Lions may Day 2023 Programme Issue 194

YOUR LOCAL FURNITURE STORE

• Locally owned company

• Over 25 years of expertise in selling quality furniture

• One of the largest selection available in Cumbria

• 15 exclusive ranges of oak funiture including living, dining & bedroom

POT PLACE, STATION YARD, PLUMPTON, NR PENRITH CA11 9GT

7 DAYS A WEEK MON - SAT 10-5

CUMBRIA OAK ESTABLISHED 2002

Its been over 20 Years since Cumbria Oak opened their doors at a small workshop just outside Penrith, they have since grown into one of the biggest suppliers of oak furniture in the county. Together with their experienced team, customers have gotten to know and trust the staff in the shops as well as the team who deliver their new furniture.

The growth from small bespoke workshop to one of the biggest suppliers of oak furniture in the county has been a slow and steady one.  Originally working from a small premises at Wetheriggs pottery father and son team Robert and Graham moved to the Pot Place Garden Centre 15 years ago and have continued to expand their business by taking larger premises

Graham says: “We’re in the heart of the Eden Valley and being based at the Pot place Garden Centre provides a unique opportunity to find something very special for the home while enjoying a lovely day out.”

Its now been 10 years since the Kendal store opened.  “It really was a family affair back then we had both my father, father in law and Aunt working in the store.”  With a new sales team starting 5 years ago it has continued to grow its reputation and loyalty with customers being able to take items away or order for delivery.  While smaller than the Plumpton store there is still a great selection.

8 years ago Rugs were introduced, withs hundreds to choose from, sizes range from 67 x 140cm to a massive 300 x 400cm

And as recently as 3 years ago the sofa collection was introduced, this is forever expanding and changing to meet customer demand.

As well as dining tables and chairs, dressers and storage, TV units and coffee tables, and sofas, office furniture, beds, wardrobes, chests of drawers and bedside tables, Cumbria Oak also provides all the finishing touches for a room including rugs, clocks, lighting, mirrors, baskets, Art and soft furnishings. All the collections can be viewed on the website www.cumbriaoak.co.uk

Congratulations from the Cumbria Oak team on reaching your 40th Lions Club May Day Carnival that we are pleased to support.

May Day Carnival 2023

After a three year absence, due to Covid, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to residents of Penrith, Eden and visitors to the area, to the Lions Club of Penrith 40th May Day Carnival.

Forty years ago it was fairly simple to organise the May Day Carnival. But it gets harder every year due to the amount of hoops you have to go through with the different organisations to get permission for the carnival to go ahead. We started planning in September last year and it was not until 5 April this year that we were at last given the go ahead.

It has been a difficult year throughout the world with the war in Ukraine and the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Penrith Lions Club raised funds for both of these disasters as well as donating to numerous local charities and causes.

We are always looking for people to come and join the Lions, so if anybody is interested please get in touch.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people of Penrith and District for their support and generosity over many years. In particular Penrith Town Council, Penrith Bid and the help that Lee Quinn from Eden FM and Eden Local has given us to make it financially viable for the May Day Carnival to go ahead this year.

Lastly I hope everybody can have a very enjoyable day.

John Rogerson President – Lions Club of Penrith

© Lee Quinn

A Welcome and thank you to all those who have supported this Penrith Lions Club 40th May Day Carnival 2023

CONTENTS

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY! CAN WE MAKE IT 64 PAGES FOR 2024? THE WORK STARTS NOW. Booking in for 2024 - more details and the schedule are on page 46

May Day Carnival 2023 May Queen

Isla Culverwell

I am 11 years old, and I go to QEGS. I have 4 siblings. My favourite school subject are Design and Technology and PE. Out of school I enjoy rugby with the Penrith Panthers and swimming. In summer I like wild swimming in rivers and lakes.

Preparing your May Queen & her attendants for the Big Day

All aspects of Hair, Beauty and Wellness

• St Tropez Tanning booth with special offers on Thursdays enough time to look your best at the weekend.

• 45 years serving the people of Penrith and Eden.

• Looking to recruit experience Hair Stylists

Bryan and Helen Gardiner both trained at our local Carlisle College, Andrew Collinge (Liverpool), and Vidal Sassoon (London).

We regard training as a priority with staff

attending seminars with in-house training from professionals and privately arranged tuition from one of Britain’s leading trainers.

We offer a full range of the latest hairdressing and beauty techniques in a modern, friendly and professional salon, so you can have top to toe treatments under one roof. As professionals we recognise the importance not only of providing the highest levels of service in our salon but also advising clients on how to take care of their hair and beauty requirements between salon

Attendants

Sophie Lee

I am 12 years old, and I go to QEGS. I have a brother and a sister. Outside of school I like reading, baking and drawing. I also enjoy sports like cross-country running and netball.

Evelyn Scott

I am 12 years old, and I have a little sister. I also go to QEGS, at school I enjoy drama, English and Science. Out of school I enjoy acting, singing and dancing. I go to a musical theatre group called ACT.

visits which we do through our range of specially selected products and complimentary leaflets.

Bryan, Helen & Ruth (Beautician) have developed wedding packages based on considerable experience in hair, beauty and nail design work with the Lake District’s premier lakeside hotels.

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26 Middlegate, Penrith

Monday: 09:00 - 17:00 • Tuesday: 09:00 - 17:00

Wednesday: 09:00 - 17:30 • Thursday: 09:00 - 19:30

Friday: 09:00 - 18:00 • Saturday: 08:30 - 16:30

Sunday: CLOSED

Finesse Jewellery & Bridle

FITTED FOR A QUEEN!

Finesse is proud to support the Lions Club Carnival May Queen and her attendants Have a great fantastic day Isla, Evelyn and Sophie

THE POT PLACE LINKS WITH UKRAINE

By Lee Quinn

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

WELFARE SUPPORT CURRENT LIONISTIC YEAR 2022/23

INTERNATIONAL DISASTERS

Turkey Earthquake Appeal, Pakistan Floods, Florida Tornadoes.

LIONS DISTRICT

Lions Brain Tumour and Paedatric Cancer Trust

NATIONAL

Activity Alliance Disability Inclusion in Sport

LOCAL

Hospice at Home 25th Anniversary Appeal

Bluejam Arts Community Music Space.

Salvation Army Xmas Day Lunch

Riding for The Disabled replacement of safety helmets

Growing Well Tebay. Mental Health support

Creative Cuppa Dementia Support

Lowther Endowed School Educational support for informative residential courses.

Ullswater Community College support for students attending Environmental Research Expedition.

Student with learning disability support to attend works experience

Eden Valley Cheerleading Academy upgrade of equipment to comply with safety and up skills of students.

Funding to support under privileged children during school holidays to attend Fun,

Friendship and Food activity group.

Support for child safety equipment for displaced family.

Xmas Black Friday Pub Collection.

Donations to Blood Bikes and North West Air Ambulance Service.

Supporting our local community

At British Gypsum, we believe in being a good neighbour to the people living near our sites. By donating materials, time, and funds to local causes, we help the people in our communities to lead happy, healthy lives.

Here are the fantastic causes we supported in and around Kirkby Thore last year.

Warcop Play Park

Creating an inclusive social space for local families

We helped Warcop Parish Council renovate a local play park to provide a safe, inclusive social space for local families. Our £2,000 donation went towards replacing old, tired play equipment with brand new swings, a rocking frog, a spinning saucer, and a large activity tower complete with two slides and a zip wire.

Warcop Parish Councillor Katie Hauser said: “The new playground is a great asset to the village and the local community. It’s now an amazing space where children and adults can meet and play safely. This project came at the perfect time to give our community a great boost after being affected by the Covid-19 lockdowns.”

Temple Sowerby Cricket Club pavilion

Upgrading

a cricket club’s community hub

Our products helped turn a dilapidated cricket club pavilion into a space the whole community can use. With the aid of Gyproc ThermaLine Plus thermal plasterboard, Temple Sowerby Cricket Club has doubled the size of its pavilion and built a comfortable, cost-efficient kitchen, changing area and social space.

The major renovation means the club can now host regular games, welcome more visitors, and open up the space to the local community. James Farmer, Chief Grant Team Leader at Temple Sowerby Cricket Club, said: “Following the pandemic, we saw a real drop in people playing the sport. I only hope our renovated facilities will encourage more people to play and get involved in local cricket, reigniting the passion in many.”

Carer Support Eden

Festive fun for carers in Cumbria

We were delighted to donate £2,000 to Carer Support Eden to help them improve the experience of unpaid carers. The funds went towards two lunches for adults and a young carers’ party, giving hundreds of carers across the Eden District some well-deserved time away from their day-to-day responsibilities.

Dani Leslie, Chief Officer at Carer Support Eden, said:

“We are so grateful to have received the donation from British Gypsum, who helped bring some festive cheer to what can often be a difficult time for many.”

Fellrunner

Enabling access to vital amenities

After donating £5,000 to the Fellrunner bus service in 2021 and seeing the positive effect on the local community, we contributed a further £2,000 in 2022.

The community bus serves people across rural parts of Cumbria, offering routes to Penrith and Carlisle. Not only does it help vulnerable people with limited transport to access vital amenities, but it provides them with crucial connections and companionship.

Kevin McGilloway, Fellrunner Chairman, said:

“For many of our customers, the bus is their transport lifeline, allowing them to get into town to shop, collect prescriptions, get money and keep appointments. Without the bus they would be stuck and reliant on family and friends - if they have them. Without financial help from a group of supporters like British Gypsum, we would not be able to continue our services.”

Apply for support today

Do you know of a worthy cause or community project near our Kirkby Thore site? Click here to find out more about the eligibility criteria and apply for charitable support today.

we’re helping our local community thrive

We’re committed to having a positive impact on our neighbours, and we’re proud to have been an important part of the community in and around Kirkby Thore since 1910. We’ve been providing our time, materials and support to community projects and charities that help local people flourish.

We care about building better.

Bernard Wood

I joined the Lions Club Organisation on 10th November 1992 after my employment transferred from London to Warwickshire. My introduction to join Stour Valley Lions in Shipston on Stour was by the then President, Sid Payne. I served as President on two occasions and one term as Zone Chairman.

In September 2004, after retiring to Penrith I transferred to Lions Club of Penrith where I again served as Club President on two occasions.

I am a member the Club’s Talking Newspaper team, providing recorded items from the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald to local people and some who have moved away.

I am proud to be a member of our local organisation helping people who are less fortunate than others.

Have a great May Day.

Mike Parker

Joined Penrith Lions Club in January 2017.

Over a number of years I noticed all the good work and support that Lions gave to the people of Penrith and The Eden Valley. I was approached to consider joining and had no hesitation in doing so.

Over the past 6 years it has been a pleasure to serve with the Lions and fully appreciate the work they carry not only locally but the support for International Disasters. Positions held.

Welfare Chairman

Lionistic Year. 2018/2019,2022/2023 President. 2019/2020

Vice President. 2018/2019

A Poem, read by Brian Gardiner President 1995-96

Ode to Lions

It was in 1917 that Lions International began

An organisation open to any gentleman

To class, race, colour there was paid no heed

Just the desire to serve others was the only need.

The aim is to help others throughout the world

And at regular meetings new challenges are unfurled

To help those in poverty, lonely or sick

Give Lions a call and we’ll respond in a tick

Help with community projects in city and town

Those who call on the Lions are never let down

We will help with the crowds with parking and such

In sun, hail, wind, snow without complaining too much!

Besides raising money and getting things done

We find that being in Lions can really be quite fun

We know how to party of that there’s no doubt

For after all that’s what life’s about

But as Lions men try to carry out each plan

You will often find there’s a woman behind every man

We’re proud to be Lions we enjoy what we do

Sharing time spent together with friend old and new

Now ladies and gentleman I’ve run out of time

I hope you’ve enjoyed my silly little rhyme!

President Brian Garderner 1995 Credit Frederick Cameron Wilson

© Lee Quinn

© Lee Quinn

©

THE PENRITH LIONS ARE BACK IN TOWN!

As a team we are pleased once again to be working with the Penrith Lions Club towards the 40th May Day Carnival, the first since 2019 when the Eden FM team broadcasted live from Market Square at the base of the Musgrave Clock.

The Penrith Lions Club team was established in 1975. Sadly, as many will know, we have lost a few key members since its last Carnival.

Like many voluntary organisations, since lockdown the Lions’ team has reduced in numbers. So much so that it wasn’t in the plan to produce a May Day Carnival Programme in 2023. The man behind the Lions May Day programme, Ian Edgar is sadly one of a few key members no longer with us since 2019.

In his memory along with other Lions past, we will remember them all this day in May.

On this occasion, the Eden FM team allowed me to step back from some duties at the station to commit some time to help the Penrith Lion’s and this was as early as March 2022. Many hands do make a difference - the more the merrier.

The Eden Local Community magazine also committed to promoting the event as early as the summer of 2022, right up to the May 2023 edition that went out in April.

With that bit of time away from Eden FM, I’ve really been able to get involved with my first Penrith Lions Club May Carnival.

I used to joke with Ian and a few others about whether there would ever be a space available in the May Day programme! I now know the answer and I now know the reason why.

For Ian, and for all those Lions and those individuals who have taken part or attended over the years, who are sadly not with us for this big Anniversary May Day, this programme is dedicated to you.

Once a part of the Carnival you are always a part, and in the history of probably Penrith’s biggest and longest running event across five decades.

Have a great day!

Lee Quinn, Chairman, Eden FM Radio Penrith.

PAST PENRITH LIONS CLUB PRESIDENTS

Ian Proud was the first President in 1975 who did it for 2 years

Followed by

Ken Colley

Alan Swainson

Bob Hendrie

Mike Robert

Derek Oldham

Stan Carver

Lawrence Titterington

Peter Goodwin

Spencer Glover

Brian Grainger

Peter Simpson

George McCrone

David Fleming

Ian Edgar

John Westgarth

Brian Gass

William Miller

Geoff Silburn

Bryan Gardiner

Michael Ridpath

Harold Threlkeld

Roger Roberts

Mike Ridpath

Malcolm Temple Bob

Howard

John Angst

Keith Balmer

Sagon Sait

George Dudson

Joe Grinbergs

Willian Woan

Bernard Wood

David Fleming

Ian Edgar

Ian Rae

William Miller

Joe Grinbergs

Geoff Silburn

Bryan Gardiner

Tony Cleasby

William Miller

John Rogerson

Bernard Wood

Mike Parker

Gordon Chalmers

Gordon Chalmers

John Rogerson

David Fleming is the only original member to be still a member of the Lions.

© photos Lee Quinn

ROLE CALL FOR OUR MAY DAY QUEENS

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? PART ONE

1. 1981 No details in programme

2. 1982 NPA at present*

3. 1983 No details in Programme

4. 1984 Amanda Hesser Ullswater High

5. 1985 Claire Forsyth QEGs

6. 1986 NPA at present*

7. 1987 Katie Crossley QEGS

8. 1988 Vicki Bryan UCC

9. 1989 Marie Dugdale

10. 1990 NPA at present*

11. 1991 Melissa Redpath UCC

12. 1992 NPA at present*

13. 1993 Nataile Howard UCC

The First May Queen Lindsey Wilson, 13 years old and a pupil of Tynefield School what was the year. Her Attendants were Janet Graham, Andrea Miller, Janice Parker and Maria Burden

14. 1994 NPA at present*

15. 1995 Diana Warren QEGs

16. 1996 NPA at present*

1984

Amanda Hesser

1985 Claire Forsyth

1987

Katie Crossley

1988

Vicki Bryan

1989 Maria Dugdale

1991

Melissa Redpath

1993 Natalie Howard

1995

Diane Warren

1997 Charlotte Douglas 1999 Katy Baldwin

These pictures have been changed from the original programme colours to black and white. May Queen photo credits for 1987, 1988 and 1989 Fred Wilson

May Day 2023 Entertainment

11:00

12:15

13:15

14:15

OF PENRITH Entertainment Programme

ST. ANDREWS CHURCHYARD

Punch and Judy

WOOLPACK INN

Trampoline

SANDGATE CARPARK

Fun Fair

EXTRAS

Philip Lowe Roving Entertainer

Astoral Circus Roving Entertainer

Penrith Lions Entertainment may have some changes as more events and activities may be added after print

Photos © Lee Quinn

17. 1997Charlotte Douglas QEGs

18. 1998 NPA at present*

19. 1999 Kate Baldwin QEGs

20. 2000 Gillian Blackburn UCC

21. 2001 Bernadette Williams QEGs

22. 2002 Emily Ran UCC

23. 2003 Jenny Bradbury QEGs

24. 2004 Cara Price-Jones UCC

25. 2005 Sophie Bradbury QEGs

26. 2006 Daisy Headly UCC

27. 2007 Alex Nicholson QEGS

28. 2008 Shannon Twiddy UCC

29. 2009 Josie Breeden QEGS

30. 2010 Charlotte Thompson UCC

31. 2011 NPA at present*

32. 2012 NPA at present*

33. 2013 Francesca Ferard QEGS -

34. 2014 Alice Christy UCC

35. 2015 Alice Bardgett QEGs

36. 2016 Niamh Brenan UCC

37. 2017 Jess Christy QEGs

38. 2018 Keelie Thompson UCC

39. 2019 Jess Bowman QEGs

*NPA at present - No programme available

Currently we do not have a copy of these May Day programmes 1982. 1986, 1990. 1992, 1994, 1998, 2011, 2012 No Carnivals 2020, 2021 & 2022

2000 Gillian Blackburn

2002 Emily Rainsley

2003 Jenny Bradbury

2004 Cara Price-Jones

2005 Sophie Bradbury

2006 Daisy Hedley

2008 Shannon Tweedy

2009 Josie Breeden

2010 Charlotte Thompson 2014 Alice Christy

2015

Alice Bardgett

2016 Niamh Brenan

2017 Jess Christy

2018 Keelie Thompson

2019 Jesse Bowman

These pictures have been changed from the original programme colours to black and white. May Queen photo credits for 2004, 2005. 2006. 2010. 2013, 2014 Fred Cameron Wilson 2015 Ian Edgar

A Celebration of Spring in late April

by Joseph Jackson

The celebration of spring in late April / early May is one of the world’s universal festivals. Every culture on earth both ancient and modern, mark the coming of spring and the rebirth of life that it brings.

The Celts celebrated Beltane on the 1st of May. This involved as always, lots of eating and drinking on the last evening of April and letting the house fires that had burned all winter, go out. Then at sun rise on the 1st of May tapers of flame would be lit from a sacred fire and taken back for the houses to light the new fires. The relighting of the fire and the returning sun was a symbol of rebirth.

In Britain today, Mayday is celebrated all over the country with fairs, parades, dancing and food and drink. Some of you may remember, “Rose Fates and the May Queen” from times gone by. The origins of today’s celebrations have little to do with the Celtic festival.

The arrival of the Romans did not end the Celtic festivals but over the 367 years of Roman occupation, Beltane became diluted with the traditions not only of Rome but the many other cultures Rome brought into Britain.

Flora was the Roman Goddess of Spring; her festival was celebrated from the 28th of April until the 3rd of May and largely consisted of partying and a lot of lewd behaviour.

The most influential of the Roman festivals on today’s May Day celebrations was the Rosalia Signorum (the Festival of the Standards.) This was a Roman military festival and originated in the early days of Rome when in October soldiers’ weapons were oiled and after a religious ceremony was carried out, they were put in to

storage for the winter. The Rosalia Signorum was the celebration of spring and a ceremony was held to bring the weapons out of their winter rest.

By the time the Roman Empire reached its height, this festival had altered as in October it was no longer practical to put the weapons in storage as they were now a professional standing so wooden replicas were used instead.

At the end of April, the ‘return of the weapons’ was still celebrated and the Cohorts’ military standard (The Signium) was brought out and decorated with primroses. The soldiers would then parade through the local village or town with the

standard which was then placed in the village centre and women and children would dance around the ‘Pole of the Signium’.

The pre-Christian Angles, Saxons and Jutes, who settled in Britain after the Romans, then brought with them their own gods (Woden, Thunor, and many others). They also celebrated the return of spring around the end of April and early May. Their festival was known as Eostre and was associated with the Goddess Ostara. The month of April was referred to as Ostarmanoth (Easter month) in ancient German (which today we know as English).

We associate baby hares, baby chicks, and catkins with the celebration and it is easy to understand why as they also appear at this time of year. Easter is one of the movable festivals and the time it was held was calculated in accordance to the lunar calendar. In its preChristian form it was the same festival as what we now regard as May Day.

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KITCHENS, BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS

The May Pole

There are several origins for the May Pole, all of which are observed by different European cultures. The festival of the Rosalia Signorum is the earliest form of the ‘May Pole’, recorded in Britain. Later the Saxons and the Norse all acquired the May pole tradition and its symbolism may be related to the practice of bringing a Yule (Christmas) tree into the home.

Their pole was seen as a symbol of Yggdrasil, the world tree, who they believed, its branches held up the sky.

The pole was basically just a thin tree trunk stripped of its branches. It would often be decorated with garlands. The tradition of placing the pole in the same place each year such as a village green may be connected to the significance of the shadow that was cast from it each day at sun rise. This would mark the progress of the sun as the season changed into the Summer Solstice in June.

The use of ‘Eostre’ (Easter) in the Christian calendar was an expedient to adapt the newly converted northern Europeans to the new faith at that time, Christianity and allowing them

to retain many but not all of their old traditions. When we look at Easter today other than the later additions of the resurrection of Christ, all of the traditions surrounding it are preChristian.

The May Queen

The May Queen dates back to the early pre-Christian roots of the festival. The Queen represents the practice of human sacrifice in Germanic traditions. The Queen would be chosen and treated literally as a Queen. She would be given fine clothes, jewellery, food and drink before being sacrificed to the gods. Due to modern health and safety guidelines this is no longer allowed!

During the protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, May Day like many other festivals, was banned. This ban continued until his death and was eventually restored in 1660. The Maypole has and continues to be seen as an anti-religious symbol by some churches.

The tradition of attaching ribbons to the pole for dancing are from the 19th Century rather than being an ancient tradition.

May Day remains less associated to a particular religion and is still a universal celebration of the return of Spring.

Roman women decorating a “May Pole” with garlands of roses.

well as approving the request. If approved, we will keep your device and pay off your existing contract before you purchase a new handset device plan. If refused, you will only be able to upgrade via our standard methods and early upgrade charges may apply. All requests to swap under this Bolt On must be processed via one of our retail stores, unless we agree otherwise and instruct you accordingly. Customers may only take out a new Custom Plan or Plus Plan following a successful device swap. Custom Plans and Plus Plans are subject to availability, status, credit checks and payment by direct debit. Customers will not be eligible to redeem any O2 Recycle offers (incl. enhanced recycle) when using the O2 Switch Up service. This Bolt On is also subject to your standard terms and conditions of service (including your tariff terms and your Pay Monthly Mobile Agreement) and is only for your personal non-commercial use. For full terms, see https://www.o2.co.uk/termsandconditions/mobile/o2-switch-up

IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO MADE IT HAPPEN

A remembrance for those who past away while still members

Bob Hendrie

Brian Grainger

Ken Colley

Alan Swainson

Cyril Gowling

Harold Threlkeld

Don Lord

Mike Walker

Lawrence Titterington

Joe Grinbergs

Joe Borrowdale

Keith Balmer

Jim Venables

Bill Miller

Ian Edgar

Ian Proud

Geoff Silburn

Roy Robertson

© Lee Quinn

Penrith Lion Bill Miller and Former Lions District Governor

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IT’S JUST ANOTHER MAY DAY PROGRAMME

Perhaps it is, but as a May Day programme goes, it’s the Penrith Lions 40th May Day Carnival Programme. Every May Day has had a programme, but have you ever thought how much history is held in the 39 programmes that have been produced?

In my first attempt even at putting the Lions may Day programme together, the biggest challenge has been bringing it back from 2019, then making at least 200 phone calls to get as many people back on board as we could.

I also chose to research into the history of the programmes, and managed to acquire, on loan, 31 of the 39 previous May Day Carnival programmes. There is a lot of history in these programmes that relates to Penrith as a town, its people, its businesses and even how the streets, shops and landscape has changed. Sports day on the day before the May Day fair on the Foundry field, is a good example.

The print styles and colours of the programme evidence how print has changed and the process. Back in the 1981 programme, the telephone numbers then had just five digits. Everyone talks about the grand parade of floats, the bands and fancy dress.

The event that caught my eye, however, in 1981 was

I have a picture of the first May Queen, but I don’t know which year it was. Something I do know is that back in 1983, the Penrith Lions’ President, then Stan Calver, was ready for the weather…

As I see it this is just the beginning, and I’m hoping that by 2024, we’ll have a full set of May Day programmes, so we have a complete story of everything from the past to the present, about the different generations. By keeping this May Day event going, the generations have preserved its history and are already starting to map out its future.

If you have any information, programmes, photos or newspaper cuttings that we could copy and recreate for the Lions’ archives, please let me know.

Until Monday 6th May 2024, enjoy your May Day programme.

Lee Quinn

lee@cumbrianlocal.co.uk • 01768 862394

On behalf of everyone in Penrith a HUGE

THANK YOU

for bringing May Day to the town for the 40th time!

The town values and recognises this as an incredible achievement and we know that it would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of your members and for the community who look forward to this special event every year.

Gordon and Jocelyn would like to welcome you to Acorn Guest House, a family run, 200 year old former coach house, situated in the historic market town of Penrith - the Gateway to the Lakes.

Come Join us at Acorn Guest House, whether it is family friendly accommodation or space for your event, or meeting we can provide it all.

We are a fully licensed premises who can cater for anything from funeral teas to birthdays parties

Contact with your requirements.

EDEN DISTRICT TALKING NEWSPAPER (EDTN)

A very special edition of the Cumberland and Westmorland Herald with The Keswick Reminder is prepared every Friday evening to enable blind and partially sighted people to listen to a recording of the newspapers’ main contents.

History:

The introduction of the Eden District Talking Newspaper was suggested by Beryl Richardson when she moved into the area from Congleton, where a similar news service was already provided.

Members of the Penrith Lions Club took up the idea and have been the dominant force in putting out the talking newspaper every week since its introduction in 1986. As well as the Penrith Lions, enthusiastic teams of readers, producers and helpers have been provided by Appleby and Upper Eden Rotary clubs, Penrith Soroptimists and friends, the Edensiders and formerly by Penrith Inner Wheel and the Round Table clubs.

Working on a rota basis, our 5 teams record top stories along with births, marriages and deaths, the weekly editorial and other interesting articles from advance copies of the newspapers supplied free of charge by the Herald and the Keswick Reminder.

The volunteers get much satisfaction from the many expressions of appreciation received from listeners to the talking newspaper, some of whom help the finances by making donations or leaving bequests.

Our Service:

Our usual base was at the Edington Centre in Penrith but because of Covid, we had to temporarily find an alternative venue. Christ Church in Penrith have been really supportive and we now meet there every Friday evening to record and prepare the memory sticks in special postal wallets for delivery by the Royal Mail, who deliver the recordings free of charge as quickly as possible.

Anyone in the Eden area who is registered blind or visually impaired may receive the recordings

free of charge. We also loan the equipment to play back the recording. If anyone needs or has a relative who needs our service, they can contact our secretary Janis Young who will arrange a visit and demonstration.

Janis can be contacted by phoning 07443 528991 or get in touch with the Herald office who will send her the details.

EDTN are planning to have a stand at Penrith May Day to demonstrate our service in Penrith. We want to let people discover how we can help any of their friends and relatives who have eyesight problems.

Besides attracting more people to use our free service, we are also hoping to increase our number of volunteers for reading, recording, distribution and technicians.

Eden District Talking Newspaper charity number: 1031619

Ultimate Exterior Protection - A Review

by Lee Quinn

I’ve been working with William for many years, and as I was working my way through my customers, to get feedback from their clients, I found myself taking to Mrs R who lives in Penrith.

As a business, UEP doesn’t have a set target audience. It covers domestic and some commercial businesses, and on this occasion the property was one in the Letting industry. Mrs R happened to spot William’s van, and then shortly afterwards, she saw the advert in the Eden Local!

So, we start at the beginning, which started with that first call. There was an instant reply, followed by a visit, a quote and a date. With at least 30 years’ experience in dealing with maintenance, general and cosmetic repairs associated with Lettings, Mrs R was impressed.

William’s skills but generally included some restoration, and the painting of external windows and doors. He turned up when he said he would, there were no adjustments to price, and he finished on time.

That simple question I always ask - would you recommended Ultimate Exterior Protection? “I already have!” was Mrs R’s reply, and they were in the same street.

FULL REPLACEMENT UPVC ROOFLINE

DRY VERGE ROOF EDGE REPLACEMENT

I do like to talk to my customers regularly, and in our last chat over a coffee, William told me about a commercial job he had out of. He turned up as specified, with the right colours on arrival. A neighbour said to him, “that’s not the same colour!” but it was.

How did the work go? It included a range of

GUTTERS CLEANED, REPAIRED & REPLACED ALL EXTERIOR PROPERTY CARE 01768

Mrs J, did mention when it came to matching the colours that William is right on the mark!

Property owners in and around Penrith are invited to get involved in the Solar Made Easy project, which can help you install solar panels on your roof.

This initiative is led by Cumbria Action for Sustainability (CAfS) and has been brought to Penrith by your local environmental group, Penrith Action for Community Transition (PACT) and Penrith Town Council.

CAfS can help you decide whether solar panels are right for your home or business. If so, they will introduce you to two local vetted installers, who will provide you with quotes.

Come and have a chat with us at our stall on May Day. Or, come along to our meeting about the project on Monday 22nd May 2023, 7-9pm, in Beaconside School, Hutton Hill, CA11 8EN.

There you can meet CAfS, who will explain how the project works, hear from local residents who already have solar panels, and fire your solar questions at the installers.

To find out more about the project, please visit: www.cafs.org.uk/solar-made-easy.

You may also want to check out the potential for solar PV on your roof, via the interactive solar PV map of Penrith, and have a read through the solar PV FAQs – you can find the links to both on the CAfS webpage.

CAF’s, PACT and Penrith Town Council Logos to be included you got the PTC

Hospice at Home Carlisle and North Lakeland are proud to support the Penrith Lions May Day Carnival and are looking forward to attending the event to raise funds and awareness of our cause.

Hospice at Home and Penrith Lions have a longstanding partnership. Cath Coates, Fundraiser for Hospice at Home said “We have been very fortunate to work with the Penrith Lions for many years. They have supported numerous events and are always happy to help, which is greatly appreciated. Contributions have included delivering leaflets to raise awareness of our Christmas Tree Collection, marshalling Midnight Walks, assisting with Car Parking, and even manning a colour station at our Penrith Colour Run in 2016 – to name but a few! We are very grateful for their continued kindness and support.”

Hospice at Home is a local charity, established in 1997

in the Eden Valley, that cares for local patients who have a life-limiting or life-threatening illness, who wish to be cared for at home. Support is offered to the patient’s family and carers, and Occupational Therapy, Lymphoedema Support, Complementary Therapy, Bereavement Support and a

Befriending Service are also available.

Hospice at Home do receive some funding from the NHS, but need to raise approximately 80% of their running costs in order to keep the service running. This could not be achieved without the generous support of our

local community who give in so many different ways. This could be through financial donations, a legacy gift in a will, donating items to our Shops, attending or organising fundraising events or gifting time to volunteer. All support is much appreciated.

Cath added “We have a thriving Shop situated in Little Dockray. Please do call in and enjoy browsing through the treasure trove of items available, and please consider donating your

good quality items when you next have a clearout. The Fundraising Team also organise events in the Penrith area and further afield, and try to offer a variety of occasions to suit all interests. To keep up to date with event news please visit www.hospiceathome.co.uk or follow us on social media.”

We hope the community come and enjoy the May Day Carnival and thank you again to the Penrith Lions for all they do.

SUMMIT AT SUNSET

Hospice at Home are very excited to launch their flagship event for 2023, supported by Lakeland Mountain Guides.

We invite you to take part in our 10km ‘Summit at Sunset’ and experience an evening walk up Blencathra. Standing at 868m above sea level and also known as Saddleback due to the shape of the mountain, this is one of the finest and most iconic mountains in the Northern Lake District.

descending via Blease Fell.

This 10km route will not only be the most wonderful experience, but whilst conquering this route participants will be in the knowledge that they are helping local patients receive hospice care in the home, with support also provided for their loved ones.

Registration for this event will be £39 per person

4EDEN began in 1986 as Eden Mencap Society, which has grown from supporting just a few children & adults into a large charity. Eden Mencap re-branded as 4EDEN in 2019.

Over the last few years, 4EDEN has diversified to provide a wide variety of opportunities for children, young people and adults to enable people to live independently, join recreation and community groups, experience work placements, work opportunities, and obtain training and employment.

4EDEN is person led – this means that the person who requires support/coaching leads their service provision, by leading their plans and developing their outcomes to achieve their goals and their full potential.

Our staff are coaches; they walk alongside the person to guide and encourage people in achieving their identified goals and outcomes in a way that is respectful and understanding. Everyone is different, so are our coaches! 4Eden match people together so that genuine professional relationships develop and coaches and people being supported travel their life

journey together. We operate a ‘revolving door’ where people join us – build up their skills, move on and then return to gain more skills – if that’s what’s needed/what they want. 4EDEN is here to promote independence and community involvement and to introduce people to all the fabulous networks of support and friendships our community has to offer.

We are passionate about our local community –4EDEN only work in the Eden Valley.

Unique abilities – valued equally.

What do we offer? The answer is what is it you want – then we make that happen!

Here’s how we do it:

Group sessions: children’s, adults, evenings, weekends, away days & holidays.

Supported living – adults who choose to live in shared accommodation and learn to run their own home.

Quinn HR, your local business offering HR advice and support to local organisations across Eden and the UK

4EDEN are a community local charity committed to providing ‘the best life’ for people who have learning disabilities, neurodiversity by providing specialist support and coaching to live independent, fulfilled lives in their local community.

We would to Congratulate the Lions on reaching its 40th May Day Carnival, a milestone we are pleased to support.

Independent living – adults who live independently, with some key time support to enrich their home life and enable people to remain in full control of their time and needs.

1:1 support – where and whatever is required from a few hours to full days/overnights.

Contact Angela Lowther at angela@4eden.co.uk

Our businesses – opportunities too for employment readiness group training and employment!

Cafe4EDEN – now based in St.Andrews Parish Building

Bake4EDEN – in Sandgate

Fixit4EDEN – our mobile gardening, fixing, handy people service

Contact David Kershaw at david@4eden.co.uk

Advice4EDEN – relaunching soon Community Inclusion project

Contact Donna or Christine – donna@4eden.co.uk or cristina.b@4eden.co.uk

Fantastic events on the horizon -

Pub Group – every 3rd Monday of the month at the Board and Elbow pub. 6-8pm – contact Fiona.c@4eden.co.uk

Rainbow club – Pamper Party at 4Eden, Duke Street. 7th April. 7-9pm – contact Fiona.c@4eden. co.uk

Coronation Party – come dressed as a King or Queen. Penrith Cricket Club. 5th May. 6-9pm–contact Fiona.c@4eden.co.uk

Brave the Shave – we are raising money towards activity holidays for the kids and funding a new facility in the development. Are you brave enough to shave your head or wax your legs? Wednesday 19th April. 12pm -- Contact Samantha.m@4eden.co.uk or visit https:// justgiving.com/campaign/4eden-fundraisingkids4eden/

AND FINALLY…

Despite all the challenges we have faced since our last May Day Carnival and July’s Party in the Park, both in 2019, the Penrith Lions Club are back with some fantastic support. Of course the Penrith Lions Club actually never went away! Behind the scenes they’re always there, because there is always is a lot going on.

Adapting to change whilst also trying to maintain this traditional signature event will always be a challenge and one that will have to be shared. It’s not just more Lions that need to be recruited. It’s more friends of the Lions and building joint events that involve groups and organisations coming together, which is what the May Day Carnival has been and needs to continue doing.

On behalf of the Penrith Lions Club, thank you to all those who helped this Carnival go ahead, through lending a hand, through funding, advertising, sponsorship and volunteering time.

To find out more about getting involved as an extra pair of hands, an organiser or becoming a Penrith Lion, please use the following contact details:

Club President: John Rogerson

Email: rogersonjohn@talktalk.net Tel. 01768 862902

Club Secretary: Tony Cleasby

Email: tcleasby1@gmail.com

© Lee Quinn

© Lee Quinn

The PBS Family

As a mutual building society we are a membership based ‘not-for-profit’ organisation. We work with a personal approach and try to make customers feel comfortable borrowing and saving with us. Our staff are caring and efficient and will listen to all of our members’ needs. We aim to provide simple good quality products. We offer attractive rates on both our savings accounts and mortgages.

We’ve been helping generations of savers and borrowers through their financial services needs since 1877, when we first opened our doors in the beautiful town of Penrith. While we’ve changed quite a bit since then to keep up with the times, our ethos has remained the same – to provide fair, straightforward services with our members at the heart of everything we do.

As a mutual organisation we exist for our members and we’ve spent the past 140 years building a reputation as a Society that people can have the utmost trust and confidence in.

Whilst our main focus is here in Cumbria, our services are available nationwide, and we’re very aware that our openness and honesty, as well as the straightforward dealings we strive to deliver, are valued by customers up and down the country. We work hard to make everything as simple and as easy as possible for all our members, young and old, in order for them to achieve everything to which they aspire. No matter their needs, we believe that our customers want great value, easy to understand products, complemented by the kind of personal service that is second to none.

This is all delivered by a team of staff that are friendly, knowledgeable and always happy to talk or give further guidance.

‘Tim Bowen, Chief Executive

Penrith Building Society is a perennial advertiser in the Penrith Lions Club May Day Carnival Day programme. We are honoured to be a sponsor of this Signature Event in 2023 returning for the first time since 2019. Established in our town in 1981, it is one the largest and oldest event of its kind still held in the centre of the town.’