of the nine protected characteristics (age, sex, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and sexual orientation) which has the purpose or effect of either violating an employee’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for them. The problem is that Banter can fall within this definition if it is unwanted, regardless of whether the person has told someone it isn’t acceptable to them, or whether they have accepted it before. Employers and employees may be held liable for harassment, so employers are advised to:  Put in place a robust and well-communicated policy and guidance that clearly sets out the organisation’s commitment to promoting dignity and respect  Make sure any policies or guidance are promoted and properly implemented, so that everyone understands what is and isn’t appropriate 12

 Provide training for all employees from the start of their employment and refresh this at regular intervals  Ensure employees know what to do and who to contact should they have any concerns  Take action as soon as you can if an issue is detected – don’t bury your head in the sand!

Quinn HR – Here to Help Should you need any advice on Banter or any other employment matter, Quinn HR is only a call or an email away! We can advise on a whole range of employment matters and have access to additional, professional HR expertise should it be needed. The following are typically some of the areas we support businesses with:

• Employee relations – disciplinaries,

grievances, whistleblowing, bullying and harassment

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• Employment contracts – terms and conditions/particulars of employment

• Employment Law updates • Recruitment and selection – recruitment processes, forms and job descriptions

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• Reorganisation and redundancy Let us help and reassure you on an ad hoc basis at an agreed hourly rate, or on a retained basis for a small, fixed monthly fee.

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Email: charlotte@quinnhr.co.uk Tel: 01768 862394 / 07732 556315 Until next time Charlotte

Eden107.5

The Eden FM Roadshow is back on the road

We’ll be live all day from the Skelton show, from 9am. The Eden FM team will be joined by Mike Craven who will be happy to sign his new book ‘THE BOTANIST’ from 10.30am till around 12.30pm. You can pre order and pay for your book through the Hedgehog bookshop, details are on page 10 so you can get it signed collected from the Eden FM trailer at the show and get a photo with Mike. It’s a big day for the small Community radio station, the first outing of are new mobile studio, which is also to hire as multi-purpose uses for exhibitions and campaigns. On this occasion at the show Eden FM will need the help of over 110 people who are attending the show on that day. It could be you! We need people to come forward now and on the day before 11:30am for a sort of induction and as a friend of Eden FM we want you to take part in an official Guinness World Record attempt. The record we are hoping to break is ‘The Most radio DJs presenting one radio show simultaneously’. The most radio DJs presenting one radio show simultaneously is 108, and was achieved by Radio Hub PSG Tech and PSG Community Radio 107.8 MHZ (both India) in Coimbatore, India, on 10 April 2019. Can you do it? A short piece of your time spent talking on a microphone as one of we hope over 108 presenters on that day. Email Lee, that’s me at: lee@edenfm.co.uk or call 01768 862394 for more details. It’s not about age this one, it’s about the confidence of just reading something or talking about something live on air for a very short time. You will be a part of history and we hope it’s the part that is you becoming one of many getting what could be the first World Record held by a UK radio station in a very long time. 14

The Show must go on – John Slee Skelton Show is delighted to be returning after a two year enforced break due to Covid it is clear the world has changed a lot during the pandemic but we hope that folks will still value the importance of agricultural shows. They are a means to show the importance of the rural economy and more particularly the wealth of local talent and produce. Skills that need to be kept alive and local traceable produce that is not only good for you but sustains our rural way of life. We therefore hope that exhibitors and traders will come back in increased numbers to celebrate our return. A full list of classes is available on our website with hard copy schedules available from the secretary and local agricultural suppliers. As well as retaining our traditional agricultural roots, the show continues to evolve so as to provide a great day out for all. This year they are particularly proud to be launching a new Food, bar and entertainment village. As well as a range of food and drink, entertainment will be provided throughout the afternoon and early evening by Penrith Town Band and a number of Local artists some of which have enjoyed national success. More details will be announced nearer the show on our website. Finally, in order to hold such a major event, we rely upon an army of volunteers. We are particularly grateful to those who have responded to our call for extra volunteers all of whom will help ensure a great show day.

Saturday 2nd July 2022 A great day out for all the family

The 126th

Show Pull Out

TH E 126 t

Entries close Friday 17 June 2022

Skelton Show 2

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ADMISSION PRICES Adults £12.50, OAP’s & 11-17 years £7.50 Children under 11 FREE Car Park Free Ringside (limited) £15 Advance Discounted Tickets Available Online • Visit Cumbria’s largest village show • Fantastic display of livestock including cattle, sheep, dogs, horses and ponies • Cumberland & Westmorland wrestling • Fellrunner bus service • Large horticultural and industrial marquee • Over 150 trade stands, gifts and crafts and food hall • Kids entertainment • Food Hall demonstrations • Vintage vehicles

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SKELTON SKELTON SHOWSHOW 2022 2022 FIELD LAYOUT PLAN PLAN FIELD LAYOUT NORTH CAR PARK NORTH

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FIELD LAYOUT KEY X

Secretary Information & Presidents Tent 2 First Aid/Doctor 3 Police Control 4 taste@skelton Food Festival 5 Gifts & Crafts 6 Catering Tent 7 Bar 8 Take Away Food 10 C&W Wrestling 11 Penrith Town Band 12 Chainsaw Carvings 13 Equestrian Secretary 14 Disabled Toilet & Baby Changing 15 Livestock Secretary 16 Food & Entertainment Village 17 Fellrunner Bus Stop A - H Trade Stand Avenues Hardcore Access Road

12.45 p.m. 12.30 p.m. 1.15 p.m. 1.30 p.m. 1.45 p.m. 2.00 p.m. 2.00 p.m. 2.15 p.m. 2.45 p.m. 3.15 p.m. 3.30 p.m. 3.50 p.m. 4.10 p.m. 4.40 p.m. 5.00 p.m.

Judging of cattle, sheep, horses and vintage Trade Stands, Food Hall and & and Crafts Tent open Mike Craven Book signing at the Eden FM Trailer Kitchen Demonstrations start @TasteSkelton Food Hall Eden FM Guinness World Record Attempt at the Eden FM Trailer Marquee open to public Scurry racing in Main Ring Judging of Concours D’Elegance in Main Ring Cumberland & Westmorland Wrestling commences Ullswater Community College Cheer Leaders Judging of Champion of Champions Horse & Livestock (Main Ring) Child With Pet in Main Ring On the Edge Motorcycle Stunt Show Grand Parade. Trophy Presentations & Points Awards Parade of Cumberland Farmers Foxhounds Parade of Vintage Vehicles & Championship Ullswater Community College Cheer Leaders On the Edge Motorcycle Stunt Show Terrier Racing. Sports of Horseback

Throughout the day from 11am: Street entertainment, Chainsaw carvings, Penrith Town Band and other live music Kitchen Demonstrations @taste Skelton Food Festival in the Cranston’s Quality Butchers kitchen • Chris Taylor Head development chef at Cavaghan & Grey at 2 Sisters group • Mr James Whitesmith, Head Chef at the popular Oddfellows Arms in Caldbeck • Steven Pott Head Chef at the award winning Farlam Hall Country House Hotel • Adam Jakeman of Sun Inn Newton Reigny

Every half hour on Show day from 10.30am to 2pm leaving Penrith Bus Station with a pick up by Esso Garage on Scotland Road. Returning every half hour with the last bus back from the Showfield at 5pm. The committee are very grateful to the Fellrunner for providing this complimentary service although they will be seeking donations from passengers to help with fuel costs. 17

We do

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Surgery opening times are Monday – Friday 08.15 – 18.15. A Call one 08.30 number for all s Saturday – 15.30

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We are pleased to continue supporting Skelton Show and the Farming Community

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Cumbrian Local Publications

It’s Not just Eden Local?

• Event Programmes & Brochures • Promotional Campaigns and Marketing • Door to Door Leaflet Deliveries Surgery times opening are times are We also offer some servicesfor not usually associated with first opinionSurgery practice and which opening mber Call one for number all services all services Surgery opening times are r all services • Design through to Print are available to clients referred from other practices. Friday Monday – Friday –And 18.15. 08.15 And – 18.15. And MondayMonday – Friday–08.15 – 08.15 18.15. • Commissioned worked Frame, Swift & Partners are a Large independent mixed veterinary practice based in Penrith providing care for pets, horses, and farm animals.

Tel: 768 01768 484258484258 Saturday – 15.30 08.30 – 15.30 484258 SaturdaySaturday 08.30 – 08.30 15.30 Contact lee@cumbrianlocal.co.uk If you would like further information on any of our services,.

Please call us on 01768 862454 or email. 01768 863394 VETERINARY ENARY GREEN VETERINARY SURGERY SURGERY • SKELTON • •SKELTON PENRITH PENRITH CA11 9SQ • CA11 9SQ SURGERY • SKELTON • PENRITH • CA11••9SQ vets@frameswiftandpartners.co.uk

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A BIG THANK YOU Penrith Town Council would like to thank everyone who supported the 1940’s weekend in Penrith and Brougham Hall on 7 May 2022. The music in the bandstand was enjoyed by all. Our thanks go to Harri Deane, Paul Kenny, The Bobby Pins, Only Smith & Day and the Morland Ukelele Group who got the audience singing and dancing. Our appreciation also goes to Roger Bird, Lisa Burke and Louise Hodson of Penrith Players for their moving and profound readings. Thanks also go to local businesses and suppliers who were very supportive and who have provided the Council with ideas and clear enthusiasm for town centre events going forward.

This event and bunting installation would not have been possible without the amazing help and support of Penrith Lions who are an incredible team of volunteers who work tirelessly for the residents of Penrith and Eden. The Town Council has installed bunting in the town centre this year with the help and guidance of the Lions. Urbaser provided the equipment and staff to make this happen and we would like to thank Kenny Simpson for his energy, and professional assistance with this project. And thank you to Chris Hallam, his colleagues and officers at EDC and CCC for all their help and support. We look forward to seeing you at Penrith’s Jubilee Jamboree.

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!! 19

IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS…

June – Elm

and the top surface of the leaf is rough to the touch (like sandpaper) and they have toothed edges. The Wych elm leaf is larger than the English elm.

One of the most distinctive shaped trees of the British countryside the Elm is easily recognised. However, did you know that the more common English Elm (Ulmus procera) was introduced during the Bronze Age and the less frequently seen Wych Elm (Ulmus glabra) is the true native tree.

The clusters of 20-30 red-purple flowers appear in early spring (February – March) and before the leaves. They are hermaphrodites meaning that both the male and female parts are contained in the same flower. Once pollinated by the wind the fruits known as samaras develop into winged seeds which themselves are dispersed on the wind.

Once a familiar sight around the country their imposing height and their use in hedgerows and as boundary markers meant they were often used by travelling judges and preachers as points from which to make proclamations and deliver sermons. They were also painted in many famous pastoral paintings such as Constable’s ‘Haywain’ representing a quintessential view of the English countryside.

The wood of the elm is strong and long-lasting; it has a tight grain and the Wych elm is particularly favoured for carpentry as it splits readily making it easier to work. The name ‘wych’ refers to it being bendy and not to witches who avoid elms at all costs! The wood of the elm is also resistant to water making it suitable for boat building & parts, bridge foundations, wooden water pipes and coffins.

Both the English & Wych Elm were decimated by Dutch Elm Disease (DED) in the late 1960’s and 1970’s with over 90% of the elms lost in southern Britain; an estimated 25 million trees at the time and with current losses now standing at around 60 million. The disease, which is not actually Dutch but originates from Asia and was identified by Dutch scientists, is somewhat controlled by careful management of woodland and the development of disease resistant elms. Most mature trees have been lost but young elms regenerate from the roots of dead elms and though their life span is limited by DED the cycle of regeneration continues.

The use of the wood for the making of coffins is also linked to some of the mythology surrounding the trees. Associated with melancholy and death the elm is renowned for dropping dead branches on still warm days without warning! In Greek mythology Orpheus rescued his wife Eurydice from the underworld by enchanting all with his harp playing and the first elm woodland grew where he stood to play her a love song. This association of the Underworld with the elm continued into Celtic mythology with the tree being favoured by elves guarding the entry passageways into the Underworld.

Due to its hardiness the Wych Elm is found in the north and west of England and in parts of Scotland, growing on hilly and rocky woodlands and by streams and ditches. The English Elm is more widespread but most commonly found in well drained hedgerows and woodlands in southern parts of the country. Both varieties can grow to 30 m (98ft) and while the English Elm can live up to 100 years DED limits its lifespan.

By Pam Waggott

All elms share leaf features which enable easy identification – the base of the leaf is asymmetric

References: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk, www.artuk.org www.discoverwildlife.com, www.treesforlife.org.uk

The elm may be less of a feature of the British countryside now but its resilience and selfregeneration ensures it will continue to be found around the country for years to come.

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Edible Gardening prepared to wait, train them yourself. Fruit blossom looks beautiful before you even get to the benefits of the crop. Vegetables like squash are also fun to train vertically – get them going upwards and use that wasted space.

It needn’t be difficult to have edibles in the garden even if you don’t have a dedicated space. There are plenty of ways to have fun – the smallest area can host tasty edibles. Hanging baskets and window boxes Tumbling plants can pack a punch of colour and interest. Nasturtiums are easy to raise from seed, the lovely leaves and flowers can be scattered into salads. Strawberries are an excellent crop and what’s more the runners create new plants which means more plants for free.

Creative containers

Mix edibles into your borders

Containers are great for smaller gardens and herbs fit the bill. Herbs like mint are better contained in a pot (which you could also sink into the border if you like) as otherwise it spreads rampantly. Basil is tender and growing in a pot allows you to give it the right conditions to thrive. Chives are resplendent when they flower and are easy to snip and add to salads. Try vegetables like crunchy radishes which grow quickly from seed; succession planting works well to get crops throughout the season.

The colourful leaves of lettuce and chard can add interest. Rainbow chard has magnificent coloured leaves. Use contrasting leaves of “cut and come again” lettuce in vibrant green and deep burgundy to create a display. For added interest add a wigwam trellis and train peas and beans. You can use old twigs to make your own. Use fences and walls If you want to cultivate fruit, training apples, pears and other fruit offers a fantastic space saving opportunity. You can buy ready-trained e.g. cordon or fan-trained, or if you have time and are

If you’d like help getting edibles into your garden get in touch! Be sure you know exactly what you are growing and what’s safe to eat, especially if you’re mixing them into an ornamental border. © 2022 Karen Roberts Garden Design

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And then there was light By Lee Quinn

In any article, pictures work, customer feedback works, and here I am with what I call my ‘stairway to heaven’ in my office, that was installed after one too many slips on the loft ladder. Health and safety in my own home, putting boxes and all sorts of things in the loft isn’t too bad, but you’ve generally got to get up a ladder with them or go down a ladder with them and I’m not good at that! So, I was half way there with my staircase when I called Rob at Vertigo. Well, as an established, qualified and audited Velux Window installer, after 12 years

of wishing I could do more with my loft, I finally did. After the measuring and spacing, because our project might include more than one

window, for now we just wanted one window installed in the roof. On seeing the first window go in however, we’ve already booked the second instalment of another window. The difference one window has made is amazing. In approximately 4 to 5 hours, the impact of just one window in a dark space was quite a revelation. I could write more, but I saw the light and now we’ve gained a new work space that’s accessible and an airy storage space that won’t melt me in the summer. For now that’s all I need to write. You can explore the range, the types, the styles and the sizes available for your space in the attic.

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Going Green by Lee Quinn The object of this article is to highlight how by being more proactive we can help the environment. This idea is based around communication, information, direction and application. As an independent magazine, we’ve been here for you for almost 13 years, but did you know that for the last 18 months I have been trying to get a Green page featured in your magazine, that happens to be as environmental friendly as it can be? Communities can make a difference, but this can only happen when they work together. So, whilst as an individual who since 2009, yes as late as that, I realised that communities don’t need just politics and campaigns to become more environmentally aware of what they can do together, but with the right communication and knowledge they can create the perfect platform to do it. A few days before I wrote this, I met with Eden District Councillor Ali Ross of the Green Party, who like me didn’t get enough votes in the Unitary Council Elections. In fact there is just one Green party seat, ‘Ulverston’ out of the 65 seats in the new council. Some might say that’s the politics, though I believe it’s about what people can do.

2012 via the Eden Local magazine and Eden FM Radio. Yes, the Bag it, Box it, Recycle was featured on pages 24 and 25 of the 25th Cumbrian Local Publication in June 2012 Eden Local, which is still online to read with all our publications at the www.cumbrianlocal.co.uk/previous-issues page on the website. So is this a good place to start? As mentioned to Ali Ross, I put a few cards on the table, one of them being that I have nothing to hide, and to launch this idea of a regular monthly Green page and hopefully a Green radio show, building on and expanding on the contents of the monthly feature in the Eden Local across other groups and businesses, could be just a further kick start. Sharing ideas, creating simple solutions, here is an example I presented in our meeting. It was a question - ‘What have we got in the Eden Valley and Cumbria in abundance?” Water! On a recent trip to Snowdonia I came across my first hydro power station - there are almost 1600 in the UK, but how many in Cumbria? Yes, I’ll take some answers on email and you might in your search come across the 94 page Pre-

Why the meeting? Well firstly I thought why not? It is the 10th anniversary of the Eden District Council Bag and Box scheme launched in July

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Feasibility report for Hydro power generation at 10 sites within the Lake District National Park, but that was in 2010. Is it just water under the bridge now? But, what I can’t find anywhere is, why can’t we take Hydro power from the 108 mile pipe line of water that flows from Haweswater and Thirlmere under the ground via a natural gravity pull pipeline, that heads south throughout the year to Manchester? In 2021, it was posted that a £1bn project was to take place on the 110km aqueduct from Cumbria to Greater Manchester, which has supplied water for more than 70 years, but there was nothing about lighting up Cumbria with this idea. A thought for another day, well actually I wrote a letter the day after I wrote this to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - why not I thought? Meanwhile, pre-election I called and then wrote an email to Eden District Council asking about how much of our recycling is recycled. To cut a short story shorter, I was asked to send in a Freedom of information request!

Meanwhile, have you got an old bag at home that needs replacing or a wheelie bin that’s had better days? Who will renew these after 1st April 2023? You can call Eden District Council on 01768 817817 or go on line www.eden.gov.uk/bins-andrecycling/waste-and-recycling-help-and-guidance and complete the Recycling bags, box or garden waste bin request form. Creating less rubbish and more recycling will continue on our new green page, which is funded at present by your independent Eden Local magazine, because your magazine is free, but unfortunately the cost of getting it to you is not!

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Another new show launching on Eden FM 16th June 2022 - ROUTE 66 COUNTRY Every Thursday evening between 8 and 10pm, Marty Strutt will be bringing you the very best mainstream and Texas Country, from the 90s to today.

become too pop orientated from around 2010 onwards, and nowadays, the new generation of country artists are producing music that is generally more akin to hip-hop and R&B than country, which I'm definitely not a fan of! Even the instrumentation is changing and country music today is losing its twang in favour of beat boxes, clappy beats and synthesisers!

You can expect to hear music from the likes of George Strait, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Lonestar, Pat Green, Randy Rogers Band, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Jo Dee Messina, Lee Ann Womack, Shania Twain, Kylie Frey and Carrie Underwood, to name but a few of a cast of thousands!

There are however, still many mainstream and Texas country artists who are thankfully keeping with the traditions of country music and creating some great music, which you will be hearing on Route 66 Country! Other news at Eden FM

Marty Strutt bio My country radio "career" began in the late 90s at Chelmsford Hospital Radio in Essex. After a gap of about 11 years, I found myself behind the desk presenting another country show at another hospital radio station, this time in Milton Keynes. I also spent the best part of 3 years presenting a weekly show with 2Country Radio, a UK based internet country station. Sadly, 2Country Radio no longer broadcasts.

Launching 5pm-7pm 12th July 2022, Electric Eden, a mix that includes music from the pioneers, to the current Electronic scene locally and around the world. Meanwhile, as Eden FM returns to its live Eden roadshows from 4th July with the Skelton Show,

we107 are looking for people to come forward to help with live events and sports, be studio-based, or on site at venues and outdoor events across the North. Please apply via www.edenfm.co.uk

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I've been a fan of country since around 1997 when we had country Music Television here in the UK. In 2000 I flew out to Minnesota and got to see Martina McBride in two shows in different venues on consecutive nights. I also had the good fortune of having a meet & greet with her too. While I was in Minnesota, I visited the studios of K102 in Minneapolis, enjoying a brief chat with afternoon host Chris Carr live on air and it was then that I decided that I really wanted to get into country radio.

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Kitchen relics Penrith and Eden Museum Article by Sydney Chapman

The museum contains a wealth of material relating to the preparation and consumption of food and drink from early to more recent times. Examples can be seen in the group photograph shown here. With the continuing growth in demand for ready meals, eating out, and the popularity of delivered and drive-through meals even utensils in common use a generation or two ago are becoming collectables. Older ones like the sugar nippers (for cutting pieces off a sugar cone) look more like veterinary equipment to the modern eye. There is a cauldron of the sort once widely used by gypsies, and a large griddle, both for hanging over an open or kitchen fire which would have a ‘ratten’ or ‘reckon’ crook, a swinging iron arm with moveable hooks, to hold these over the flames. A glass rolling pin of the Nailsea variety and filled with flour may have been a love token or marriage gift. It is surprising to think that some accessions may be improving with age – like the museum’s unopened bottle of ‘Gold Rill Old Scotch Whiskey’ blended and bottled by Glasson’s Penrith Brewery Ltd, or the Glasson’s ‘Rum VAT 6’, both removed from the donor’s father’s house in Mauld’s Meaburn in 1958; however, the ‘Glasson’s

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Beacon Brown Ale’, according to an inscription on the label ‘bottled in Newcastle-on-Tyne, 19 Mar. 1957’, may have taken a turn for the worse! When listing the routine chores of the housemaid in her ‘Book of Household Management’ (1859-61) Mrs Isabella Beeton mentions a variety of brushes at the maid’s disposal used to keep the house neat and clean. Among them were the carpet broom, longhair broom, stove-brush, banister broom, staircase broom, scrubbing brush, furniture brush, cornice brush, dusting brush and plate brush. The museum has an example of another sort she mentions as being used with a tray to sweep up crumbs and bits of food which had fallen on the table cloth at mealtime. There is also a 1940’s glass jar type, manually operated churn with wooden paddles for making butter at home, and a pair of ridged wooden butter ‘pats’ to shape the finished product. The early Mouli-Grater in the collection with its original package and guide was probably a present that was never used, the owner having no doubt probably favoured the electric processing gadgets that were becoming more readily available. Celebrating 44 years in business

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Dragonflies: symbols of summertime

Nearly 200 years ago, the poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson observed the dramatic moment of a dragonfly’s metamorphosis:

The dragonfly, a delightful symbol of summertime, is among our most ancient species of insect. Fossils of very large dragonfly ancestors have been found, dating back 325 million years, with an extraordinary wingspan of 750 mm (30 inches)! Species found in the UK today are much smaller, with a wingspan of up to 120mm. They are fast, agile fliers, admired for their grace and elegance and brilliant, iridescent colouring.

“Today I saw the dragonfly Come from the wells where he did lie. An inner impulse rent the veil Of his old husk: from head to tail Came out clear plates of sapphire mail. He dried his wings: like gauze they grew; Thro’ crofts and pastures wet with dew A living flash of light he flew.”

Dragonflies are predators, both in their aquatic larval stage, when they are known as nymphs or naiads, and as adults. Several years of their lives are spent as nymphs, living in fresh water and the adults may be on the wing for just a few days or weeks. After mating, some species lay eggs directly into water, while others lay into aquatic plants or in banks or trees above water. During their larval stage, they shed their skin many times. This is usually the longest stage of the life cycle, ending when the larva leaves the water and clings to a suitable support, such as a leaf. At this point the skin splits and the adult emerges, expanding its wings and body, a process which can take a few hours.

Sadly, loss of wetland habitats threaten dragonfly populations around the world. However there are some great places to see them thriving in Cumbria, including at some of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves, where their habitats are being protected. Here are a few of them. In 2008 the rare white-faced darter was reintroduced at Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve near Witherslack, from what was its one remaining stronghold in the county, and is progressing well in the protected peat bogs. It requires deep Sphagnum-rich bog pools and if you take a summer’s walk along the boardwalk here, you’re likely to spot this very appealing species. It’s a small dragonfly with a characteristic white face that lends it its name. In 2019 the white-faced darter was also reintroduced to the raised peatlands at Drumburgh Moss Nature Reserve on the Solway, by Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the British Dragonfly Society. With the help of volunteers, they’re monitoring how the species is progressing here. 30

Foulshaw Moss is great for seeing several species of dragonfly. In 2020, the downy emerald dragonfly was spotted here for the first time. This is one of the special dragonflies of the Lake District, as it only occurs at scattered sites elsewhere in the British Isles. Long periods of sunny weather tend to encourage dragonflies to travel around a bit more than they usually do. It has a metallic greeny-bronze sheen and bright green eyes, and its thorax (middle section) is coated in fine hairs which makes it appear downy, hence the name. At Barkbooth Lot Nature Reserve near Crosthwaite, there are two small tarns, designated as Flagship Ponds for the county by the Freshwater Habitats Trust, because of the wealth of aquatic wildlife they support. This is a great place to see the downy emerald, the large and impressive emperor and the four-spotted chaser, a brown dragonfly with dark wing spots. Finally, you may want to make a visit to Eycott Hill Nature Reserve near Berrier, where the broad-bodied chaser was first spotted in 2018 and it’s now breeding here. It’s a medium-sized dragonfly that’s on the wing from May to July, and occasionally into August. Its broad, flattened body is distinctive and makes this dragonfly appear ‘fat’. The male has a powder-blue body with yellow spots along the sides and a dark thorax, whereas the female is greeny-brown.

DEM GOO GOO EYES Like the butterfly the dragonfly Is not a fly at all It's an ugly thing without a sting But dies before the fall Dragonflies can always be found On the fronts of the dragons' pants As dragonzips make too much sound Frightening off the maiden ants Male dragonflies drink at The Pond Compete in low flying races First place takes the top of the frond The pick of the breeding spaces Dragonflies you should not confuse With the larger flying dragons Which hibernate in giants' shoes Drinking cider from stone flagons

Rose Welshman

Dragonflies are treasured in Wales Symbolic at the Eisteddfod Loquacious bardflies tell tall tales Of nymphs named Myfanwy or Blod Each summer they out hum the bee When drones rise higher and higher All singing in a miner key Like a Rhondda chapel choir

For details of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves, go to www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/nature-reserves

Rex di Noci May 23rd 2022

So next time you’re taking a sunny walk around some of Cumbria’s glistening ponds and pools, keep an eye out for these stunning insects, and who knows, you may even be lucky enough to glimpse the emergence of “a living flash of light”!

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