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We are almost halfway through the year in terms of publications, but as I write this, it is on a sunny Sunday just after the Coronation. How was it for you?
I’ll come back to that in a moment. Following a monthly trend, we welcome a number of new advertisers to the Eden Local, with some more joining next month.
It has been a very busy March into the May period, with some interesting weather and lots of events, when you add in Easter in April, the bank and school holidays throughout April and May, the May Day Carnival, local elections and the Coronation. Then in the middle of all this, the unitary council launched, with the county and district changes, and with a lot of road closures suddenly upon us. Well, what is there to add?
Covered in this issue, the Lions 40th May Day Carnival, which we first started promoting in July 2022, published online, and the first article started going out in the last week of July 2022 through doors alerting people to the 1st May date. I have shared my experience of my involvement on page 6 and on pages 10 – 11 we have the return of the May Day Carnival, with a nice piece from John Rogerson, the President of the Penrith Lions Club. Many of you reading this will know him, or know other Lions or have attended the Carnival. Going back to John briefly, and his colleagues, many of whom I have known for some time now, they work so hard as volunteers. It is amazing what they do as a charity. I never met a group like it, that is so appreciative of what anyone does for them. In
short, they are there every week raising money, just to give it away and to stage an event like May Day is a huge, huge task.
Moving on, I did have a short break for 4 days in April, as I hit a big birthday and started my 7th decade. The day started out with the delivery of the 40th May Day Carnival programmes and then the journey started. After John Rogerson collecting the majority of these that were going to programme sellers, as mentioned I had 4 days setting off on a Thursday. I covered 1,300 miles! I ventured west, east and south, eventually up at 05:30 heading across Brighton to the station then finally arriving back in Penrith after lunch, ready for a busy week heading towards May Day.
We had some logistical challenges that we overcame for your Eden Local deliveries in April that was the May edition. Depending on where you live, many of you would have received a 106 bus - 8-page brochure. Originally planned for March distribution with the April edition, unfortunately this arrived late, which then had to go into May routes. Anyone living in the area we cover on or around the A6 and in Penrith should have received the 106 literature. In Penrith North you would also have received some election information from one of the candidates via the magazine.
The results of the Penrith Elections are on page 12. Thank you to Penrith Town Council for getting these over. Something highlighted, possibly more in the local elections, is people with the inability to actually post leaflets through doors correctly. Whilst out on my deliveries, the amount of leaflets hanging out of letter boxes was worse than ever. Some just left where possible, stuffed in any crack in the wall, gaps in doors and I even saw one wedged between two bricks!
What do these people think they are doing? What do passersby think when they see mail hanging out of letter boxes during the day, and for a few days or more... In fact, a few weeks later after posting the Eden Local on Wetheriggs, I was in the same streets selling the Lions Mayday programme. I lost count of how many election leaflets, posted some weeks ago, that were still hanging out of letter boxes, but we were in a holiday period. It’s the same with menus and charity bags, but elections tend to bring even more idiots out with no consideration for the residents that are away.
In the winter when it happens, this means the letter box is wedged open until it is removed, but it also means that sometimes we can’t post this magazine because the junk mail is wedged in the letter box. As a policy, we do not put fingers
through letter boxes and as a free magazine the teams are instructed to make sure they get a clean post, so the letter box is closed.
And finally, as we print, we had our Coronation weekend, some parties on Saturday, some on Sunday and some on Monday, but where were they in Eden? In national media there were lots of surveys and opinion polls about whether people are for or against the Royals. On my regular group chat with my five ex school friends, now afar, there was quite a heated debate with a couple of rants!
I sensed over the last few months leading up to the big event it was quite different locally to any other Royal celebration or occasion we had witnessed in the past. Are some people all ‘Royalled’ out was one thought? One of my friends, also my best man 25 years ago,
but also a school friend from infants through junior and senior school, we even worked together after we left school, he was all set for watching the big event like me.
Considering as a group we had known each other for the past 43 years; we’d never talked about Royalty. The views were split but generally balanced I don’t think it helped national media whipping up the storm for the protesters against the Royals. Then with the opinion polls, it just needed a camera on one person to say, ‘what a waste of money’! Then you look it up‘it costs 86 some say 100 million or more of taxpayers money’. I had seen this online in news releases. I was ready for this one.
One of my friends kicked off the day with ‘I’m not watching - it costs so much money’. He had bought a burger a few days earlier, not the norm for him and he complain how expensive it was, from a well-known international franchise. So, in I went on the conversation, and I presented to him that his burger costs £3.69 and then I told him how much the Royal family costs everyone in the UK individually which was £1.29 each per year according to a number of searches online. I then quoted that pre lockdown according to the world’s leading brand valuation consultancies, that the Royals contributed 1.77 billion pounds to the UK economy.
Continued on page 6
He hasn’t spoken to me since! Am I Royalist? I would say I am very interested in anything that is part of our history that has a place in our future. As explained to my friends in my conclusion, if I woke up one day and the Royal family wasn’t there I would find it very strange. In a way a bit like when we lost our Queen, after being there all my life, though I’d never met her majesty the Queen, she’d featured across my life at home, in organisations, at school and in business.
It’s something I said to them all, was to think about it.
be back in next month
Thank you for picking up your Eden Local Lee
Phone: 01768 862394
Email: lee@cumbrianlocal.co.uk
www.cumbrianlocal.co.uk
Cumbrian Local Publications Ltd
Home based business, Penrith CA11 8
In short, with the ‘Connecting our Community’ and the ‘May Day Returns’ articles to follow, within 48 hours of writing this short piece, I’ll be attending a meeting to discuss and do a review of the 2023 May Day Carnival with the Penrith Lions Club members.
Of course, when it comes to the first May Day of 2024, it falls on Monday 6th May. We’ll never know what the weather is going to be like. Between now and then at the meeting I would have attended on 9th May, we’ll be 363 days away from May Day 2024! A February 29th leap 2024 year.
For the first time since COVID, a general election in a December, a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a King’s Coronation and local government reorganisation, the Lions and all those supporting them shouldn’t
have so many trips, hoops, loops and hurdles to overcome to May 2024. It’s looking clear at the moment!
Pending road closures this May, the Brougham Hall Wartime Weekend will go ahead as we enter 2024, and the 80th celebration on 6th June 1944 of the D-Day invasion of Normandy by Allied troops that took place to liberate German-occupied Western Europe. May weekend 11th – 12th 2024 should be a big weekend for the event organised by a small team of local representatives of the North Lancashire and Cumbria Military Vehicle Trust.
All this and the UEFA Euro Championship from 14th June to 14th July in Germany, and then we have the Paris Olympic Games that are expected to take place from July 26th until August 11th 2024.
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When groups come together, a lot can happen. When an event is staged in town, you see the true evidence of this.
As a team, Eden FM chose not to use its multipurpose trailer that it used at the Appleby Show last year as a mobile studio, but the team suggested setting up a studio for a good cause, that meant that they broadcast live from an ambulance at the base of the Musgrave Clock, at the hub of the May Day Carnival. By the time this magazine is back from print, that ambulance will actually be in the Ukraine.
It’s one of four ambulances to be sent, and a first response motor bike that the team at the Pot Place in Plumpton have been raising funds for, and by the sounds of things, looking forward they’ll be doing it again. As already published in the 40th May Day programme, the full story is on page 31.
As its part three of our ‘connecting with the Community’ strategy, we are reaching out to community groups and organisations who we believe we can help get the message out there. We now want community groups in parishes to consider setting up radio hub teams.
It’s as simple as working with the Eden FM team to produce pre-recorded content for local content shows, that will then be aired online and on 107.5 FM. It could be in a village hall, a club house, a school or any facility considered safe, with a table and chairs. Imagine a cluster of villages sharing news once a month, or doing a ‘What’s on?’ feature and local news shared across Eden FM.
This could be in Langwathby, Edenhall, Culgaith, Temple Sowerby, Newbiggin, Skirwith, Blencarn, Kirkland, or Ousby, with your own regular show every month.
It could also be in Lazonby, Great Salkeld, Salkeld Dykes, Kirkoswald, Glassonby or Melmerby. And, what about Greystoke, Johnby, Newton Reigny, Catterlen, Motherby and Penruddock, or even Stainton, Pooley Bridge, Newbiggin, Sockbridge, Tirril and Yanwath? Maybe Askham, Lowther, Hackthorpe, Great Strickland or Clifton?
As we move into the month of June, many homeowners may still be considering selling their property. The longer days and warmer weather can give potential buyers a feel for summer-living and with gardens in full bloom, it is an ideal time to showcase your home in the best possible light.
If you’re considering selling your home this summer, there are several things you can do to ensure that it stands out from the crowd.
Firstly, take a good look at the exterior of your property. Make sure that the garden is well-maintained, the lawn is mowed, and any overgrown plants are trimmed back.
First impressions count! This month, Grace shares her nine top tips for making your home stand out from the crowd...
You could even add a splash of colour with some potted plants or hanging baskets.
Inside the house, decluttering is key. Remove any unnecessary items and clear additional floor space to make rooms feel more spacious and to give buyers a clearer idea of the potential of the space. Neutral colours on walls can help buyers to imagine themselves living in the property, so consider repainting any bold or outdated colour schemes.
Clean your windows and remove any heavy curtains or blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. Ensure that all rooms feel fresh and airy.
You can find out how much your home may be worth using our FREE instant valuation tool today!
Or to book a free face-to-face valuation, get in touch with our Penrith office on 01768 840619 or email penrith@hhlandestates.co.uk.
At H&H Land & Estates, we understand the importance of making a good first impression, and we are on hand to help guide you through the sales process every step of the way.
The May Day celebrations took place this year after missing them for three years due to Covid and Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. We started planning it in the first week of September 2022.
Unfortunately, the three main Lions - Ian Edgar, Bill Miller and Geoff Silburn, who had a massive input into organising May Day had all passed away since the last one, so in many ways it was like starting from scratch.
The Lions members were all involved, but special mention must go to George McCrone who spent many hours going through a mountain of risk assessments and Health & Safety regulations to allow May Day to go ahead. We were fortunate with the weather, and it brought the crowds out, both locals and visitors and everybody seemed to be enjoying the day.
Thanks to all the non-Lions who also helped on the day. Without them it would be difficult to put everything on. I must thank the May Queen, ISLA CULVERWELL and her Attendants, SOPHIE LEE and EVELYN SCOTT, for the way they enhanced the day with a lovely smile on their faces.
One of the highlights for me was when JOHN THOMPSON brought his beautiful ROLLS ROYCE around the back of the George Hotel and the girls, and their parents went out to see it. They were absolutely taken aback - it was like a dream come true for them.
I would like to thank all the sponsors, as without them we would find it almost impossible to put on May Day as we know it, and the members of the public for their generosity on the day, and I hope everybody had an enjoyable day out.
Finally, like a lot of voluntary organisations, we would like more members in our club. As the saying goes, many hands make light work! If you are interested, please get in touch.
John Rogerson, President - Penrith Lions Club
Your new Penrith Town Council Councillors have now been confirmed, with 14 Councillors being elected from the six wards of Penrith.
Penrith North, Penrith South, and Penrith West were all contested with the following candidates elected:
Penrith North (4 seats)
• DONALD, Paul - Labour Party
• JACKSON, Scott - Independent
• JAYSON, Daniel - Liberal Democrats
• KENYON, Ronald - Independent
Penrith South (2 seats)
• BURGIN, Roger - Liberal Democrats
• SMITH, Danny - Labour Party
Penrith West (3 seats)
• JAYSON, Barbara - Liberal Democrats
• SNELL, Hilary - Labour Party
• THOMSON, Jeff - Independent
Penrith East, Penrith Pategill and Penrith Carleton were all uncontested with the following candidates elected:
Penrith Pategill (1 Seat)
• BOWEN, Valerie - Liberal Democrats
Penrith East (3 Seats)
• RUDHALL, Mark - Liberal Democrats
• SHEPHERD, Charlie - Liberal Democrats
Penrith Carleton (2 Seats)
• HOLDEN, Deborah – Liberal Democrats
• LAWSON, Douglas - GREEN PARTY
This leaves one vacancy in Penrith East which will be filled in due course. We look forward to working with our new councillors to continue delivering for the people of Penrith.
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!!
In an article I wrote last year, 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. This situation remains unchanged.
Menopause is usually experienced between the ages of 40 and 60, with 51 being the average age in Western Europe. There is more and more interest in the impact of perimenopause and the menopause at work, so this is a really important topic to understand and respond to.
Around 75% of women experience menopausal symptoms, and around 25% of them experience moderate to severe symptoms, so it’s important to recognise this is likely to have a significant impact on people’s lives. Symptoms last on average for around 7 years, with around a third of women experiencing symptoms for much longer. This can have a tremendous impact on the women involved and those supporting them.
There are many symptoms of the menopause – at least 30! However, the symptoms most likely to affect those being able to work are hot flushes, night sweats, and poor concentration impacting decision-making and the ability to cope generally.
Other symptoms may include headaches, aches and pains, palpitations, panic attacks, mood changes, ‘brain fog’, memory loss, irritability, anxiety, depression – the list, sadly just goes on.
From my continued 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, and not just the women experiencing symptoms.
There are a number of things employers are advised to consider, like:
Raising awareness within the organisation generally through different types of communication about the symptoms of menopause – 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 the right 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 and facilities, for example, adjustable room temperatures and ventilation for those experiencing hot flushes and consideration of the type of uniform worn
Ensuring conversations are held regularly and actions taken where appropriate, 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.
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.
After helping Eden FM with its graphics on its trailer in 2022, last minute, when I volunteered to help the Penrith Lions Club get their May Day Carnival back in town for the first time since 2019, getting vinylFX to help was an easy decision to make.
After 4 years of not having the May Day fair banner across King Street, I asked a man who at a very young age ‘Rusty Lomax’ actually made the original blue banner we used to see across King Street.
The May Day as an event didn’t just need a banner, however, it needed to be relaunched. People needed to know that the Lions were back in town. Reusable Banners and pop up roller banners were just a part of the yellow and blue across the town. Posters to help 15 programme sellers based in local organisations & businesses were also needed. The range available at vinylFX is one that Rusty Lomax has had over 30 years experience in.
At vinylFX they are set up to make all aspects of modern signage be it cnc laser cut acrylics or composite facias, A-boards, Banners, Roll Up Banners, Laser engraved wood, safety signs and everything in-between.
Using our large format latex printer partnered up with our Mimaki plotter allows us to print and cut decal stickers for use on brochures, tools and plant in fact anywhere you require a personalised sticker.
Rusty Lomax loves doing vehicle graphics... why?
“I don't know what it is but I really love the process from designing a new look to cutting laying up and print then install…..I think its seeing the finished product and knowing the good that it will do your business.”
Latex printed decal cut, service labels, product labels, stickers for tools, product branding the list is endless. The latex machine runs at £35 per metre that can fit around 100 - 100mm x 100mm stickers onto a linear metre.
vinylFX offer a full range of clothing from a selection of quality suppliers that include Polos, jackets, hoodies, soft shells, fleeces, beanies and caps
There is a one off charge ‘set up’ fee to digitise your artwork and once digitised we keep your design on file for any repeat orders that you may have. vinyFX also offer sublimation printing into lighter coloured polyester materials for T- shirts and hoodies and we can also offer heat pressed cut vinyl and DFT prints (Direct To Film). Printing your design directly onto a film and then transferring it to a T-shirt.
Rich Man? Poor Man? Beggar? Thief?
Penrith Players’ latest original performance features a cunning yet charming ex-thief, Montmorency, as he tries to make his way from rags to riches in the streets and sewers of Victorian London, fearing that at any moment his charade will be uncovered and his tumultuous past will destroy his dreams for a better future.
A brand-new adaptation of the award-winning Young Adult novels by Eleanor Updale, ‘Montmorency’, written by Penrith-based playwright Tash Binder (writing under the name Natasha Mikaela), promises to enchant audiences of all ages.
“I first read the series when I was at school.” Says Tash. “It was dark and thrilling, and something different as the main character wasn’t a teenager, as is the case with most novels in that age bracket.
I rediscovered it when I was on holiday in 2019 –having picked a random book from the shelf to read by the pool, I rediscovered my love for the enigmatic character of Montmorency and thought it would make a great stage play.”
An active member of Penrith Players and North Cumbria Scriptwriters, Tash graduated with a Master of Arts in Writing for Script and Screen in 2021, and her short plays and monologues have been performed at Penrith Players and Theatre by the Lake, Keswick.
This is the second piece of new writing Penrith Players has produced in as many years, and Tash is keen to see this trend continue; “Encouraging new writers is essential to keep theatre fresh and current. The classics are reliable and popular, but like with films and television, people want something new to entertain them and keep them coming back. This is ever more important as costs increase and communities like ours are under threat from the insular nature of home cinema.”
Catch Montmorency from 31st May to 3rd June.
Penrith Theatre, Auction Mart Lane, Penrith, CA11 7JG
Buy tickets from Penrith TIC and www.penrithplayers.org.uk
Dynamis Gym recently opened a class teaching personal safety skills in Penrith, welcoming people of all kinds to a weekly training session.
Originally started in 2006 in Edinburgh, the classes cover step-by-step the range of skills needed in a variety of common scenarios which people may face if they need to protect themselves.
The instructor, Gerard O’Dea, is a qualified fulltime trainer and consultant, teaching personal safety and conflict management all over the world, with clients including for example the College of Policing and the NHS.
Over time, people attending the weekly class have the opportunity to develop a broad repertoire of skills for personal safety, developing from awareness of personal space and using boundarysetting language, through to survival and escape from common types of assault.
Some sessions are specific to really difficult scenarios - like those you might read about in the news - and how to navigate them successfully.
Its a mixed group - over the years men and women who are veterinarians, business professionals, students, world travellers, teachers and of course security and police officers have benefitted from the sessions. Being an informal class, the emphasis is on getting plenty of practice and feedback in a friendly and safe environment. The carefully managed, relaxed vibe encourages questions, discussion and understanding.
It is not a martial arts class, but it does get sweaty from time to time and is a good addition to what might be a fitness regime that is starting to feel stale. The functional movement required to be very competent at personal safety skills can be a great overall workout.
People who join in the sessions gain more awareness of conflict in general, more confidence
that they can make good decisions and overall feel safer because they know how to protect themselves in a real situation, or how to avoid it where possible.
“Self-protection training really surprises people” Gerard offers “because the practice asks people how they think about conflict, how they feel about violence and what their body-mind system is capable of actually doing - and all that, usually happens in a hurry! Some mild-mannered people are tigers emotionally, some strongmen have two left feet when it comes to movement. The training offers a challenge for everyone. The reality is that the world isn’t always a dangerous place, until you run into a dangerous person - in that moment, a little preparation can go a long way.”
Dynamis Gym is offering personal safety classes in Penrith
The classes teach skills for a range of common scenarios
• The instructor is Gerard O'Dea, a qualified trainer and consultant
• The classes cover awareness, boundary-setting language, survival, and escape from assault
• The informal class is open to all and encourages questions and discussion
• It is not a martial arts class, but can be a good workout
• The classes help people feel safer and more confident in conflict situations
Classes currently running on Wednesdays 7pm-8pm at PRUFC Squash Courts, Winter’s Park, Penrith.
We’ll be celebrating 10 years of serving the local community until 7 o’clock on that day.
Explore and discover; come along and meet the team; ask questions and take the tour.
Find out more about what we can do for you, your project for your home, or your business.
Have a walk around and discover the wide range we have for domestic and commercial use.
We aim to meet the demands and needs of our customers and it’s good to talk.
Underground and overground, Civils Store is an expert supplier of ground works and drainage materials.
Come and talk Geotechnical, water tanks and rainwater harvesting.
Our product range encompasses a wide choice of products in a variety of materials.
In our depot you will find knowledgeable staff and over 500k of stock, providing a local and regional service to our customer base.
Come and join us for light refreshments.
50” Samsung TV to be won, lots of prizes in the raffle!
Our home planet is 3rd in distance from the sun making it unique in its atmosphere, temperature and the conditions suitable for humans to survive in most places in the world.
We probably all take our existence, and the Earth itself, for granted. Most people are aware of the difficulties the earth and its population are facing in regard to climate change, pollution and human impact. But when viewed from space, and because over 71% of the earth surface is covered in water, it remains known as ‘The Blue Planet’ and as such is home to a staggering range of living organisms from the tiniest microbe to human beings. Life continues to survive and in many cases thrives despite the changes that are happening around us.
We all know that we are living on a planet in the Solar System. We know that the earth orbits the sun and it takes 365 days to do so (remembering leap years!). We know that the earth takes 24 hours to turn and we know we have one moon but there are a few other facts about this planet we call home…
Equivalent size: If we imagine the sun being the size of a giant pumpkin then Earth is the size of a cherry tomato.
Equator circumference: 40,075 km (24,901miles)
Radius/Diameter: 6,378km /12,774 km (3,963 miles/7,926 miles)
Distance from the Sun: 1,495,978,70 km (92,955,807 miles)
Temperature: minus 89.3°C to 56.7°C with an average temperature = 13.9° C
Made of: Formed about 4.54 billion years ago, our planet is made up of four main layers. The inner core is made largely of Iron (approx. 88%). Next is the outer core which is largely liquid and made of nickel, iron and molten rock. The mantle is the next layer; this is about 2,900 km thick (1,802 miles) and is the thickest layer of the earth. Made of hot and dense iron and magnesium rich rocks the combination of the high temperature and pressure, it is here where diamonds are created. The top layer is known as the crust and consists of solid rock, mainly basalt and granite with almost ¾ of the surface covered with water in one form or another.
The atmosphere is another aspect of our planet which makes it unique; without the combination of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and 1% of other gas-
“Our planet, the Earth, is, as far as we know, unique in the universe. It contains life.”
‘The Living Planet’ 1984 - Sir David Attenborough
es then life as we know it could not survive. The layers of the atmosphere and the pressure they exert are vital in protecting the earth from harmful solar radiation and extreme temperatures and vitally maintain the life-giving water on the planet. The earth is sometimes described as being in a Goldilocks zone not too far from the sun but not too close either – so supporting life as we know it.
Other facts you may not know!
• The earth isn’t perfectly round! It bulges at the equator and flattens at the poles because of the rotation of the planet on its axis.
• Coral reefs are the largest living structures on earth.
• Australia is actually wider than the moon! The moon is 3,400 km in diameter while Australia measures 4000km from east to west!
• If the sun was hollow you could fit a million earths inside.
• The earth is actually rotating at around 1,000 mph – we don’t feel dizzy because gravity keeps us held on the earth’s surface so we don’t feel the movement.
• Earth is the only planet in our solar system not to be named after a Greek or Roman god. It gets its name from the Old English ‘Eor(th)e’ & ‘Ertha’ meaning ‘dirt, soil or country’ and from the German word ‘erde’ meaning ground. The name is at least 1000 years old.
Join me next time for a look at the next planet in our Solar System: Mars.
References:
www.nasa.gov
www.funkidslive.com
www.toppr.com
www.teachingideas.co.uk
www.gsi.ie
www.space.com
www.uselessetymology.com
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driveway installations, block paving, restoring surfaces and much more. From general maintenance to fully furnished driveways. Covering Penrith, North Lakes, the Eden Valley & Carlisle A company people can rely on for exceptional finishes from an experienced team! Call 01768 722204 – 01228 564425 info@lakelanddriveways.co.uk www.lakelanddriveways.co.uk
There are plenty of money saving ideas so hopefully here are one or two that suit you.
The first thing I always say is make a plan before buying. Even if it’s not a drawn out planting plan a shopping list is a must. It’s tempting to buy a plant you like but if it doesn’t work in your garden it’s a waste of money - so know what plants will suit your garden including its aspect (e.g.sunny, shady, windy, sloping) and soil conditions. The adage “right plant right place” is something to always keep in mind.
Look at what you’ve got and make use of it if possible. Some plants can be moved and perennials can be divided = more plants for free. Of course large shrubs and trees can’t be moved but perhaps it’s workable to make a plan to plant around them. Pruning appropriately to keep shrubs looking good can help too.
Grow your own and here I’m not talking about vegetables but ornamental plants. If you’ve the time and space then grow from seed. You can also easily propagate many plants from cuttings so if you have one Salvia for example, you can make more!
If this isn’t for you then consider self-seeding perennials. In my garden I don’t think I’ll ever need to buy Astrantia (Hattie’s Pincushion), Achillea (Yarrow) or Alchemilla mollis (Lady’s Mantle) again. I dig up seedlings and plant them in groups where
I want them. This isn’t for the very neat and tidy and you need to recognise small seedlings and not pull them up as weeds…
Buy smaller… Buying plants in smaller 9cm pots instead of 1 or 2 litre is an immediate money saver. A little more patience is required as the plants must be spaced to allow room to mature.
Let the lawn go wild. Ever thought about a meadow area? There are a few ways to do it so look out for my next article.
Adding a water feature is feasible on a budget; it doesn’t have to be moving water or a fountain. By reusing a container or buying a cheap one and putting in a feature aquatic plant or two you can have water on the patio and attract birds and wildlife.
Finally spruce up and tidy up! Consider whether existing wooden furniture be painted to give it a new lease of life or reuse materials in other areas.
© 2023 Karen Roberts Garden Design
When you see the programme’s imprimatur
That musical magnet the Harp of Gold
The Guinness insignia keys the lure
To Hibernia’s songs, tall tales of old
To be sure there’s sentimentality
For that is the essence of Gaelic folk
A nod t’wards dual nationality
Lyrical avoidance of all things woke
To join in the chorus you will be prone
Songs of your favourite flame haired colleens
Like the shellfish seller Molly Malone
Or all those taken home again Kathleens
An accomplished troupe, a minimal set
Embellished cleverly to fit each scene
Centuries are covered and you can bet You’ll witness all those forty shades of green
One prop forward carried throughout the night
Reminds us of History learned at school
It’s the Gladstone Bag that enters stage right
A PM who fluffed the chance of Home Rule
Occasional whistles, waving of arms
A clapping of hands and stamping of feet
In approbation of these Irish charms
So come back again – you lot are aw reet!
Rex di Noci
April 17th 2023
Steve Harley has announced a set of Spring / Summer live dates with his acclaimed Acoustic Band [all dates below, some already Sold Out]. Having recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of Cockney Rebel, Steve is widely considered one of the most charismatic performers and he continues to play to sold-out venues across the UK and Europe. The Times wrote, in a profile marking this half century, that signature hit ‘Make Me Smile (Come Up And See Me)’, “Remains one of the most beloved songs of the modern age”. For Steve, life on the road is more than just a job: it is almost his life’s blood.
The Acoustic Band for 2023 will find Steve supported by long-standing bandmate, violinist/ guitarist Barry Wickens, with Oli Hayhurst on double bass, and Dave Delarre on lead guitar. Steve has been playing Live shows around the world for over 50 years and the thrill of another night in another place to another audience has not dimmed at all. “I still get a buzz when boarding the tour bus, like I did all those years ago. There’s still that magical feeling. It has not diminished at all.”
The acoustic sets will include songs taken from his last album ‘Uncovered’ [re-recordings of a couple of his own songs nine others he’s always wanted to perform] but of course a selection from the vast and eclectic Harley Songbook. ‘Mr Soft’, ‘Judy Teen’, ‘Sebastian’ and the legendary ‘Make Me Smile’ will all be reproduced in the unique acoustic style. Close-Up Culture stated of an Acoustic Band show: “It was an intimate night in the presence of a great
musician. An individual whose passion for live performance and perfection (it shows in his face) remains undiminished.”
Rod Stewart, who covered Steve’s song ‘A Friend For Life’, describes him as “One of the finest lyricists Britain has produced.”
MOJO said simply, “Harley creates rock songs that are proud, lyrical and full of yearning.” Steve has also been described as “A consummate performer at the top of his game,” and Record Collector said: “Harley’s eloquent, on-the-edge shows never fail to impress”.
Steve has previously received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Acoustic Music from the Acoustic Festival of Britain, and a prestigious Gold Badge of Merit from the British Academy of Composers and Songwriters.
Ticket available from - www.thegigcartel.com/Artistsprofiles/Steve-Harley-Acoustic-Band.htm
You would think with a name like Quinn I’d have known what was coming… A sell out show it was that captivated its audience early on, as they were taken through history and taken on a tour of poetry and music from the Celtic times, featuring historical moments and people that changed and influenced an island. Twists and turns with some fantastic classics and toe tappers. Real live, traditional music from a very talented group of actors and musicians.
Did you miss it? Would you like to go again? Seeing is believing…
The Story of Ireland returns to raise the floor on Saturday 23rd March 2024, so book now!
Penrith Playhouse Theatre, 1 Auction Mart Lane
fliers: the dragonflies.
Back in the Carboniferous era, 300 million years ago, dragonflies really lived up to their name. Fossils have been found of insects with a 75cm (30 inch) wingspan. Luckily for us, they don’t weigh in at such an alarming size these days, but they are still very impressive creatures.
Although dragonflies love the summer sun, even at this time of year there are still plenty of these aerial predators to be seen. Cumbria has over 20 species of dragonflies and their smaller cousins the damselflies. Although none of them are of prehistoric size, the emperor dragonfly, which is Britain’s largest, still reaches 8cm (3 inches) in length with a wingspan of 11cm (over 4 inches.) It’s not only our biggest insect, it’s a ferocious hunter too.
Dragonflies have two sets of wings which operate independently, rather like a very flashy helicopter. This means that they are phenomenally manoeuvrable, being able to fly forwards, sideways and even backwards, changing direction
in the blink of an eye. Not that they blink. Their eyes are huge for their size and are able to look in all directions at once. This allows them to spot and then pursue their prey - including butterflies, moths and even other dragonflies - which they grab with their front legs. It’s obvious that they have spent those 300 million years really getting the hang of flying.
Cumbria has been home to a dragonfly success story in recent years. The white-faced darter, a variety that is found at only a handful of sites in England, was reintroduced to Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve, in 2010. Each year, thousands of these dragonflies hatch out in the restored peat bog, giving this rare species a good foothold in south Cumbria.
By looking after their habitats in this way, we have more chance of enjoying these magnificent insects with aerobatic skills that put the Red Arrows in the shade. What’s more, it allows us to watch a bit of prehistory in the present day and, just for a moment, a Cumbrian wildlife reserve can become our own Jurassic Park.
Alasdair McKee
Do you know your dragons from your damsels?
Dragonflies have different shaped fore and hind wings. Their hind wings are much broader and don’t taper so much where they attach to the body, giving them more of a plane look.
Damselflies have wings that are both the same size and shape, which taper where they attach to the body.
Great places to see dragonflies and damselflies
Barkbooth Lot Nature Reserve - rough fell,
grassland, wetland and wooded areas provide a varied habitat where dragonflies and damselflies abound. Dragonflies include the downy emerald, emperor and fourspotted chaser. Also look out for the beautiful demoiselle (that’s its name!) damselfly around Arndale Beck.
Bowness-on-Solway – this former quarry has been colonised by wildlife at remarkable speed. The ponds are home to many different dragonflies, including the emperor, as well as the four-spotted chaser, southern hawker and darters, as well as the eye-catching azure and emerald damselflies.
Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve - the rare white-faced darter dragonfly can be seen here, the result of the successful reintroduction by Cumbria Wildlife Trust and British Dragonfly Society. Whitefaced darters love the open area of peat bogs. Following the success at Foulshaw Moss, they are now being introduced at Drumburgh Moss Nature Reserve, another peatland site.
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The Asian Hornet, vespa velutina, is an aggressive predator of honey bees and other beneficial insects. Since a fertilised Asian Hornet queen arrived in France in 2004, inside a box of imported Chinese clay pots in which it had hibernated, it has spread to Spain, Majorca, Portugal, Italy, Belgium and Germany. Over 50% of the hives in these countries have been destroyed, along with other insects on which small birds depend for their survival. Each Asian Hornet nest can produce 100 queens in one season. Once established, it can spread at 100km each year.
Since 2016, Asian Hornets have been found, tracked and destroyed in the south of England, but increasingly sitings are being reported further north. Just two weeks ago one arrived in a container of cauliflowers destined for Northumberland zoo. This reminds us that it could arrive in Cumbria very soon
Early detection, so that the Asian Hornet can be tracked and its nests destroyed, is essential. During your walks in the countryside or when you are working in your garden, remain alert to the possibility of seeing an Asian Hornet. Its distinctive features are bright yellow legs, an orange face and an orange segment on its black/ dark brown body.
If you think you have seen one, do not touch it. They are vicious
lost on the continent. It has just begun here. It likes hitching a
On 24th February 2022, Russian forces began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Attacking the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and its second-largest city, Kharkiv, some believe it was an attempt to overthrow President Zelensky’s government. But it’s been seen as more of an attempt to occupy and annex the whole country rather than just overthrow the government. It was to subjugate the entire population.
The UK is 94,058.3 mi² and the Ukraine is 233,090 mi²; that is about 2 ½ times the size of the UK. The Ukraine is the largest country in Europe by area (excluding Russia) and produces 30% of the world’s sunflower oil, and is the sixth largest producer of wheat, corn and rapeseed. We have all felt the effects of the invasion.
As of 1st May this year, this war reaches 461 days. As of midApril 2023, it is estimated that over 42,000 people have died, nearly 60,000 people have nonfatal injuries, around 15,000 are missing and around 140,000 buildings have been destroyed. Around 14 million people in the Ukraine have been displaced.
As a sponsor of the Penrith Lions May Day Carnival and as it is a day when local charities come together, I suggested to Kevin and Paul that we present another side of their business, based on voluntary hours here, helping people thousands of miles away, saving lives.
Talking to Paul, he shared with me that with some Ukrainian refugees now settled in Eden and one working at the Pot Place, they've learned more about this situation and wanted to do more to help. Here are just some of the things The Pot Place team and our community have pulled together for the Ukrainian people…
On 19th March 2022, a van set off from their Plumpton site for Rogowo in Poland packed with supplies. The trip was 950 miles. On 7th April, they were off again with a van and trailer full of essential items. On 18th April 2022 a new appeal was launched to raise funds for an Ambulance to replace those destroyed in the bombings.
Within 12 weeks, on 3rd August it was on its way, arriving on 8th August. On 4th September another appeal for an Ambulance and fast response motor bike was launched; the ambulance being delivered to Ukraine on December 13th. In between all this happening, logistics and roads into
Ukraine were becoming more established.
With general aid donations being collected at the Pot Place and transferred to a hub at Thirsk in North Yorkshire, they were then exported to Ukraine.
With better links now in Przemyśl (Sheh-muh-shl) the second-oldest city (after Kraków) in southern Poland, Paul explained the wonders of social media, which without it, none of this could have been achieved (full story in June Eden Local). Christmas 2022 came and went and on 8th January 2023 another appeal was launched. National media has moved on. Updates are not so frequent. The war continues and unity around the world for Ukraine continues.
The new fundraising target is £5,000. Small donations can make a big impact on lives. You can feel proud with a pound!
Donate at the Pot Place or via www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/ambulance-andambulance-bike-for-ukraine
